Best Motorcycle Guide

Tips on Riding

• Never ride your motorcycle without your helmet. Make sure it fits securely and has a DOT label, which symbolizes compliance with federal safety standards.
• Take a motorcycle rider-training class.
• Know the limitations of your motorcycle.
• Don't speed.
• Never tailgate other vehicles.
• Use your signals. Learn the hand signals for turning, stopping and slowing down just in case your bike's signals ever malfunction.
• Respect other drivers. Avoid weaving through traffic and driving on the shoulder.
• Be visible. Be visible. Be visible.
• Avoid riding in blind spots and always use your headlights.
• Brake safely. Use both brakes at the same time.

Before You Hit The Road Checklist

• Test your lights, brakes, turn signals and horn.
• Check the oil and fuel levels.
• Check tires for any punctures or slick spots.
• Make sure your mirrors are positioned correctly.
• Make sure your cables are not worn or frayed.
• Lubricate and adjust the chain as recommended by the manufacturer.

What To Wear

• Protective Eyewear. Find a high quality helmet with a face shield, goggles or glasses with plastic/safety lens so you can always see the road clearly.
• Jacket and Pants. Wear safe, durable materials including leather or synthetics that are full length and fit to size. Color is also important. Vibrant colors and reflective materials are more easily seen on the road.
• Gloves. Choose durable, non-slip leather gloves that fit your hands well.
• Shoes. Wear leather boots or durable sneakers that cover your ankles.

Common Motorcycle Accidents

• Other motorists not seeing you. You're smaller than they are, and you're twenty-seven times more likely to die in a collision than they are. So be visible.
• Potholes. You can curse bad roadways all you want, but in the end, it's up to you to avoid obstacles in your way.
• Speeding. Sure, it's fun to rip down the road. But every mile an hour over the speed limit you go increases the odds of an ugly outcome.
• Inexperience. Know the limitations of your bike before you get out there with the big boys. Rush hour is not the time to learn that you don't know what you're doing.
• Over braking. If you lock up your front wheel when braking, you've just sacrificed your ability to steer. Hopefully, that'll be the only thing you sacrifice.
• Running wide on a turn. Obvious, really. The road is the safest place to be. The shoulder is where telephone poles, mailboxes and little white crosses live.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

You can always get more information on motorcycle riding safety tips, state laws and course information.

It's going to be a cold January but for the brave guys heading out on their bikes there is much fun to be had. The landscapes will be crisp, the air will be fresh and the roads will be waiting. The only piece of kit you really need for some hardcore riding are decent boots and we've rounded up three brand new contenders for you.

Spada Predators - Reliable and waterproof road touring boots
Price: Under 90 pounds

Spada is becoming an increasingly popular brand for motorcycle enthusiasts in the UK and across Europe because its products are durable and particularly good value for money. Spada touring boots have been prominently featured in the media and have performed well in magazine tests.

Their new 2010 Predator boots have a strong leather outer construction; a waterproof and breathable membrane; shin, ankle and calf protection; toe sliders which can be replaced; both zip and Velcro closure for a more secure fit and a rubber moulded gear change pad. There are very few brands who could boast the same quality for under 100 pounds.

Motorcycle News is one of the biggest independent reviewers of biker merchandise in the country. Spada has repeatedly got into their top product lists. For example Spada Thunder and Spada Element boots both made it into MCN's top biking 10 boots for under 100 pounds. That was before their Predator boots hit the market - no doubt they will make their mark later this year.

These are the best boots for: Dedicated motorcyclists who want to spend long hours on the road without wet and cold feet.

These boots are not so good for: Hardcore racers - you guys need to look into sports boots. Look into Sidi Vertigo or Vortice Boots for a good alternative.

Spada Glides - Short road touring boots for extra freedom
Price: Under 50 pounds

Spada have avoided the winter blues with their new 2010 Glide Waterproof Motorcycle Boots. These half length tourers are guaranteed 100% rainproof and come in a sharp short style - giving you more freedom on the road and making leg movement feel less restricted and more natural.

The boots have a double leather and man made upper, giving a rider the quality of a traditional leather boot and the robust construction of synthetic materials. Glides include a waterproof and breathable Hipora membrane and a rubber gear change pad to stop the boots deforming from continuous wear.

All Spada touring boots, including their latest Glides, are fitted with velcro and zip closure for extra security, along with reflective piping on back to make sure that you're seen by drivers, no matter what the weather has in store.

These are the best boots for: Footloose motorcyclists or commuters who want to feel the freedom of the road but don't want to feel confined in their biking gear.

These boots are not so good for: Risk takers - that extra bit of protection from a full length boot will go a long way in a crash. If you like high speeds and sharp turns invest in a full length boot like the Spada Predators of Ghost Stealth Motorcycle Boots.

Spada Ladies Full Length Waterproof Sofia Motorcycle Boots - For serious female bikers
Price: Under 60 pounds

Women riders are increasing in numbers and they deserve their own kit. With that in mind Spada has designed its new 100 per cent waterproof Sofia Motorcycle Boots just for female bikers who have a passion for touring.

The new 2010 Sofia Full Length Waterproof Motorcycle Boots have a strong leather and man made outer construction; a waterproof and breathable membrane; shin, ankle and calf protection; reflective back panels so you are seen on the roads even in gloomy conditions; both zip and velcro closure for a more secure fit and a rubber molded gear change pad. They continue Spada's theme of providing robust footwear for far less than their rivals.

Spada Sofia Boots are sleek but, more importantly, they are comfortable boots for serious touring.

These are the best boots for: Female bikers who are looking for tapered boots that will allow them to enjoy the roads for just as long as their male riding partners - in all weathers.

These boots are not so good for: Men - you may be favoured by Yorkie advertising campaigns, but these boots are not for boys.