Most Riders Know This... But Still Don’t Do It

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Most riders know what to do—but too many fail to do it when it counts. In this week’s episode of MCrider, we’re diving into 5 essential habits that every motorcycle rider should be practicing on every ride. From gearing up with the right protection to executing flawless emergency braking, these are the foundational skills that separate safe riders from statistics. If you’ve ever seen a crash and thought, “That could’ve been avoided,” this video is for you. Watch to make sure you’re not skipping the basics that save lives.

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When it comes to riding, knowing the right thing isn’t enough—doing the right thing every time you ride is what separates a skilled rider from an average one.

This week on MCrider, we’re covering 5 motorcycle safety practices that every rider should already know and use—but many don’t. As we walk through this list, you’ll likely recall situations where someone skipped one of these, and the consequences were serious… sometimes even fatal.

The difference can truly be a matter of life or death.

1. Gear Up Every Time You Ride

Riding gear is like insurance—it might seem expensive or inconvenient, but the moment you really need it, you’ll be grateful you had it.

My everyday riding gear includes:

A full-face helmet (Shoei fits me well)
A jacket with armor
Riding gloves
Boots

For longer rides, I add a pair of riding pants.

Of all this gear, the helmet is the most critical. Broken bones can be set, and road rash heals with time—but a brain injury is often irreversible. That’s why I always urge riders to wear full protective gear, but especially a DOT-approved full-face or modular helmet with the chin bar locked in place.

Why? Because in many crashes, a rider’s face or chin hits the ground first—and only a full-face helmet will protect you in that scenario.

Make it a habit: gear up for every ride.

📘 Road Strategy Book Update

Before we continue, a quick note—my new book on Road Strategy is finished and has gone to print! If you pre-ordered, I expect to start shipping around May 16th.

Want to grab your copy? Visit MCrider.com/Books to order the Road Strategy book, the Field Guide, or the bundle and save on shipping.

2. Do Everything You Can to See and Be Seen

Some riders say, “ride like you're invisible.” I get it—but I prefer a more proactive approach. Instead of assuming others won’t see me, I do everything I can to increase my visibility on the road.

Here’s how:

Smart lane positioning
Maintaining good following distance
Avoiding blind spots
Not riding next to vehicles
Adding extra lights to the bike
Wearing high-contrast riding gear

There are no guarantees—you can't force other drivers to see you. But increasing your visibility improves the odds and keeps you more aware of your own surroundings.

And if someone still doesn’t see you, this next skill becomes vital.

3. Master Emergency Braking

Of all the motorcycle safety skills you can learn, emergency braking might be the most important.

Being able to bring your bike to a safe stop from road speeds—quickly and in control—is a skill you need to practice regularly. Once you learn the right technique, a few minutes of practice can help keep your reflexes sharp.

Here’s the process:

Squeeze the clutch and downshift to first gear while braking.
Apply the front brake smoothly to let the weight transfer to the front wheel.
Once the front tire is planted, continue a progressive squeeze to add stopping force.
Apply the rear brake gently, without locking it up. Avoid stabbing it.
Always use both brakes together in practice.

With ABS, you have some backup—but good technique still reduces stopping distance and increases safety.

Want practice drills? The Field Guide has several emergency braking exercises to help you improve.

4. Never Ride Above Your Skill Level

What does riding above your skill level mean?

It includes:

Taking corners faster than you're comfortable
Following more experienced riders without knowing the pace or route
Riding in traffic, terrain, or weather you're not ready for
Trying advanced skills before you've practiced the basics

Even while training in a parking lot, it’s possible to push too far, too fast.

Example: Let’s say you’ve practiced emergency braking at 25 mph a few times. You jump to 50 mph, hoping to stop quickly—and suddenly, you're in over your head.

This kind of leap can lead to loss of control or crashes.

Develop your motorcycle skills gradually. Pushing your limits is okay—but do it in small, manageable steps. Never let other riders pressure you to ride faster than you’re ready for.

Ride your own ride.

5. Use Your Mirrors—But Trust Your Head Checks

Most riders don’t check their mirrors often enough. A quick glance can give you critical information—what’s behind you, who’s closing in, and how traffic is behaving.

When to check your mirrors:

Every 5–10 seconds in normal traffic
Before braking or slowing down
Before and after lane changes or turns
When stopped at intersections

However, mirrors aren’t perfect. They leave blind spots—especially on motorcycles. That’s why I always say:

Use your mirrors—but trust your head check.

There have been many times I’ve glanced at my mirrors and thought the lane was clear… until a head check saved me from pulling into a car hiding in my blind spot.

Stay alert. Stay aware. Stay safe.

Final Thoughts

I hope these tips help you ride smarter and safer. Let me know in the comments which tip hit home for you, and if you haven’t yet—subscribe on YouTube to help support the channel and spread motorcycle safety to more riders.

Till next week, ride safe.