Safe Riding

NAUGATUCK, CT – Head and brain injuries are the leading cause of motorcycle fatalities, so the helmet is the most important piece of protective gear that any rider can wear to protect the brain. It’s more important than the traditional leather jacket that prevents road rash, the gloves that keep …

There are many who are all-year riders here in New England, but many wait for spring to bring their motorcycles out of hibernation. Experienced riders know it’s a good idea to perform an inspection and possibly some servicing of the bike prior to each ride, especially the first time the …

NEW YORK – As temperatures plummet and wintery weather limits opportunities to ride, many New England motorcyclists begin planning for spring. The Progressive International Motorcycle Show, held here every December, has traditionally whet the appetites of riders in

Each year, many entry level riders hit New England roadways having passed rider education courses and obtained an “M” on their licenses, and that’s the proper way to do it. Learning from friends, spouses or “Uncle Bob” is probably not the best choice to

The most-used motorcycle training curriculum used throughout New England, the Northeast and across the country is the one provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). The MSF’s Basic Rider Course (BRC) has been the entry point to motorcycling for many, many riders. The MSF uses

There is no reason to put the bike away just because the temperature drops. Even in New England, you can find many all-year riders. Their secret is to prepare. Riding unprepared means prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, which can lead to

Several years ago during introductions in a beginning rider course a student mentioned that he was hoping to learn how to lay a bike down to avoid a crash. My response was

There are many activities where the use of hearing protection is now standard practice. It has been prevalent for construction and factory workers for years as well as required for those who participate in target shooting at an organized club or range. Lawn and tree care professionals and many homeowners …

Over the winter there was a bit of Internet discussion regarding a report published in August 2014 by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) titled “Effective Strategies for Motorcycle Stops.” NHSTA felt there was a need for

The winter is slowly beginning to depart. You’re anxious to be able to get out for the first ride. It may have been six months since the last time you rode, so for this edition of Safe Riding let’s consider a simple, three-part preparation checklist: Bike, gear, and attitude. Some …

Motorcycle riding is mostly a solo (or solo and pillion) activity. However, when we ride in a group of two or more motorcycles, the other riders can have positive or negative effect on each other’s overall experience. Not too long ago I was reading a lengthy online discussion among touring …

I can see clearly now…. Let’s face it – motorcycles can be difficult to see in traffic. They have a very narrow profile compared to all other vehicles and are a fraction of the size of a typical automobile. Even alert drivers might miss seeing a motorcycle depending on their …

Engine braking is the phenomena experienced whenever a rider rolls off the throttle and the motorcycle slows down due to the resistance provided by the engine and transmission. The affect is enhanced by changing to a lower gear. Prior to the downshift the wheels, engine, and transmission have a matched …

It seems more people use motorcycles and scooters in an effort to reduce personal transportation costs when gas prices rise. Some smaller-engine motorcycles and scooters can get 60-70 mpg or better. The under-50cc mopeds can reach or exceed an impressive 100 mpg. Mopeds are also gaining in popularity, but I’m …

Mixing smart phones and motorcycling is dangerous, but how about if there was a way to use one when not riding to improve your riding skills and knowledge? The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recently announced courses for