Is a motorcycle
right for you?
As springtime approaches, you probably
notice something in addition to the warmer weather and blooming flowers: more
motorcycles on the roads of Western Wisconsin.
Riding looks like a lot of fun,
doesn’t it? Just imagine heading down 29 with the sun shining and the road
stretching out to the horizon. There are other benefits motorcycle riders enjoy
as well, such as lower fuel costs and easier parking; but riding a motorcycle
safely requires different skills than driving a car.
If you’re thinking that this is the
year you’re going to buy your very own bike, let us at Mower Insurance help you
determine if a motorcycle is right for you. We’ve provided some questions below
that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends you honestly answer before becoming
a bike owner.
Are you a risk-taker? Or are
you safety-minded?
Think about how you drive your car. If
you have aggressive tendencies or do things like talk on your phone while
driving, a motorcycle probably isn’t for you. Motorcycles lack the protection
that cars can provide in an accident, so driver focus and caution are extremely
important.
How is your vision? What about your balance
and coordination?
It’s extremely important that you see
well – peripherally and in general – when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are not
as visible as other vehicles on the road, so riders need to be alert and aware
at all times. And, of course, riding requires balance and coordination, much
like a bicycle. If you’re not great on non-motorized two-wheelers, you might
want to think again about motorcycling.
Do you respect dangerous machinery?
When you use a chainsaw or other
equipment that can cause harm, do you always follow the instructions and wear
the proper safety gear? If not, a motorcycle probably isn’t right for you. Maintenance
and protective equipment is vital to riding safely. What you might be able to
get away with when driving a car or using power tools could lead to a tragic
outcome on a motorcycle.
Are you willing to invest in riding safely?
The best way to stay safe on a
motorcycle is to invest some time before
you get on the bike. Take a safety course and learn how to ride the right way.
Purchase the right gear, including approved helmets and padded clothing. And
learn about properly maintaining your motorcycle.
If you’re prepared and commit to safe
riding, motorcycling can be a great way to get around. The freedom you’ll feel
on the road is different than driving any car, which is just one reason
millions of people find riding to be incredibly rewarding.
And when you’re ready, we are too!
Feel free to give us a call at 715-723-5525 to discuss your motorcycle
insurance options as well as safety tips!
Sidebar:
Motorcycle safety resources
There’s a lot of great information out
there about safe riding. We’ve just scratched the surface. To read more, check
out:
·
Motorcycle Safety Foundation:
http://www.msf-usa.org
·
SMARTER: http://www.smarter-usa.org
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