Ride Smart: 21 Everyday Habits That Keep You Upright (2025)
The best safety mod is still the one between your ears. No lectures here just the small, repeatable habits that stack the odds in your favour every time you ride. For context: per mile, motorcyclists face a much higher fatality rate than car occupants, which is exactly why these basics matter.
1) Do the 60-second walk-around
Tires look right, chain/belt tension sane, no drips, lights working, mirrors clean. One minute now beats an hour on the shoulder later.
2) Start smooth, warm everything up
Give the engine, tyres, and your brain a few minutes before asking for hard braking or big lean.
3) Own your lane position
Use lateral movement to create sight lines and be seen; not just because it “feels right,” but to change what drivers can actually perceive.
4) Make space a habit
Two to three seconds minimum following distance; add more at night or in the wet. Space buys options.
5) Cover the controls when risk rises
Intersections, driveways, blind crests; cover the front brake and clutch to cut your reaction time.
6) Slow before the corner
Set entry speed early, eyes to the exit, keep inputs light, and let the corner open the throttle for you.
7) Scan for surface clues
Shiny = slippery, dark patches can be oil, glitter means fresh chip-seal, and that single leaf can hide a manhole.
8) Be predictably obvious
Signal earlier than you think, cancel indicators, and use a quick tap on the front brake to flash the tail light when rolling off.
9) Upgrade your conspicuity
Aim headlight correctly, keep the lens clean, add reflectives to helmet/bags, and consider an auxiliary brake-light modulator where legal.
10) Gear you’ll actually wear
Full-face helmet, gloves, abrasion-resistant jacket/pants with armour, and over-the-ankle boots. Comfort equals compliance; buy for your climate.
11) Hydrate and fuel the rider
Dehydration shrinks attention span. Water at every stop; snacks beat sugar crashes on long days.
12) Breathe and reset after a scare
If something spooks you, take 10 seconds: breathe, loosen the grip, shake out the shoulders, and get back to smooth.
13) Night riding rules
Clean visor, clear shield or dedicated night lens, check aim and brightness, ride a gear lower for engine braking, and expand your buffer.
14) Read the traffic like a chess board
Left-turners, head-turns from drivers, wheel creep, tyre angle in mirrors; they’re all tells. If you see two, assume three.
15) Park for the getaway
Nose-out when you can, avoid downhill into traffic, and give yourself a clean line out if someone backs up without looking.
16) Mind the blind stuff
Vans, A-pillars, and windscreen glare hide you. If you can’t see a driver’s eyes, they can’t see you; adjust.
17) Rain game plan
Add pressure checks, smooth every input, use engine braking earlier, and look for matte-looking pavement for grip. Avoid paint, plates, and leaves.
18) Keep your visor problem-free
Anti-fog (or a Pinlock insert), microfibre cloth, and a tiny travel spray keep your vision from becoming the weakest link.
19) Practice the “oh no” skills
Empty car park, once a month: hard straight-line stops, quick swerves, and slow-speed balance drills. Skills fade – keep them fresh!
20) Tech that helps (and what doesn’t)
ABS and TC are your friends; phone fiddling is not. If you use GPS, set it before the ride and change routes only when stopped.
21) Respect your bandwidth
New bike? Long gap since your last ride? Dial the pace back. Confidence trails competence, let it build.
Pocket Pre-Ride Checklist (save this)
- Tires & pressures set for load/temps
- Lights, signals, horn checked
- Chain/belt tension & lube verified
- Levers/cables feel right; bars move free lock-to-lock
- Phone on Do Not Disturb; route loaded; wallet/ID/insurance onboard
- Helmet/visor clean; earplugs in; gloves/boots zipped
Further reading
If you like seeing the numbers behind the advice, here’s a data-backed overview of motorcycle safety statistics covering common crash factors, age trends, distractions, and practical tips. It’s a good companion to bookmark alongside this checklist.
