A motorcycle is a dangerous machine in a world full of silent electric cars. Nothing can compare to the slow rumble of an old Harley on a cold winter morning or a Yamaha racing at fast speeds down a highway. Riding a motorcycle is a modern-day equivalent of horseback riding with a suit of armor in medieval times. The power might have changed, but the speed, sensation, and danger of death remain the same. Motorcycle drivers are 28 times more likely to die in a fatal accident. The majority of crashes are between the ages of 25-29. In 2023, there were 6.34k deaths. A big cause of fatal crashes is lane splitting, where they split the space between cars, which is already a tight space.
There are ways to lower the chances of death or major injury, like broken bones or paralysis. For example, wearing the correct gear, such as a full-face shock-absorbent helmet with a clear visor, ensures clear vision. Pants made of a durable material like denim or thick pants, and a long-sleeve leather jacket with padded elbows. Steel-toed boots are the next safe bet since you have to lean the bike to make it turn, and there’s a chance that if your foot touches the ground at whatever speed you’re going, you may crash and rip your toes clean off your foot. Gloves are similar in priority, if not more, because you have to use your hands to control the bike.
Additionally, an entry-level bike is highly recommended, such as a Honda Rebel 500 or a Ninja 400, if you’re a fan of sport bikes. The big things to look at are the center of gravity, the weight, and CC’s. CC means cubic centimeter. A bike with an abundance of CC’s or a big engine is a high-speed bike. A good speed for beginners is at least 500 CC’s. I understand high-speed racing is fun, but most people who are riding high-speed bikes are highly experienced riders. If you’re buying a used bike, you want to look for rust and any leakage, as well as the sound of the bike. If it hasn’t been ridden in a long time, it should sound sluggish.
As a review of safety gear, every rider should have. A high-end helmet for the most protection, steel-towed boots and gloves, sturdy pants, and a durable jacket, preferably leather or one with padded joints. Some people think that mirrors will be good enough to check behind you, but they really are not. I would recommend using your neck to check behind, as you will be able to see better behind you than in a possibly fogged-up mirror.
Motorcycle safety is of the utmost importance and can reduce deaths by up to 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. So, be sure to stay safe and wear your protective gear when on the road!
