Are You Making These Motorcycle Mistakes? Part II

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most fun things you can do with your free time, but it’s important to ensure you stay safe. We examined a few mistakes you might be making in a previous post, and in today’s post, we’ll continue to examine some of the most common mistakes made by new and veteran riders alike. When you’ve finished reading this post, head over to the RC Components shop to browse our extensive selection of custom motorcycle parts. You’ll find everything from custom exhaust pipes to custom chrome motorcycle wheels, and our staff is always happy to help you find the perfect part. Continue reading below to learn about more motorcycle mistakes!

Lane Splitting

In case you’re not familiar with this practice by name, lane splitting is when a rider weaves in and out of traffic along the dotted lines that normally separate lanes. While some reckless drivers will often behave this way on busy highways, it’s far more common for motorcycle riders to zip in and out of traffic as they ride. Many states have outlawed lane splitting because of safety concerns, but even if you live in a state that has not banned lane splitting, you should never do it. You never know if a driver will be changing lanes without signaling, or if someone stopped in traffic will open their door unexpectedly. Keep yourself safe and stay in your lane with plenty of room to spare.

Forgetting Your Turn Signals 

Riding your bike on a busy highway or through a congested intersection takes a great deal of focus. You’re watching the road ahead for obstacles, but you’re also paying close attention to other drivers on the road. With everything you have to concentrate on while you ride, it’s no surprise that you might forget to signal a turn or turn off your turn signal every now and then. Many motorcycles will automatically turn off your signals after you’ve turned, but some models don’t. You don’t want other drivers to be confused as you’re enjoying your ride, so incorporate a quick signal check into your routine.

Forgetting About Visibility

As a motorcycle rider, you need to make sure that others on the road are aware of your presence. You could easily slip into another vehicle’s blind spot on the highway, and often, relying on the roar of your bike is the best way to let drivers know that you’re in the area. Maybe you’ve picked up one of our custom exhaust pipes to make your bike louder, or perhaps you rev your engine whenever you’re about to pass another vehicle. Some drivers will have loud music playing, so you should also be sure to pick up reflective gear and extra lighting for your bike. No matter how you choose to make your presence known on the road, you should always remember that doing so might just save your life.

Not Purchasing Custom Motorcycle Wheels

While this tip doesn’t have to do with your safety, we believe that it’s still important. RC Components is the leading manufacturer of custom chrome motorcycle wheels, and we firmly believe that you’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re not tricking your bike out with great custom motorcycle parts. Your bike is your own, so make it stand out!

Stay tuned for even more posts in which we’ll take a close look at mistakes you might be making on the road. Now that you’ve finished reading this post, head over to the RC Components website by clicking the button below and browse our unparalleled selection of custom motorcycle wheels and custom exhaust pipes. We’ll gladly help you create a bike that you can ride to work or all the way to Sturgis – just reach out to a member of our staff if you would like assistance!