5 Ways You Can Make the Most Out of Having a Motorcycle

If every motorcyclist wore safety gear, there would be fewer injuries. Still, nine million or more riders take to the road to reach work, get to school, or just to have fun. Motorcycles offer fuel efficiency, convenience, and off-road adventures.

Even the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) says, “If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. You understand the exhilaration of cruising the open road and the challenge of controlling a motorcycle.”

But what if you could have more fun? There are simple and affordable ways to maximize your cycling experience.

5 ways to make the most of your cycle:

1. Pack it well! Bikes only have so much room to store your gear. You’ll need a tank bag with a real capacity for all your stuff and helmet, too. The best ones hold to your tank with strong magnets and non-scratch rainproof material. Cradle your helmet and open the shoulder straps, and you have a convenient backpack to secure and carry your valuables with you. 
2. Be prepared! Your machine will break down sooner or later; the tires will go flat at the most inconvenient times. But you can handle it all by shopping for compact all-purpose tools. You can find an entire toolkit in a handheld device that will fit in your saddlebag, a single gadget with hex, socket, and open-end wrenches. While you’re at it, you should throw in a tire and tube repair kit, enough to patch the problem until you can reach a garage.
3. Tune in! The quietest motorcycles can make listening to music and phone calls difficult. But there are top-quality ways you can enjoy your music and communicate on the road. You can find a variety of top of the line motorcycle speakers at prices you can afford. Brands like BOSS, JBL, GoldenHawk, and more offer handlebar and Bluetooth sound and communication systems.
4. Light up! Accidents can come from behind. But you can find a Bluetooth transmitter to a pliable brake light that mounts on the back of your helmet, jacket, or bike. The extra LED illumination doubles and triples your protection when you apply the brakes.
5. See it all! Bike riders wear goggles if they want to protect their eyes. What you need are “glasses” that protect against road debris, insects, wind, and sun rays. You want anti fog, light adaptive, and shatterproof lenses with a comfortable fit and adjustable straps.

Getting the most of cycling!

Consumer Reports notes, “A recent study by the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research found that in collisions involving a motorcycle and a car, car drivers were at fault 60 percent of the time.” But that provides little comfort if you aren’t outfitted well or driving defensively.

But once you have taken care of these basics, you can still optimize your motorcycle fun. GPS monitoring, smartphone accessibility, and entertainment and communication technology keep you safer and more connected.