If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle before, you should know that motorcycles are great fun to ride. But it’s also a universal fact that motorcycles are way more dangerous than cars. In fact, based on research, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in an accident than people in a car, with more than half of all motorcycle deaths being single-vehicle crashes.

Those numbers may be scary, but many motorcycle enthusiasts still manage to enjoy a lifetime of riding without injury. The key to riding safely is that the rider should be prepared and avoid risks because up to 48% of motorcycle fatalities involved speeding.

Today, we’re looking at some tips that will help you stay safe on two wheels. 

1. Don’t buy something you cannot handle

If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, or if you are easing back into riding after a long while, you may be surprised by the performance of today’s bikes. When shopping for a new motorcycle, you should always start with one that fits your needs. Don’t just pick a superbike when you haven’t studied its power and speed. When seated, you should easily be able to rest both feet flat on the ground without having to be on tiptoes. Handlebars and controls should be within easy reach. Make sure you choose a model that is easy for you to get on and off, and isn’t too heavy. A smaller model with a 250 to 300CC engine can make a great starter bike for your daily city commute.

2. Always use your helmet

We understand that riding a motorcycle is partly because of the “cool” factor. As such, many riders, especially young riders, opt to go without their helmets. It’s bulky, or it’s not cool, is the common phrase. But, there is nothing lame about not risking your lives. Studies have shown that riders without a helmet are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and are three times more likely to suffer brain injuries, than those with helmets.    “It is absolute insanity to repeal helmet laws,” says Orly Avitzur, M.D., a neurologist and a Consumer Reports medical adviser. “Because helmets do save lives, it is insanity to expose the skull and the brain to potential trauma that could be prevented or at least mitigated.”    We would recommend a full-face helmet that’s approved by the Ministry of Transportation in Malaysia. Most modern helmets today are strong, lightweight, and comfortable, and they cut down on wind noise and fatigue. Do keep in mind that helmets deteriorate over time, so it’s recommended that you replace your helmet every five years.  

3.  Install antilock brakes

Antilock brakes were not always the norm, which led to more accidents happening on motorcycles. What happens is that when a rider is shocked, locking up the brakes in a panic stop will rob him or her of any steering control, leading to skidding and crash. With the antilock brakes, it has been proven that riders were 37%  less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without it. Antilock brakes help you retain steering control during an emergency stop, and it can be especially valuable in slippery conditions.

4. Avoid bad weather

This one may be a bit difficult to prevent but whenever possible, you should avoid the bad weather. Malaysia especially is famous for its sudden downpours and slippery roads. Rain not only cuts your visibility but reduces your tires’ grip on the road, and the slippery conditions may cause your motorcycle to skid. If you need to ride in the rain, you have to remember that the most dangerous time is right after the precipitation begins, as the water can cause oil residue to rise to the top. When riding in strong side winds, be proactive in anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from, so as not to be knocked down by a sudden gust.   

5. Watch out for the hazards

It goes without saying that a motorcycle has less contact with the road than a car. There are also plenty of factors which can lead to your motorcycle sliding or skidding unexpectedly; like sand, wet leaves, or pebbles, easily resulting in a painful drop. There are also plenty of bumps and potholes on the Malaysian roads that cars may have no problem going through but pose a serious danger for motorcycles. Word of advice, if you can’t avoid these road hazards, try to slow down as much as possible, with minimal steering input to minimize the chances of you skidding. 

6. Wear the right gear

Sure, we get that Malaysia is a hot place, and most motorcycle safety gear can leave you all hot and bothered. But the usual jeans, t-shirt, and sandals are recipes for a painful disaster when you’re riding. You’d be better off looking for a reinforced jacket, gloves, full pants, and over-the-ankle footwear. These will help to protect you from wind chill, flying bugs and debris while riding. You’ll also want to look out for effective eye protection, like a helmet visor or riding goggles, for the same reason. Also, try not to go all emo goth and go for a colourful ensemble, just to let drivers around you really see you. 

7. Be a defensive rider

When we say the defensive rider, we don’t mean you should go start a fight every time a car narrowly knocks you down. Recent studies have found that collisions involving a motorcycle and a car are shown to be the car driver’s fault 60% of the time. What this means is that as a motorcyclist, you should be extra alert. Keep an eye for cars suddenly changing lanes or pulling out from an intersection. Most importantly, never tailgate cars, keeping a safe following distance between vehicles to ensure you have enough stopping distance and so you have time to react to obstacles in the road. 

8. Always be ready to ride

Before each ride, remember to do a quick walkthrough to make sure your lights, horn and signal lights are working properly. Also give your chain, belt, shaft and the brakes a quick check to make sure everything is in working order. Inspect your tires for wear and tear and make sure they’re set at the proper pressure. If done properly, you would have greatly reduced your safety risks on your bike.