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When you buy a new bike, you may be tempted to jump right on it and start riding. However, in order to get the most out of your machine, it is important that you properly adjust and set it up. Below is a guide to 4 things you should do so that you can have a comfortable and safe ride.
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Your motorcycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of kit you’ll buy. If things go wrong and you are involved in an accident, your helmet is the thing that will probably save your life. However, motorcycle helmets will only do the job they are designed to do if they fit properly. Below is a guide which will help you to choose a motorcycle helmet which is the correct shape and size for your head.
Motorcycle helmets are manufactured to fit three head shapes. These head shapes are:
The long oval helmet is designed for a head in which the distance between the forehead and the back of the skull is longer than the width of the face, ear-to-ear. The intermediate oval helmet is the most commonly used type of helmet. This helmet is designed for the typical human skull in which the distance between the forehead and the back of the skull is only slightly longer than the distance ear-to-ear. The round, oval helmet is designed for heads on which the length between the forehead and the back of the skull is almost equal to the distance ear-to-ear.
The easiest way to establish your head shape is to try on a range of helmets! You will soon find which helmet shape offers the best fit.
Helmets come in a range of sizes. To make sure you get one that fits you correctly, you will need to measure your head. To do this, you should use a vinyl tailor’s tape which will be flexible enough to wrap around your skull.
Start by wrapping the tape around your head at a point which is just above your ears and eyebrows. This will give you your forehead measurement. You should compare the measurement you have taken to a helmet size chart for the helmet you are interested in buying. Be warned – each helmet manufacturer produces their own chart for their brand, so you need to make sure you are using the right chart for the right helmet. Once you have identified the right shape and size of helmet, then you need to test how the helmet fits on your head.
When you first try on a helmet, do not be surprised if it feels a little tight. New helmets require “breaking in”, and as time passes, the interior of the helmet will change shape slightly to fit your head perfectly. You should make sure that the helmet is not putting pressure on any specific areas of your head and that it does not restrict your movement. A helmet which fits well should sit evenly on your head and offer excellent peripheral vision. A good test is to try to slip your finger between your head and the interior of the helmet, if it is easy to slide your finger in, the helmet is too large.
Once you have found a helmet which is the correct size, shape and fit, you can purchase it and hit the road. Getting the wrong sized or shaped helmet could cause you discomfort when out riding, and could place your life at risk.
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If you have recently purchased a new motorcycle which has come straight from the manufacturer, you will probably be quite keen to hit the streets. However, it is important that you take steps to break in your new machine during the first 500 to 1000 miles on the road. Breaking in your bike can help to protect the engine, increase performance and improve your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency. Below is a guide to the actions you should take to break in a new motorcycle.
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A major benefit of choosing to ride a motorcycle is the fuel economy the machine offers when compared to a car. A 250cc motorbike offers around 85 miles per gallon, which far exceeds anything a car can provide. However, have you ever considered the ways in which you can improve your machine’s fuel economy even further? Below is a guide to 5 ways you can get more miles out of a tank of fuel.
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If you are out riding your bike and you let your mind drift, you may find yourself breaking the speed limit. If you are unlucky enough to be spotted by a traffic cop, the chances are they will want to pull you over for a little chat, and a possible fixed penalty fine. Below is a guide which will help you to get through a police roadside stop.
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Every year since 1907, motorcycle enthusiasts have flocked to the Isle of Man for the Tourist Trophy Race or ‘TT’. The TT is one of the most prestigious motorcycle events in the world, with races covering 38 miles of bumps, bends and jumps on the public roads around the island. If you are planning to make a pilgrimage to the Isle of Man this year, check out the handy guide below.
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With spring edging closer, you may be sitting down to plan your summer motorcycle road trips. However, on a hot and cloudless summer’s day, motorcycle riders are at an increased risk of dehydration. As well as being uncomfortable, dehydration can also impair your cognitive abilities, cause muscle cramping and weakness, and increase the chance you will make an error when out on the road. In extreme cases, dehydration can cause loss of consciousness and even death. Below is a guide which will help you to stay hydrated when you hit the road this summer.
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Learning to ride a motorcycle isn’t that difficult. It doesn’t take long to master the gears, throttle, brakes and clutch. However, once you have learnt the controls of your machine, you must master your mind. If you do not work on your mental attitude, it is likely your progression as a rider will be held back. Below are five ways you can use to help to reduce any anxiety you feel when on the road, allowing you to thrive.
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Your motorcycle leathers can take a hell of a beating when you are out on the road. They get soaked in the rain, splashed with mud and covered in dead insects. Because leather is made using animal skin, it needs to be cared for properly. If you do not clean and care for your motorcycle leathers, they will start to crack and dry out. Below is a guide which will help you to keep your leathers in top condition.
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Over time, the headlights on your motorcycle can become yellowed and foggy. As well as making your machine look old and dirty, a foggy headlight can also present a safety hazard, as it can cut down on how bright your headlight is and reduce your nighttime visibility. Headlights can either become cloudy on the inside or the outside. Luckily, this problem can be quickly fixed. Below is a guide on how to repair a cloudy or yellowed headlight.
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