Nobody enjoys breaking down in their vehicle. However, it’s even more stressful when you break down on a motorcycle. This is because bikes don’t offer the same protections as cars or trucks. That said, here are a few tips if you ever find yourself in need of roadside assistance.
Be Prepared
Before you head out, make sure you’re prepared. You’ll be more exposed to the outdoor elements than you would be if you were stranded in a car or truck. This means you want to have the right gear that is weather appropriate, and you’ll want to have a high visibility vest on-hand. Also, a poncho is good to have because it’ll keep you dry if you break down.
Pull Over And Be Calm
If you breakdown, your best bet is to be calm and pull off to the side of the road, but take your time to come to a slow stop. Remember, the best spot to come to a full stop is the right shoulder of the road, but some highways are extremely dangerous for bikes to breakdown. If you breakdown on a busy road, then pull over to a road that has limited access.
If you are still struggling to find a place to stop at, then keep going until you come to an exit. Stick to the right side of the road. Doing this allows people to pass you easily.
Move To A Safe Spot
When you have pulled over, the next thing you need to do is maintain a safe distance between you and the road. Many vehicles don’t see a motorcycle broken down from afar because of the size of most bikes. This is why you want to be as far from oncoming traffic as possible.
If you’re able, move the bike. However, don’t do it if it puts your safety at risk. You can replace a bike if it becomes damaged by a car, but you can’t replace your life if it is taken from you.
Be Mindful
If it’s dark out, then be mindful of the various dangers. It’s best to turn on all of the bike’s lights if you break down during the evening. This includes the signal light and the hazards. Remember, it is extremely dangerous to be out on a bike in the dark, but it’s even more dangerous when you’re broken down on the side of the road. It can easily become a deadly situation if you don’t remain mindful. Reach out to Leahy’s Towing if your motorcycle fails you, don’t hesitate to give us a call.