Tips for Riding a Touring Motorcycle
Even the most experienced motorcycle riders are often intimidated by operating a touring motorcycle. These larger bikes require a lot of strength and proper technique to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. By following a few tips, it can be easier to ride a touring motorcycle on your next adventure. For more information, visit North County Indian Motorcycle® in San Marcos and Corona, California, serving San Diego and Oceanside, California.
Don't Look Too Much at the Gadgets
Touring motorcycles are known to come with plenty of bells and whistles that make them simple and fun to use. Becoming distracted by the gadgets can make it easy to take your focus off the road and to increase your risk of an accident. It's important to learn how everything functions ahead of time to ensure you're more comfortable adjusting the settings while riding at a high speed.
Inspect Your Luggage
Not only does the luggage on your bike add extra bulk and weight, but it can also come loose while you’re spending time on the road. Check the clasps to ensure they're fastened correctly to prevent your personal belongings from flying off. You can even add a few bungee cords for extra peace of mind.
Keep Gravity in Mind
One of the main challenges that comes with riding a touring motorcycle is getting used to all the weight that sits on the bike. With the luggage, fuel, and even another passenger, it can be easy for the motorcycle to tilt to the right or left, making the bike difficult to control. Practice driving at slower speeds with the bike fully loaded to ensure that you get used to balancing it as it's in motion.
Reduce the Pressure on the Bars
Experts recommend easing up on the bars while riding a touring bike to avoid losing control of the motorcycle when the wind hits the windshield. Practice having a controlled grip that is more relaxed to prevent the vibrations from making your arms shake; uncontrolled shaking movements can make it easy to steer in the wrong direction.
Educate the Passenger
If you want to stay safe, your passenger needs to be on the same page as you to ensure you can operate the motorcycle and have control of it. They shouldn't make any sudden movements or do anything that would distract you from riding. Instruct them to squeeze their legs onto your body and to look forward while the motorcycle is taking sharp turns.
There are many options available at North County Indian Motorcycle® when you want to find the right touring motorcycle for your needs. Our locations are in San Marcos and Corona, California, and we serve San Diego and Oceanside, California.