A true motorcyclist can identify at least 60 species of bugs by taste. But what else should they know?

In nearly 80% of motorcycle-related accidents, the person to blame is the one holding the handlebars. Sometimes the cause is a bit of alcohol still swirling in the bloodstream. Other times, it’s the small detail of not having a license at all.

To make sure your ride is as safe as it is thrilling, here’s a little pre-season checklist to shake off the winter dust:

👉 When was the last time you rode? Chances are it’s been a while, and you’re a bit rusty. Ease into it. Even the motorcycle police begin their riding season with warm-up training.

👉 Beware of lingering gravel, dust, and sand on the roads. Winter doesn’t vanish overnight, and it tends to leave its scars behind.

👉 You don’t have airbags. Or crumple zones. Or side-impact beams. All you’ve got is the gear you’re wearing. So don’t cheap out. Wear it even if you're just riding 200 meters to grab milk. Make yourself visible—bright clothing can literally save your life.

👉 Assume no one sees you. Car drivers have spent months looking only for other cars. You, dear biker, are an unexpected anomaly in their visual field. Never linger in a car’s blind spot.

👉 Keep your distance. Potholes and debris don’t always show up in a car’s tire path—but they might be right in yours. Cars generally stop faster than bikes. Your best friend on the road is a healthy buffer zone.

👉 Set clear rules with your passenger. You’re not just riding for one anymore.

👉 “Loud pipes save lives” – not always true. Just because your exhaust can wake up a whole kindergarten doesn’t mean it should. Ride with awareness, not arrogance.

👉 Traffic lights are not drag race starting lines. Gunning it from the green light won’t earn you any fans. And if someone misjudges the light and starts crossing, your rocket launch could end in an unwanted collision.

👉 Public roads are not racetracks. Trying to prove who’s the king of the asphalt jungle usually ends in tears, bent steel, and sometimes worse. When riding in a group, agree on rules. Even a small speed difference massively affects braking distance.

👉 Even the best drivers can’t accurately judge the speed of an approaching “missile.” When your actual speed is a multiple of the legal limit, physics wins. Some bikers start their season by testing whether the engine still holds all its horses—and end up surrendering their license to the police until the leaves fall.

👉 Empty roads are tempting. But 5–7% of motorcycle accidents each year involve wildlife. And just so you know: animals always have the right of way.

👉 Leave room for error—yours and others’. Even the best make mistakes. Lead by example.

👉 Before starting your season, make sure your bike is in top technical condition and that you have all the necessary documents in order.

Now get out there and enjoy the ride—but come back in one piece.