Motorcycle Safety – NFCC – 24/05
A motorcycle helmet is the most important part of your kit – getting it right can save your life. To travel safely and legally you must wear a safety helmet that meets one of the following:
• British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark
• UNECE Regulation 22.05
• a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection as BS 6658:1985, and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark
SHARP – the helmet safety scheme
The Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) shows you approved helmets and how much protection they offer.
Avoid buying a second-hand helmet.
If a helmet has had an impact either from a collision or by being dropped it may no longer offer you sufficient protection. You may not be able to see this damage. Internal linings will have shaped to the first owner’s head, it will therefore not fit or reshape to your head properly, reducing level of protection.
Motorcycle helmets have a limited life span. Manufacturers generally recommend a properly maintained, regularly used helmet should be replaced about every 3-5 years.
• You can pay a big price if you buy counterfeit or fake motorcycle helmets. You’re being ripped off and riding illegally. These helmets won’t properly protect in a collision or fall.Make sure your helmet is safe and legal by buying from reputable retailers
Protective Equipment
Apart from helmets there is no law that requires a rider to wear protective clothing whilst riding a motorcycle. But wearing the right protective gear can protect riders from serious injury so is strongly recommended.
Just like with helmets there is a trade in fake, substandard or counterfeit goods. Motorcycle clothing that is designed to protect you in an impact or slide is classed as PPE and must comply with safety regulations and carry a safety mark (CE, UKCA or UKNI), ratings for the level of protection and user information and warnings. It will also have a rating from AAA (highest level of protection) to B (urban riding without impact protection).
• The right riding gear isn’t jeans and trainers! The right protective clothing can reduce the risk of injury if you’re in a collision. Buy clothing that suits your ride. You might need protection for your elbows, knees back, chest and shoulders. Riders should wear boots to protect their ankles and gloves to protect hands.
• Always buy your protective gear from reputable retailers. They can offer you the right advice on the right kit for your ride. Buyer beware the market for counterfeit and fake gear is big. Don’t get scammed, don’t tide unprotected.
Maintenance
Whether you ride your motorcycle every day or you’re getting ready to take to the road as the weather improves, maintenance of your bike is important to help you ride safely and legally.
Petrol – Check you have enough fuel for your journey to prevent breakdowns and putting yourself or others at risk.
Oil – Reservoirs have upper and lower marks, and the oil level is usually checkable via a window in the engine casing if not use a dipstick to check. Ensure your motorcycle parked upright on level ground. The correct oil level will prevent your engine seizing up.
Water – Check coolant levels keep them topped up, running out of coolant can cause your engine to overheat which will damage your motorcycle.
Damage/Drive chain – Check the motorcycle over for any signs of damage this includes checking for chain tension and lubrication and damage to sprocket teeth. If your bike has a belt rather than chain, you should check for signs of damage such as cracking and drying.
Electrics – Check all lights including brakes and indicators are all working. Check cables are secure, and they or termination points are not worn as this can lead to failure of systems such as clutch, brakes or lighting.
Rubber – Check your tyres. They should be in good condition and legal. Check tyre pressure when your tyres are cold and ensure they are set at the correct pressure as recommended by the manufacturer. Over inflated motorcycle tyres can affect road grip and under inflated can cause problems with braking and handling. Look for cracks, bulges or objects embedded in the tread. Make sure your tyres are wearing evenly, if they’re not your tyre pressures may be incorrect, or wheel assembly may be incorrectly balanced. Ensure tyres are clean and free of oil and grease, wash them with the detergent if necessary. Check your tyre tread depth. It must be no less than 1mm around the circumference of the middle three quarters of the tyre. If in doubt advice should always be sought from a professional.Self – Make sure you are fit to drive, not tired or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medicines which may affect your riding. Plan your route especially if you are taking your motorcycle out on a longer ride and make sure you take frequent breaks.