INDEPENDENT DEALER

Edmonton, AB | Call Direct (780) 476-0545 | Toll Free 1 (888) 476-0545

OUR BLOG

4/7/2022
Whether you want to ride with a motorcycle club or plan a route with your friends, make sure to have a safe group ride by following the recommendations listed in this post by Jim Ackney in Edmonton.

When was the last time you saw a group of fellow motorcyclists riding together on the road or out in the streets? You'll often see them holding riding events to support different charities to raise funds, riding in motorcycle rallies, or just exploring new routes and scenery. Overall, riding in a group is an excellent opportunity to build camaraderie with other bikers in your community; moreover, it is an activity that allows you to gain more experience and knowledge about motorcycling. Although it is an enriching experience, group riding can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken seriously. Continue reading to learn a few tips on having a safe and successful motorcycle group ride.

Keep your motorcycle in a safe and smooth working condition by adding the top synthetic oil in Edmonton to its motor. To find the right formula for your bike, reach out to the oil pros at Jim Ackney by calling them at (780) 476-0545 or visit AMSOIL's online store.

Follow These Tips to Have a Successful and Safe Motorcycle Group Ride

Attend the Group Meeting Before the Ride

The most important step for a safe and successful group ride is to plan the details of the route, which is why motorcycle clubs and groups usually organize meetings before each ride. At these meetings, the group discusses essential information about the upcoming motorcycle trip, such as the departure point, the number of kilometers the group will ride, the approximate duration of the journey, where the group may stop to refuel, and more. In addition, these meetings serve to determine the position of each biker in the group's staggered formation and practice the hand, arm, and foot signals that the group will use to communicate on the road. Although the primary purpose of attending these meetings is to gain crucial information about each group ride, going to these encounters also allows you to meet other riders in your community, talk to them, build camaraderie, and even make new friends.

Practice Hand, Arm, and Foot Riding Signals

Communication between riders plays a crucial role when traveling in a group; therefore, motorcycle groups and clubs use standardized riding signals on the road. For example, suppose you are riding with six, seven, or eight other bikers along a route when suddenly, the trip leader spots an accident in the distance obstructing the group's narrow lane. In such a case, the leader would bend their arm at a right angle with his fingers pointing to the ground to let the group know they should stop. This stop signal would be immediately replicated from the biker behind the trip leader to the last rider in the group to achieve a safe and timely stop. Considering the above, it is of utmost importance that you learn, practice, and recognize the signals to slow down, speed up, single file, make a gas stop, among other crucial signs for riding in a group.

If you want to provide your motorcycle's engine with superior friction, heat, and rust protection, try AMSOIL 15W-60 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil. For more information about the most effective synthetic oil in Edmonton, speak to the oil pros at Jim Ackney by calling them at (780) 476-0545. Don't forget to explore the wide range of AMSOIL formulas by clicking here!

Prepare for the Trip

The best thing you can do for your first ride is to prepare. To that end, make sure to check your motorcycle a couple of weeks before the trip; that way, you'll have plenty of days to carry out any necessary repairs in the event of spotting a fault or problem with your motorcycle's components. When the day of the group ride arrives, be sure to check your motorcycle one more time to make sure it has enough gas; also, check the tires to ensure they have proper inflation and ensure the bike's nuts and bolts are well tightened. On the whole, make sure your motorcycle has an optimal and safe pre-ride condition. Another critical thing to prioritize is punctuality; therefore, make sure to arrive at the starting point with all your safety equipment on (helmet, gloves, biker jacket, and sturdy boots) about 10 minutes before the ride starts.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial when several bikers share a single lane; therefore, you must watch your speed to avoid getting too close to the biker in front of you. Ideally, you should count at least two seconds of distance between you and the biker in front of you; however, this might vary depending on the weather and road conditions (you need at least eight seconds of distance when the road is slippery or icy).

If your motorcycle needs fresh oil, reach out to the oil pros at Jim Ackney by calling them at (780) 476-0545 to learn the benefits of giving your bike the most effective synthetic oil change in Edmonton. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to explore the full line of high-quality motorcycle oils!