Prepare the rider and the bike
- Check tyre pressure, the chain, oil and fuel before you leave. Sustained speed puts more load on all of them.
- Wear earplugs and wind-resistant layers. Noise and wind tire you out faster than you notice.
- Secure luggage well, since it is pulled and pushed by the wind.
Keep your distance
Leave a larger gap to the vehicle in front than you would in town. Many riders use at least two to three seconds, and more in the rain, at night or when traffic is heavy. At higher speeds the distance you need to stop grows quickly.
Choose a safe lane position
- Avoid riding in the blind spots of cars and trucks, and do not stay beside a vehicle. Either pass or drop back.
- Ride where you can see the road ahead and be seen in mirrors.
- Stay out of the zone right behind a large truck, where it is hard to see ahead and where its debris can reach you.
Passing safely
- Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder, signal early and pass in one decisive movement.
- Return to your lane only when you can see the vehicle you passed in your mirror, with a safe gap.
- Expect a push of wind when you pass large vehicles and when you come out of their shelter.
Watch for debris
Pieces of tyre, loose loads, gravel and potholes are more dangerous at speed. Look far ahead, and if you cannot avoid something, slow down smoothly and keep the bike upright.
Manage fatigue
- Stop every one to two hours, drink water and stretch.
- Plan fuel with a margin, because highways can have long gaps between stations.
- If you feel sleepy, stop at the next safe place. Do not push on.
If something goes wrong
Signal, slow down and move to the shoulder as far from traffic as you can, and stand behind the barrier. See our guide to breakdowns for a checklist.
This guide is general. Speed limits and highway rules differ by country, so follow the local law.
Sources: Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Links do not imply that these organisations endorse MotoCircleX.