Beginner's Guide to Motorcycling: Insurance, Safety, and Gear
So, you’re thinking of learning to ride a motorcycle this year. For new riders in Canada, understanding the basics of safety, training, equipment, and insurance is the best way to make sure you’re safe on the road.
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate motorcycle insurance and safety.
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Motorcycle insurance in Canada
Motorcycle insurance in Canada is an absolute must for protecting riders from financial risks associated with accidents, theft, and liability.
Is motorcycle insurance required in Canada?
Each province has its own requirements for motorcycle insurance, but at a minimum, riders must carry third-party liability coverage, which helps cover damages if they are found at fault in an accident.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
Additional coverage options include collision insurance, which pays for repairs to the rider’s motorcycle, and comprehensive insurance, which covers non-collision-related damages such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related incidents. Some policies also offer accident benefits, which provide medical coverage and income replacement in case of injuries.
Tips for beginners
1. Take it slow
As a beginner, you’ll want to build your skills one step at a time. Start by practicing in controlled environments, such as empty parking lots, before venturing onto busy roads. This approach allows you to become comfortable with your motorcycle's handling and responsiveness. Remember, confidence is built over time, and rushing the learning process can lead to unnecessary risks. It’s also a good idea to start learning early in the year so that you have an entire season to build on your skills before it’s time to pack the bike away over the Canadian winter.
2. Enroll in a learning course
Formal training is a must for new riders. Even though it may seem like an extra expense at first, studies show that having a certified training course under your belt drastically reduces the risk of an accident in your first few years. Why? Participating in a reputable motorcycle training course provides foundational knowledge and practical experience under professional supervision. In a class, you’ll learn the most important skills, like emergency braking, obstacle avoidance, and safe riding techniques, which will equip you with the confidence to handle most road situations. It’s worth checking the reviews of a prospective motorcycle school to make sure they’re well rated. You may also want to go back to motorcycle school at some point later on to build on your experience, take a refresher, or learn some advanced mechanical skills.
3. Choose the right motorcycle for beginners
Selecting a motorcycle that matches your skill level is going to set you up for success from the start, while selecting a beast of a bike can put you in danger as a beginner. When looking for your first ride, opt for models with manageable engine sizes and weights, which are easier to maintain control of at all times. It’s a good idea to visit a motorcycle shop in person to test different models and find the best fit for your ability, weight, body strength, and height. The Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 are commonly recommended as good beginner bikes for their balance of stability, manageable engine power, and for being highway ready. The worst thing you can do is to buy a rocketship on two wheels and expect to know how to handle it as a beginner – start small and work your way up to higher engine power as you gain confidence and experience!
4. Invest in the right gear
Safety gear is non-negotiable for motorcyclists. Remember, it’s not about how you look, it’s about how protected your skin, head, and joints are in the event of a crash or a slide.
Essential equipment includes:
Helmet: A certified helmet is your primary defense against head injuries. Ensure it fits snugly and meets safety standards. Remember, most helmets are only meant to sustain one crash, so you should never purchase a used helmet or continue to use a damaged helmet.
Protective clothing: Wear jackets, pants, and gloves made from durable materials to protect against abrasions. Not all gear is created equal, and gear marketed towards cruisers tends to be of a lesser quality. Look for gear that is rated AA or AAA, sport style gear, or gear that includes high quality materials like Kevlar. Be sure to protect the head, joints, and sides of your body, as they are the most likely to take a hit in a crash.
Footwear: Sturdy boots that cover the ankles provide additional protection. The Sidi, Klim, and Alpinestar brands are highly rated.
Visibility Enhancements: Always incorporate reflective elements into your gear to increase visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Most quality motorcycle gear will have reflective strips built in.
Why bother with good gear? The answer is simple: Investing in quality gear significantly reduces the severity of injuries in case of accidents. In short, your gear can save your skin – literally.
5. Understand safety facts and statistics
Being aware of motorcycle safety statistics in Canada will help you make educated choices about how, where, and when you ride. For example:
Fatalities: From 2016 to 2020, there was an average of 180 motorcycle fatalities each year in Canada.
Gender disparity: During the same period, the rate of motorcycle fatalities among males (8.5 deaths per 1,000,000 population) was over seven times higher than among females (1.1 deaths per 1,000,000 population).
Collision types: Approximately 25% of fatal motorcycle collisions result from right-angle (T-bone) collisions, often occurring at intersections in urban areas.
Other factors that can put you at increased risk include: riding with another person, which affects the weight and handling of your motorcycle; riding in poor road conditions (rain, black ice, wet leaves, or in sandy areas); riding under the influence of any amount of alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances.
Your risk of crashing is highest in the first few months after getting a license, so take it slow, stay alert, and stay safe!
For more stats and facts, see https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230515/dq230515b-eng.htm
6. Additional safety tips
Stay visible: Ensure your headlights are on, even during daylight, and avoid lingering in other vehicles' blind spots.
Regular bike maintenance: Perform pre-ride checks to ensure brakes, lights, and tires are in optimal condition.
Avoid distractions: Focus solely on riding by keeping devices stored away and refraining from using earphones.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost in Canada?
Premiums are influenced by factors such as the rider’s age, experience, driving record, the type of motorcycle, and location. Given the higher risks associated with motorcycles compared to cars, investing in strong insurance coverage ensures peace of mind and financial security on the road.
Learning to ride a motorcycle can be the thrill of your life and the gateway to adventure, but it requires a commitment to safety, continuous learning, and responsible riding.
