Riding A Motorcycle: How To Make It Fun and Comfortable
Imagine hopping on a motorcycle and taking off. Very few things can match this experience out on the open road. To do so safely, you must know how to ride the motorcycle properly and remain comfortable while doing so. The following tips will go a long way to helping you achieve this goal.
Gear Up For Safety And Comfort
First and foremost, always wear proper motorcycle gear to protect yourself while riding. This includes a DOT-approved helmet, riding jacket and pants, motorcycle boots, and gloves. Getting gear designed for motorcycle riding will ensure it is protective enough to safeguard you in a crash while also being comfortable on your motorcycle.
Proper motorcycle jackets and pants are made of abrasion-resistant materials with padding in impact zones. Gloves help protect the hands, and boots should cover the ankles and have non-slip soles. Don’t forget eye protection like goggles or a face shield as well. Wearing the right gear goes a long way towards motorcycle comfort and safety.
Customize For Comfort
While riding gear and motorcycle types largely determine your comfort level, there are also some customizations that can be made to improve comfort on your bike. Adding a windshield helps reduce wind buffeting and makes cruising more pleasant. Attach highway pegs for alternate leg positions so you aren’t stuck in one posture for long rides. Consider getting a touring, adventure, or cruiser-style motorcycle with enhanced ergonomics and cushier seats built for covering long distances. Small additions like gel seat pads, throttle assists, and backrests also boost comfort during motorcycle outings.
Adjust Suspension And Tire Pressure
A motorcycle’s suspension and tire pressure have a big impact on riding comfort. Suspension that is set up properly for your weight and riding style helps absorb bumps in the road to reduce jarring and vibrations. Make sure to adjust preload and damping according to manufacturer recommendations. Proper tire pressure also affects motorcycle handling and comfort. Check pressures routinely and inflate to specification. Underinflated tires transfer more vibration through the chassis and contribute to an unstable, wandering feel.
Plan Out Your Route
Planning your route can help optimize comfort on longer motorcycle trips. Choose roads with well-maintained pavement and sweeping curves for a smoother, more engaging ride. Avoid routes with harsh speed breakers, potholes, and excessive gravel. Take advantage of topo maps to anticipate elevations and curves in the road ahead. Plot out stops for fuel, food, and rest to stay energized and focused while riding. Having a route planned ahead of time allows you to better enjoy the journey.
Stay Hydrated And Well-Rested
Rider fatigue quickly diminishes comfort on a motorcycle. Be sure to start out each ride well-rested and stay hydrated to keep your energy up. Pack water and healthy snacks to keep your fuel tank full. Take regular breaks every couple of hours to get off the bike, stretch, and move around. If you become tired or sore while riding, stop to rest. Continuing on fatigued leads to decreased enjoyment. Prioritize being well-fed, well-hydrated, and well-rested for optimal motorcycle comfort.
Monitor The Weather
Keep a close eye on weather conditions when planning rides. Strong winds can make controlling the bike exhausting. Extreme heat saps your energy and dehydrates you. Rain or snow significantly impedes traction and visibility. Try to avoid riding in inclement weather when possible. If caught out, slow down, wear rain gear, and pull over if conditions become dangerous. Staying aware of the weather helps keep you safe and comfortable in the saddle.
Riding a motorcycle has some unique comfort considerations compared to a car. However, with the right gear, bike setup, riding posture, and preparedness, motorcycling can be made extremely enjoyable. Use these tips to get the most comfort and fun out of your motorcycle miles. The freedom of the open road awaits.
Read More: Best Snowmobile Helmet with Heated Shield
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more