Showing Tag: "riding" (Show all posts)

Motorbike Riding At Night

Posted by Howard Jones on Monday, April 7, 2025, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Most of the time riding a motorbike at night is dangerous. Even if you enjoy that, there is some amount of risk in it. Most of the riders try to avoid riding at night. The reason for this is a low light condition, bad road condition and other objects which can’t be seen at night properly so that there remains a risk of accidents. There are many problems with motorbike riding at night. But even after having all these problems, many people suggest riding a motorcycle at night. There are some ...

Riding on a USA Highway

Posted by Doug Fry on Friday, January 12, 2024, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

For many new riders, the thought of riding on the highway for the first time can be frightening – right up there with public speaking and bungee jumping. The higher speeds and sea of cars around you can seem intimidating, but riding on the highway doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, highway riding is probably safer than scrambling around on surface roads, since everybody’s going the same direction at more or less the same speed, and, critically, there’s no cross traffic to dodge. Befor...

Riding a motorbike at night

Posted by Clair Fuller on Saturday, October 28, 2023, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Riding at night isn’t recommended for beginners. It requires more concentration, more expertise and the right gear. If you’re new to motorcycles, give yourself some time to build up your skills before you start riding at night.

When you do decide you’re ready to start riding at night, don’t just assume your usual kit will be good enough. Take a look at some lists of essential night riding gear to get an idea of what the pros recommend for night rides. Talk to your rider friends about ...

Riding Your Motorbike In The Rain

Posted by Carl Davis on Sunday, May 7, 2023, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

People either love motorcycle riding in the rain or hate it. It can sometimes be a great experience and a new challenge, or it can completely put a dampener on your journey. Well if you are someone who would rather avoid riding in the rain at all costs, then this guide is for you, helping you to safely ride your motorbike come rain or shine.

Firstly though, we’d just like to make sure that with any motorcycle journey you go on, wet or dry, that you are making sure your tyre pressure is corre...

Riding a motorcycle in the rain

Posted by Derek Clarke on Thursday, November 10, 2022, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Riding a motorcycle in the rain provides the rider with challenges. Challenges that are met via a skill set previously gained, but now with the need to enhance and extend.

The single biggest danger faced by any motorcycle rider is the inability to see properly. Rain hitting the visor reduces visibility – the heavier the rain the more reduced visibility. If your visibility is reduced slow down to an appropriate speed.

Finger visor wiper blades can be purchased, either as an add-on that fits ov...

Slow Speed Control

Posted by Kevin Hill on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

You're touring. You take a wrong turn and end up down a single-track road. You carry on for a mile or so, but aren't seeing anywhere suitable to turn round. Do you A: stop, effortlessly U-turn and zoom off back to your route, or B: ride on in the hope you come across a junction, a wider section of road, or a driveway? If the answer is A, you're one of the lucky ones who's got to grips with slow control. If the answer is B, read on.

I bet far more riders than are willing to let on aren't as con...

Riding Into Sunlight

Posted by Steve Harris on Monday, September 20, 2021, In : Motorcycle Riding Tips

Every winter there are warm sunny days with clear roads that tempt motorcyclists to go riding. With each passing day, the sun hovers longer in the sky, offering more daylight for taking a ride. All that bright sunshine in March reminds us that spring soon will be here. A preseason ride now can be a real treat for a winter weary rider.

Take a moment, however, to consider how all that sunlight will affect your ride as you prepare for what might be your first ride since last fall. This time of ye...

Riding Long Distance

Posted by Jeff Davis on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, In : Motorcycle Riding Tips

Motorcycle riding is a passion shared by many around the world, but it is also a highly personal undertaking. When you’re riding long distances alone or with a few buddies, it can feel as if you’re the only one left in the world. It’s just you and the landscape with only miles of road in-between.

However, many bikers have ridden those roads before and will ride them long after you’ve hung up your helmet for good. They have been through it all–popped tires, wet gear, lost keys–and t...

Off Road Motorcycle Riding Tips

Posted by Derek Clarke on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, In : Off Road Motorbike Riding

One of the most important off-road riding skills you should learn and practice is standing while riding, whether you are a seasoned street rider learning to ride off-road or totally new to motorcycling. Standing while riding does more than make you look cool and allow you to stretch your legs – it will keep you balanced and in control of your motorcycle.

If you are a brand new dirt rider, I suggest trying to stand while riding off-road as much as possible to get comfortable. At first, standi...

Night Motorcycle Riding

Posted by Spartan Motorcycle Couriers on Friday, July 30, 2021, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Riding in the dark can be much harder than riding in good light conditions. Even motorcyclists who have been riding for years can struggle once the sun goes down. However, it is not always possible to avoid riding at night. If you do need to ride at night, for whatever reason, you should try to follow these safety tips to help to keep you safe.

Adjusting your Headlights

Before riding in the dark, you must make sure that your headlight is set up properly. The way that your weight sits on a bike ...

Responding To Hazards On A Motorcycle

Posted by Spartan Motorcycle Couriers on Thursday, July 29, 2021, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Being prepared for hazards will help you to spot them early and take action in good time to keep you and other road users safe.

Getting a clear view

While you’re riding, it’s important to keep scanning the road ahead and around you so that you can spot potential hazards in good time: the sooner you spot a hazard, the easier it is to take action and avoid an incident.

There may be things along the road that limit what you can see, such as parked cars or overhanging trees. If you cannot see cl...

City Motorbike Riding

Posted by Spartan Motorcycle Couriers on Thursday, July 29, 2021, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Riding a motorcycle in the city centre can vary hugely to riding on motorways and open roads in the countryside, however if you choose to commute to work in a city coping with built-up traffic is part of everyday riding and the benefits can be vast.

Those who choose two wheels to commute to work every day may cut costs, time and pollution, which is great for bank balances and the environment, so here’s a few tips to ensure that you stay safe while saving:

Slow down

Often when riding in a city ...

Beginners Guide To Riding Your Motorbike In Winter

Posted by Kate Morris on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Riding a motorcycle comes with many responsibilities. Conscientious riders need the right awareness and the proper gear to ride safely. Not only are the normal issues that come with riding amplified in the winter weather, but it has many issues of its own that cause havoc for bikers every year, especially those who ride into it unprepared.

Knowing the gear that’s available to you to make your ride as safe and comfortable as possible is a must in the midst of all the new challenges that come ...

Motorcycle riding at night

Posted by Harry Moore on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Adjusting your Headlights

Before riding in the dark, you must make sure that your headlight is set up properly. The way that your weight sits on a bike ...

Riding a motorcycle in traffic

Posted by Dawn Chambers on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

For motorcycle riders, there is a distinct difference between riding on suburban and urban roads. Upon entering a city, there are numerous factors riders have to pay attention to that are not nearly as common in smaller towns.

At the same time, street bike riders shouldn't let the big city scare them when it comes to riding. But, it does take the right mentality and know-how to ride in the city safely. Here are 5 tips on riding a motorcycle in the city:

Stay Focused And Scan Everything Around Y...

Motorbike riding in winter: 5 tips for staying safe on the roads

Posted by Mark Barclay on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, In : Motorcycle Safety

Winter can lead to all sorts of problems for motorists, but even more so for bike riders. In this article, Mark Barclay from GSF Car Parts shares his advice for protecting yourself and your motorbike during a cold snap.

Bad news for motorcyclists: freezing temperatures are predicted all throughout this winter, with some experts even anticipating the return of the Beast from the East.That could bring -14°C temperatures to the UK, not to mention wet, windy, and even icy conditions to Britain’...

Looking ahead while riding

Posted by Dale Hampson on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

The most significant part of riding a bike is looking forward. Having the option to look forward, having the option to see what's significant, is an indispensable component of cruiser riding.

No doubt that is something everyone is prepared to do, however you will see that there is a lot to find out about looking forward.

You ride towards where you look, so to get the hang of cornering admirably, you should look the correct way. On traffic, you should figure out how to see undeniably more than...

Long distant Motorbike Riding

Posted by Nathan Williams on Friday, July 26, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

It is important to remember that not all bikes handle well under the pressure of long distances. Touring motorcycles are usually the best option for this job as they have a number of added features for long distance travelling such as extra weight capabilities and optimum performance.

These bikes also offer more comfort for long distance travelling with their hard flat saddles and knee to leg ratio that doesn't inhibit position change. These are very important factors to consider when purchasi...

Rules for Motorbike Riding

Posted by Gregg Lamb on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

The number of motorbikes in the country are constantly increasing and so is the rate of road accidents connected with motorbike. The thrill of speed when riding a motorbike is really exciting and can send a thousand sensations whenever one would straddle on the powerful motorbike. But some motorbike drivers want to test their limitations and would speed up beyond the speed limit that is why there have been so many reported road accidents related to motorbike driving. Aside from the speed the ...

Safe Motorcycle Riding

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, April 14, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable and relaxing pastime. In order to enjoy it fully and safely your motorcycle should be in good order. A regular check of your motorcycle is a must. I use mine everyday for deliveries, so I always check it first thing in the morning. So you don't miss anything do the same motorcycle check routine.

Firstly make sure your bike is on level firm ground, it sounds obvious but I've known people put their motorbikes on grass, next minute it's on it's side. I always ...
Continue reading ...

Motorcycle riding tips

Posted by Mark Wall on Friday, March 8, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

One of the coolest things that you can do in these modern times is get on board a motorcycle. The speed at which you can push your cycle through open roads, tight turns, and keep a semblance of control is one of the major reasons that this is not something that should be missed. If you really want to feel alive, get on board and hit the throttle to open up the engine to maximum movement. When you're planning on either learning or just going forth into the world in this fashion, make sure that...

Preparing for winter riding

Posted by James Morris on Friday, March 8, 2019, In : Motorcycle Safety

If you have the alternator to power the stuff, and dealing with all the wires and thermostats doesn't get in your way... or the price tag... you can cut the layers... and invest in heated clothing... but the fact is... not that many bikes have the alternator power to run 'em... and you end up pulling the needed juice out of your battery...

I've found, here in Colorado, I ran ride just fine, with a grin on my face... wrapped up in totally 'energy free' winter motorcycle riding gear!

Once your bi...

Motorcycle riding tips

Posted by Martin Harris on Friday, March 8, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

With Spring fast approaching I thought it would be a good idea to start publishing a few motorcycle riding tips that you can practice once you dust off your bike and get it ready for Daytona Bike week or your first spring ride. One thing I hear from a lot of motorcyclists is that they have been riding for some many years and do not need to practice any riding skills. This is just an ignorant statement to make and often fueled by ego and pride. I have seen veteran riders of twenty years; do th...

Building motorcycle skills

Posted by Mike James on Friday, March 8, 2019, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

To be competent in any endeavor requires the development of specific skills, and motorcycle riding is no different. Of course, a lot of the skills needed for competent motorcycle riding can simply be obtained through conscientious practice. However, the skills needed to become proficient in motorcycle racing may require professional help. There are a number of areas that a motorcycle rider should develop skill whether they are doing it on their own or with a trainer.

Crucial motorcycle skills ...

Your first motorcycle

Posted by Tim Jones on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

Have you been smitten by the motorcycling bug? Have you seen that shiny new GSXRNINJACBRR1 going by in a blur and wished that was you? Thinking about buying your first motorcycle? There are lots of considerations to take into account.

A very important aspect of buying your first bike is the price. Many new motorcycles cost well over $10,000.00. Some premium models such as Ducati's and Harley-Davidsons can fetch over $20,000.00. Even if money is not a problem for you, it's probably not such a g...

Safety tips for motorcycle riding

Posted by Jenny Carson on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, In : Motorcycle Safety

Although many find motorcycles appealing, there are also those who fear it. This is because of the danger associated with riding the machine. Just like riding a bike, learning how to control it can be very tough. Although it becomes easier as you find your balance, it can still cause scratches and minor injuries.

Danger is not only exclusive for new riders. There are several accidents involving experienced riders. Accidents on the road happen because of various reasons. One is the lack of visi...

Safe Motorcycle Riding

Posted by Helen Jones on Saturday, October 27, 2018, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Never drive if you are not a licensed motorcycle driver. This is first, and foremost in my list of safe motorcycle riding practices. You see, when you are a licensed driver, one way or the other, you must have gone through the necessary trainings and tests to ensure that you are qualified to drive a motorcycle.

Here's a rundown of my motorcycle-riding safety tips:

1. No license, no driving.

2. Wear a motorcycle helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, either as the driver or as the passenger.

3. ...

Motorcycle stunt riding

Posted by Sian Murry on Saturday, October 27, 2018, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

Motorcycle Stunt Riding is banned on the open roads in United States and you can be put behind the bars for trying one. Still the activity is gaining popularity day by day in both United States and Great Britain.

When you are planning to buy a used motorcycle, make sure to find out whether the motorcycle was used for stunt purposes. Stunting can inflict heavy blows to the transmission, the engine, the shocks and suspension. Therefore, you have to be careful and check for signs of stunt activit...

Protecting yourself as a motorcycle rider

Posted by Nicolas Morris on Sunday, September 9, 2018, In : Motorcycle Safety

In the last ten years, the fatality rate of motorcycle riders has nearly doubled. In 1999, there were 22.75 fatalities per 100,000,000 miles traveled by motorcycles in the United States. In a recent study in 2009 the numbers are around 40 per 1 million miles traveled by riders!

Not only have the number of deaths gone up in the US, the number of motorcycles on the road has gone up too, which makes sense. The increase in motorcycle sales has alarmed some people as the more motorcycles on the roa...

Riding your motorbike abroad

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, In : Motorcycle Touring

Even if you are a regular rider on the continent, it still pays to take things easy and concentrate even harder for the first few miles as you will be on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. You will need to adjust to a different pace and styles of driving to the one you are used to, as well as varying speed limits that are different to the UK.

Remember speeds will be shown in kmph and you will need to focus on the smaller print on your speedo unless it is electronic and can be switched across to...

Riding your motorcycle at night

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, February 25, 2018, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

When riding your motorcycle during the day, all the rider needs to use are the indicator or signal lights to show where he or she is turning, whether to the left or to the right. It is only when it gets dark, then the rider will have to switch on the headlight and tail light in order that the rider can see properly and also be seen by other road users.

An responsible rider should regularly check to make sure that all these lights are working for own safety and also for the safety of other road...

Group motorbike riding

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, January 12, 2018, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

While group motorbike ride-outs can be a fun leisure activity, safety should always be the rider’s first priority.

Passing

Before passing a vehicle, ensure there is ample space and visibility. Keep an eye out for debris in the road, excessive wind, and other vehicles’ mirrors to avoid hitting them. Motorcyclists should always pass in the centre of the lane to avoid other vehicles’ blind spots.

Appoint a Road Captain

This person should direct the group of bikers and organise the trip. They ...

Motorbike riding in winter

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, In : Motorbike Riding Tips

Winter is here and night time is getting earlier and earlier, and this summer is feeling more and more like a distant memory. At this time of year, a lot of people will be putting their bikes safely in the garage for a few months – but what about those of us who like to ride for the whole year round? Whether you’re a winter riding newbie or a frost-hardened, full-bearded veteran, there’s always new bits of kit coming out to make life easier, and as riders, we’re always learning new tr...

Braking on a motorcycle

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, December 9, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Many of us start riding bicycles as youngsters and are either taught, or quickly learn that heavy use of the front brakes can either result in the front wheel skidding out of control, or grip so harshly that you end up being tossed over the handlebars. From this often stems a fear around the use of the front brakes on a bicycle, which will often naturally follow through to motorcycle braking.

Before I get into braking techniques, the most important aspect of a motorcyclists dependency on the b...

How to corner at speed on a motorbike

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, December 8, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Get an idea about the nature of the corner

While riding the motorcycle, it is better to look to the far in front and if any corner seems to be ahead, the bike rider should try to guess that type of that corner. If there is any signboard, it should be read carefully and even if there is none, it is better to have a view of the corner, as far as possible. If the corner is not clearly visible from a distance, the rider will just see that the road seems to vanish at a distance. If the outer and i...

Some petrol saving tips

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 18, 2017, In : Motorcycle Petrol Saving Tips

One of the simplest things to do and something that is often overlooked is to ensure your tyre pressures are correct and in line with the manufacturers guidelines. As a positive consequence this also improves the bikes handling characteristics and makes you feel happier and more comfortable on the bike.

Ensuring your bike is regularly serviced and well maintained can make quite a difference to the economic properties of the motorcycle. A poorly set up machine will certainly use more fuel.

Smoot...

Riding your motorcycle in the rain

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Unfortunately, rain is unavoidable and while you’ll probably never relish the opportunity to go out on your bike when it’s hammering down, it’s not something you should be scared of.

And if you are fearful of it, it’s something that you should really work on because, as we mentioned, you’re going to have to do it at some point – that’s one of the downsides of riding a motorbike in the UK. The good news is that it’s not difficult; in fact it’s not even that different from ridi...

Riding your motorcycle downhill

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Here are a few safety tips to help you stay in control of your motorcycle while riding downhill.

Distribute your weight

As you approach the top of the hill, slide back on the seat to place more of your weight at the back of the bike. This will help you maintain balance and lessen the weight on the handlebars, which will improve your steering. Reduce your speed. Just as when you are riding in a car, the force of gravity will increase your speed on the back end of a slope, meaning you won’t nee...

Riding your motorcycle after your first crash

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, September 30, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

There comes a time in the life of every motorcyclist when he/she lost confidence after the first crash.

So what if you fell off from your motorcycle in front of other people. We all make mistakes. There is nothing to be embarrassed and most importantly, you don’t need to be afraid of riding again. You have been doing this for a long time, you can’t just give up, all because you fell off.

It is not right. You need to gain your self-confidence once again and get back on two wheels as soon as ...

Dealing with road rage

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, September 30, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

We’ve all seen videos and heard stories from riders about a road-rage incident that ended up in the rider’s favour, with the wayward car driver getting well-deserved karma in some nasty form. But the reality is that those outcomes are by far the exception rather than the rule. Any road-rage incident you get into on your motorcycle against another vehicle is much more likely to turn out not in your favour. Here I have some common-sense techniques to help you reduce the chances of getting i...

Riding your motorcycle in a group

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, September 29, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Riding with a group of friends gives you a chance to explore new routes, gain experience and make new friends. Before you head out on the road there are a few things you should think about to make sure your trip is as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Organising the group

It’s unlikely that everyone in your group will have the same level of experience and ability. Danger tends to arise when less experienced riders feel they have to ride faster or above their ability to keep up with the group, s...

Starting your motorcycle uphill

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Stopping on an uphill slope and then getting going again can be tricky, particularly for riders with insufficient inseam length to make solid contact with the ground. Here are some tips to help you handle these situations.

Evaluate your options

When you see that you must stop on a hill, identify an approach that is clear of significant debris or surface contamination that may cause your foot or tires to slip. Avoid vehicle drippings, sand, gravel and slick surfaces. You also want to stop so yo...

Riding your motorcycle abroad

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 25, 2017, In : Motorcycle Touring

Road trips are fun and if sales of adventure bikes and tourers in the UK are anything to go by, they’re more popular than ever too. Riding abroad and lengthy road trips across different countries and continents are what dreams are made of but unless you’ve got the right documents, they’re not going to happen.

Motorcycle CBTs don’t cut the mustard

If you have a quick look across bike forums in the UK, you’ll find multiple posts about travelling abroad on two wheels.

There’s usually a ...

Off-road motorbike riding

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

A key skill every Adventure Rider should acquire is the ability to ride confidently off-road. Large Adventure Motorcycles can be difficult to manage in the dirt because of their weight and bulk. You can get away with a lack of dirt riding skills on small dirt bikes, but an Adventure Bike can hurt you if you don’t know what you are doing.

Often times, riders try to learn on their own with only a few dirt riding tips from a friend. This kind of trial and error approach can cause a lot of anxie...

Motorbike clothing

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, In : Motorcycle Accessories

If you’re travelling at any kind of normal road speed when you come off your motorcycle, you’re likely to skid along the road surface and suffer from road rash. Road surfaces will shred through jeans and normal clothes on impact so it’s vital that your riding clothes can withstand abrasions and skids as well as impact.

What material?

There is a reason so many bikers wear leather, and it’s not just for the typical biker look. Leather is robust and copes well in motorbike accidents becaus...

Riding your motorbike at night

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Riding your motorcycle at night is completely different than riding it during the day. Some motorcyclists enjoy the isolation of riding at night. Others hate it for the loss of visibility and vision, and will avoid it at all costs. Sooner or later, you’re bound to find yourself on your bike during the night time, so its important to know what unique hazards you must deal with when the sun goes down.

Riding a motorcycle after dark can be an great experience for some. You can focus on the ride...

Riding your motorcycle on country roads

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, August 26, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

There’s a great deal of satisfaction to be gained from riding your motorcycle skilfully on country lanes. There are other benefits too – there’s usually less traffic, fewer 30 mph speed limits, and some great scenery on offer, too.

But it’s as well to remember that rural roads account for around three quarters of all fatal road collisions. There are many reasons why driving on these sorts of roads can be so hazardous.

Speed limits

Country lanes normally have a speed limit of 60 mph for c...

Riding your motorcycle in large cities

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Checking your skills are ready for city roads

The good news is BikeSafe holds regular rider skills days in some UK cities for motorbikes above 125cc which will give you an assessment on your current abilities and provide advice to help make your riding safer and more enjoyable.

To help new riders of smaller engined motorbikes, BikeSafe also runs ScooterSafe courses, especially aimed at moped and scooter riders.

Make sure your bike matches your needs and your ability

Motorbikes vary in design and ...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part three)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

When you put your feet down at a stop, you want to be sure that whatever shoes you're wearing will grip the road securely, not slip and slide and make you feel like you're going to drop the bike. That's another reason why we recommend motorcycle-specific boots, but any good non-slip shoe is better than a slippery-bottomed (but sick-looking) trainer. Before you get mad, keep in mind that not all shoes have equal grip on all surfaces. Some shoes might be perfect for a polished wood gym floor, b...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part two)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Motorcycles are powered one of three ways: chain-driven, belt-driven, or shaft-driven. Shaft- and belt-driven bikes require less frequent maintenance than chain-driven ones. Most cruisers are belt-driven, while most sport bikes are chain-driven. BMW isn't the only company that makes shaft-driven bikes, but they're the most common bikes on which you'll find the system.

Why does this matter? When you're riding a bike, that chain or belt or shaft is what keeps your bike moving. There isn't a lot ...

Tips for first-time motorcycle riders (part one)

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 1, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Nothing feels quite like finding the perfect bike. As the weather continues to warm up (in between these nasty storms), more people are choosing to ride a motorcycle for the first time. This is great, but when you’re a new rider, there’s a lot of information to take in. In order to help keep you, and everybody else on the road who you're riding around, we’ve compiled a list of the basic things you need to keep in mind before you twist the throttle for the first time. Above all, we hope ...

Advanced Motorcycle Riding Course

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, June 15, 2017, In : Advanced Motorcycle Riding Course

It is amazing the amount of money that is spent on motorcycles making them look better, go faster and stop quicker. Doing an Advanced Motorcycle Training course will help you achieve all of these and will cost you a lot less whilst gaining up to 17% discount from all the leading bike insurers in the UK.

The Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) is all about getting the most from your riding and your machine. With advanced motorcycle training you will:

Increase your riding skills and abilities
Learn to avo...

Motorcycle Safety

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Whether it's a quick trip to the corner shop for a few things, or a two-week touring trip with friends, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your motorcycle riding is safe and enjoyable.

It would be nice if the road was always smooth, and without bumps, but those bumps, potholes, breakdowns, lost riding moments and more are out there. The best way to avoid trouble from these instances is to be prepared. You can also improve your own safety, as well as that of your passengers and mot...

Motorcycle riding tips for women

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, April 13, 2017, In : Motorcycle Riding Tips For Women

Ride Comfortably – Whatever motorbike you choose, it’s imperative that you’re comfortable on it. This sounds easy enough, but a lot of women ignore this advice and think that they will be OK even though they may feel a little awkward on the motorbike they’ve chosen. Having the right fitting motorbike will give you the confidence that you need to go anywhere. If you’re at all out of sorts and not feeling comfortable on your ride, you’re far more likely to make bad judgement calls. ...

Motorcycle training Warrington, Liverpool, Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire.

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

All of us at Spartan Motorcycle Couriers are advanced motorcycle riders. We are qualified motorcycle trainers, so in the near future will be running CBT ( Compulsory Basic Training ) courses, DAS ( Direct Access Scheme ) courses, and a post test training course to sharpen and enhance your riding skills.

Our experience and knowledge is second to none and along with fantastic tuition, you can pass your motorcycle tests with sustainable life skills, greater safety and genuine road-craft. We will...
Continue reading ...

Riding your motorcycle in bad weather ( part three )

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, November 27, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Riding on wet roads

Wet roads reduce tyre grip. Give yourself plenty of time and room for slowing down and stopping. Keep well back from other vehicles. On a wet road, you should allow at least double the braking distance for a dry road.

After a spell of dry weather, rain on the road can make the surface even more slippery. Take extra care, especially when cornering. Be aware that different road surfaces might affect the grip of your tyres.

Brakes

As well as reducing tyre grip water can also redu...
Continue reading ...

Riding your motorcycle in bad weather ( part two )

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 19, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Keep your battery in good condition. In cold weather an electric starter places big demands on the battery.

Lights

Always keep your lights and indicators clean and check for faulty bulbs. Dirty lights can seriously reduce - how far you can see - how well other people can see you and your signals.

Weather and vision

The biggest single danger to any rider is being unable to see properly. You won't be able to make the right decisions if you can't see the road clearly.

Rain

Heavy rain on your visor or ...
Continue reading ...

Riding your motorcycle in bad weather ( part one )

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, October 24, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

The weather in the British Isles is varied and uncertain. You can expect to encounter virtually all weather conditions at some time. The weather presents particular hazards for the motorcyclist.

You need to think about how you're going to - protect yourself from the elements - adapt your riding to suit the conditions.

Your motorcycle

Whatever the weather, make sure your motorcycle is in good condition and regularly checked and serviced. Contending with the elements can be difficult but having to...
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Riding a motorcycle on motorways ( part six )

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, October 22, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

To rejoin the motorway

Don't pull straight out onto the carriageway. Use the hard shoulder as an acceleration lane to build up speed before joining the left-hand lane when there's a gap.

Roadworks

Accidents can often happen at roadworks when drivers fail to observe simple rules of safety. So - reduce speed in good time when warned by the advance warning signs or flashing signals - Get into the lane indicated for use by your motorcycle in good time - Obey all speed limits - Keep the correct separ...
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Riding a motorcycle on motorways ( part five )

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, September 11, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

End of motorway

There will be end of motorway signs at all exits. These mean that the road you're joining will have different rules. Remember to watch for any signs telling you what these are, particularly - speed limits - dual carriageway - two-way traffic - clearway - motorway link road - part-time traffic lights.

Speed when leaving motorway

After riding at motorway speeds for some time, your judgement of speed will almost certainly be affected, 40 or 45 mph seems more like 20 mph - adjust yo...
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Riding a motorcycle on motorways ( part four )

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Overtaking

Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle you intend to overtake. Use the appropriate parts of the OSM/PSL routine. For example: Observation - Check behind you to verify the speed, course and position of the following traffic. Position - Position yourself so that you can see well past the vehicle in front. Speed - Make sure you're going fast enough or can accelerate quickly enough to overtake without blocking any vehicle coming up behind you. Look - Look ahead and behind to ...
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Riding a motorcycle on motorways (part three)

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, August 18, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

On the motorway

Continually reassess the movement of the vehicles - directly ahead (in the near and far distance) - alongside you - behind you. At high speeds, situations change rapidly. Effective observation helps you prepare for any sudden developments.

For example, an increase in the number of vehicles ahead could mean that traffic is slowing down and bunching, or a flashing breakdown light will warn you to slow down until you're sure of what's happening. If you see serious congestion ahead,...
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Riding a motorcycle on motorways ( part two )

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Speed limit signs

Signs which display a speed limit within a red ring indicate mandatory maximum speed limits. You must obey these signs, if you don't you risk prosecution. Black and white rectangular signs recommend maximum speed limits which you should observe.

Signals

Signals will warn of dangers ahead, such as - accidents - fog - icy roads.

Flashing amber lights

Look out for flashing amber lights and signs, either on the central reservation or overhead. These warn you of - lane closures - road...
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Riding a motorcycle on motorways ( part one )

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

You must make sure your motorcycle is safe and in good working order. Motorways must not be used by - pedestrians - cyclists - horse riders - holders of provisional car and motorcycle licences.

In addition the following vehicles must not be used on a motorway - motorcycles under 50cc - certain slow moving vehicles with oversized loads, except with special permission - most invalid carriages - agricultural vehicles. Due to the demanding nature of motorways, make sure that - you have a thorough ...
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Defensive motorcycle riding ( part three )

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, June 17, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Lighting conditions

In the dark, seeing hazards is more difficult. The clues are there, but you have to pick them out. Look for illuminated road signs, reflectors between white lines, the glow of vehicle headlights on buildings, trees and hedges indicating bends and junctions.

In the dark, it can be difficult to judge distances and speed from headlights, headlights on vehicles make it difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists and any vehicle with dim lights. Don't let shop and advertising lights d...
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Defensive motorcycle riding ( part two )

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Approaching green traffic lights

Ask yourself - how long have they been on green ? - are there many vehicles already waiting at either side of the junction ? ( if there's a queue, the lights are probably about to change ) - do I have time to stop ? - can the vehicle behind me stop ? - if it's a large goods vehicle, it might need a greater distance to pull up.

Don't

Try to beat the traffic signals by accelerating or leave it until the last moment to brake - harsh braking causes skids.

Remember

Anot...
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Defensive motorcycle riding ( part one )

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, April 28, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

Defensive motorcycle riding is based on effective observation, good anticipation and control. It's about always questioning the actions of other road users and being prepared for the unexpected, so as not to be taken by surprise. Defensive motorcycle riding involves - awareness - planning - anticipating - staying in control and riding with - responsibility - care - consideration and courtesy. It means putting safety above all else. It's about having real concern, not only for your own safety,...
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Motorcycle Leathers

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 12, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Gear

Since the start of motorcycling it was apparent that something was needed to protect the exposed human body from the elements. The natural solution was leather. The leather motorcycle jacket, not only serves as a fashion statement, but is an essential piece of equipment to any serious biker for keeping warm, dry, and in one piece. A good quality leather jacket combined with leather motorcycle trousers will act as a second skin between you and the road, and can save you from serious injury.

My...

You need a safe motorcycle helmet

Posted by Frank Medley on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

As someone who rides their motorcycle frequently, you know that there are many dangerous situations out there on the road. You can easily get crowded by an aggressive or inattentive driver, who isn't paying attention to where you are on the road. You can also get caught in bad weather that you weren't expecting. A good driver knows that the best way to stay safe in these situations is to drive prudently and cautiously. But you can also invest in your safety in other ways, like by buying and w...

Motorcycle Helmets

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, January 16, 2014, In : Motorcycle Riding Gear

A motorcycle helmet is the single most important piece of motorcycle clothing you will buy and not just because they are a legal requirement. The right motorcycle helmet fitted correctly could save your life in an accident. If you ever have to put a motorcycle helmet to the test and I hope you never do you'll be glad your wearing a good one.

There is no need to spend a fortune to get a motorcycle helmet that will provide an adequate level of protection. All motorcycle helmets sold in the UK h...
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Test Riding Motorcycles

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 16, 2013, In : Motorcycle Couriers

To enjoy working as a motorcycle courier you must love riding motorcycles. If you look on it as just earning a living you'll end up loathing the job. I love everything motorcycle and have been riding motorcycles a long time, and still get a buzz every time I get on one. I'm luckier than most. I have a good friend that owns a motorcycle showroom. I test ride motorcycles for him when I have time and have ridden most makes and models.

I believe the more motorcycles you ride the better rider you ...
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