Safe riding techniques
Corners and intersections
Take extra care at corners and intersections. Always check that the way is clear, even if you have right of way.
When approaching a corner or intersection:
- ease off the throttle and check the traffic behind you is at a safe distance
- change down to an appropriate gear
- take the corner slow and accelerate out when you can see the way is clear.
- look through the corner or curve – where you look is where you go
Setting up curves
Many motorcycle crashes are caused by misjudging a curve. When approaching a curve:
- Set up your speed before you begin to lean. Choose a speed that gives you time to react to any changes or unexpected hazards. This may be slower than the posted speed limit, especially if it is a blind corner or if visibility is poor.
- Enter the curve wide – this will maximise your view of the road ahead.
- Move away from the central ‘head-on’ zone as you turn. This is where oncoming vehicles are most likely to drift across the centre of the road.
- If the way is clear, finish in tight to set you up for the next curve.
This technique will slow you down a bit on the approach but will let you accelerate out earlier with a better view.
Sometimes riders try to straighten during turns. This is dangerous because it leaves you no room for error, and you will need to reposition if the curve tightens up.
Safe braking
Safe braking techniques reduce the risk of skidding and help make the bike easier to control. It also helps alert any drivers behind you that you might be about to brake hard. Safe braking is done in two stages:
- first apply light pressure on the brakes and pause (called ‘setting up the brakes’)
- then progressively apply the required braking pressure (called ‘squeezing the brakes’)
If either the front or back wheel begins to skid, release the brake controlling that wheel then reapply gently. When releasing brakes, ease off gently to help maintain the stability of the bike. If the skidding is caused by harsh acceleration or excessive speed, ease off the throttle.
Dealing with steering shakes
Incorrect tyre pressure or weight distribution can lead to steering shakes or ‘wobbles’.
If it happens:
- grip the handlebars firmly but don’t fight the shakes
- gradually decelerate without braking suddenly
- once the wobbling stops, pull over to a safe place.
Carrying a pillion passenger
Carrying any extra weight will affect the handling of the motorcycle, so only carry a passenger if you are an experienced rider. Adjust the rear suspension spring preload, mirror, headlight and tyre pressure to allow for the additional weight.
Remember to make sure your passenger has a safe seat and that they are wearing a helmet and protective gear. The minimum age for a motorcycle passenger is eight years old. Do not carry more than one passenger at a time.
Ride at lower speed and adjust your buffer zone to allow extra stopping distance.
For more information on safe riding, refer to the Department of Transport’s ‘Ride Safe Handbook’.
Riding in groups
Pre-ride checklist
Having a pre-ride checklist is a good way to make sure that have everything you need for the ride and that your bike and gear is ready to go. Items to have on your checklist include:
- Check that your tyres are in good condition, and that there are no embedded objects, broken spokes, and that the tyre pressure and wear is at a safe and acceptable level.
- Check that your brakes, handlebars, and other controls are in working order before you ride.
- Lights and electrical. Make sure the battery is topped up and that your turning signals and lights work.
- Oil and other fluids. Top up your engine oil, check that you have enough fuel, and make sure that there are no leaks engine leaks of coolant or other fluid.
- Check the chassis and suspension are in good working order.
- Remember your protective gear.
Have a designated ride leader
Have someone who in charge of communication who has planned out the route, knows when the turns are and knows when the group is stopping for a break. This will help the ride go smoothly and ensure everyone knows what is going on and stays together.
Staggered riding formation
If safe, consider riding in a staggered formation. This puts space between motorcycles so each rider has the chance to react to any hazards, or any changes in speed or direction of the rider in front of them. Never ride side-by-side as this increases the chance of bikes clipping each other and means that if you do have to adjust your direction to avoid a hazard, you might not have room to do so without colliding with the bike next to you.
First aid
Motorcycle crashes are high impact and can cause serious injuries. The first few minutes after a crash are vital if someone has been injured. Until help can arrive, your knowledge of first aid can save a life. Keep your knowledge up to date and carry a first aid kit with you so you are ready if anything should happen.
St John WA offer a free 15-minute digital first aid course that can arm road users with the basic skills needed to save a life. To find out more about the importance of post-crash care, visit our Anyone can save a life campaign page.
Handling emergencies
Avoiding a crash
- Check the road for potholes, loose gravel, oil spills or other hazards.
- If you need to swerve, lean into it and then try and correct the motion as quickly as possible.
- Check where you’re going to make sure you don’t end up in another crash.
Emergency braking
- Position your motorcycle so you are upright and travelling straight.
- Close the throttle.
- Apply the front brake (set up and squeeze), then the rear brake (set up and squeeze).
- Pull the clutch in just before you stop.
Blowouts
If a blowout or rapid puncture occurs while you are riding:
- If the front tyre goes flat, the steering will feel heavy. Move your weight back to shift the load off the front tyre If the rear tyre goes flat, the back of the motorcycle will weave from side-to-side – in this case move your weight forward.
- Keep a firm grip on the handlebars and try to keep going in a straight line.
- Avoid using the brakes. If you need to brake, use the brake on the ‘good’ tyre — braking on the ‘bad’ tyre may result in the tyre separating from the rim.
- Slowly ease off the throttle to slow down.
- When you get your speed down, move off to the roadside and come to a stop.
- Check the condition of your tyres and the tyre pressure often to minimise the chance of a flat.
Broken clutch cable
If the clutch cable breaks, your clutch will remain fully engaged. If you are stopped, keep the brakes firmly applied to stall the engine. If you are riding, slow down, gradually downshifting the gears when speed permits and shifting to neutral before you come to a complete stop.
Stuck throttle
If the throttle sticks, pull the clutch in and gradually apply the brakes. Move off to the side of the road. Apply the engine stop switch and turn off the ignition.
Broken chain
If the chain breaks your motorcycle will either freewheel because there is no drive to the rear wheel, or skid because the rear wheel is locked up.
If the chain breaks and doesn’t lock up the back wheel, roll off the throttle and gradually apply the brakes. Move off to the side of the road.
If the chain breaks and does locks up the back wheel, steer into the skid and then roll off the throttle. When you get your speed down, move off to the roadside and coast to a stop.
Seized engine
If your engine loses power or has a change in how it sounds, it might be a sign that your engine is about to seize. If your engine seizes:
- Pull the clutch in, disengaging the engine power from the rear wheel.
- Gradually apply the brakes and move off to the roadside.
- Turn off the ignition. Let the engine cool and add oil or coolant if either is low.
