Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a brand new rider, the thrill of the open road is undeniable. However, motorcycles leave very little room for error. To help ensure every ride ends safely in your own driveway, there are certain “non-negotiables” you should follow.

Here are five important things you don’t want to do while riding.

1. Never Ride Impaired (In Any Form)

This is the most obvious rule, but it goes beyond just avoiding alcohol. While “don’t drink and ride” is the golden rule, impairment comes in many forms:

• Medication: Even over-the-counter cold medicine can make you drowsy or slow your reaction time.
• Fatigue: If you had a bad night’s sleep or you’re exhausted after a long work shift, your brain won’t process hazards quickly enough.
• Substances: Illegal drugs and alcohol are a guaranteed recipe for a “bad day.”
  

The bottom line: If you aren’t at 100% mental and physical capacity, the best choice is simply not to ride.

2. Don’t Ride Without Gear

The only protection a motorcyclist has is what they are wearing. If you ever find yourself tempted to ride without gear just because it’s a short trip or a hot day, try this thought experiment:

Imagine you are in a car traveling at 60 miles per hour. Now, imagine opening the door and jumping out onto the asphalt wearing only a t-shirt and shorts. Obviously, that would be a catastrophe. On a bike, this is exactly the risk you take every time you skip your helmet, jacket, gloves, or boots. Wear gear, every time.

3. Never “Grab” the Brakes

There is a massive difference between squeezing the brakes and grabbing them.

Motorcycle tires can handle tremendous loads, but they cannot handle abrupt loads. When you grab the brake lever suddenly, you shock the suspension and the tire, often causing the front wheel to lock up or the bike to upset its balance.

Whether you are coming to a stop, or avoiding hitting an object, you want to “squeeze and unsqueeze.” Smooth inputs keep the bike stable, while abrupt inputs will almost always guarantee a crash.

4. Never Ride Above Your Skill Level To Keep Up

We’ve all been there. You’re out with a group, and a few riders start pulling away. Your instinct is to twist the throttle and try to keep up so you don’t look slow.

Check your ego at the kickstand. There will always be someone faster than you, and there will always be someone willing to take more risks than you. Racing to keep up with a more experienced or more reckless rider is a leading cause of bike accidents.

5. Never Forget the Ultimate Goal

At the end of the day, you must be disciplined with yourself. Remind yourself of reality:

• No one is handing you a trophy at the end of the canyon road.
• No one is waiting with a check for you being the fastest in the group.

Your only real “win” is getting home to your family and friends. Stay disciplined, ride your own ride, and live to ride another day.

Safe riding starts with the right mindset.