Road Hazards To Watch For On Your Motorcycle
Between the feeling of wind in your face and the vibration of the engine underneath you, it’s easy to feel invincible while riding your motorcycle. However, it’s important that you don’t get caught up in that feeling. If you ignore your surroundings for too long, you will eventually get yourself or someone else injured. Luckily, the experts at North County Indian Motorcycle® have created this guide to motorcycle road hazards.
Road Ruts
Heavy traffic can weigh down on asphalt, slowly compressing it into a new shape and creating indentations called road ruts. They can usually be found in groups of two or four in places that see a lot of traffic. For a vehicle with centered tires like your motorcycle, these indentations are nothing but trouble. Even if you try to center yourself in the road rut, the uneven shape will usually lead to you wobbling. Your best course of action is to stay aware of road ruts so that you can avoid them.
Potholes
Potholes are a menace to all motorists, but they are especially dangerous for bikers. If you hit one, it can turn your wheel sideways or leave you with a fractured wheel rim. Regardless, you should try to avoid hitting them if you can. Potholes can form almost anywhere, but they tend to grow the quickest in wet conditions. This can be a problem, as rain and snow can fill up potholes and make them more difficult to spot. If you’re riding in an area that has recently seen a lot of precipitation, pay extra attention to spotting possible potholes.
Road Work
Road work is inconvenient for everyone, especially motorcycle riders. While being more narrow makes it easier for motorcycles to adapt to lane closings, the steel plates placed by road workers to cover up holes can be a nightmare for bikers. When dry, these plates merely cause an uncomfortable bump, but when wet, they can become dangerously slick. If you have no choice but to ride over a metal plate, it’s best to reduce your speed and take it in a straight line. Trying to turn on one of these plates can result in a slide out, so try to avoid doing so if you can.
For more information on motorcycle safety or to shop our selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles, visit North County Indian Motorcycle®. We operate locations in both Corona and San Marcos, California. We also offer test rides, financing, rentals, and parts ordering, so visit us for all your motorcycle needs. We are proud to serve communities like Oceanside and San Diego, California, and we hope to see you soon.