When riding, you should choose pants and a jacket made of leather or another sturdy material. They should fit you snugly enough that they do not flap in the wind, but also loosely enough that they let you move freely.

Under normal conditions, it is recommended that riders maintain a following distance of at least two seconds. Riders should increase their following distance any time conditions are less than ideal.

When being passed, it is generally safest to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest the passing driver increases the danger of colliding with them, and riding on the side farthest from the driver may tempt them to return to your lane too soon.

To be effective, an eye or face shield must be free of scratches; be resistant to penetration; allow clear views to both sides; fasten securely; permit air to pass through to prevent fogging; and allow room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

A sturdy riding jacket provides essential protection in the event of a crash, no matter the weather. Jackets also provide an additional benefit in hot weather by protecting the rider against dehydration. Many motorcycling jackets are designed to prevent the wearer from overheating.

When turning, you should always lean in the direction of the turn. Slow down before entering the turn.

To lessen the chances of a crash occurring, you should make yourself visible, communicate your intentions to others, maintain adequate space cushions, search your path of travel at least 12 seconds ahead, identify and separate hazards, and be prepared to react to changing conditions.

As your motorcycle accelerates, you will need to shift into a higher gear.

There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. Vary your lane position as road and traffic conditions warrant.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight. To make yourself more visible to other drivers, you should always wear brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the day.

When parked on the road, a motorcycle should create an angle with the curb that is between 45 and 90 degrees. A wheel or fender should be touching the curb.

When approaching a railroad crossing that is controlled by a sign with flashing lights, you must come to a complete stop and wait until the train has passed and the lights have stopped flashing before proceeding. Never try to outdrive a train.

You should never take eye contact with another driver as a guarantee that they will properly yield to you. It is not uncommon for a driver to look directly at a motorcyclist and still fail to notice them.

A “wobble” is when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side. Most wobbles are a result of improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

Leather boots provide the best degree of protection when riding. They should be high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet.

When being passed, it is not advisable to move to the part of your lane that is farthest from the passing vehicle. Doing so may prompt the passing driver to move back into your lane too early.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. Wearing bright colors and reflective materials is always recommended when riding, even during the day.

Impairment of your ability to ride safely begins with the first drink you take. You can be convicted of riding impaired even if you are below the legal blood alcohol limit.

Long-term exposure to engine and wind noise while riding can lead to hearing damage, even if you wear a full-face helmet. Using hearing protection is advised to prevent damage.

When passing a row of parked vehicles to your right, you may ride in the left portion of your lane. This way, you can more easily avoid opening doors, drivers getting out of vehicles, or people stepping out from between vehicles. Only ride in the left portion of the lane if there is no oncoming traffic.

Just like any other vehicle, motorcycles have blind spots. A rider should always turn their head to check for traffic in their blind spot before changing lanes. It is a good idea for a rider to make head checks a part of their normal routine.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise.

When riding in a group, it is generally best to travel in a staggered formation. This formation allows riders to remain in close ranks while still maintaining safe following distances.

Avoid riding on oil and grease buildup. Because the oily strip in the center of a lane is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to stay to the left or right side of the oil and still be in the center portion of the lane.

Convex mirrors are installed on many motorcycles. Compared to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road. However, convex mirrors can also make approaching vehicles seem farther away than they actually are.

If the front wheel locks up while you are braking, release the pressure from the front brake. Immediately re-apply pressure to the brake with controlled gradual pressure.

If the rear tire of a motorcycle goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side. If you experience this movement when riding your motorcycle, you should stop riding and check your tires as soon as possible.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful that the rear brake and can provide at least 70 percent of the bike's total stopping power.