5 Driving Mistakes Bikers Can't Stand

Days are getting shorter, temps are decreasing... soon enough all of us will be caging it (aka back behind the steering wheel of our daily driver). 

(*crying inside)

Since it's coming to that soon, we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson thought we'd go over the stuff that drives us insane, no matter if we're riding or driving.

Photo by Logan Fisher on Unsplash

You see, most of us have taken the Basic Riders Course to get the "M" endorsement on our Driver's License, which makes us better drivers as well (that's why your auto insurance company will give you a discount after completing the class). 

Hopefully you know enough not to be doing these mistakes... but if you're guilty please stop it now. You are putting yourself and others at risk of an accident that could have been avoided - not cool.

5) Not using your Turn Signals

Those are the signals you give to indicate which way you're going to turn or when you wish to change lanes. I know every modern car and truck have them! So when you see a Biker getting upset because you changed lanes or slowed down to turn into a parking lot without signaling, now you know we didn't know what you were doing. Tell us which way you're going to go and we'll be ok with that.

4) Crossing the White/Fog Line to pass on the right

While it isn't illegal to do so in most states, it is something that drives Bikers mad and here's why: It's true motorcycles take up less room on the road, however we still like our 'cushion' room. A Biker has their 'personal space' even while riding and when a driver invades that space, s/he takes it kind of personally. Please give us the same room you'd give a car.

Photo by David Guenther on Unsplash

3) Jumping the Light 

We get it- you're in a hurry because you woke up late, got stuck behind the school bus or snow plow, or the dog got sick and you had to clean it up, etc., etc. Now you're waiting for the light to turn green, which you can see it'll do soon since the cross-traffic light is changing to yellow, soon to be red. There's no traffic coming... You decide you can just go ahead and go before you actually get the green light.

What you didn't see was that other vehicle -be it Biker or Driver- who is also in a hurry. Or maybe they decided they wouldn't be able to stop in time for the light and 'went for it' instead. Either way now you're both trying to be in the same space at the same time -not good! 

This is why there's a delay between when the stop light turns red for the other direction and your light turning green. Take your time and wait your turn.

2) Driving too slow in the Passing Lane

Two-lanes traveling in the same direction on a highway or interstate, the left lane is called the 'Passing Lane'. That means you travel in the right lane and, when you encounter a vehicle going slower than you, you move to the left, pass them, and then move back.

Drivers who 'hang out' in the Passing Lane, especially when they are not passing anyone, are most aggravating. Also, when they're going just 68mph passing someone doing 65mph.... so we'll say it again:

Using the left lane, actively pass the slower vehicle in the right lane, and then move back over!! 

No matter who is calling, put the phone down and drive!

1) Distracted Driving and Driving Under the Influence

Drivers that are on their phone, doing make-up, trying to eat their fast food, and those too drunk to even know where they are = the biggest threats to our lives when we're on the road. 

You don't see hardly anyone or know what's going on around you. You're the equivalent of a small bomb poised to potentially really screw-up an innocent person's day (and possibly even their life) as well as your own.

Put the phone down. Do your make-up at home. Stop somewhere to eat. Call a friend, a cab or Uber rather than drive. The life you save will be your own.

5 Packing Mistakes to Avoid when traveling by Motorcycle

Baseball's Opening Day is tomorrow, there's the promise of Spring in the air, I'm all set to get on my new bike and start the Riding Season.... But all I can think of is my trip to Milwaukee, happening in six months!

2018 is is Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary year. That's over a century of continuous motorcycle manufacturing (unlike what some other brands that try to claim). And to celebrate the MoCo is throwing one heck of a party!

So for my vacation this year, some NNY H.O.G. friends and I are riding out to Milwaukee to join in the festivities. And while we're planning the route & stops, one thing you definitely don't want to overlook is how and what to pack on your bike.

Here's five mistakes to avoid:

• You just throw it all in... You're gonna want a way to get your stuff from your bike to your hotel room (or campsite). You might think those plastic shopping bags are just for that purpose, but you'd be wrong! They rip, they never hold enough, their cheap, and you're not going to look anywhere near as glamorous as this woman -not that Bikers care... What I advise instead is to get yourself a set of Saddle Bag Liners to pack your stuff in... sssooo much easier!

• You bring everything & the kitchen sink... There's a finite amount of room on your bike, so think carefully what clothes you're going to bring. Just two pairs of shoes (in addition to your riding boots), clothes that can do double-duty -like windproof jackets or vented and moisture-wicking shirts. Pack your underwear & socks into your shoes -you'll want to use every bit of space! You will need two pairs of gloves, a small first aid kit, and don't forget your meds. Take with you travel size toiletries. Plan to do laundry. Less is way more in this case.
• You don't save space... When you travel, do you buy souvenirs? Shot glasses, fridge magnets, dealer tees, etc. are going to be taking up space in your bags on the way home. Consider buying that dealer tee to wear on your trip (one less shirt to pack), or mailing your goodies home. 

• You didn't check the weather... Say you're riding to a rally and all you pack is tank tops- chic yes, but not so good when they're getting a good sized rain storm!! It's always a great idea to pack a rain suit, because waterproof equals windproof and it'll help keep you warm. Still, check the weather on the way out & back as well- you might want your full leathers rather than your light-weight nylon jacket.
• You make your bike lopsided... Remember that you'll be balancing on two wheels, so you don't want a bunch of weight on one side, or heavy stuff up high. Put shoes and toiletries at the bottom of your saddle bag, towards the front (closest to your bike's center of gravity). You'll want to save the lighter stuff- maps, charging cords, gloves- for windshield bags and your tour-pack/trunk. Never hurts to have extra bungee cords or cargo nets to help keep stuff in place.

Do you have questions or other packing tips to share? You can contact me at FXCHD!