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Copyright © 2000 by M. Hilton Taylor. All Rights Reserved by T.A.M.S. It ain’t rocket science . . . is it. |
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You are in a high risk motorcycle class of riders. I read with interest the article in a leading newspaper concerning the number of deaths occurring to the over 40 group riding on motorcycles. Being a part of that group, because of years, has given me many years of riding experience and there is still a lot I do not know. I do have a few observations about the subject. The over-40 group is fast becoming the largest group of motorcycle riders because of the high cost of the large motorcycles; they are the ones that can afford to purchase them. The bikes they are riding today are much more sophisticated, have larger displacement engines, and do not drive like automobiles. While I do not have a large database of statistics, I do have large database of observations. Here are some of the things I have discovered from my years of riding and I believe will assist the over-40 group to become better riders rather than becoming a statistic. First and foremost age does not make you more cautious or more capable to be safe. What does is the ability to be observant and have practiced riding skills. A lot of riders today ride infrequently and this does not allow them to keep up their skills. This is true of any activity we are involved in. Newer riders or returning riders need time to hone their riding skills and riding a large motorcycle with more horsepower only makes it more difficult. Being able to lift up a motorcycle and ride down the road does not make you a skilled rider. Controlling a small motorcycle in an emergency situation is much easier than trying to control a heavier bike. Heavier bikes are less maneuverable and require more distance to stop in most cases. Never ride faster than you can stop. The next important skill new and returning rider’s face is being able to quickly recognize the potential dangers that present themselves. Most of us will drive through an intersection in our cars and pay little attention to cars either turning or approaching a stop sign from a side road. On a bike this becomes a different situation and the potential for damage is much greater than a bent fender. If you have not been riding for a while you may not be aware or recognize the danger until it is too late. You have to be able to anticipate situations and determine possible escape routes quickly. These skills are developed by training, experience and seat time; after all you would not consider stepping into the ring with a professional boxer because you own gloves . . . would you? Distractions are another cause for possible single vehicle accidents. Looking off in a car may cause you to run on to the shoulder of the road and recovery is relatively easy. Run off on a motorcycle and you may not recover. Newer motorcycles are in many cases, especially the tour bikes, very comfortable, smooth riding, and have more gadgets than an amusement park game room. Following a GPS while trying to find a good radio station and have a cool drink of water can be distracting. It is sometimes difficult to realize how fast you are riding and this can get you in trouble. Never ride faster than you can stop. Many riders have gone down in turns where they thought they were going to fast to negotiate the turn and they panicked. They either braked too hard causing a high side or ran off of the road because they were looking there. Anytime you find yourself feeling like you are going into a turn too fast, follow some simple rules. Look to the inside of the corner and keep pushing the inside handlebar more into the turn. Most of the time the bike is capable of making the turn at the speed we are riding, because most people will never ride a motorcycle to its full capabilities. The worst that will happen if the speed is too fast for the bike is you will more than likely low slide (slide out) and hit the ground easier than being thrown from a high side. The injury from a low side will almost always be less than the injuries you may get from a high side. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people riding wearing a tank top, shorts, sneakers and a skid lid. Welcome to “Road Rash 101”. This again is a lot of the over-40 group that are used to wearing that attire when they are riding around in their convertibles or on that scooter they rented at the beach. They are after all older and more careful. When you ride, at the minimum you need a good DOT helmet, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a good pair of over-the-ankle leather boots. At least if you do go down you have a chance to survive. You do not need a law to tell you to wear a helmet and your head will appreciate it. And lastly, it does not matter how long you have been riding or if you are over 40, you are still not immune from making mistakes. You still must keep up your riding skills and practicing them only makes you a better rider. Be aware, ride in a controlled manner, learn your motorcycles capabilities, practice for emergencies, and don’t let your ego put you on something you can’t safely handle. Don’t let your ego or peer pressure make you ride beyond your skill level. Know your skill level? It will always be better to look stupid being safe than to look cool being stupid. Being over 40 will not matter unless you let your money and your ego buy you a situation you can’t survive. Buy wisely and remember you are never too old to learn or go to school. If you think this does not apply to you then you may want to consider a nice convertible . . . your life may depend on it.
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