Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Riding Two Stroke motorcycles, full face helmet, yamaha motorbike

Question
Sir,
I own a 1990,2 stroke, front inclined,oil cooled,98 cc yamaha motorcycle.I live in Bombay and would really be happy if you could help in learning to ride,basic repair and maintanence, history of motorcycling and safety issues.

Regards,

Thanking you,

Srinivas  

Answer
Srinivas,

Hello from your friend in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. Thanks for the questions.

It is difficult to teach you to ride over the internet, so I will give you some basic things to work on. I don't know if the government of India or the local government of Bombay has a beginner riding instruction course, but if there is one, I strongly suggest you take it.

As for basic riding instructions, make sure you do these things when you ride your Yamaha motorbike:

Always wear a full-face helmet, sturdy gloves and long pants (if possible). A sturdy jacket is highly recommended. Basically, wear protective clothing so that if you have a crash, your body is protected, especially your head. Wear bright or reflective colors so that you are easy to see while in traffic.

Look ahead in traffic and down the road with your head and eyes. There is an old saying in motorcycling: “look where you want to go, and you will go there.” This works both ways: if you look at a thing you are trying to avoid (such as an animal in the road), most likely you will hit it. Instead, practice looking for ways around obstacles. Also, try to see as far ahead in turns as possible. Don't just look over the handlebars at the road right in front of you. By the time you see a problem, it will be too late. Look ahead at all times.

Learn to use your brakes effectively. On pavement, using the front brake will stop you much faster than using the back brake. I promise that you will not go over the handlebars. Use both brakes together to stop quickly. If you just use the back brake, you will skid or slide the tire  and probably crash. Learn to use the front brake.


To stay safe, keep your Yamaha in the best condition you can. Make sure the right amount of air is in the tires. Make sure all the lights (headlight, tail light, and turn signals) are working properly and are bright. Make sure the battery is good condition. Check once a week to make sure the engine oil is at the right level. If it is low, fill it up. If you run out of oil while riding your motorbike, you will ruin the engine beyond repair. Remember to check it often.

There are a few basic repairs you should learn to do: change a tire (or fix a tube), change the engine oil and filter, change the spark plug, and replace light bulbs for the headlight and tail light. I cannot explain here how each is done (it would take too much space), so if you do not have an owners manual for your Yamaha, I would get one as soon as possible. I am sure you can find a way to order one over the internet. They will have full details on how to do many repairs in the manual.

The biggest safety issue is being able to control your motorcycle. Again, take a class if there is one available. The second most important safety issue is wearing a helmet and protective clothing.

As for the history of motorcycling, that's  a big topic. The people who eventually formed Mercedes-Benz put together the first motorcycle in the late 1800's (before they made their first car). Early motorcycles were not much more than bicycles with little engines attached. The Germans, British and Americans heavily developed motorcycles in the early 1900's as an inexpensive way to get around without a car. When cars became less expensive, motorcycles became more of a “fun toy” for most people, except in Asia, where they continue to be an important part of the transportation system. The Japanese made motorcycles very reliable starting in the 1960's, and since that time they have continued to get more popular. But for the most part, a modern motorcycle is very similar to the very first motorcycles: it is essentially a powered bicycle.

Good luck with your new Yamaha. Be careful and take care of your motorbike. My best wishes for peace for everyone in India from the United States.

Bill Roberson