- Table of Contents
Introduction
Every motorcycle rider tries their best to avoid falling and crashing in every race. Unfortunately, crashes do often happen on the race track. Crashes can occur for many reasons, whether due to a mechanical problem with the motorcycle or the rider’s lack of awareness. Having a better understanding of what causes motorcycle crashes and how to lower the risk of an accident will improve your performance on the track.
1. Careful When Turning Corners
When turning corners, riders sometimes turn at relatively high speeds. While making a turn, there is less traction between the tire and the road which increases the chances of slipping.
Applying the brakes while turning at high speed makes it difficult for the rider to clear the corner. causing the rider to skid and/or slip badly across the asphalt.
2. Don’t Tailgate
Photo Credit: @motorsport
During track races, many riders tailgate behind the ones in front of them, putting them in a dangerous position. Riding behind another motorcycle is dangerous because the line of sight is blocked by the riders in front, and if the rider in front applies the brakes suddenly, the rider right behind will have neither enough space to change lanes nor enough time to brake before colliding.
Also Read: HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CRUISER MOTORCYCLE?
3. Overtaking Safely
3.1 Reasons for Crashes While Overtaking
Not Enough Space:
Riders should make sure there is enough space between them and the other riders. Having enough space gives them time to react and provides a good line of sight.
High Speed:
Riding at high speed does not give riders enough time to change directions and also makes it difficult to turn sharply or dodge any obstacles. By keeping a moderate speed, the rider has better control over the motorcycle and can turn quickly without skidding or slipping.
4. Avoid Panic Braking
4.1 Reasons for Panic Braking:
Lack of Situation Awareness:
If any rider lacks situational awareness, then immediately applying the brakes will likely cause the motorcycle to slip. The rider must be aware of everything around them, especially how close other vehicles are, whether they are braking, changing lanes, turning, or accelerating.
Less Distance Between Vehicles:
Keeping less buffer distance from the other vehicles is dangerous because it gives you less time to stop or slow down in case of an emergency.
4.2 How to Prevent Panic Braking:
Apply the Brake Gradually:
Gently apply the brakes at first and then squeeze the lever hard in a smooth transition. Do not apply the brakes all of a sudden.
Enough Space:
Keeping enough space between you and other vehicles will ensure you have enough time to stop your motorcycle without slipping or hitting your motorcycle. This also provides a good line of sight that allows the rider to see past the vehicle directly in front.
Also Read: HOW TO WASH HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE?
5. Correct Leaning Position
5.1 Hanging Off:
Hanging off is better suited for sports motorcycles. SPORT MOTORCYCLES have wide tires that require riders to turn at higher speeds. When doing this leaning position, the rider turns the motorcycle by shifting his/her and the motorcycle’s weight. The hanging-off position ensures better traction and speed while turning. This leaning position also requires more space to be able to safely change directions.
5.2 Centered:
The centered position helps CRUISER and touring motorcycles turn easily due to their bulky heavyweight bodies and wide tires. Even if a touring motorcycle or cruiser has saddlebags installed, it is still easy to turn using a centered position. For this leaning position, the rider keeps his/her body straight and leans in the same direction as the motorcycle. This leaning position helps riders turn at high speed but does require a lot of space to clean the corner.
5.3 Counter Lean:
The counter lean is the most common leaning position. This leaning position helps riders clear sharp turns with less space available. The counter lean is most helpful when riding street, DIRT, adventure, naked motorcycles, or any lightweight motorcycles. For this leaning position, the rider leans in the opposite direction of the motorcycle to maintain balance. The counter lean position does not require a lot of space to be able to turn.
6. Avoid Gravel/Debris on the Road
Gravel and debris on the road decrease traction and increase the likelihood of slipping, whether traveling straight or turning. On race tracks, gravel and debris are only present at the corner turns. This is often why you see most riders slip while trying to clear corner turns.
7. Don’t Exceed Speed Limits
Many riders crash due to riding faster than the acceptable speed limit. While pushing past the speed limit can test and improve a rider’s skill, racing at a dangerously high speed has often led to riders losing control and getting into fatal crashes.
Also Read: 5 TIPS ON GETTING BACK ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE AFTER AN ACCIDENT INJURY
8. Protective Add-ons:
There are some additional accessories that can not exactly reduce the crashes but they are extremely helpful for the rider and passenger, and saves them from fatal injuries. The CRASH BARS are especially attached to prevent the motorcycle from fully falling on the ground and it even protects the legs of the riders. The FAIRINGS prevent the arms and hands of the riders and the HANDLEBARS. The SISSY BARS are helpful for the passenger, it even provides an ease to the passenger and also prevents the passenger from falling off the motorcycle in any accidental situation.
9. Conclusion
The best way to avoid crashing on a race track is by maintaining enough space with other vehicles. More space means more time for riders to brake, change lanes, and avoid colliding with other motorcycles on the track. The main reason why motorcycle crashes occur is due to traveling at dangerously high speeds. Riding at high speed has often resulted in motorcycles crashing when making tight turns or crashing into other motorcycles while tailgating. The leaning position also plays a significant role in maintaining balance while riding a motorcycle, especially while turning.
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