FORTY THREE THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN WHEN I STARTED

1. Never park your bike downhill into a parking space.
2. Never park your bike downhill without being in gear.
3. Never leave your bike running and unattended downhill.
4. Never stop your bike with the front wheel turned.
5. Use your rear brake as the control brake at slow speeds.
6. Turn your head and look over your shoulder during U-turns.
7. Look where you want to go.
8. Don’t always believe the neutral light.
9. Always downshift to first gear before coming to stop.
10. Check your tire pressure regularly.
11. Keep your eyes level with the horizon when coming to a stop.
12. Practice your starts and stops on different inclines.
13. Practice stopping with only your left foot down.
14. Change your tires when the minimum tread depth is 1.5mm f & 2.0mm r.
15. Be prepared for wet weather; invest in top quality raingear.
16. You will drop your bike no matter how new or old it may be.
17. Keep some beef jerky, bottle of water, and a book on the bike at all times when traveling.
18. You can be cold at speed on a 70 degree day.
19. Dress in layers with adequate air space in between.
20. Two full seasons on an “un-Tendered battery” is reasonable, any more will tempt fate.
21. Keep a good first aid kit on the bike
22. Buy the best helmet you can afford and one that fits. It’s your brain.
23. There is only one thing worse than wet…..its cold and wet.
24. Cornering is the reason we ride in the first place. Become a master of the turns.
25. Countersteering is the #1 way to turn your bike quickly!
26. Pretend you are invisible to other drivers.
27. Ride Your Own Ride: Don’t try to keep up with your friends who may be more experienced. Know your personal limits.
28. Make SURE your kickstand is all the way down.
29. MAKE SURE your kickstand is all the way up
30 When the gas light come on, get gas
31. Your helmet is for safety, not to look pretty
32. Always leave yourself an “out” whenever you’re riding!
33. Don’t linger in anyone’s blind spot.
34. You NEVER have the right of way on a motorcycle, might makes right.
35. Always do a shoulder check when changing lanes.
36. Eye contact with the left-turner in front of you don’t mean squat.
37. The painted lines on the road in the morning are slick
38. you can not carry to many tools
39. Sunblock is your friend.
40. Unless your leather is lined, the black dye will run when it is wet.
41. Hide $50 cash on your bike for emergencies…everyone doesn’t accept credit cards
42. Stop and take photos
43. Motorcycle is best when shared with a loved one

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