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Tips for a safe motorcycling autumn season

By Arv Voss MOTOR MATTERS | Friday, October 10, 2008

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Whether you're planning on taking off to participate in one of the major motorcycle rallies here or abroad, or you just plan to cruise close to home, it never hurts to review issues concerning riding safety. Check things like riding gear for potential problems, give your motorcycle or scooter a thorough going over and proper service, and review safe riding practices.

Pete Boccarossa, a Nationwide Insurance agent, as well as an experienced and expert racer, offers some sound advice before taking off on two wheels. Participate in a sanctioned track school, or even simply a track day. It will allow you to hone your riding skills without exposing yourself to traffic hazards.

Boccarossa's philosophy is that track-proven skills translate into smart everyday riding habits.

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is dedicated to keeping riders safe. In addition to educating drivers about motorcycle awareness, the insurance company has teamed with Boccarossa, an agent with more than 25 years of Superbike racing experience, to remind motorcyclists about racing techniques that can provide everyday riders a genuine safety edge.

"I apply much of what I've learned on the track to stay safe on the street," says Boccarossa. As a rider with extensive riding experience, both on and off the race track, Boccarossa knows firsthand the techniques that make a dramatic difference between winning and losing. "Safety is always first, whether you're racing or just riding for fun," he says.

Boccarossa offers several race-proven pointers for keeping safe and out of harm's way:

*Concentrate on braking performance. Keep in mind that 70 percent of your stopping power is located up front on any bike. Too many riders rely entirely too much on only the front or the rear brake, a practice that can result in losing control or in excessive stopping distances, which can be a real hazard in an emergency situation.

It's always best to use a combination of both brakes to maximize control and to stop more quickly in a shorter distance.

*Avoid focusing on a particular target ahead. Look ahead, taking in the "big picture" in your riding field. In a racing scenario, a rider who is constantly turning has to be planning the next maneuver at least by mid-corner. Motorcyclists riding in everyday traffic need to focus and think ahead.

Keep alert when participating in a group ride. If you plan on riding in a group be mindful to avoid mimicking the moves of the rider ahead of you. Following a lead rider who happens to make a mistake can lead to an otherwise preventable accident.

Develop smooth riding techniques. As with all riding, in racing, the motorcycle rider who employs the smoothest input will enjoy the most rewarding experience and success.

Motorcycles are almost always very responsive to subtle control input.

Take road conditions into consideration. Tire pressure, suspension settings and rider positioning are all influencing factors that may be affected by changing road conditions - an important reason why bike set-up is a critical component of a winning racing strategy. Before you hit the road or the track, take your time in planning how best to prepare for existing surface conditions.

Finally, don't be tempted to ride "over your head" in terms of riding ability and experience. Taking a refresher-riding course on a regular basis is always an excellent idea.

Even the most cautious of riding enthusiasts need to make sure that their vehicles are covered in the event of a collision or riding mishap.

Motorcycle and powersports insurance policies may be taken out to cover theft, collision, vandalism, as well as damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

For coverage that best suits your needs it's a good idea to check with several reputable companies who specialize in such policies, and who a proven track record in settling motorcycle claims.