Motorcycle Accidents: "Braking" The Habit
Now that the warmer weather is creeping back in, many motorcycle enthusiasts are choosing to bring their two-wheeled bikes back on the road. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are more than 20 times likely to die in a car crash than those who drive a car. Although there are various factors that can cause a motorcyclist to experience a crash, one likely cause is the bike's brake system.
Pay Attention to Your Brake System
Operating a motorcycle requires paying attention the road and the motorcycle itself, especially when you apply the brakes. When you come to a stoplight or intersection, you apply the brakes. A motorcycle is equipped with both front and rear brakes that are separate from one another. Unless your bike has an antilock brake system, braking too hard could cause the wheels of your brake to lock, which could lead to an unnecessary accident.
When you come to a stop, pay attention to the way your bike reacts. If you feel the bike shimmying or you feel it does not respond properly, it is important that you take it in for brake repair immediately. In order to reduce problems with your motorcycle's braking system, ask the repair specialist to ensure your bike has an antilock brake system. Motorcycles without antilock brakes are more approximately 37% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
Make Note of Any Recalls
If you own a motorcycle, you need to be aware of any recalls, especially any that have to do with your brakes. Malfunctioning brakes can cause serious injuries, and in worst case scenarios, death. There are many places online that will inform you if you're the make, model and year of your motorcycle has been recalled by the manufacturer.
Recalls are not an unlikely occurrence. In fact, two well-known motorcycle manufacturers recently recalled their motorcycles because of brake problems. Suzuki recalled more than 210,200 motorcycles because of brake problems involving the GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 manufactured between 2005 and 2013. Similarly, Harley-Davidson recalled more than 66,400 motorcycles from the 2014 lineup.
If you discover that your motorcycle is part of a recall, it is important that you gather the contact information given by the manufacturer. You can also contact the company that sold you your motorcycle and inform them that there was a recent recall. You will need to take your motorcycle in for inspection to validate the claim in which case the parts will then be replaced by a professional.
Practice Proper Maintenance
Rather than waiting until you experience a problem with your motorcycle's brakes, you should make sure you take your bike in for regular maintenance. Just like a car, a motorcycle requires maintenance to ensure that none of the parts are worn out, including the brakes. There is no general timeframe indicating when you should have your bike inspected.
The frequency with which you will need to perform inspections and maintenance vary based on the make and model of your bike. If you are unsure how often you should have the brakes checked or your overall motorcycle inspected, speak with a motorcycle repair specialist near you.
Keep in mind that a bike without an antilock brake system may require additional care and maintenance. Given that you run the risk of locking your tires without an ABS, you run the risk of wearing your tires down and ruining your motorcycle. As a motorcycle enthusiast, you will need to focus on more than just enjoying the time you spend riding your motorcycle. It is just as important to focus on keeping your bike maintained and addressing repairs immediately.
Make an appointment with a motorcycle repair specialist near you whether you have experienced a problem with your bike recently or not. The specialist can inspect your motorcycle to ensure all of your bike's parts are working properly and not in need of replacement or repair. With the proper attention and care of your motorcycle, you can help break the cycle of motorcycle accidents.
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