motorcycle safety course what not to wear

by Kasey Deckow 8 min read

What should you not do when riding a motorcycle?

If you're ever in a serious motorcycle crash, the best hope you have for protecting your brain is a motorcycle helmet. Always wear a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet.

Do You Bring your own motorcycle to a motorcycle safety course?

Apr 09, 2020 · Body Armor. Elbow/Shin/Knee Guards. Eye Protection. Hearing Protection. Safety in everything is paramount, and motorcycling is no different. Whether you’re six months into your new adventure or 16 years passed that first ride, motorcycle gear is an investment that will always pay for itself. Sure, there are cheaper ways to go.

What should you wear on a motorcycle accident-free ride?

Taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course can increase your skill as a motorcyclist and better prepare you to make emergency maneuvers when necessary. In some cases, passing an MSF course can lower your insurance costs and streamline the application process for a motorcycle license.

What are the rules for motorcycle owners in the military?

Oct 17, 2019 · c. Long sleeve shirt with sleeves that come all the way to you glove tops; d. Full fingered gloves, preferably leather or simulated leather (no cloth palms or rubber gloves); e. Long pants of sturdy material that come to the boot tops; f. Over the ankle foot wear. This can be boots or high-top athletic wear.

What should you not wear on a motorcycle?

Never wear these 6 things while riding a motorcycleFlip Flops. RideApart. ... Tennis Shoes. Not as bad as flip flops, but still inadequate to the demands of motorcycling.Shorts and/or Skirts. ... Novelty Helmets. ... Tank Tops, T-shirts, Tube Tops. ... All Black.Mar 2, 2016

What do you wear to a motorcycle class?

Long, sturdy pants; leather, “blue-jeans,” or denim only. HELMETS are provided as part of the course. Recommended: Bring your own full-face DOT approved helmet. If it does not have a face shield, you will also need glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

Can you wear cowboy boots to the MSF course?

Boots. ... Hiking boots are acceptable, and although high-tops are allowed, they provide minimal protection. Leather work boots or cowboy boots are great.

What do you wear to a motorcycle class in the summer?

1:259:58Dress For Success! - Tips for the MSF Course (Hot Weather) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it's you know meant to keep you cooler. But anything anything thin and cotton would do.MoreSo it's you know meant to keep you cooler. But anything anything thin and cotton would do.

Can you wear sweatpants on a motorcycle?

Shorts, khakis or sweat pants offer negligible safety value. Fashion leather may shred as instantly as cloth. If you choose leather, make sure it's suitable for motorcycle use.Jun 7, 2013

Can you wear jeans on a motorcycle?

In Conclusion: If you must wear jeans when you ride your motorcycle don't wear just any jeans. However, if you love your Levi's then you must protect yourself with either a pair of motorcycle under pants or motorcycle outer pants. Otherwise, buy a good pair of motorcycle jeans to protect you in case of an accident.May 28, 2015

Can you wear Converse to ride a motorcycle?

The Chucks feature a leather and canvas upper and are equipped with durable rubber and leather overlays, which Converse says are intended for extra protection while riding motorcycles.Apr 4, 2017

What kind of boots should I wear for a motorcycle class?

Boots are preferred. Your footwear should have a good rubber sole for traction and the heel shouldn't be higher than what is commonly on a “workman's boot.” Thin fabric shoes made of canvas or other fabrics that do not provide support are not acceptable.

What shoes should I wear to MSF?

BOOTS: Participants are required to wear over-the-ankle footwear in order to participant in the range exercises. Although boots are recommended they are not required, participants may wear hi-top tennis shoes as long as they cover the ankle bones.

Can I ride a motorcycle in shorts?

While there are no laws prohibiting you from wearing shorts when riding a motorcycle, it is not advised to do so. Wearing shorts leaves your legs exposed to possible burns from the motorcycle engine and exhaust pipes as well as makes them even more susceptible in the case of an accident.

Do you get hot in motorcycle gear?

Of course, on a motorcycle you need to wear abrasion and impact resistant gear, which can be hot. So, it's often not surprising how many riders remove gear and opt for shorts and t-shirts when the temperatures rise. But exposed areas of skin are much harder to cool.Jun 3, 2020

What should I wear when my motorcycle is hot?

Full-length gloves, jackets and pants, over-the-ankle boots and full-face or modular helmets also protect the skin from the ravages of sunburn and dehydration. By all means, stay comfortable by wearing something that's well ventilated or has large mesh panels to promote airflow, especially in lighter colors.Aug 4, 2015

How does alcohol affect motorcycles?

Alcohol and drugs, including some prescribed medications, negatively affect your judgment, coordination, balance, throttle control, and ability to shift gears . These substances also impair your alertness and reduce your reaction time. Even when you're fully alert, it's impossible to predict what other vehicles or pedestrians are going to do. Therefore, make sure you are alcohol and drug free when you get on your motorcycle. Otherwise, you'll be heading for trouble.

How many motorcycle deaths in 2019?

Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober.

Why is NHTSA important?

NHTSA is dedicated to promoting safe behaviors on our nation’s roads. Motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in traffic-related fatalities. Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a traffic crash.

What do experienced riders know?

Experienced riders know local traffic laws - and they don't take risks. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings; ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles; and always check behind you and signal before you change lanes. Remember to ride defensively.

Is motorcycling dangerous?

But motorcycling also can be dangerous. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good judgment. The Topic.

Can you waive the motorcycle skills test?

Others waive the on-cycle skills test if you've already taken and passed a state-approved course. Either way, completing a motorcycle rider education course is a good way to ensure you have the correct instruction and experience it takes to ride a motorcycle.

Is riding a motorcycle dangerous?

If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. You understand the exhilaration of cruising the open road and the challenge of controlling a motorcycle. But motorcycling also can be dangerous. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good judgment.

Why are pants important for motorcycles?

Pants are often an overlooked riding gear because often riders think jeans are acceptable riding gear. Actual motorcycle riding pants offer protection from the environment as well as ventilation and armor in the most likely places that receive contact. Visibility is a key design feature, whether that’s in a bright color design or a retro-reflective covering.

What material are motorcycle pants made of?

Just as motorcycle jackets come in different materials and styles, motorcycle pants are complementary in that respect. Textile, leather, denim, and kevlar are different materials used in pants, and they can be used singly or in combination with each other depending on what riding style they are made for.

What are Alpinestars andes waterproof pants made of?

These are made from reinforced poly-fabric textile with breathable construction. Protection includes hip and knee pads that can also be removed and upgraded to CE-certified Nucleon inserts. The pants are adjustable in the waist and offer enough storage to take along your wallet, cell phone, and a few other small items.

What is the full face of a GDM Duke helmet?

Full Face: GDM Duke Helmets DK-350 – The GDM Duke offers a double D-ring chin strap with a removable and washable liner from the helmet. Weighing in at just under 5 pounds, it provides comfort and protection without the price tag. It also has a built-in drop-down tinted visor and face shield with scratch-resistant UV coating.

Do you need a full face helmet?

Yes, you need one! There are three basic types to consider: full face, ¾ helmet, and a ½ helmet. Full Helmet – The full helmet is going to offer you the most coverage around your head and face with additional protection at the base of your head.

What is a Klim jacket?

Textile Mesh Jacket: Klim Induction – The Klim Induction jacket was updated in 2017 and is one of the most functional, lightweight jackets on the market. The coloring is highly visible with added reflective inserts that make the rider easy to see in a day or nighttime traffic. The fit is snug but offers the rider enough room to wear a thicker layer of clothing underneath the jacket for extra warmth on the cooler riding days. If the afternoon temperatures heat up, you can easily remove them and allow the jacket ventilation to keep you comfortable.

Is Alpinestars Andes waterproof?

The pants are labeled as waterproof to get you through light rain and mild snow. Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar Waterproof Pants.

What to watch for when riding a motorcycle?

Watch for damaged roads and obstacles. Motorcyclists need to be especially vigilant about road obstacles (like fallen branches and oil spills) and uneven surfaces (including potholes). A motorcycle has less contact with the road than a car, making it more likely to skid out of control.

What to check before riding a bike?

This includes checking that the tires are properly inflated and not worn down, and that everything is in working order, particularly the brakes.

Why is it important to wear a helmet?

Wearing a helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head injury and death in the event of an accident. In some states, wearing a helmet is mandatory for some or all riders. You should wear a helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, even for short journeys.

What is MSF riding?

Taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course can increase your skill as a motorcyclist and better prepare you to make emergency maneuvers when necessary. In some cases, passing an MSF course can lower your insurance costs and streamline the application process for a motorcycle license. Some courses are free.

Where is the dot sign on a helmet?

Approved helmets will display the DOT symbol (either painted or as a sticker), usually on the outside back of the helmet. Some helmets may also be certified by non-profit safety organizations, like ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the Snell Memorial Foundation, but these certifications are optional.

Do you need a motorcycle license to ride a motorcycle?

In the U.S., you are required to have a motorcycle license or endorsement in addition to a driver's license to legally ride a motorcycle. Regulations vary by state, with some also requiring riders to pass a State-sponsored education course.

What is ABS on a motorcycle?

An anti-lock or anti-skid braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels of your motorcycle from locking when you brake hard, reducing your risk of skidding out of control. You are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash if your motorcycle is equipped with ABS brakes.

How many hours is the MSF Rider Course?

More than 8 million motorcyclists nationwide have graduated from a RiderCourse since 1974. Eight to ten hours of classroom-style instruction – including, in some states, the Basic e Course that you complete online before attending your first formal classroom session – prepares ...

What is a capstone exercise?

Capstone exercise that combines a variety of maneuvers. Skill Test. To assess basic skills using a cone weave, normal stop, turning from a stop, U-turn, quick stop, obstacle swerve, and cornering maneuver. To demonstrate basic motorcycle control skills and ability to avoid an obstacle.

How long is Range Training?

15-hours of instruction (5 hours classroom/10 hours riding) Range exercises include low-speed maneuvers and basic skills such as shifting, accelerating, braking, cornering, U-turn, lane change. You’ll be with the same group for the duration of your training.

What are the requirements for a motorcycle safety course?

While these may differ from course to course or state to state, some standard requirements for enrolling in a motorcycle safety course typically include: Ability to ride a bicycle. Protective clothing and helmet. Legal licensing age. A driver's license or motorcycle permit (state specific).

What is motorcycle safety?

A motorcycle safety course teaches both new and experienced riders how to handle their bike on the open road with safety and confidence. While laws requiring motorcycle safety or training courses vary from state to state, the safe-riding knowledge and experience a rider can gain is invaluable for any level.

How long is the MSF motorcycle riding course?

Courses will combine classroom time with riding time. Length can vary, but all run at least 18 hours of formal instruction time, over a period of up to 3 days. Instruction will include:

How old do you have to be to ride a motorcycle in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire: Riders under 18 years old are required to complete a Basic Rider course. Colorado: Any rider under 18 years old must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for 1 year before they can earn a motorcycle endorsement.

image