The fall season can be the best time to get out on the open road for motorcycle riders. The weather is cooler than the summer months and the breathtaking sights of the leaves changing colors make every ride a memorable one. Even though the fall months can be a great time to ride, they still bring challenges to motorcyclists. Making sure you’re prepared for a fall motorcycle ride can ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your fall motorcycle ride.
Check that your motorcycle is ready to ride. Go through the T-CLOCK checklist, which you can find here. Your lights should be working properly since it gets dark out much earlier in the fall. Look at your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals to make sure they are all functioning correctly. Your tires should be in good condition so that you can handle your motorcycle properly. While most people don’t switch out their tires for fall riding, putting on touring tires can help your motorcycle maneuver better in fall weather, compared to sport tires that are great during the hot summer months. With slippery roads and potential frost, you’ll want to have the best traction possible.
Beware of leaves covering the road. One of the best parts of fall riding is seeing the amazing colors of the leaves as they change on the trees. Though they look beautiful, falling leaves can cause hazards to motorcycle riders. Fallen leaves cover the road, making it hard to see any obstacles that may impede your riding. Remain aware as you travel over leaf-covered roads as they could be hiding anything under them, ranging from potholes to other debris. Fallen leaves that are wet also pose a threat to riders as they can make the road very slippery and cause a crash.
Prepare for every type of weather. During the fall season, temperatures can range from extremely cold days to unexpectedly hot days. Keep an eye on the weather forecast when you’re riding and dress appropriately. Wearing layers, gloves and heated gear during the cold can help you stay warm and focused on the road. If it gets hot, you can always remove a layer to make yourself more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to keep rain gear on your motorcycle as a shower could come out of nowhere and you don’t want to be uncomfortably riding in the rain with no protection from the water.
Remain cautious of the vehicles around you. While we like to think that motorcycle awareness is at top of mind for other drivers on the road, many of them may not be looking out for motorcycle riders in colder weather, assuming the motorcyclists are all off the road. Unaware and distracted drivers can cause serious accidents, even to a motorcyclist who does everything right. With early darkness and hazards on the road, unaware drivers are extremely dangerous to riders. Make sure you’re aware of the vehicles around you and be prepared to maneuver accordingly if they should impede your riding path.
Following these important tips will help make sure your fall motorcycle ride is safe and enjoyable. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has been promoting safety and motorcycle awareness for decades. The firm is an advocate for motorcycle riders, promoting the “Watch for Motorcycles” campaign, which helps save riders’ lives. Keep tuned to hupy.com to stay updated on motorcycle safety tips, videos and upcoming events.
If you’re injured on the road, Hupy and Abraham is here for you. We’ve helped over 70,000 clients receive over $1 billion for their injuries. Call 800-800-5678 or visit hupy.com today so we can help you.
