The Allstate Blog » Motorcycle Safety

Get Your Motorcycle Road Ready: Make Your First Ride of the Season a Great One

Brendan — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:56:54 +0000

With daffodils blooming and spring arriving in many parts of the United States, American motorcyclists are getting ready to roll. Before you embark on your first motorcycle ride of the season, whether it’s simply a ride to a barbecue or a two-day road trip, sprucing up your bike will make it shine, but even more important, help to assure your safety before your ride.

Bathe Your Beauty

Start your bike's spring season with a thorough cleaning. Even if you covered your bike and stored it inside during the off-season, dust, bugs or other debris can potentially decrease performance or scratch paint. You want your bike to shine on your first ride. After cleaning your motorcycle, apply a good spray cleaner and polish designed for bikes, and ensure your chrome is shining, as well. Make sure you remove all chrome cleaner deposits from your pipes, because exhaust heat and chrome cleaner residue will leave your pipes cloudy.

Is the Gas Still Good?

Especially when your bike has been in storage for more than a couple of months, it is important to check any fuel that remained in the bike while it was stored. After opening the bike's filler cap, visually ensure that the fuel is clean and its consistency has not changed. If there is any question about the quality of the fuel, drain the fuel tank, fuel lines and carburetor before starting the engine to avoid costly repairs.

Rubber to the Road

Inspect both tires for holes, cracks, misshapen areas or foreign objects. Once you ensure that your tires are in good shape, check air pressure and add air, if needed. If you notice any damage to the tires, transport your bike to a repair location. Do not attempt to ride a bike with questionable tires – a blowout could be devastating.

Greasing the Gears

Even if you changed your bike's oil before putting it in storage, check its level and quality. Consider changing your oil and filter as part of a general service check pre-ride. Most shops complete a general safety inspection with an oil change, and with that behind you, you can ride more securely.

All Revved Up

If you trickle-charged your battery during storage, it should be ready to go. If not, make sure your battery is fully charged and reliable before depending on it for your first ride. Whether charged or not, check your battery for signs of wear and clean off any corrosion.

Once Around the Neighborhood

After completing your inspection, take a test run on your bike. A steady but short ride near your home or storage unit allows fluids to circulate, ensures the battery is holding a charge and alerts you to any unaddressed issues such as a rough idle or other potential problem. Carefully test all your bike's moving parts, fluids and electronics. Make sure everything is topped off, moving smoothly, and working properly. Repair any cracks or leaks, replace burned-out bulbs and lubricate where needed to avoid jams. If the test run goes well, strap on your safety equipment and enjoy the season!

A Beginner’s Guide to the Types of Motorcycles

Melissa — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:00:17 +0000

If you’ve ever pictured yourself astride a motorcycle, cruising along a wide-open highway in gorgeous weather to the infectious groove of Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild,” you’ve no doubt longed to taste the freedom known by all dedicated motorcycling enthusiasts. But, you don’t necessarily have to be a romantic to want to ride a motorcycle. Many people do it simply as a way to save money on gas. Whatever your reason, if you’re interested in buying a motorcycle but you’ve never ridden one before, you’re probably not sure where to begin your search. If so, rest assured. We’ve got some helpful information that’ll help cut out some of the necessary research on the various kinds of bikes there are out there.

The Three Types of Motorcycles

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, there are three distinct types of motorcycles: street bikes, dual-purpose bikes and off-road bikes. From there, you can branch out into a bunch of different subcategories that will help you identify the exact type of motorcycle that fits what you’ve got in mind for your two-wheeling fun. Street motorcycles are specifically designed with paved roads in mind and have the widest variety of body styles. Touring motorcycles are the biggest of the lot. You’ve no doubt seen many of these ambling along the roadways, and you can tell them right away by their practical accessories, such as wind screens that help cut back on aerodynamic drag and large storage compartments. Touring motorcycles usually come with bigger gas tanks that enable riders to go long distances between fueling up. Their seats usually offer a relaxed, upright-sitting orientation that’s also conducive to riding longer distances. Cruiser motorcycles are the kind most often associated with custom bikes and high-profile brands like Harley Davidson and old-school Indian styles. As a result of their design, which situates the rider in a low position with arms outstretched to reach the handlebars, they’re known for being a bit more difficult to handle than the average motorcycle and may not be the right choice for an absolute beginner. Sport motorcycles are sometimes also referred to as “crotch rockets” or “sport bikes” because they’re capable of achieving high speeds in very little time and distance. They also rank high in ease of handling and braking, but aren’t known for maximum comfort or optimum fuel efficiency. If you’re in it for the thrill, this could be your ideal ride. But, if safety is at the top of your list of concerns, you may want to keep reading. Standard motorcycles are pretty much your barebones, basic kind of street bike. Standards usually do not come with fairings or windscreens, offering the basic needs for the novice rider. They’re known for being relatively low-cost and versatile, and are usually the most highly recommended style of motorcycle for beginners because they blend comfort with practicality. Scooters usually have smaller engines and aren’t capable of achieving the high speeds that most other bikes. Not recommended for highway use, a scooter is your best choice for achieving maximum fuel efficiency and for getting around from one end of town to another conveniently. Their small size can also save you a few headaches when it comes to finding parking. Dual-purpose motorcycles are made specifically for the rider who wants the best of both worlds: to be able to take his or her bike off road, but to also have some of the necessary safety features associated with street motorcycles. Dual-purpose bikes usually look like off-roaders, but they come with horns, headlights, turn signals and side-view mirrors that make them road-legal. They also have fairings, those fiberglass shells on bikes, for aerodynamics and protection for the rider against the engine block and other moving parts. If you’ve got a mix of street riding and off-roading you’d like to get done, this could be your perfect match. Off-road motorcycles were made for those seeking a more adventurous experience not available on paved streets and highways. This includes activities like recreational off-road trail riding, Motocross competitive racing and trials competitions where riders make their way through various obstacle courses. If you’re just getting your start and you’re looking for a vehicle that’ll deliver a mix of good, muddy fun, finding an off-roader will fit that bill perfectly. Motorcycles can be fun and incredibly efficient machines. Once you’ve made your choice, be sure to enroll in a motorcycle safety training course so you’ll know exactly how to handle yourself behind the handlebars.

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A Racer’s Guide to Avoiding Accidents

Sean — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:00:49 +0000

Fender-benders – and worse — are common in the world of racing. It is not unusual to see racers “trading paint” now and then as competitors jockey for position. And doing the “bump” is sometimes part of the art of passing, especially in short track racing. But even the most skillful racers know that they are taking a risk when they hit another vehicle. Avoiding contact is almost always the best policy for even the most aggressive race driver because he could get the worst of the wreck he triggers. That’s why Tim O’Neil, who teaches road rally driving for Ford Racing, emphasizes techniques that will help race drivers — and ordinary street drivers — avoid crashes. Even the average drivers commuting to and from work, picking up the kids or traveling to the big football game can learn a few tips that will keep the integrity of their vehicles intact. Here’s what he suggests to help achieve safer, smarter driving:

Watch the weather

Before you leave the garage or the parking lot, get a weather report. If there has been a change in temperature, you can almost always count on encountering some lousy driving conditions. Adjust your route and give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going safely. If your windshield is freezing, turn off the wipers and turn on the defroster. Drive cautiously and patiently.

Have a Plan B

If the route you usually take involves traversing an area where there are frequent accidents, look for a way around the problem spot. There is almost always an alternative route. If you absolutely can’t avoid the problem area, look for a way to stay out of the fray.

If you get stuck in an unexpected tough spot, look for a way out

Ask yourself some what-ifs. What if the driver in front of you slams on his brakes? How will you respond? What if a deer jumps out in front of you? Where will you go? If you plan what you would do, when and if the problem happens, you’ll respond automatically.

Try not to freeze

Many accidents happen because inexperienced drivers waste the seconds between seeing a problem – for instance, a car that pulls out in front of them — and doing something to avoid it. Practice reacting to tough situations. The trick is to keep your eyes on where you want to go, not on what you want to avoid hitting. The car will go where your eyes go. Consider building your skills and confidence by using a simulator. Computer games aren’t just for kids.

Don’t fly over the top of a hill

Lots of accidents happen in hilly areas when a driver is giving it all he’s got going up a hill. When the car hits the peak, the driver is unable to see what’s on the other side, but the car starts down the hill anyway, still going top speed. Or, the driver hits the brakes when heading down the other side and loses control. A better approach is to slow down as you crest the hill and see what’s ahead of you. If there are impediments, like slow traffic or slippery road conditions, don’t just rely on the brake. Shift the vehicle into a lower gear if you're traveling at a lower speed – even if you are driving an automatic.

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel

Too many people drive when they are distracted, stressed out and not paying attention to what’s going on around them. Don’t be that driver.

When all else fails

Sometimes you just can’t avoid a fender-bender. Make sure that when you are behind the wheel, you always carry your driver’s license, registration and your insurance card.

All You Need to Know About Solar Storms

The Storm Crew — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:00:19 +0000

Six million Canadians mysteriously found themselves without power for more than nine hours on March 13, 1989. The cause? A surprise storm from outer space. That’s right; a powerful geomagnetic storm disrupted Hydro Quebec’s electric power transmission grid. Effects from the space storm even melted transformers as far south asNew Jersey. In our technology-dependent society, space weather can have a serious and direct impact on our daily lives. While power outages due to space weather are rare events, it’s possible that a widespread outage, like the 1989 Canadian outage, could easily occur again with even more serious consequences. Power and communication disruptions could cripple computer systems, telephone systems, satellite networks and GPS-dependent services. Planes couldn’t fly, phones would stop working, gas stations couldn’t pump fuel, and credit cards and debit cards would be rendered useless. Is extreme space weather a serious threat? Mike Hapgood, a space weather scientist at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory nearOxford,England, says yes. Hapgood says minor geomagnetic storms are a periodic – and insignificant – occurrence. Much of our planet’s electronic equipment and orbiting satellites are built to withstand these storms. But a major coronal mass ejection (a large solar flare) could cause a serious geomagnetic storm that disrupts our power grid and communication system.

There’s a 12 percent chance that a serious space weather storm could happen in the next decade. --Space Weather, online journal published by the American Geophysical Union

Depending on where you live, a hurricane, tornado or earthquake may seem far more likely to impact your daily life than a space storm. After all, a recent flare-up of solar activity in March led to lots of media coverage, but no real problems. According to Hapgood, that’s because March’s solar activity was due to solar flares, rather than a coronal mass ejection. So, what’s the difference? Think of a large solar flare as a heavy rainstorm. Sure, there may be some flash flooding, but any real damage is minimal. A coronal mass ejection, however, is like a Category 5 hurricane bearing straight down on your house. That’s never good news! Coronal mass ejections occur when the sun’s magnetic field disrupts the sun’s atmosphere, sending an ejection of charged particles into space. If this hurricane of particles hits Earth, it can overload the electrical grid and disrupt the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Should you prepare for space weather? Absolutely. Effects of solar storms, including the loss of communication technology and electricity, could cripple our country for several days or even weeks until power is fully restored. Fortunately, preparing for space weather is similar to preparing for other natural disasters. FEMA recommends all families make an emergency kit and a family communications plan. Keep in mind that you may be unable to use your debit card or credit card and that fuel pumps may not work. I always keep a small stash of emergency cash on hand and at least half a tank of fuel in my car. A car phone charger or solar-powered charger can keep your phone powered until electricity is restored.

Help! My Daughter’s Dating a Motorcyclist!

Michelle — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:00:14 +0000

“Help! My daughter’s dating a motorcyclist!” At least, that’s what my mom said when I brought home my first high-school boyfriend, who happened to own a sweet Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. As a parent, allowing your daughter or son to start dating can be a nerve-wracking experience and when you add the open road to that equation – well, I can only imagine what was going through my mom’s head. Of course, she never let me ride his motorcycle, which might be the reason I have my own motorcycle today. But if I ever had a daughter, I would have to strongly consider letting her ride on her boyfriend’s motorcycle. I know a lot about motorcycle safety, but does he? I would ask him the following questions before letting her out on the open road:

How long have you been riding your motorcycle?

Riding with a passenger requires significantly more skill than riding solo. Not only is the bike heavier, but the weight is also distributed differently. This means that the bike won’t steer as nimbly or brake as quickly over a short distance. A new motorcycle rider will not yet have the experience to understand these dynamics. Ideally, the motorcycle rider will have at least six months to one year of experience as a solo rider. Even if he grew up riding dirt bikes, he should also have completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training course and have a motorcycle endorsement on his license. The vast majority of motorcycle accidents involve riders that don’t have a motorcycle endorsement on their license. If he doesn’t have one, that’s a huge red flag.

Do you have insurance?

The answer to this simple question says a lot about the driver’s commitment level. If he’s serious about riding, he will also be responsible enough to have motorcycle insurance. If he’s 21 or older, be sure to ask if he ever drinks and rides. Riding a motorcycle requires complete alertness and at all times. Motorcycles and alcohol—even if it’s just one beer —never mix.

Do you have riding gear?

In addition to always wearing a helmet, both the rider and passenger will want to invest in a gloves and a motorcycle jacket. Motorcycle jackets are designed to protect the rider in the event of a fall. Closed-toe boots are also a must. Never wear shoes with loose laces that could cause a crash by becoming caught in the rear wheel. I would insist that my future daughter wear the special riding gear that she would need to be safe on his bike, including a helmet specifically sized for her head. Never get on a bike without a helmet that fits your head. Helmets that are too large can easily fall off or shift position during an accident, which means they won’t protect your head. Sure, I don’t have a daughter now, but asking these questions of any potential motorcyclist before hopping on the back of his or her Harley will ensure that you’re making the safest decision either for you, or your kids.

Part of the Pack or Lone Wolf: Riding Your Way

Erick — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:06:34 +0000

Riding motorcycles can be one of life’s greatest adventures. It’s about personal freedom, exploring new places and having fun. The best part about motorcycling is that no matter what type of riding you do, whether with other people or by yourself, you can’t go wrong. And since May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, there’s no better time to discuss safety implications and pros and cons of riding alone or with a group. Deciding what’s best for you is a matter of understanding the differences and knowing what to expect. Group riding encompasses everything from formal, highly organized and structured rides to less formal or loosely structured events among friends. Riding as a group for a particular cause, such as a cancer run or a fundraiser for a charity, are good examples. These events are often advertised in the local media and include fun activities and prizes as incentives for riders to participate. Informal group riding usually consists of a group of friends or acquaintances who get out and ride together to a particular destination. These rides are less organized than the other types of group riding, but there has to be enough structure in place to get everyone to the destination safely. Speaking of safety, check out the video below in support of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month:

Safety in Numbers

By far, one of the best aspects of group riding is the camaraderie experienced between participants. Group riding [link to external page] can be lively and energetic. You are out on your bike, surrounded by like-minded people, seeing the same stretches of road, and often stopping to take fun photographs of each other, the bikes and the scenery. Group riding also tends to be safer. A large pack of riders is easier to see than a solo rider. You are with multiple people and at least one of them will notice if you forgot to secure a saddle bag or if your taillight suddenly stops working. And, if a bike actually breaks down on a group ride, there are plenty of people to help. You’d be surprised at how many riders get back on the road with a well-placed strip of duct tape that came from a buddy’s saddle bag. The challenges of riding in a group center around having little control over your experience. You don’t set the pace of the ride or the route, and the pace might be above or below your skill or comfort level. In addition, motorcyclists new to group riding are often leery of riding in formation, which is required. It all depends on the group holding the event as to the formation chosen (staggered or side-by-side), but bikes are often much closer together than most people are comfortable with. Plus, riders have to make a concerted effort to control the gap between themselves and the bike in front so the group doesn’t get split up by cars.

Lone Wolf

Solo riding, on the other hand, is all about you: the destination and routes you’ve chosen, the pace at which you’ll ride, the stops you’ll make and how you want to divide your day. You ride at your skill and comfort level and don’t have to consider other people’s needs or abilities. You have total freedom and control over your experience.

You end up taking lots of photos of the scenery and your bike against the scenery, but you aren’t in the photos. Plus, there is no one to talk to at gas and rest stops.

The biggest drawback to riding solo is of course, that as the lone wolf, you are out there alone. You end up taking lots of photos of the scenery and your bike against the scenery, but you aren’t in the photos. Plus, there is no one to talk to at gas and rest stops. And, as mentioned, solo riders are usually less visible to motorists. Lastly, if something happens to your bike, you have to rely on your own wits and tools to get yourself out of the situation. Whether you ride in a pack for a fundraiser, with a small group of friends on a sunny Saturday, or simply like to go it alone, motorcycle riding can perfectly accommodate virtually any taste. Knowing the dynamics of group versus solo riding will help you decide how you like to ride. How do you like to ride? Share below.

Bikers: Born to Be Wild, But Safe [VIDEO]

Brendan — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:06:34 +0000

Episode 3 of The UnReal Adventures of Ted and Traci finds our clumsy couple leaving their home behind in favor of the open road. But thanks to some creative tinkering, they don't have to miss their favorite shows while on a motorcycle getaway. As it turns out, maybe bolting on the big-screen TV wasn't such a good idea. See how Ted and Traci learn the value of motorcycle rider safety in this week's episode. Check out all episodes of this web series (new episodes added weekly): Trailer - The UnReal Adventures of Ted & Traci Episode 1 - Om on the Road Episode 2 - Up in Smoke Episode 4 – Stranded Episode 5 - Grillmeister Episode 6 - Staycation Transcript: ‘Supercharged’ Ted: It’s great having you join me on the open road! Traci: Yeah, who needs a DVR? I love getting back to nature without having to miss our favorite shows! Oh no, Ted – a deer! Ted: I love you, too, dear. Traci: No, Ted – A DEER! Watch out!!! Ted: I guess we should have stuck with cable… Voiceover: Keep the rubber on the road. Connect with me on Google+ or follow me on Twitter

Drive Safer by Increasing Awareness of Motorcyclists [INFOGRAPHIC]

Erick — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:06:34 +0000

Drivers of cars, trucks and vans are conditioned to look for other large vehicles on the road, especially when changing lanes and making turns. But with so many motorcycles on the road, especially in the summer months, drivers must pay extra attention to be aware of riders on two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycles are obviously smaller, faster and offer the rider much less protection than a car, truck or van, and this infographic below details some common rules by which both riders and drivers can abide to help improve the safety of our roads.

[click the image below to enlarge]

Riders: Protective Gear is Good

Erick — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:04:07 +0000

It would be crazy to hit the ski slopes without the proper apparel or sky dive without a parachute, right? The funny thing is that people do something just as risky when they head out on a motorcycle with little or no protective gear. They arm themselves with just a thin layer of clothing, no head protection and inappropriate footwear. Instead of limiting enjoyment, proper gear can actually add to your riding comfort and of course, prolong your life. As tempting as it might be to wear minimal or no gear at all while out on a motorcycle--especially in warmer weather--it’s a bad idea. Motorcyclists are exposed to all kinds of road debris. Anything hard that falls off of a truck or blows in from open spaces ends up on our roads. Those items get kicked up by passing vehicles, often headed straight at motorcyclists. If you are wearing protective gear, the impact of a stray rock, a stinging insect or something more sinister like sliding across asphalt, is much less than it would be if not protected. And, your gear also keeps you from getting too much sun exposure by facilitating your body’s natural process of sweat evaporation to prevent heat exhaustion. In hot weather, the answer is to wear more gear, expose less of your skin to the sun and wind, and allow your body’s built-in cooling system to work its magic. It doesn’t take very long for a rider to experience heat-related illness, especially if they have not hydrated well that day.

Instead of limiting enjoyment, proper gear can actually add to your riding comfort and of course, prolong your life.

Statistics vary widely on how much protective gear actually helps riders, but the simple fact is that having protective gear on increases your odds of walking away from a crash with fewer, less-serious injuries. And, instead of being distracted by riding conditions, protective gear can aid concentration on defensive riding skills. Today’s motorcycle riding gear is state-of-the-art and made from light-weight materials designed to take the brunt of anything that comes your way. In addition to leather products, bikers can now get gear made of Kevlar, ballistic nylon or a hybrid of leather and nylon. The best riding gear comes with body armor--thick pads sewn into the elbows, shoulders, kidney area, spine, knees, and in some cases, hips.

What is considered the minimum amount of safe motorcycle gear?

Most experts would suggest a heavy jacket made from cow hide, Kevlar or ballistic nylon, riding pants or chaps made from cow hide or nylon, full-finger riding gloves, over-the-ankle leather boots, eye protection, and a DOT-certified helmet. Also important are ear plugs, sunscreen and drinking water. While these last three items are not what most people would consider standard protective gear, they are important to your safety. Some people ride their motorcycle with very little between themselves and a sea of hard, sharp, fast-moving objects. This is not recommended. Proper motorcycle safety gear is there as a buffer between you and the environment in which you ride. Without a protective steel cage, your best chance at emerging from a motorcycle accident with minimal injuries is to fully gear up every time you ride. Pick up some quality gear and ride easy knowing that you’ve improved your odds out there. Check out the Allstate Motorcycle Facebook page for more on motorcycles.

5 Ways to Ensure Proper Helmet Fit

Erick — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:04:30 +0000

Many consider a motorcycle helmet to be the single most important piece of riding gear you’ll ever purchase, and, regardless of your state’s laws, you may want to consider wearing it every time you ride your motorcycle. A motorcycle helmet is specially designed to reduce injury in the event of a crash, but like any other piece of specialized equipment, it only works when used correctly. Surprisingly, many motorcyclists on the road are wearing incorrectly fitted helmets. Not only will an improperly sized helmet affect the comfort of your ride, but a helmet that is too large or too small may be ineffective in doing what a helmet is designed to do: save you from serious injury in the event of a crash. Only a properly sized, properly fitted and properly worn helmet will be able to perform as intended, so make sure to follow these steps when buying your next helmet.

Measure your head Using a cloth measuring tape, measure your head around its largest circumference, about one inch above your eyebrows and just above your ears. Take several measurements to get an average. Write down this number and take it with you when you go to try on helmets. Use this number as a starting point only as every helmet is shaped differently and not all manufacturers’ size guides match.
Try on the helmet Once at the retailer, select a helmet based on the size recommendation for your head measurements. If your head size falls exactly between two sizes, start with the larger of the two. Place the helmet on your head and securely tighten the strap.
The visual check Using a mirror, ensure that your eyes are the center of the visor opening. The edge of the forehead padding should be just above your eyebrows. Look for gaps between the cheek pads and your cheeks, the side pads and your temples, and feel the back of the helmet to make sure it’s in contact with the back of your neck.
Move the helmet A properly sized helmet will fit snug enough to cause your skin to move with the helmet. A helmet that is too loose may come off in the event of a crash, but a helmet that is too tight may cause increasing discomfort as it is worn. Grab the helmet with a hand on either side and attempt to rotate the helmet side to side. With your thumbs, attempt to lift the helmet straight up off of your head. If the helmet moves easily during either test, it is too large. Try to push the chin bar to your chin. The front of the helmet should not touch your nose or chin. Finally, place your thumbs at the back of the helmet and attempt to roll the helmet forward off of your head. If the helmet comes off, try one size smaller.
Wear the helmet Once you’ve determined the proper size of your helmet, fasten it securely and wear it around the store. Note any excessive tightness or increasing discomfort. Take this time to familiarize yourself with the features of the helmet such as the locations of the vent switches. After 30 minutes, remove your helmet and look for any red marks on your face and head that may indicate pressure points.

Once you’re satisfied with the comfort and style of your helmet, make your purchase, confident that your new, properly fitted helmet will provide you with all the protection for which it was designed.