1. Ride your own ride.
This is particularly important when riding with others. Don’t ride beyond your limits or comfort zone regardless of how fast—or slow—others are going.
Go at your own pace on a motorcycle always, even if it means riding alone for a stretch of time like this rider on her
2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse. Enjoy the peace and solitude that comes from being one with your motorcycle.
2. Listen to your intuition.
This is that little voice in your head that says to do—or not do—something. It’s very helpful when riding a motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle is not the time to abandon common sense. Safety is obviously an important factor, and many experienced riders will say their intuition or a gut feeling saved them. Take heed of what you’re feeling about a particular situation and don’t let peer pressure convince you to do something or go somewhere that doesn’t sit right with you.
If
three wheels is what you want—like this 2017 Can-Am Spyder F3-T—then get it. You’ll have no regrets knowing you listened to your inner voice. Three wheels or two: get what feels right to you. By the way, women are loving the Spyder F3-T (that's why we're featuring it), a touring version of the popular F3 line of Spyders with the protection of the low windshield, a 4-speaker audio system, and the integrated hard side luggage.
You’re the person riding the motorcycle. Be sure to get what you are comfortable on. Don’t get talked into purchasing a motorcycle you’re not completely sure about.
Spouses and family members may not always know what’s really best for you.
4. Be a good example.
Remember that every time you get on your motorcycle you represent all other riders to the rest of the world. Be courteous to other motorists and try and wave to other riders, regardless of what she or he is riding.
This rider is representing motorcyclists well on her
Kawasaki Vulcan S with a nice smile cruising through a downtown area. You never know what future rider is watching you as you travel through big and small towns.
Whether you’re just going to the corner store or heading out on a
cross-country expedition, the gear will only protect you if you are wearing it. ATGATT, the acronym adopted by motorcyclists to promote the wearing of full gear all the time, includes a jacket, pants, helmet, boots, and gloves all designed with safety features created to protect you in the event of an accident. If you don’t wear gloves but everything else, you’re not adhering to the ATGATT principle. If you wear tennis shoes with everything else, you’re not adhering to ATGATT. Get it?
Yes, you can look this good wearing all the gear! This BMW F 800 R rider is outfitted in the Venting Suit offered by
BMW Riders’ Apparel. It’s made from abrasion-resistant Cordura denim and mesh fabric for optimum ventilation. There’s armor in the shoulders, elbows, and knees. Helmet, gloves, and boots complete the safety picture.
Even scooter riders need to buy into ATGATT and they can look good doing it. Kevlar-lined
Draggin’ brand jeans give WRN editor Genevieve Schmitt a casual look (but offer abrasion resistant properties built in) while she test rides this maxi-scooter, the
Kymco MyRoad 700i.
6. Continue learning.
Knowledge equals power so the more you do to educate yourself about motorcycling, the better you’ll be at the sport.
No matter what motorcycle you ride and how long you’ve been at it, there’s always more to learn. This rider is on the 2017 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec.
Take
classes to advance your skills. Ride often. Challenge yourself. Read as many articles about motorcycling as you can. Do some of your own maintenance.
Know your motorcycle. All these things and more will empower you with knowledge and skill.
7. Have fun!
Hers and his! Making special memories together on Harley-Davidson Sportsters: hers the Iron; his, the
Forty-Eight.
Keep the drama out of motorcycling. It’s a beautiful thing that you are one of the few persons in the world—relative to the larger population as a whole—who get to experience the world out in the open air on two wheels. Find peace in knowing you get to engage in this spectacular life-blessing activity.
For all the time it took to learn, buy a motorcycle, and become proficient in riding, treasure the act of riding. Keep it sacred in your life. And enjoy every mile to its fullest.
That's our list. Now tell us your rules to live by on your motorcycle in the comments below.Related articles
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6 Ways To Get More Women in Motorcycling