Category: Other

1. What to Pack for a Long Motorcycle Road Trip

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 7th Sep 2022

   A motorcycle road trip is an enjoyable experience that all motorbike lovers should have at least once in their lives. You get to enjoy long rides and visit different scenic locations. To make things easier for you, it is crucial to bring some essential supplies. To help you out, we have put together a list of essential and optional items to bring on your road trip.

   Motorcycle Clothing

   The first things you should set aside to bring on the road trip are your motorcycle clothing. These will include your helmet, trouser, jackets and gloves. You will also need some riding boots and socks and earplugs. As you purchase these items, make sure they are breathable and comfortable because you will be wearing them for long stretches.

   A Tool Kit

   You never know what will happen on the road trip, and this is why you need to bring your tool kit. You might not have the option to visit the nearest store to get what you need or to have your bike repaired so you may need to do it yourself.

   Some essentials to bring include a repair kit for flat tyres, a socket and wrench kit, screwdrivers, jumper cables, spare parts, an air compressor and wheel removal tools. You can also include other tools as you see fit.

   A Selection of Electronics

   It is reasonable to assume that if you are going on a long road trip, you will stop somewhere for a night or two to rest and recharge. To avoid getting bored during these downtimes, it would be a good idea to carry a selection of electronics with you.

   You will need your phone to stay in touch with your loved ones and to navigate when travelling through new locations. It is also a good idea to bring a tablet or laptop to have some entertainment when sleeping in a hotel or motel. Your selection of a tablet or laptop is a highly personal and subjective decision. Any of the modern Apple tablets should be fine, and you need a laptop that provides a great video viewing experience.

   Choosing one can be challenging, especially since you need an affordable one with long battery life and great performance. Laptops with Intel Arc graphics perform well without consuming too much power and thus give you the long battery life you will need. Check out this guide on Intel Arc graphics provided by Lenovo to see why this option would be great for you.

   Other electronics to consider include power banks, memory cards, a camera, a GPS tracker and a USB with backups of your important information.

   Hygiene Items

   You should also pack some toiletry and hygiene items. These include sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shaving kit and bug spray. As with the tools, you can also include other hygiene items as you see fit.

   Safety Items Safety is crucial, especially if you will be riding alone. You will need a torch and extra batteries, a location tracker (you can use your GPS), a spare key, bike lock, protein bars in case you are stranded and a cover for the bike and other items.

   Packing a bag for a motorcycle road trip will depend on what you need, but there are some essentials you should not leave behind. Some will make your stay at a hotel more comfortable, while some will save you should you become stranded or lost.

    

    

    

   article supplied

2. Tips for New Motorcycle Riders: How to Stay Safe

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 6th Sep 2022

   Motorcycle riders need to be extra careful on the road. Did you know that in 2015, there were 5,010 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States? That’s a staggering statistic.   

   Image Source

   But don’t let it scare you away from enjoying the wind in your hair and the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle. 

   Just follow these safety tips for new motorcycle riders, and you’ll be sure to stay safe on the road.

   1. Get trained and licensed
   
   Before you even think about hopping on a motorcycle, make sure you are properly trained and licensed. In many states, you need to take a formal motorcycle training course and pass a written exam and on-cycle skills test before you can get your license. 

   2. Wear the right gear
   
   One of the most important safety tips for new motorcycle riders is to always wear the proper gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, protective clothing, and sturdy boots. 

   3. Get familiar with your bike
   
   Before you head out on the open road, get to know your motorcycle and how it works. Review the owner’s manual and become familiar with the controls. Practice starting up the engine, shifting gears, braking, and turning. 

   4. Start out slow
   
   Once you’ve got the hang of your motorcycle, take it easy at first and avoid busy streets or highways. Stick to quiet side roads where you can build up your confidence and skills before tackling busier areas. 

   5. Be visible
   
   Make sure you are highly visible to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Wear bright clothing, and equip your motorcycle with reflective tape and proper lighting. 

   6. Use caution when passing

   Use extreme caution when passing other vehicles, and always signal before you change lanes. Make sure you have plenty of space and time to complete the maneuver before returning to your lane. 

   7. Watch for road hazards
   
   Be on the lookout for common road hazards such as potholes, gravel, oil slicks, puddles, and debris. These can all cause a motorcycle to lose control, so avoid them if possible or proceed with caution if you must ride over them. 

   8. Be aware of other drivers
   
   One of the most important safety tips for motorcycle riders is to be aware of the other drivers around you and anticipate their actions. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, so other drivers may not see you or may misjudge your speed or distance. Always give yourself enough space to react if another driver makes a mistake. 

   9. Ride sober
   
   Never drink alcohol or take drugs before riding a motorcycle. Not only is it illegal in many states, but it will impair your judgment, slow your reaction time, and make it more difficult to operate your bike safely. 

   10. Take breaks on long trips
   
   If you’re going on a long trip, take breaks every few hours to rest and stretch your legs. This will help you stay alert and focused on the road. 

   5 Things you should never do on a motorcycle
   
   Now that you know some basic safety tips for motorcycle riders, let’s take a look at five things you should never do on a motorcycle.

   1. Don’t ride without a helmet
   
   Never, ever ride without a helmet. It’s not only illegal in many states, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. A helmet is the best way to protect your head in the event of a crash, and it could save your life. 

   2. Don’t ride without insurance
   
   Another thing you should never do is ride without insurance. If you are involved in an accident, motorcycle insurance will help pay for damages, injuries, and other costs associated with the accident. 

   3. Don’t speed
   
   Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, so it’s important to always obey the speed limit and never ride faster than you are comfortable with. 

   4. Don’t tailgate
   
   Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is dangerous for any driver, but it can be especially hazardous for motorcycle riders. If the car in front of you suddenly stops, you could rear-end them or be thrown from your bike. 

   5. Don’t lane split
   
   Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in most states and can be extremely dangerous. If a car suddenly changes lanes, you could be hit or pinned between the two vehicles. 

   By following these safety tips and avoiding these dangerous behaviors, you can help keep yourself safe while riding a motorcycle. Remember, motorcycle accidents can happen even when riders are being careful, so always stay alert and ride defensively.

    

    

    

   article supplied

3. Compensation for motorcyclist who sustained serious injuries

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 3rd Sep 2022

   Hundreds of thousands in compensation after motorcyclist sustains brain injury 

   Stewart* was riding his motorcycle at speed when a car emerged from a side road, directly into his path which caused a collision and Stewart to be thrown from his motorcycle.

   He suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple serious orthopaedic injuries including fractures to his spine, clavicle, ribs, wrist and hand and a complex degloving injury to the knee which required extensive multiple surgeries. He also developed urinary urgency and erectile problems.

   As a result of the brain injury, Stewart suffered a change in personality, cognitive deficits and the loss of his professional career. His mobility was significantly restricted due to his orthopaedic injuries.

   Liability, causation and quantum were all fiercely contested by the car driver’s insurers  such that Stewart’s previous solicitors, appointed by Stewart’s own insurers, advised him to accept an offer of £50,000 stating that this would be the best possible outcome that he could hope to achieve.

   Stewart rejected that advice and sought representation from Potter Rees Dolan.

   We argued that Stewart travelling at speed was not the primary cause of the collision and instead  the driver had failed to make the appropriate checks before emerging from the side road.

   We were successful in reaching a compensation award of £200,000 for Stewart which was net of an agreed liability apportionment of 80/20% basis.

   Mark Robinson, personal injury solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan, said:

   This is yet another timely reminder that in cases involving motorcyclists, it is especially important that a firm who specialises in such claims and in dealing with life changing injuries should be instructed. Fortunately, our client recognised this in time, and we were able to achieve a settlement that was commensurate with the significant injuries that he sustained.

   * The name and identifying details of the client have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved

    

   Article supplied from Potter Rees Dolan

   

4. High Court at Manchester awards e-cyclist damages

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 2nd Sep 2022

   In a complex case and at a liability only Trial on 1 February, His Honour Judge Sephton QC awarded James 25% of the full value of his claim

   James* was riding his electronic bicycle on his way to work when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle whilst making a right hand turn across its lane.

   Despite James wearing a high-vis jacket at the time, the driver of the vehicle (the Defendant) maintained that he was driving within the speed limit albeit close to it and had not seen James until he was immediately in front of his vehicle due to the dazzling effect of the low-lying sun which was directly in front of him. It was at this time that the Defendant maintained that he had applied his brakes to avoid the collision.

   Liability was therefore strongly contested throughout without any kind of offer being made prior to the Trial.

   After hearing the evidence of both parties, the Judge held that the risk posed by the dazzling sun was clear and obvious and that the Defendant should have reduced his speed or even stopped altogether as advised in the Highway Code.

   In addition, with the assistance of experts instructed on James’s behalf, the Judge accepted that the Defendant had not seen James and had not applied the vehicle’s brakes himself. The vehicle’s automatic braking system had been activated once James had been identified by the system as a hazard in the road.  

   As a result of the accident, James sustained a severe traumatic brain injury with multiple serious orthopeadic injuries which required surgery.

   The amount of compensation will be assessed by the Court at a later date. 

   Mark Robinson, personal injury solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan, said:

   I am delighted by the outcome in this hard fought and technical case that was strongly disputed for several years. As in most cases involving cyclists and motorcyclists, expert evidence in many areas is key to prove that the driver is at fault by not reacting to the driving conditions and taking those steps within his control such as braking to avoid the collision.

   * The names and identifying details of the client have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals involved.

    

   Article supplied by Potter Rees Dolan

    

   

    

    

5. How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Boot: A Beginner's Guide

   Posted on 11:00am Wednesday 31st Aug 2022

   The best motorcycle boots provide good traction and support, protect your feet and ankles from injury, and help keep you comfortable while riding. 

   Image source

   But with all the different styles and brands available, how do you choose the right ones for you? Did you know that there are even motorcycle boots made specifically for women?

   In this article, we'll take a look at some of the things you need to consider when choosing motorcycle boots, including:

   1. The type of riding you'll be doing
   2. The features you need
   3. Your budget
   4. Motorcycle boot reviews
   5. Women's motorcycle boots

   Let's get started!

   Type of Riding: One of the first things to consider when choosing motorcycle boots is the type of riding you'll be doing. If you're a casual rider who only goes out on the weekends, you won't need the same type of boots as someone who rides every day or competes in motocross races.

   Boot features: If you think you're getting toe numbness from shoes, then you'll want to get a pair of motorcycle boots that have better toe protection. If you're constantly stopping and starting, then you might want to look for a pair with good ankle support. And if you're riding in wet or muddy conditions, you'll need boots that can keep your feet dry.

   Budget: Another thing to consider is your budget. Motorcycle boots range in price from around $100 to over $500. If you're a casual rider, you probably don't need to spend more than $200 on boots. But if you're a competitive racer, you'll need to invest in a good pair of boots that will offer the protection and support you need.

   Motorcycle Boot Reviews: Before you buy any motorcycle boots, it's a good idea to read some reviews to see what other riders have to say. You can find reviews of motorcycle boots online or in magazines.

   Women's Motorcycle Boots: There are also motorcycle boots made specifically for women. These boots usually have a narrower width and a smaller size range. They also often have different features than men's boots, like a lower ankle height and a more comfortable fit.
   
   Here's a quick overview of the different types of motorcycle riding:

   -Casual/weekend riding: This is the most common type of riding. If you only ride occasionally, you don't need boots that are too heavy or uncomfortable. Look for boots that are comfortable and have good traction.

   -Commuting: If you use your motorcycle to commute to work or school, you'll need boots that are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Look for features like a waterproof or water-resistant upper, a warm lining, and good traction.

   -Off-road riding: If you like to take your motorcycle off-road, you'll need boots with good traction and support. Look for features like a reinforced toe area, an ankle brace, and a waterproof or water-resistant upper.

   -Racing: If you compete in motocross or other types of motorcycle racing, you'll need boots that offer good support and protection. Look for features like a reinforced toe area, an ankle brace, and a waterproof or water-resistant upper.

   Features: The next thing to consider is the features you need in your motorcycle boots. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

   -Traction: Good traction is important for all riders, but it's especially important if you ride in wet or icy conditions. Look for boots with a textured sole that will help you keep your footing.

   -Waterproofing: If you ride in wet conditions, you'll need boots that are either waterproof or water-resistant. Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry in even the heaviest rain, while water-resistant boots will provide some protection against moisture.

   -Warmth: If you ride in cold conditions, you'll need boots that are warm and comfortable. Look for boots with a warm lining or insulation.

   -Comfort: Comfort is important for all riders. Look for boots that are comfortable to wear, even if you're going to be wearing them all day long.

   -Protection: Motorcycle boots should protect your feet and ankles from injury in the event of a crash. Look for features like a reinforced toe area and an ankle brace.

   Now that you know how to choose the best motorcycle boots, it's time to start shopping! Be sure to consider the type of riding you'll be doing, the features you need, and your budget. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect pair of boots for your needs.

    

   article supplied