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5 Best Security Gadgets for Your Motorbike

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(Sponsored post on bike security for our North American readers)

Motorbikes are excellent travel options for those who cherish adventurous trips on and off the road. Moreover, it is one of the most cost-effective and eco-friendly ways to beat heavy traffic in highly populated cities. Therefore, your motorbike is an investment that you need to protect against criminals who target to take this asset away from you.

In the recent past, bike theft has been on the rise with thousands of bikes stolen in the US every year. Even though there are ways to track vehicle history to prevent buyers from buying stolen motorbikes, most of the stolen bikes are never recovered. Thieves will quickly piece out the bike and sell the parts or reassemble it on a different frame. In this article, we have compiled 5 best security gadgets to help you secure your motorbike.

Aldi motorcycle cover Aldi annual sale securityMotorcycle Cover

Thieves do not steal any motorbike; they usually spy around to identify particular models to go for. Keeping a cover on your bike hides most of the important details that the criminals could be looking for, thus making it a less attractive target. Besides, there is a time-consuming hindrance for the thief. Though the cover is a basic accessory to keep your scrambler in good condition, it also provides security benefits.

Motorcycle Anti-Theft Lock and Alarm

A bike lock is one of the most effective preventive gadgets, making the job of a thief more risky and harder. However, with the right tools and techniques can break any lock or even carried in a track but using a strong lock along with other security device or mechanism is a great way to secure your bike. Some of the recommended anti-theft lock devices include:

Fork (Steering) Lock – This makes it impossible to steer the motorbike, so the thief cannot wheel it away.

Disc Lock – A small type of motorcycle lock fitted on the brake rotor to prevent the wheel from turning.

Digital Smart Locks – It can either be the steering or the disc lock that integrates it with the alarm system. Whenever a thief tries to break the lock, it activates the alarm scaring away the thief. Some smart locks in the market like Lock8 have a Bluetooth feature, which detects when you are away from the bike and automatically activates the alarm. Additionally, the device has a motion-sensing feature that activates the alarm when it detects motion. Some even have mobile apps that will alert you when the alarm starts.

Lock theft thief stolen steal clever steal security

Kill/Stop Switch

A motorcycle kill switch disables the connection to the ignition circuit stopping the bike from starting even if the thief has keys. Not even hot-wiring will start the machine. However, some criminals know how to flip the kill switch and can easily wheel away with the bike. Hiding the kill switch is an extra step to help you prevent theft of your motorbike.

Motorcycle Chain/ Cable

Some intelligent thieves have the techniques and powerful tools to break the steering or disc lock to escape with your machine. Combining the lock with a chain or cable enhances the security of the bike, making it harder to steal. The best way to use the chain/cable lock is on the back wheel as the front can be easily removed. Additionally, it is advisable to anchor the chain on an immovable object such as a street lamppost. You may also chain through the back wheel and the bike frame.

Motorbike GPS Tracking Device

Though the above gadgets can prevent bike theft, it is never a 100% guarantee. A GPS tracking device does little to nothing in preventing your ride from being stolen. However, it is a clever investment to help you recover your scrambler in the event it is stolen. Mostly the GPS tracker is attached in a hidden part on the bike. The device transmits the live location and other details about the bike such as movement and speed to a service which you can track online from a web-based or mobile app.

Summary

Losing a valuable possession like a motorbike can be a painful experience for anyone. While the unexpected may happen to you at any time, investing in advanced bike anti-theft gadgets can save you from this pain. Other bike safety measures include removing the keys from the ignition even when you are a few metres away from the bike, locking it in your home garage and parking within your sight whenever possible.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

6 Motorcycle Insurance Terms You Must Know Before You Claim

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(Contributed post for our Indian readers)

Buying a motorcycle is a life goal that each one of us wishes to achieve one day. For many, it may mean months of saving money and a loan on top of their heads. Whether you already own a motorcycle or not, it can be a costly investment and protecting it from any harm is paramount. The only way you can keep your bike safe from any physical damage and yourself from a financial dent is by getting it insured.

For Indians, not buying an insurance policy for their motorcycle isn’t an option. As per law, every motor vehicle plying on Indian roads should have valid motor insurance. As you set off on the mission to choose the best insurance for your motorcycle, you may get confused with the immense variety of policies available with different providers. To add to your woes, you’ll come across a lot of technical jargons and terminology which may make no sense to you.

In order to choose the right policy, you need to be aware of some of the motorcycle insurance terms which may help you save money on your premiums. You don’t have to go anywhere. We have simplified some of the most important motor insurance terms that will help you make a sound decision while buying an insurance policy.

1. Insured Declared Value (IDV)

The most common motor insurance term is Insured Declared Value or IDV. It refers to the current market price of the motorcycle to be insured. It is the maximum amount that you can expect to get from your insurance provider in case of a total damage claim. The total damage refers to the situation in which your bike has been stolen or damaged beyond repair. The age of your motorcycle helps to estimate its current IDV. If you deduct your bike’s depreciation due to age from the current selling price of your motorcycle by the manufacturer, you get your IDV.

It is important for you to understand the concept of IDV since it is directly proportional to the premium you pay. More the IDV amount, more the premium you pay. However, if you quote a lesser IDV amount than the actual current price, you might end up paying more than you should be in case your motorcycle is damaged/ stolen.

2. Own Damage Premium

At the time of buying motor insurance, you will often come across the term ‘Own Damage Premium’. Well, own damage premium is a part of your total insurance premium that covers your motorbike against any damage caused by factors beyond your control. Such factors may include natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, cyclone, etc along with manmade disasters like fire, bomb explosions, etc. Therefore, own damage premium is the part of your premium amount that you pay to ensure that your bike is covered against damage caused by natural calamities as well as manmade disasters.

Opting for Own Damage Premium helps you to obtain motor insurance cover equal to the Insured Declared Value. The own damage premium amount is estimated on the basis of your bike’s IDV, model, cubic capacity, etc along with the geographical location where you reside.

3. Third Party Liability Cover

An insurance policy also provides coverage to the damages caused to a third party if the insured is the at-fault driver. Third party liability coverage provides protection against any legal/ financial liability that may arise if you cause death/ injury or damage to another person or property while driving. Your insurance provider will compensate for the third party’s financial loss on your behalf. In India, third party liability cover is a compulsory coverage for all motorcycle owners under their motor insurance policy by law.

4. Personal Accident Cover

Besides the insured bike and the third party, an accident may also cause serious injuries to the insured person. In several cases, the accident can be fatal or may lead to permanent disability. As per the National Crime Records Bureau, 16 people die of roads accidents every hour and in 2013, more than 1,37,000 people were killed in road accidents. In such unforeseen incidents, personal accident cover of your motor insurance offers financial protection to the insured or his family by providing compensation. Since it is an additional rider benefit, opting for a personal accident cover will increase your insurance premium.

5. Zero Depreciation Cover

All motor insurance policies account for depreciation of replaced parts while estimating the sum insured amount. Zero depreciation cover is an add-on feature that can help you obtain a higher sum insured by eliminating deductions against the depreciation of replaced parts. However, zero depreciation cover attracts higher insurance premiums. Nonetheless, it is advisable to opt for zero depreciation cover as it can be availed only during the first few claims of your motor insurance policies.

6. No Claim Bonus (NCB)

Another important motor insurance term you may come across is No Claim Bonus (NCB). No claim bonus is a bonus discount that you receive if you don’t make any claim in the previous policy year. It is a discount that you get on your renewal premium for every claim-free year. The best part is that NCB is cumulative and can increase up to 50% if no claim is made. Thus, you can save a lot of money on your renewal premium with no claim bonus. Moreover, it can also be transferred to a different provider if you change your insurance company during policy renewal.

Conclusion

So there you go. Now that you know some of the most common and crucial motor insurance terms, you can choose the coverage extent and the premium amount of your choice. You can choose motor insurance wisely as you know what are you paying for and where can you save money.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Most Common Month to Buy Motorcycle Insurance

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Over the course of a given year, more than a million UK riders elect to insure their bikes. A survey by Devitt Insurance revealed that, for most of the year, renewals are in steady decline, punctuated by an abrupt threefold rise in March, from 4.4% of respondents to just over 13.5%.

Now, we should state at the outset that, beyond these extremes, the spread is fairly even, with each month enjoying a healthy fraction of overall renewals. Still, we’re left with the question: what’s driving this trend?

What’s so great about March?

The most obvious influence is financial. After Christmas has been sorted, we all have a little more disposable income to draw upon. And thus, it’s unsurprising that many of choose to treat ourselves to a bike and the accompanying insurance. This one-time decision might then tick over year-upon-year, making many of us March-renewers for life.

Price, according to the survey, is the most popular factor when making the decision to purchase at 40.72%. It’s closely followed by the benefits of the cover in question (39.83%). Given that the latter remains roughly constant throughout the year, it can’t explain the change from month to month. 

The reputation of the company in question was most important only to 12.5% of respondents. Only three out of 1,908 people think that a free gift is the most important thing, which, in case you’re wondering, makes these people statistically fewer than those who believe that the earth is flat. 

March is also among the cheapest months to renew. The most expensive is December – and by quite some distance. Providers are aiming to wind-down for the Christmas period. There are fewer call centres available, and a lot more IT work to do. To cover their costs, insurers respond by temporarily raising prices. These forces are at work just as much in the world of motorcycle insurance as they are in that of car insurance.

So, when the Christmas period is finally done with and the administrative slack has been addressed, things return to normal – and prices fall.

What about the cold?

We should also consider the change in the weather. While the roads are all icy, we’re not likely to want to hop into the saddle. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to the cold than other road users, as we lack the luxury of a heating system. 

But this isn’t just about comfort. Motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in road accidents than other users. Wintry conditions – like icy roads and fewer daylight hours – contribute to this likelihood. Now, we should say that with the proper precautions and experience it’s perfectly possible to ride a bike safely during winter – but most bikers are aware of the increased risks, and thus less keen to renew and start riding again. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders charged over third-party GoPro evidence

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NSW Police are charging riders with traffic offences based on GoPro video evidence obtained from other riders, says Sydney lawyer and Ducati 1098S rider Chris Kalpage.

There have been many incidents of riders being charged after self-incriminating evidence was found on their GoPro footage, mobile phone data, GPS and even bike data loggers.

However, Chris says he knows of at least two occasions where NSW Highway Patrol have sifted through the GoPro video of riders to find offences by other riders they may have been following.

He says these riders have been fined for speeding, crossing unbroken and double lines, wheelies, etc.

GoPro evidenceShoei helmet with a GoPro action camera mounted

“I have had matters where a person may spend the day riding with their GoPro videoing their heroics coming up behind other riders who unknowingly may be transgressing,” says Chris, 61, who has been riding since he was 15.

“The rider with the GoPro is spotted at the end of the day by police and pulled over for some transgression that the officer has seen and confiscate their GoPro.

“Subsequently they play the video back at the station and then pay visits to anybody they see on the video.

“The police will then attend the premises of the registered owners of the bikes that they have seen on the videos and place a notice of demand asking that they identify who the rider was at the relevant time.”

Police rights

Chris says police may be within their legal rights to confiscate your GoPro or any other device if “certain prerequisites exist”.

In some places, such as America, police may first have to obtain a search warrant. In Australia, they don’t, so long as the search is lawful.

If police conduct a lawful search, they can seize your camera, SD card, phone, GPS or bike data.

A lawful search is where you give police permission to search you or when the officer has a “reasonable suspicion” that you could have an item containing evidence of an offence.

A crash is a situation where police might exercise their right to collect relevant evidence from victims, offenders and bystanders.

Riders’ rights

GoPro Chris Kalpage evidence
Chris on his Ducati

Chris says NSW Police are going to the home of the registered owners of bikes they have seen on video and formally demanding they identify the rider at the relevant time.

Of course, he advises riders approached by police to identify themselves to first contact their lawyer.

“They often wont show you the video and you will have to take it on faith that you were the relevant bike that was seen on someone’s GoPro footage,” he says.

“In the absence of your election the police have no evidence as to who the rider may have been.”

Chris says it could be difficult for police to substantiate a speeding offence based on the video of a following rider.

“It may be that the speedo of the GoPro rider’s bike can be seen but then it would amount to whether the rider is speeding to catch up with the bike in front or is keeping a consistent distance, and visual over a reasonable period of time,” he says.

“Similarly how do we know whether the GoPro rider’s speedo is accurate? After all, many of us change the sprockets of our bikes which can affect the speedo accuracy.”

He advises that there are many factors in video GoPro evidence that may be challenged, including the legality of the seizure of the evidence.

Click here for our advice to riders about confiscation of a device which may have incriminating evidence.

If you have any questions about this topic or other traffic-related matter, you can ask Chris by leaving your question in the comments section below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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How to Get a Motorcycle Loan and Avoid the Stress

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How to Get a Motorcycle Loan and Avoid the Stress: This contributed guide will help you secure a loan for your new motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle seems fun and adventurous, but it’s harder than most people think. For those thinking about buying a motorcycle, consider taking lessons first.

There is a population of people that only drive motorcycles. These diehard riders belong to bike clubs and can tell you everything you need to know about motorbikes.

If you are considering purchasing a motorcycle you may be wondering how to get a motorcycle loan. It is true that most lenders view these types of loans differently than a standard auto loan.

Before moving forward with the purchase, be sure that it’s an endeavor you want to get into. Owning a motorcycle comes with different pros and cons than owning a car. Are you going to use your motorcycle as a recreational vehicle, or are you ditching your automobile?

Considering a motorcycle? Keep reading for tips on how to get a motorcycle loan.

Motorcycle Loan vs. Auto Loan

A motorcycle loan is similar to an auto loan in that they are both considered collateral loans. This means that the bike secures the loan. If you fail to pay the loan according to its terms the lender can repossess the bike to recoup their loss.

Where the types of loans differ is the interest rates on a motorcycle will be higher than a car loan. You can also expect to pay more for insurance.

To get around the higher interest rates, you may want to consider getting a personal loan and paying cash for the purchase. This way you can save in the long run on interest. Your insurance rates will also be lower if you own the title to the bike.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some lenders will not issue a loan of dirt bikes or All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV). You may also find that there are certain motorcycles that lenders won’t fund. 

Before you get your heart set on a particular bike, do your research to ensure you will be able to secure the needed funding and insurance.

How to get a Motorcycle Loan with Your Credit Score?

Applying for credit can negatively impact your credit score. Before researching lenders, perform a credit check-up. Depending on your current rating, you may have to put off making a large purchase.

Consumers can receive a free annual credit report from each of the three major bureaus. Request your report and attend to any outstanding debts that are dragging down your FICO score. 

How Your Credit Score Impacts The Loan

If your score is below 700, expect to pay a higher interest rate. Scores below 600 could prevent you from getting a loan. A lender willing to take a chance on someone with bad credit will have terms that will significantly impact the cost of buying your motorcycle.

Going with a subprime lender isn’t a bad thing for those with not so perfect credit. It is an opportunity to help you rebuild your score.

Determine How Much Money You Can Afford to Borrow

A lender will tell you an amount you’re eligible to borrow. This doesn’t mean you can afford to finance that amount. The motorcycle of your dreams may be out of your price range at this time.

Looking at older models of the bike you want is an option to get within your price range. As your finances improve, trade it in for the newer version you want.

When getting a motorcycle loan, you also want to consider the cost of insurance, annual registration fees, and maintenance costs. Determine the annual cost and divide over 12 months. Add this amount to the monthly payment on your loan to see the true cost of buying the motorcycle.

Types of Motorcycle Loans

When it comes to financing your motorcycle there are a few routes you can take. These options range from loans for those with perfect credit to bad credit motorcycle loans.

Dealership Loans

Dealership loans are financing offered by the dealership selling the motorcycle. These loans are usually reserved for buyers with perfect or near perfect credit. Some dealerships will work with people with less than perfect credit to secure loans.

A dealership often requires a down payment or trade-in as part of the loan requirements.

Operator Equipment Manufacturing Loans 

OEM loans are like dealership loans. They are specific to the manufacturer of the motorcycle. These loans are incentive based for the dealer to put an extra emphasis on selling that line.

You may have more room to negotiate when buying from a dealership offering multiple brands. 

Secure a Personal Loan

Personal loans can be either secured and unsecured. These loans can be used for any purpose and often come with longer repayment terms.

When using money from an unsecured personal loan to buy a motorcycle you own the bike with a free and clear title. When taking out a secured loan you will need collateral. The collateral does not have to be the motorcycle.

Use a Credit Card

It is possible to find a good motorcycle for a few thousand dollars. In this case, you can buy the motorcycle with the available balance on a credit card. 

Credit cards are a line of credit that is easily accessible. Depending on your interest rate it’s a better option. Plus, there are no time frames for repayment. You pay your monthly minimum or a higher amount as you choose.

Keep in mind, the longer it takes to pay off the purchase, the more interest you will pay in the long run.

It’s Time to Go Shopping

There is a lot to think about when making any major purchase. Knowing your options on how to get a motorcycle loan is half the journey. Finding the bike you want is the other half. 

If you’re considering the purchase of a motorcycle, learn more about what’s popular in bike sales, check out the rest of this website. 

 (Sponsored post)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Three ways to relax on a motorcycle

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Many riders talk about how riding their motorcycle makes them relax and “blows out the cobwebs”, yet I see so many tense riders.

You can tell a tense rider immediately from their hunched shoulders and straight arms with locked elbows. It’s like they are shrugging or trying to strangle their bike.

It’s a dead giveaway that they are not confident nor relaxed with their riding.

Maybe they are going too fast for their skill level, or the road is wet or challenging and unknown to them.

In these situations you become tense and the first thing to tense up is your shoulders.

This straightens your arms which makes it more difficult to counter steer as your arms are now pushing down on the handlebars rather than forward.

Also the forces coming up through your front forks go up your arms which can be tiring and affect your riding ability.

How to relax

But there are ways to relax while riding that will improve your riding and increase your enjoyment. It may even make you faster, if that’s your goal.

We don’t suggest doing yoga on a moving motorcycle, although there are Guinness Book of Records mentions for the most consecutive yoga positions on a motorcycle.

In case you’re interested, the record is held by Hav Jabalpur who in 2013 did 50 yoga positions, including 10 demanding reverse positions, while riding 5km on a Royal Enfield.

Hav Ramesh Most consecutive yoga positions on a motorcycle relax
Hav practises moto-yoga

Instead, you can practise a type of meditation where you focus your mind on the activity of riding.

You need to clear your mind of other distractions which is pretty easy in the closed-off atmosphere of a helmet.

The second step is to lift your gaze.

Hunched shoulders also tend to make you drop your head and shorten your focus.

The shorter your focus, the less time you have to react to road conditions, sudden corners and other hazards.

So lift your head and make a conscious effort to look further down the road and around the corner.

The third step is to physically relax your arms.

2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster relax
Drop those shoulders

I recall a professional rally driver once showing me his technique for un-hunching his shoulders: He basically flapped his arms for a few seconds like he was doing a short chicken dance while he was driving.

You can do it on a motorcycle as well.

As your arms relax and your shoulders drop, your arms will naturally bend so you have more control and can more easily counter steer.

Try these steps the next time you feel your shoulders hunching up and your vision becoming fixated on where you might crash!

Click here to find out how to make target fixation work for you, not against you.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Are cruisers the best bike for mature riders?

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As some mature riders begin to suffer from various aches and pains they tend to opt for cruisers to relieve the stresses on their body. 

But are cruisers with their relaxed riding position really the most comfortable bike to ride?

It really depends on what ails you.

Common ailments for mature riders are bad backs, crook knees, dodgy hips and arthritic hands.

As someone who has all these problems to varying degrees and tested all types of motorcycles over the years, I feel I am qualified to comment.

So let’s look at these separately and together.

Bad backKobbers Kruiser Klub now fr all cruisers except Harleys mature

If you have a bad back, a cruiser may not be the right bike for you.

In the relaxed riding position of a cruiser with feet-forward controls, you sit as though you are in a couch. Usually your spine is straight up and down or slightly curved.

That means any bumps from the suspension will be relayed straight up your ageing backbone.

Your legs cannot prevent any of that jolting to your back because they are out in front of you.

Depending on the handlebars, your arms also cannot take any of the stresses and strains away from your back.

All your weight is pressed in to the seat with no way to relieve that stress, so you can get a sore lower back and backside. An aftermarket backrest or luggage on the back seat may help.Kobbers Kruiser Klub now fr all cruisers except HarleysKobbers Kruiser Klub now fr all cruisers except Harleys mature

You may find a bike where your feet are in a mid-mount position is better because your body is in the shape of a coiled spring and absorbs the bumps more evenly.

You can also take some of the weight on your feet and legs.

A softer seat or a supplementary cushion such as an Airhawk may help.

Some people even find a sports bike is good because they can take some weight on their hands.

Crook kneesDaytona 675 Adventure cruisers naked sports touring Safety mature

If you are in need of a knee operation or replacement, you will find that anything with a tight knee bend in the riding position is uncomfortable.

That rules out sportsbikes.

However, bikes with a neutral riding position such as most naked bikes should be ok as you can occasionally straighten your leg to relieve the pain.2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE mature

That is more difficult when your feet are tucked up behind you.

The best bike in this situation is a cruiser where your legs are straighter.

Some people install highway bars to rest their feet, but this can be considered dangerous as your feet are away from the important gear and brake controls.

Dodgy hips2016 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic FLSCc mature

You would think that a cruiser with its relaxed position would be best for mature people suffering from hip problems.

However, most low-riding cruisers have wide fuel tanks which means you sit with your hips splayed around the tank.

This affects the hip flexor muscles and can cause a pinching sensation.

You are best to find a bike with a narrow tank so you can get your legs closer together.

Arthritic handsFingers wrapped around the throttle frail

Arthritis in the hands can be very painful on long trips without cruise control. You can also buy a palm rest so you don’t have to curl your fingers around the throttle.

Being able to relieve the pressure on your hands also means finding a bike where the bars are not too low or far away.

You will probably also need a fairly thick bar grip so your hands aren’t curled too much.

You can buy wider and softer grips such as Grip Puppies to alleviate some of the pain from the jackhammer effect of the front forks over rough surfaces.

Mature conclusion

If you are becoming a mature rider with one or more of these problems, you are going to have to think hard about what you need to remain comfortable on a longer ride.

That’s why it’s important to go for as long test ride, not just around the block. That’s if the dealer offers you a test ride at all!

A short sit on a motorcycle in a showroom (if they let you!) also won’t provide any answers. You would have to sit there for a couple of hours and the bike would need to be vertical, not on its side stand.

We suggest trying a few bikes, maybe try your friends’ bikes, and don’t just opt for a cruiser because it looks comfortable!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders may get insurance refund

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Any rider who was sold “worthless add-on insurance”, such as an extended warranty, when they bought their bike through a dealer may be eligible for a refund.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission says the worthless additions were sold to more than half a million car and motorcycle customers.

The corporate watchdog has announced another $1.7m in refunds of between $143,700 and $7.2 million to more than 30,000 customers. That brings the total to $130m over this issue.

Companies involved include Allianz, QBE, Swann Insurance and Suncorp.

Refund programs

The add-ons include protection insurance, consumer credit insurance, and mechanical breakdown insurance, which is also known as extended warranty.

ASIC found that some customers were sold sold mechanical breakdown insurance when cover would start after the manufacturer’s warranty expired, or where cover would expire shortly after the policy was written.

Riders who believe they have been sold these add-ons have been advised to contact their insurers to ask for their refund.

Last year’s royal commission heard evidence of questionable behaviour by several insurance companies.

ASIC Commissioner Sean Hughes says the failures highlighted by these insurers demonstrate why new design and distribution obligations – passed by the Parliament in March 2019 – are so important.

“ASIC will continue to monitor this sector to make sure the unfair practices of the past do not return; however, the industry has a key role to play in this too.”

The corporate watchdog is working to improve the design and sale of add-on insurance products to help prevent unfair sales.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Important safety tips for returned riders

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Returned riders who have had several years off the motorcycle for various reasons, may be over-represented in the crash statistics, but that is no reason not to ride. (Above photo used for humour reasons only!)

Some say the statistics are a furphy, while others (such as Professor Narelle Haworth of the QUT Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety) suggest returned riders should re-sit their licence.

Click here for more on this hot topic!

However, there is little support for her suggestion, even among police!

So you are still within your right to use your valid motorcycle licence.

And so you should!

A motorcycle can restore the inner youth you feel you may have lost when you stopped riding to concentrate on your career and/or family.

However, there are several important points returned riders should consider.

The motorcycle

Silent auction for dumped motorbikes returned riders
Just needs a coat of paint and some WD40!

If you are going to ride the bike that’s been parked up in your garage for several years, it will need a thorough safety inspection.

Tyres, battery, oils, etc will all need either upgrading, replacing or some TLC.

Click here to find out more about restoring a bike to running order after hibernation.

If you are thinking about buying one of those shiny, new, high-powered sports bikes like the racers ride or that you used to race, you probably should reconsider.

Your ageing body might not be able to tolerate the crouched riding position any more. Perhaps a more upright type of bike would be better.

Seriously consider what type of riding you want to do, ask fellow riders for their tips and search through our reviews section.

Are you going to ride to your local cafe, commute daily, tour long distances or ride off the beaten track? This will determine what type of bike you should buy.

The Adventurists Monkey Bikes Monkey Runs Romania tall returned riders
Make sure the bike suits your needs … and your height!

You don’t necessarily need the newest, biggest, most powerful or the most technological bike.

In fact, if you are a little wary you could drop it in your driveway, it might be best to start with a cheaper and lower-powered bike to get back into riding.

After all, you definitely will be upgrading your bike every couple of years. That’s just standard practice among mature-aged riders.

Be aware that most modern bikes at least have ABS which you may not be used to on a motorcycle.

When it was introduced to cars, there were many crashes where drivers felt the unusual pulse through the brake pedal and let go of the brakes.

The same can happen with a motorcycle.

Returned riders

Returned rider joke road safety course
Just kidding, folks!

Which brings us to the rider.

If you’ve not ridden a bike with ABS, you will need to learn how to use it correctly.

That means going back to school, or at least an advanced rider class.

There are many available and they are all pretty good and a great amount of fun.

If the courses are graded, start at the bottom and work your way up to advanced levels and maybe even track days on a closed circuit.

You can also brush up on your riding theory by checking out the many articles in our Tips/training section.

Riding requires a 100% commitment to concentrating on the road and its many hazards. Anything less can be lethal.

Don’t push yourself too far, too soon.

Try to join a group of like-minded riders, but avoid groups where peer pressure forces you to ride outside your capabilities.

Groups can be helpful with riding tips as well as looking out for you on organised rides.

Your safety gearGoldtop leather clothing

In the 1970s, my riding gear consisted of army surplus clothing and boots. When it rained, I wore a raincoat and fishing waders.

These days there is a host of motorcycle-specific gear that will suit any sort of riding, terrain or weather.

The safest gear is a full leather race suit with race gloves and boots, plus an expensive full-face helmet.

But that gear would be hot, uncomfortable and restrictive on a touring bike, cruiser or an adventure bike.

So find the appropriate gear for your riding style.NeonMoto Electroluminescent Motorcycle Leather Jacket returned riders

Ensure it has legitimate European certification (look for labels with “EN” followed by a series of numbers).

You can also check the safety and comfort ratings of jackets, pants and glove on the Australian MotoCAP website.

Check helmet ratings on the NSW Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) site or the UK’s SHARP helmet rating system which is more comprehensive.

Always go for safety over fashion and quality over a bargain!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Lightning strike kills American rider

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Riders on the Storm may be a great rock song, but it is not a good tip as one American motorcyclist unfortunately found last weekend when his helmet was hit by a lightning strike.

Benjamin Austin Lee, 45, is one of 12 unlucky American riders struck and killed by lightning since 2006.

Most have been struck when standing next to their motorcycle while stopped by the side of the road.

However, Benjamin’s helmet was hit by lightning while he was riding on Florida’s Interstate 95 on Sunday, causing him to crash.

It is not yet known if the lightning strike or his crash caused his death, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police posted the above photo of the rider’s helmet showing the damage from the lightning strike.

The sad incident is a reminder that riding in a lightning storm is not advisable.

Lightning strike myths

lightning strike
Even a Vincent Black Lightning can’t outrun lightning

There are many myths about lightning that need to be struck out first.

The main myth is that rubber tyres ground a vehicle and prevent lightning from striking it.

It is also a myth that if you stand under a tree or picnic shelter or even a service station forecourt roof you are safe. You need to be inside a building with a roof and walls to protect you.

There is also no point in trying to outrun lightning as it travels at nearly half-a-million kilometres-an-hour!

Even the world’s fastest production motorcycle, the aptly named Lightning LS-218, wouldn’t stand a chance even though it can travel at 218mph (about 350km/h), hence the name.

Lightning electric motorcycle fast electric LiveWire electric bike race expensive
Lightning record-holding electric race bike

Cars don’t need to outrun a lightning storm as the lightning energy passes safely over the metal roof of the vehicle. However, it can fry the vehicle’s electrics and cause fires.

Drivers and passengers in convertibles and motorcycle riders and pillions have been known to be killed by lightning strikes even while moving.

Lightning safety tips

Five to 10 Australians are killed annually by lightning strikes and about 100 seriously injured. There are no figures available for motorcyclist deaths by lightning.

However unlikely it might be, here are a few tips you can follow to avoid becoming a lightning statistic.

  • Keep an eye out for storms by checking the various weather apps on your phone. You may also want to subscribe to a weather alert service that advises of severe weather.
  • If a storm is nearby, don’t wait until it hits as lightning can strike up to 25km in front of an advancing storm.
  • Pull over and seek shelter in a ditch or somewhere low. Don’t stand next to your bike, a tree, a pole or any other tall or metal conductor of electricity!
  • Don’t pull over next to a river, creek, dam, pool or any other body of water. While it will not attract lightning, it will conduct electricity.
  • If you pull over in a roadside park with no shelter, you might politely ask a parked driver if you can shelter in their vehicle. But don’t touch anything metal inside the car or talk on your mobile phone.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com