51
Taking care of the Unexpected
With all the challenges you can encounter oroad, there’s a chance that
sometime something may go wrong. is section gives practical
advice to help you deal with a wide range of problems. Take time to read
this section before you ride.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
If something goes wrong during a ride, the rst thing to do is stop as soon
as you safely can. Do not continue riding if you have a at tire, or you hear
an unusual noise, or your motorcycle just doesn’t feel right. If you continue
riding, you could cause more damage and endanger your own safety.
Aer a stop, take time to assess the situation. Carefully inspect your
motorcycle to identify the problem, then consider your options before
you decide what to do.
If a problem is relatively minor and you have the tools, supplies, and skills
to make a permanent repair, you may be able to x it on the trail and con-
tinue riding. Or, you may be able to make a temporary repair that allows
you to slowly ride back to your base where you can make a permanent
repair or get help.
When a problem is more serious or you don’t have the tools, supplies,
experience, or time to deal with it you need to choose the safest way to get
yourself and your motorcycle back to base. For example, if you are close
enough, you (or you and another person) might be able to push it back.
Whatever the problem, the most important rules are:
• Always put personal safety rst.
• If you made temporary repairs, be sure to have permanent repairs
made as soon as possible.
• Do not continue riding if you are hurt or your motorcycle is not in safe
riding condition.
Additional recommendations for specic problems follow.
To Next Page
Loading...