Being visible to other road users is the most important preventative measure you can take. That's why you should always wear bright colours and drive with your lights on.

If a fall is inevitable though, you can greatly minimise the damage to your body by wearing:

• a full-face helmet that complies with the minimum safety requirements,
• a jacket with good anti-abrasive qualities to protect your body,
• a good pair of gloves,
• anti-abrasive pants and suitable shoes.

Safety checks

• Ensure that you have switched on your headlamp.
• Check your hooter, indicators and brake lights for operation.
• Adjust your mirrors.

Pulling away

• Check oncoming traffic conditions before entering the traffic in safety.
• Accelerate smoothly without over-revving the motorcycle.
• In the case of geared motorcycles, engage 1st gear.
• Release the clutch lever slowly whilst accelerating.
• To change gears, pull the clutch lever, decelerate the throttle, and press the gear lever upwards to engage the next gear.
• Ease out the clutch and throttle up smoothly.
• Repeat this procedure until you have achieved the desired speed or top gear.
• Ensure that the motorcycle gears have been geared down to first gear before coming to a complete standstill. This will assist you when you require pulling away again.

Now that you can pull away, you need to know how to stop the motorcycle effectively. The motorcycle has two brakes: front and rear.

Front brakes

This is the most commonly used brake and has the most stopping power. The front brakes cause your body to move forward, so brace your arms on the handlebars before applying this brake.

There are however certain times when this brake would not be the correct choice, for example during sharp cornering, on painted road markings whilst wet, and where loose sand oil or gravel is present. This will result in the front end of the motorcycle losing grip and breaking away.

The rear brakes are more effective in the above conditions. Using of both front and rear brakes simultaneously will optimise stopping power, especially during emergencies.

With practise you will quickly discover which brake to apply and when. Practise using your brakes at slow speeds to build up confidence.

Changing lanes

• Before changing lanes, ensure that you indicate your intentions clearly.
• Check your rear-view mirrors.
• Only change lanes when clear.

• In order to commute safely with a motorcycle, you need to be constantly aware of the road conditions, other road users, pedestrians and possible hazards.
• Look ahead for changing conditions.
• Continuously check your rear-view mirrors.
• Pay attention to vehicles changing lanes, as they may not be able to see you.
• Maintain a safe distance in front and behind you.
• Do not weave between moving traffic.
• If you move between traffic that has come to a halt, do so slowly.
• Constantly be on the lookout for any vehicle that wants to change lanes.
• Pull slightly ahead at the intersection to ensure that motorists see you.
• Remember to adjust your speed during wet weather conditions.
• Avoid road markings if you can.
• Keep the motorcycle as upright as possible when crossing road markings.
• If a motor vehicle is forcing you from behind and it is possible to move over to allow him through, do so but only if you can do so safely.
• As soon as you become aware of any dangers up ahead i.e. potholes, animals, pedestrians or motor vehicles entering traffic, slow down.
• If possible, change lanes to increase the distance between you and the hazard.

• Doing regular maintenance will ensure that your motorcycle will always be in good condition.
• Clean your motorcycle regularly and look for loose items while doing so.
• Check for oil on the ground when you approach your motorcycle, as this is normally a clear indication that something is wrong.
• Ensure that the motorcycle is level during all fluid checks.
• Check your oil level when you fuel up.
• Check the brake fluid level.
• Most scooters have maintenance-free batteries but if you have a motorcycle, check the battery fluid levels.
• The first service must be done at 300km.
• Thereafter have your engine oil changed every 2000km.
• Balanco wishes you safe riding and much enjoyment we trust that this information will assist you in becoming a safe motorcyclist.