[OldKid]

I know many of you have had motorcycles for years. However, my impression is that a few of us are just getting into, or back into motorcycling after being away for it for some time. (In my case, 40 years.) Recently I asked," what tools do you carry in your saddlebag?", and gained a lot of good information. Between that post, and @Bigfoot 's trouble with tow trucks, that has lead to another "newbie" question.

If you're going to ride a motorcycle, then you need to…know about, buy, have, go to, avoid, learn to, don't ever...??? (fill in the blank). What's your best words of wisdom? and/or What's the experience where you look back now an say, I wish I knew...?

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Etroze86]

Learn to reset your trip so you don't run out of fuel lol.

 

[Jasperboy]

Here is a small list of things I'm glad I have with me at all times:
Paper maps of any state I'm traveling in. GPS could crap out, phone could break or get lost, etc... Maps would at least get me back to civilization.
Small tool kit of at least the allen keys, wrenches, screw drivers, duct tape and zip ties, slime tire inflator, etc... Enough to limp me back to civilization.
Small first aid kit, asprin, band aids, antibitotic cream and clean gauze pads. Enough for some triage awaiting other help.
Some form of rain gear, even if it is just a poncho to wear while standing under a bridge or tree.
Some form of towing insurance. I have AAA RV that covers both our travel trailer and the bike. Sure there are other options that are MC only but if ever needed it would be worth the cost many times over.
Extra $50.00 tucked away in just in case
Extra phone charger and copies of drivers licence and insurance cards in case I lost/misplaced or had wallet stolen.
Extra key someplace secure and only accessible by me.

Sure others will be along with better suggestions but the Boy Scout in me likes to be prepared.

 

[Old-Gramps]

What he said....... And remember before hopping off to put the side stand down....... And lots of other good things like that!!!!!!!

 

[Ghostrider25]

Here is a small list of things I'm glad I have with me at all times:
Paper maps of any state I'm traveling in. GPS could crap out, phone could break or get lost, etc... Maps would at least get me back to civilization.
Small tool kit of at least the allen keys, wrenches, screw drivers, duct tape and zip ties, slime tire inflator, etc... Enough to limp me back to civilization.
Small first aid kit, asprin, band aids, antibitotic cream and clean gauze pads. Enough for some triage awaiting other help.
Some form of rain gear, even if it is just a poncho to wear while standing under a bridge or tree.
Some form of towing insurance. I have AAA RV that covers both our travel trailer and the bike. Sure there are other options that are MC only but if ever needed it would be worth the cost many times over.
Extra $50.00 tucked away in just in case
Extra phone charger and copies of drivers licence and insurance cards in case I lost/misplaced or had wallet stolen.
Extra key someplace secure and only accessible by me.

Sure others will be along with better suggestions but the Boy Scout in me likes to be prepared.

I like this. Things that have served me well are also -

- Service your tires often. Check pressures, check condition. Neglect of one's tires can have catastrophic consequences.
- Do a quick pre-ride walk-around before you saddle up. That hydraulic line that is about to leak, that cable that is about to snap, that fender that is about to fall off (some of you know what I'm talkin about here!) - these can all be discovered if you do a walk-around first. Just a thought, but I do it.
- Practice. I know, sounds stupid, but - the empty parking lot on the weekends is your friend. U-turns, slow speed maneuvers, Panic braking - perfect parking lot sessions. I still do this too.
- Cover the front brake whenever practical. That second saved by not having to reach for it could save your life.

 

[Poseidon]

Download a copy of the service manual to your phone. It doesn't do you any good at home when you are out on a ride and a problem arises.

 

[DSmith]

Learn to ride the thing so you don't look like a duck billed platypus coming in for a landing every time you ride slow.

 

[Old-Gramps]

How does one manage to have 7 bikes and be riding all of them currently.... Just asking.....

 

[CCTRudy]

Half roll of electrical tape and a small strip of epoxy.

 

[datastream]

What he said....... And remember before hopping off to put the side stand down....... And lots of other good things like that!!!!!!!

Been there, done that. I dont think I have ever been that mad before in my life.

 

[VicVisionBulldog]

Look where you want to go.

 

[tyrfryr]

Have....beef stick and/or jerky, deck of cards, water. Don't ever.....get fuel where the transport truck is dropping his load!

 

[Kingpin007]

Wear good protective gear including a helmet.

 

[primethious]

If your traveling GPS is gold!
Stay on top of oil changes, and other maintenance upkeeps.
Having a Save ur ride is cheap insurance for a trip.
Keep a pullover or light coat in one of your bags.

 

[lou8700]

Ride like you are invisible.

 

[OnTheHook]

All the brakes, all the time! Using the front and back brakes together, as a reflex. When you get into some *hit, your body will respond in its normal way way for at least 3/4's of a second. Use both brakes man, could save your life
And what Lou8700 said!

 

[poppamark]

If you have been out of riding for a long time the number 1 important thing is take a motorcycle refresher course. It may well save your life.

 

[Half_Crazy]

This is the big one...
PLAN AHEAD.

Don't ride in a box. Keep your head up and your focus WAY out in front of you.

Read this:
http://files.meetup.com/1510087/A+Twist+of+the+Wrist+II.pdf

 

[greaserman]

If you like back roads, keep a roll of toilet paper in your saddle bag.

you never know when nature will call............

 

[Oldman47]

Start out by getting your head in the game before the ignition gets turned on. There are old bikers and there are bold bikers but there are not many old, bold bikers.