7 tips to start the riding season off right

2 minutes
Un homme travaille sur une moto

Spring marks the return of riding season! Let’s get the riding season off to a good start by brushing up on some important safety and maintenance tips.

1. Inspect your bike

After your bike spends months in storage (all winter long), it’s a good idea to check that it is still roadworthy. Check the following:

  • Tire pressure (at least 4 or 5 times during the season too)
  • Brakes, headlights and gauges
  • Fluids (change the oil in the spring and again in the summer)

2. Wear a proper helmet

In Quebec, helmets must satisfy the following standards:

  • DOT
  • CSA
  • ANSI
  • SNELL
  • BSI
  • ECE

Should you ever drop your helmet, replace it, even if there are no visible signs of damage.

Used helmets tend to be less effective, so it's best to avoid them.

3. Wear protective clothing

Falling off a motorcycle, even at low speeds, can cause devastating injuries to joints and flesh.

Protect yourself by wearing abrasion-resistant clothing made of Kevlar and Gore-Tex.

You should also wear reinforced toe and heel shoes with high ankle support.

4. Ease back into it

In spring, residual sand and gravel used during the winter will affect road surface conditions.

The cold, dense air can also slightly increase engine power, which may require some getting used to. Take it easy to avoid accidents.

Drivers will need some time to get used to sharing the road with you too.

5. Make yourself visible

Motorcyclists are sometimes hard to see (compared to other vehicles!) and motorists aren’t always actively looking out for them.

To make yourself more visible:

  • Wear bright or light-coloured riding gear and avoid dark-coloured motorcycles.
  • Use high beams during the day and install additional lighting on mirrors and other parts.

6. Be careful

Adopt the following safety best practices when riding:

  • Use your turn signals and your horn to make your intentions known.
  • Keep your distance so you have enough braking room in an emergency.
  • Adapt your driving to road and traffic conditions.

7. Insure your motorcycle

If you want to be an Easy Rider like Peter Fonda, then take out the right motorcycle insurance to protect your mean machine as well as your civil liability.

Motorcycle insurance premiums don’t have to break your budget. Here are a few practical tips to help you save money on your motorcycle insurance, while getting the coverage you need.