If you’re a big fan of Mark Marquez and fancy riding like a champ, there are some superb road bikes available today that are not far removed from the Moto GP machines. Of course, riding a very powerful bike requires skill and competence that can only be gained from riding experience, but if you’re up for the challenge, here are a few tips to get you started.
- Respect the Power – Riding a motorcycle is dangerous enough as it is, and one must have great respect for the power you have between your legs. If you are a novice, we recommend a 250-400cc road machine, which has more than enough hp and is the ideal learning platform. If you are an accomplished rider, then you can look at the 500-1200cc range of superbikes, which can be found at http://wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk/, one the best bike dealers in the UK, with all makes, models and a great selection of used bikes.
- The Right Protective Equipment – There is always a risk of coming off the bike, and when skin hits tarmac, the latter always wins, and that means wearing leather clothing to offer you skin protection. Ideally, you would invest in a set of leather bike pants and a good leather jacket, which offers the very best protection. Your helmet should be of the best quality and fit correctly and should be worn at all times. The other things you’ll need are a good pair of boots with ankle support and a pair of motorcycle gloves and you’re good to go. If you also love 4 wheels, here is an article about cars that almost drive themselves, which makes for a fun read.
- Preparing for your Bike Licence – It would be insanity to allow untrained people to climb on a powerful superbike, so you will have to come up through the ranks, and eventually, you will have your full motorcycle licence, and if you are planning to test your machine a little, book a course in road riding and you won’t regret it. Here is the UK government website on obtaining a motorcycle licence, which is very useful.
- Wet Weather Riding – When riding on wet roads, you must be super-careful, as you have a lot of power on that rear wheel, and too much will have you off the bike. Braking is another area of concern in the wet, make sure you have the right ratio of front and back brakes, your rear should be the primary means of slowing down. Avoid high-speed riding in wet conditions, it simply isn’t worth the risk, and should something happen right in front of you, your stopping power is greatly reduced in the wet.
Regarding riding styles, you will naturally find what works for you, and if you always stay within the speed limits and are ultra-observant at all times, you should enjoy a safe riding experience. Consider all of the above, be aware of other road users and bike riding will be a sheer pleasure.