PROTECTING YOUR HEARING ON A MOTORCYCLE

Cruising down the highway on a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, filled with the freedom of the open road and the rush of the wind. But while you’re enjoying the ride, there’s an invisible potential danger lurking: hearing loss.

Many riders underestimate the impact motorcycle noise can have on their ears. While the rumble of the engine is certainly a factor, the biggest culprit is actually wind noise. At highway speeds, wind whipping around your helmet can reach levels exceeding 100 decibels (dB) – that’s on par with the noise from a chainsaw, lawn mower, or leaf blower. 100 decibels is considered very loud and dangerous to human hearing.

Here’s the science behind the damage: our ears contain tiny hair cells that convert sound waves into electrical signals for the brain. Exposure to loud noises over time can damage these hair cells, leading to permanent hearing loss.

The scary part? The damage can develop so gradually and be well established before becoming apparent. You might experience a temporary muffled feeling after a long ride, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Regular long exposure to wind noise can lead to permanent hearing loss that creeps up over time, often unnoticed until it significantly impacts your ability to hear conversations or enjoy music.

So, what can you do to protect your hearing and keep enjoying the ride? Here are some key tips:

• Ear Protection is Key: Invest in a good pair of earplugs specifically designed to reduce decibels while still allowing you to hear important sounds like sirens or traffic signals.
• Helmet Matters: While 3/4 and full face helmets offer some level of noise reduction, a well-fitting, full-face helmet provides the best protection. Consider a helmet with a quieter design or additional wind-blocking features.
• Take Breaks: Give your ears a rest! Schedule breaks on longer rides to remove your helmet and allow your ears to recover from the noise exposure.

Protecting your hearing is an essential part of motorcycle safety. By taking simple precautions, you can ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy the sounds of the road for years to come.

MOTORCYCLE SKILLS: OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE

Every rider dreams of a smooth, uninterrupted ride. But the road throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs come in the form of unexpected obstacles. That’s where swerving reflexes comes in. Brakes can only do so much. In those split seconds when a car cuts you off or debris appears in the road, a swerving maneuver that steers you clear of danger when a full stop just isn’t an option may be necessary. A well-executed swerve can be faster and more effective than hard braking in certain situations. It allows you to avoid the obstacle while maintaining some momentum, keeping you upright and in control.

Learning to quickly swerve is a skill best honed in a controlled environment like a large, empty parking lot. Master the art of counter steering and practice weaving around cones at increasing speeds.

Accelerating a speed of around 15 mph in 1st or 2nd gear, maintain a steady throttle and swerve left or right around cones as you approach to avoid hitting them. To swerve right, push on the right handgrip until you have cleared the cone then push on the left handgrip to resume a straight travel direction. Likewise, to swerve left, push on the left handgrip until you have clear of the cone, and then push on the right handgrip to resume a straight direction.

Do not brake or decelerate and swerve at the same time. Use a steady throttle through the swerve. Your arms should be relaxed with a flat wrist on the throttle, and head and eyes up, and not looking down at the cones.

FROM HORSES TO HORSEPOWER: THE ABERNATHY BROTHERS’ INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE

Louis and Temple Abernathy were no strangers to adventure. By the time they were teenagers, they were already seasoned explorers, having traversed vast stretches of the American landscape on horseback. But in 1913, at the ages of 14 and 10 respectively, the brothers decided to trade in their steeds for a new kind of iron horse: an Indian motorcycle.

Their previous exploits were nothing short of courageous. In 1909, at the tender ages of 9 and 5, they embarked on a horseback ride from Oklahoma to New Mexico, a feat that captured the public’s imagination. Two years later, they attempted a cross-country horseback journey from New York to San Francisco in only sixty-two days, and nearly clinched $10,000 prize, falling just short of the time limit. Once again, the Abernathy Boys had made a historic ride without any adult assistance and accomplished an equestrian feat which has never been equaled.

Their brush with fame fueled their hunger for adventure, and the Indian motorcycle represented the cutting edge of transportation at the time. Using money from their notoriety, they bought an Indian motorcycle. And in 1913 the two brothers, and their stepbrother Anton rode the Indian motorcycle from Oklahoma all the way to New York City. This wasn’t just a jaunt across state lines; it was a significant distance in 1913, with a good portion of the roads unpaved and amenities scarce.

Their motorcycle adventure marked a turning point for the Abernathy brothers. It was their last documented exploit and they seemingly settled into more conventional lives. Louis became a lawyer, while Temple found success in the oil industry.

Despite their later pursuits, the Abernathy brothers’ early adventures, particularly their ride on the Indian motorcycle, solidified their place in American folklore. They became symbols of youthful boldness and the pioneering spirit that characterized the early 20th century. Their story reminds us that adventure can come in many forms, and that sometimes, the most thrilling rides are taken on two wheels.

STAY ALERT ON THE ROAD: MASTERING RiderRadar

Staying safe on your motorcycle is all about anticipating what’s ahead. RiderRadar, discussed in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider handbook, is a technique that helps you see potential hazards early, giving you time to react calmly and avoid trouble.

Scanning Your Surroundings

• Look ahead, to the sides, and behind using your mirrors. Constantly scan near and far, both in front of you and to the sides.
• Most hazards come from the front, so focus there first. Identify them as soon as possible so you can plan your response.
• Be aware of high-risk areas like blind intersections, sharp curves, slippery road surfaces, and roads with no escape routes.
• Remember, even though most dangers are in front (between 11 and 1 o’clock on an imaginary clock face), maintain full 360-degree awareness.

Using Time and Distance to Your Advantage

Rider Radar uses three visual lead times and distances to help you:

• 2-Second Following Distance (Minimum): This is for ideal conditions with full focus. It helps you avoid rear-ending the vehicle ahead if it brakes suddenly. In less-than-ideal situations, increase this distance. Here’s how to establish a two-second following distance: Pick a fixed point ahead (like a sign) and as the car in front passes it, say “one-motorcycle-one, one-motorcycle-two” at a normal pace. If you haven’t reached the point yet, you have a minimum following distance. Increase your following distance if you’re new, riding an unfamiliar motorcycle, in rain, or the vehicle ahead can stop faster than you.
• 4-Second Urgent Distance: This allows you to react safely to situations like approaching intersections, curves, or following vehicles. It gives you time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front if they suddenly stop due to an obstacle. It also helps you react to objects like debris or cargo that might fall onto the road. With good braking skills, you should be able to stop within this distance.
• 12-Second Anticipation Distance: This helps you see the bigger picture and anticipate traffic flow. Consider multiple factors like potential driver interactions. For example, a car pulling out in front of another might force the second car into your lane. By scanning 12 seconds ahead, you have time to react to changing situations and avoid emergencies. Increase this distance if you’re new, riding unfamiliar territory, or in hazardous areas. Extra time and space give you a crucial safety margin.

Remember, the goal is to be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential problems. By using RiderRadar, you can stay safe and enjoy the ride!

PLUGGED AND RIDING: EMERGENCY TIRE REPAIR

A flat tire on your motorcycle while out riding can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience, but it doesn’t always require a tow truck to get going again. With the right tools, patch kits, and knowledge, you can often seal up a punctured tire and get back on the road in no time.

The Great Tire Repair Debate: Which Plug is Best?

Several options are available for emergency tire repair, each with its own pros and cons. Here are just a few methods:

• Rope Plug or Bacon Strip: This tried-and-true method is the most budget-friendly option, typically costing under $10. Rope plugs are highly durable, resistant to dislodging, and have a self-healing quality that can help seal small punctures. Think of them as the rugged, reliable workhorses of the tire repair world.
• Mushroom Plug: While slightly pricier at around $20 or more, mushroom plugs offer a balance of affordability and performance. They’re generally less durable than rope plugs and might not create a completely airtight seal, but they can still get you out of a pinch.
• Patch Screws: These tiny, inexpensive heroes can be a lifesaver in a tight spot. For just a few dollars, you can potentially repair a puncture. However, patch screws aren’t as flexible as other options, and they might not seal the hole completely.

Beyond the Plug: Essential Tools and Considerations
No matter which type of plug you choose, you’ll need a few additional items to complete the repair:

• Extraction tools: Objects embedded in the tire can be very difficult to extract and you may not be able to remove with your fingers alone. Having a screw driver and/or pair of plyers to remove a screw or nail is essential.
• Air pump: Small compact tire inflator to inflate your tire after plugging the hole.
• Tire/wheel insurance: While not a repair method, this option can potentially save you money in the long run. This insurance reimburses you for the repair or replacement of tire and rim damage by a road hazard.
• Motorcycle towing: If a tire is beyond roadside patching, having a quality motorcycle towing service you can call in a pinch will provide you peace of mind and a way to get your bike to a shop for repair.

Important Note: Emergency tire repairs are a temporary solution. It’s crucial to have the tire inspected and professionally repaired or replaced by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

By understanding your options and having the necessary equipment on hand, you can confidently handle minor tire punctures and avoid the stress of roadside breakdowns. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you’re unsure about performing a tire repair yourself, don’t hesitate to call for professional assistance.

RANDOM MOTORCYCLE FUN FACTS

The Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter holds the title of the world’s most expensive motorcycle, commanding a staggering $11 million price tag. This street-legal behemoth boasts a top speed of 190 mph, powered by a 120ci 45-degree air-cooled V-Twin engine. Its frame is a masterpiece of engineering, incorporating titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber for unparalleled performance and weight reduction.

• Paul Teutul Sr. and Jr. make brief cameos in the 2007 film Wild Hogs. The American Chopper stars appear at the film’s central bar. Ray Liotta’s character, Jack, rides an olive-drab Orange County Choppers motorcycle, featuring the company’s logo.
• Fraudulent claims accounted for an estimated 10% of insurance premiums in North Carolina as of 2012, according to the state’s insurance department.
• The Panzerbike, a colossal motorcycle weighing a staggering 5.22 tons, holds the title of the heaviest ever built. Crafted by German company Harzer Bike-Schmiede, this behemoth is propelled by a repurposed 38-liter WWII German tank engine.
• A North Carolina man staged the theft of his Harley-Davidson and collected the insurance payout. He buried the motorcycle in his backyard. Years later, the motorcycle resurfaced when the new property owner in California hired a contractor to grade the land.
• In 2020, California reported the highest amount of registered motorcycles in the country (785,424 registered); Delaware and the District of Columbia had the least amount (4,023 and 3,567 respectively).
• Arai Helmets, a global leader in motorcycle helmet manufacturing, traces its roots back to a 1926 Japanese hat-making company supplying the construction industry. Founded by former motorcycle stunt rider Hirotake Arai, the company remains privately owned and operated by the Arai family.
• Modern sport bike tires are actually made from synthetic rubber, not natural rubber. This carefully crafted synthetic blend is designed to provide the perfect balance of durability and traction needed for high-performance riding.

STAYING COOL IN THE SUMMER: AVOIDING HEAT STRESS

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but when temperatures soar, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent heat stress. Our bodies are remarkably efficient at regulating temperature, but when faced with extreme heat, we need to provide extra support.

Riding in the Heat

The key to staying cool while riding is to prevent overheating. Heat stroke is a serious condition, so it’s crucial to take steps to avoid it.

What are some tips for riding in the heat?

• Hydration is key: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your ride.
• Dress appropriately: Avoid riding in just a T-shirt. The wind might feel cooling, but it can accelerate dehydration. Opt for a mesh jacket or synthetic sleeves to allow for airflow and slower sweat evaporation. Or utilize specialized base layers designed for cooling (see: “Utilize cooling methods” below).
• Protect your skin: Don’t forget sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Timing is everything: Start your ride early in the day when temperatures are cooler.
• Utilize cooling methods: A wet bandana around your neck or under your helmet can provide relief. Cooling vests can also be effective. A wet T-shirt under a meshed jacket works great. There are even companies like LD Comfort which create specialized base layers for motorcycle riding designed to keep you warm in the cool air and cool in the hot air when used correctly.
• Maximize airflow: Open the vents on your fairing to help whisk away the heat from your motor. Slide open the vents on your helmet to improve ventilation to your head.
• Protect your eyes: Sunglasses are essential to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a precursor to heat stroke. Symptoms include dry mouth, cramps, dizziness, and headache. If you experience these symptoms, stop riding and rehydrate.

Remember: Listening to your body is crucial. If you feel overwhelmed by the heat, it’s best to take a break or postpone your ride.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your motorcycle rides even in the hottest weather. Stay safe and hydrated!

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