If you’ve ridden a motorcycle long enough, then you have inevitably encountered the dreaded Tip-Over! This motorcycling annoyance usually plagues new riders, but the tip-over has been known to catch the erstwhile veteran off guard as well. So it’s always a good idea to be ready and to try and avoid situations that could lead to expensive repairs and annoying hospital bills.
6 Tips to Prevent Tip-Overs!
- Watch your step—The road has all sorts of hazards that can make riding challenging, but those same hazards can cause a tip-over when you’re getting off your bike, too. Look out for gravel, sand, oil and mud. They can slip you up, and bring you crashing down.
- Straighten up, soldier—Motorcycles lean into turns, motorcycles that lean while they are stopped fall over, so it makes a lot of sense that you should straighten up before you stop. It actually doesn’t take much, smoothly square your bars as you brake, and make sure your bike isn’t leaning before you stop.
- Be aware of your surroundings—Stopping at the top of a bump, putting your foot in a pothole, or stopping on a banked surface can extend the distance between your foot and the ground. Having solid footing will keep your bike from tipping, so pay attention to the terrain you’re stopping on.
- No roll stops—When you come to a stop, put both feet down and look around. There’s always the chance of a car coming by or something happening in the intersection that you didn’t foresee. If you are roll stopping, and have to slam on your brakes, you’ll be more likely to tip than if you came to a complete stop instead.
- Keep it nice and easy—Abrupt inputs can cause you to take a nosedive every time, which is why motorcycle safety instructors always recommend smooth inputs. So when you turn, brake, and clutch in, do it as smoothly as you can to keep your bike steady as she goes.
- Push it real good—Are you on your tiptoes when straddling your bike? It’s okay if you are, but it is way more difficult to keep your bike upright when you’re on the tips of your toes. Don’t be afraid to get out of the saddle if you can barely touch the ground. Walking your bike will give you more control, and will help keep you from tipping over.
From the motorcycle accident attorneys at the Metier Law Firm—We know what you need because we ride too.