How to protect your motorcycle from falls: practical advice and tips
Protecting your motorcycle is becoming a necessity to avoid the many inconveniences that a fall can cause. Fortunately, there are practical tips to protect yourself. Motorcycle gear remains the safest way to limit bodily and material damage from falls. There are different pieces of equipment available to protect you during your motorcycle road trip.
The crankcase guard to protect your crankcase during falls
In the event of a fall, it is important to protect your motorcycle's engine block to reduce damage. Also called a crash pad , the engine guard is a piece of advanced equipment that is remarkably useful in the event of a fall. Indeed, this equipment cushions the impact of the fall and preserves the engine block . Without proper protection, the fall and impact can cause liquid fuel or oil leaks. The engine guard therefore offers optimal protection for your motorcycle.
Investing in a crash pad offers several benefits. It is highly resistant to long-distance sliding, absorbing a significant portion of the impact . Moreover, some crash pads are easy to install and require no special technical knowledge. There are many models available to fit all motorcycles throughout France.
Using crash bars to protect your motorcycle
To prevent your fairing from being scratched during a fall while stationary or at low speed, crash bars can be effective. These are metal tubes placed around the edge of the motorcycle frame and which protect many parts of your motorcycle . This can be the fairing, the tank and even the engine. To install a motorcycle crash bar, you just need to follow these few steps:
- gather the necessary equipment,
- remove the main screw from the frame,
- position the crash bar around the engine,
- install and tighten the screws,
- position and install the crash bar on the other side of the motorcycle.
Manufacturers offer crash bars tailored to each motorcycle model: Honda, BMW, and others. But you can also purchase them from spare parts suppliers.
Invest in a tank protector mat
This type of equipment helps prevent scratches that can be caused by various frictions against the tank. It doesn't protect against all impacts, but it will at least protect your paintwork. Knowing that damaged paintwork can also cost you dearly. But before installing your tank protector, make sure that no moisture is trapped under the fabric . However, this solution is not very popular with all bikers.
Alternatively, you can always opt for self-adhesive films . In addition to adding an aesthetic touch to your motorcycle, these accessories can protect your tank from scratches. Moreover, stickers or transparent films are a cheap, quick solution that does not alter the nature of your motorcycle . These accessories can be excellent gift ideas for bikers. Depending on your needs and tastes, you can choose the tank protector mat model or self-adhesive films.
Use equipment to protect legs and feet
Protection applies to both the motorcycle and yourself. For your safety, it is advisable to invest in certain equipment. Indeed, in the event of a fall, the hips and knees are the most frequent points of impact. Fortunately, there are many armor and protective vests available. or knee and hip protection kits that can save your life . It is therefore advisable to wear pants made from durable materials.
Choose pants with hip and knee protection for maximum leg protection . The standard for pants is EN 1621-1. For added protection, you can also wear knee pads, motorcycle gloves , or motorcycle boots . Beyond aesthetic features, your buying guide should focus more on safety.
Other tips for protecting yourself from falls
For motorcyclists, the apprehension of the road and traffic is not the same as in a car. Indeed, weather conditions and terrain can more quickly impact motorcycle riding and its safety. When you ride a motorcycle, you must be twice as vigilant as in a car . The first rule is to respect the Highway Code. This is certainly important for everyone's safety. Drivers of motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles must therefore comply with it.
In addition, your machine must also be maintained diligently . Worn tires will quickly lose their grip on the road, causing a fall. Poorly maintained or aging brakes can also be fatal. So remember to have your motorcycle inspected before any trip .