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With some of the highest gas prices and busiest roads in the US, traveling on two wheels in California is the best way to commute because it comes with great benefits. Traveling on a motorcycle will not only save you money on gas but you can also use lane-splitting during heavy traffic to get you to your destination a lot quicker. Riding a motorcycle every day is a lot of fun, but it can also be a pain if you are not prepared. Here are a few tips you need to know about daily commuting on your motorcycle.
 

Ride The Right Bike:

Motorcycle commuting can be a lot of fun, but you will experience heavy traffic and a variety of weather conditions that can affect your experience. You want to make sure you are riding a motorcycle that is comfortable, practical, and economical. When selecting a commuter motorcycle, look for one that offers an upright position so long rides can be more comfortable and also give you far superior forward vision. Since you will be using your motorcycle every day, it is a good idea to also pick a motorcycle with great fuel economy so you can save some money as well.

Insider Tip: Getting carrying luggage for your motorcycle can make commuting a lot easier because you will be able to have a place to store your things.
 

Have The Right Tires:

One important thing to know about commuter motorcycles is that they need to have good tires. You are going to be using the motorcycle every day so you will be relying on them daily. A good tire for commuting motorcycles combines the best lifespan, dry traction, wet traction, and handling. We recommend some sport-touring tires because they are meant for long trips and usually come in sizes that fit a wide range of motorcycles.

Insider Tip: Make sure you check the air pressure of your tires regularly 

 

Add Storage:

Being a commuter requires you to carry a lot more things than you think and a motorcycle is not the best vehicle to store things. You may need things like your laptop, phone charger, and lunch for work/school and you may also have to bring along things like extra riding gear, tools, and emergency supplies for our commute. If you are commuting on your motorcycle, it is a good idea to invest in some saddlebags, storage case, tank bag or backpack to store all your valuables when riding. Having everything stored away will allow you to ride safer and have all of your things safe and secure.
 

Heavy Traffic:

One of the biggest issues with commuting has to be horrible traffic. California is known for its heavy bumper to bumper traffic every day of the week. Motorcycle commuters have to share the road with other drivers so being on a bike can be a little intimidating and dangerous. A motorcycle can easily be in a driver’s blind spot which can cause serious injury. When riding in heavy traffic, make sure you drive defensively and are being seen by other drivers.
 

Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions:

One thing you cannot control when motorcycle commuting is the weather. There will be days where rain, snow, heavy winds, cold, or even extremely hot temperatures will hit and you have to be prepared. Make sure you are well prepared for any weather changes that may occur during your commute. Wear light clothing on a hot summer day, but have a warmer jacket stored away in case the temperature drops throughout your ride. Make sure your gear is waterproof during rainy days as well. A small drizzle can feel like a rainstorm to a motorcycle rider when they are going at 70mph speeds

Insider Tip: Check the weather forecast regularly so you are prepared for any changes that may occur

 

Gear Up:

Whether your commute is 10 minutes long or an hour, it is important that you gear up with the appropriate safety gear. Depending on the time of year, the temperature can range from cold mornings to sizzling afternoons so having the correct gear for all-weather conditions is important. You do not want to be riding in the cold rain without a jacket or rai suit. Here is a list of items you must have in your closet and ready to wear when needed:

  • Helmet
  • Pants
  • Jacket (light and waterproof)
  • Gloves
  • Boots
  • Rain suit

Stand Out:

Not only do you have to wear safety gear when riding, but also make sure that your gear is noticeable to other drivers. Commuters stuck in traffic get easily distracted with their smartphones which increases the chances of being involved in an accident. Make yourself visible by wearing bright fluorescent colored clothing or Hi-Viz apparel. The brightness of your clothing will let the other drivers notice you and avoid a collision.
 

Don't Tailgate:

Since motorcycles are smaller, quicker, and capable of shorter stopping distances than cars, it is easy to find yourself too close to the car in front of you. It is not a good idea to tailgate the driver in front of you because you will not have enough reaction time if the driver suddenly stops; causing a collision. Maintain a safe distance between the drivers in front of you and position yourself in the left or right portion of the lane so you have an escape route.

Insider Tip: Lane-splitting is legal in California, which is actually safer than riding in the lane because it can reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. Make sure to stay alert of your surroundings and watch your mirrors.
 

Stay Alert:

Whether you are a rookie or veteran rider, it is important to always stay alert when commuting on your motorcycle. Do not let yourself get too comfortable when commuting because you never know what situation can occur. Motorcycle riders are hard to spot during traffic so staying alert at all times can give you the opportunity to avoid a collision. Stay alert of all your surroundings and make sure other riders can see you.
 

Maintain Your Bike:

If you are planning to use your motorcycle every day, you must maintain it. Using your bike to commute means you will be racking up more miles and putting more wear and tear on your bike so keeping it in tip-top shape is super important. Make sure to check the fluids regularly, check the charge on the battery, and the air pressure of the tires. It is better to detect something wrong early so that it can be an easy fix. Waiting too long can make the problem worse and cost you a lot more money than needed to be. 


Ride Safe!

Using your bike for your daily commute is a lot of fun when you are fully prepared. Since a motorcycle is much smaller than a car, it is important that you stay alert of your surroundings at all times and give yourself enough cushion space to react in case something happens on the road. Make sure you also have gear that not only protects you from the weather but also allows you to be seen by other drivers on the road. Ride Safe!

Related:

 - Why You Need A Motorcycle In Your Life

 - What Motorcycle is Right for You?

 - 5 Safety Tips to Ride a Motorcycle

 - Hand Signals Every Rider should know

 

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