Any ride on a motorcycle is bound to be one of the greatest thrills you may ever experience. Very different from the sheltered environment of a regular vehicle, a motorcycle allows you to feel the power of the engine directly below you and you can’t get much closer to the earth beneath you either. With a good set of Dunlop d407 motorcycle tires for a smooth ride, no other experience can compare.

It is also an experience that can end your life when the proper caution is not used. By making safety your top priority as a motorcyclist, you can keep yourself and other motorists on the road free from harm by following this list of safety tips.

1. Make sure to check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Maintaining the proper tire pressure on your motorcycle will not only ensure the best performance, but will also extend the longevity of your tires. The correct tire pressure can be found on the tire itself, and if a range is given, make sure to stick to the high end.

Good tire pressure helps you to maintain control while operating your motorcycle. Under-inflated tires are a hazard; but the good news is that checking your tire pressure on a regular basis will help you to recognize when your tires have naturally lost some pressure, and you can increase the pressure to a safer degree.

2. Always test your brake lever to ensure that the brakes are functioning properly. The lever should never get within less than half an inch to your grip, this will help prevent something from snagging on it or otherwise impairing your ability to stop. On the other hand, a lever that moves too far may indicate air in the brake fluid. Any of the above problems should be corrected before attempting to ride.

3. Operating any vehicle requires focus, but to a vulnerable motorcyclist distractions need to be kept at a minimum. A motorcyclist cannot afford to have even minor distractions, such as a radio, interfere with the complete and total concentration needed while navigating in any type of situation, be it a busy intersection or a run-in with foul weather.

4. For group riding it is best to maintain a reasonable distance between your motorcycle and the one ahead of you; also, keep an eye on the lead bike at all times. Accidents can easily occur if you are too close to another motorcycle or decide to try to “make your own path,” instead of sticking with the established route.

More could be said about motorcycle safety; here we have only scratched the surface of a few of the most important factors. For first-time riders, taking a class in motorcycle safety is always a good idea. However, some of the things mentioned above can slip your mind if you haven’t made it a habit to think about them when you ride. Follow these suggestions, be mindful of the law, and keep yourself safe while riding.

Now, Marty has written on topics other than just motorcycles. Be sure to check out either vintage motorcycle parts or jukebox speakers!