10 tips for a safe start to the motorcycle season

Georg Scheiblauer, chief motorcycle instructor at the ÖAMTC driving technique, knows how bikers can properly winterize their two-wheelers and prepare for the season. In addition to checking the motorcycle, it is also important to ride particularly carefully on your first rides: “After the winter break, you lack driving experience and are more prone to making mistakes until the routine is restored.”

• Also read: Women do things differently on the road

How to properly winterize your motorcycle:

1. Check engine oil and fluid levels: Before the first ride, the engine oil, brake and hydraulic fluid and coolant should be checked.
2. Function Lighting system, indicator, Brake light and horn? If necessary, the battery needs to be charged and broken lights changed.
3. The Tires should be checked particularly carefully – on the one hand, whether the air pressure is correct, and on the other hand, whether there is still enough profile. “The tread depth for motorcycle tires must be at least 1.6 millimeters, but should not be less than 2 millimeters,” says the ÖAMTC.
4. Are the Sprockets If the chain is worn out or the chain can be lifted too far from the sprocket despite adjusting the chain tension, the entire drive set – i.e. chain, sprocket and sprocket – should be replaced.
5. Check brakes: “The brake pads rarely last more than three seasons. Regular checks and timely replacement can help avoid having to buy a new brake disc,” says Scheiblauer.

Safety at the exit:

1. Appropriate clothing: “In addition to careful driving, clothing also has an important protective function. Responsible bikers only set off on their journey with complete protective clothing – this also applies to passengers,” says Scheiblbauer.
2. Drive defensively and keep your distanceto avoid dangerous situations. “It’s important to drive with foresight, concentration and control. The right distance provides a safety cushion so that you can correct mistakes made by other road users.”
3. Never stay longer than necessary blind spot driving vehicles
4. Correctly interpret dangers on the road: Dark spots on curves can be dangerous oil or fuel residues, and there can still be residues of gravel or road salt on the side of the road.
5. Poor grip: At low temperatures, normal tires have less grip on cold asphalt. “Due to the poor grip, the braking distance is longer; caution is required when driving on inclines.”

One way to prepare for the motorcycle season in a protected environment and under supervision is to take driving technique training with your own vehicle at a traffic club. “Skillful braking and swerving in particular must be practiced regularly so that in an emergency you can do it correctly without hesitation,” says Scheiblbauer.

• Read more: Biker collided with car: 29-year-old from Mühlviertel injured

The federal states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Tyrol, Styria and Burgenland support motorcycle training with up to 100 euros. Requirements and further information can be found here.

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