Motorcycle handling

Before starting the engine, make sure the motorcycle is in neutral. Do this by checking that the neutral warning light is lit when you switch on the ignition. If no neutral light is fitted, push the motorcycle forward to check that the rear wheel turns freely.

Look out for road signs warning of side roads. A driver who's emerging may not be able to see a motorcyclist due to parked cars or heavy traffic. Ride defensively, slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Remember, no-one has priority at an unmarked crossroads.

Always ride defensively. This means looking and planning ahead, as well as anticipating the actions of other road users.

To keep control of your motorcycle and prevent skidding, you should plan well ahead and avoid late, harsh braking. Try to avoid braking while changing direction, as the tyres may not have enough grip to cope with both together. Always consider how the road and weather conditions may affect your tyres’ grip.

Frozen rain on the road is called black ice. It can be hard to see, but it can be indicated by a lack of road noise and your steering may also feel very light. Reduce your speed and avoid harsh braking or steering. Riding in as high a gear as possible can help reduce the risk of wheelspin.

Protective clothing is designed to protect you from the cold and wet. It also gives you some protection from injury, so it's important that you always wear protective clothing when you ride.

It's best to avoid riding in foggy weather. However, if you have to, there are some precautions you can take before setting off to help make your journey as safe as possible. These include checking that all your lights are clean and working, and that your visor is clean.

Parking your motorcycle on soft ground might cause the stand to sink in, and the machine could fall over. The ground should be level, as well as firm, to keep the motorcycle stable. Use off-road parking or motorcycle parking areas when they're available.

Strong winds can blow a motorcycle off course, and even across the road. In windy conditions, you need to slow down and avoid riding on exposed roads. You should also watch for gaps in buildings and hedges, where you may be affected by a sudden gust of wind.

When you’re riding a motorcycle, it’s very important to ride where other road users can see you. In normal weather, you should ride in the centre of your lane. This will help you avoid uneven road surfaces in the gutter, and allow others to overtake on the right if they wish.

From this parking position, mounting on the left keeps you away from passing traffic. Hold the handlebars and apply the front brake so the motorcycle cannot roll as you get on. Check stability and surroundings before moving.

Riding with the clutch lever pulled in is known as coasting. If you coast, you lose the benefits of engine braking and you'll have reduced control of your motorcycle.

The handling of your motorcycle will be greatly affected by the road surface. Look well ahead and be especially alert if the road looks uneven or you see a loose chippings warning sign. Slow down in good time, as braking harshly on a loose surface could easily cause you to skid. For the same reason, avoid making sudden changes of direction.

Oil and rubber can build up on the road during long spells of dry weather. When it rains, this can make the road surface very slippery.

Riders cause skids when they push their tyres to the point that they can no longer grip the road. This happens when changing direction, braking and accelerating. The point at which tyres loose grip will vary with road, weather and tyre condition. Riding at a suitable speed for the conditions, planning, looking ahead for hazards and braking in good time will all help you to avoid skidding and losing control.

You should plan ahead to avoid the need to stop suddenly, but if an emergency arises, you must be able to stop safely. Applying the front brake just before the rear brake will help you to stop safely and quickly.

When riding, look ahead and around you. Don't look down at the front wheel, as this can severely upset your balance.

A motorcycle is most stable when it’s upright and moving in a straight line. This is the best time to brake. With independent front and rear brakes, both brakes should be used, with the front brake being applied just before the rear brake.

Tyres are a major factor in the handling, stability and stopping distance of a motorcycle. Make sure they’re in a safe and legal condition. The weather and road surface also play a part. Always anticipate well ahead and take account of the conditions when you’re braking.

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway, unless you've had to stop on the hard shoulder. If you have to use the hard shoulder, switch off your headlights but leave your parking lights on, so that your motorcycle can be seen by other road users.