Road Hazards To Watch For On Your Motorcycle

Your motorcycle is a powerhouse of a machine, as stylish as it is efficient and fast. What it isn’t, however, is overly safe, and there are a number of road conditions that can be particularly dangerous on two wheels. We here at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson want to make sure you stay seated and in one piece, so we’ve put together some of the most common road hazards to keep an eye out for. To learn more, or to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in Eugene, Oregon, today!

Road Ruts

One of the most common issues the road presents are road ruts. These are impressions or indentations in the road caused by heavy traffic over time, which compresses and pounds the asphalt into a new shape. That shape often looks like two to four ruts that run down the road, right where most vehicles' tires are. 

However, your tires are centered. If you hit one of these ruts, your bike is likely to react poorly. Even if you try to center yourself in a rut, it’s got a shape that will make you wobble. It’s safest to try and stay outside of both ruts, and keep an eye on any nearby so you’re prepared for the unique drag and wobble they cause. 

Potholes

Slightly more famous, potholes are a pain in every motorist’s side. But again, on two wheels, you’re uniquely susceptible to damage and interference from them. Not only do they have the potential to grab your wheel or turn it sideways, but the edge can also bend or fracture a wheel rim. These holes form more quickly in exceedingly wet conditions, so be extra vigilant after it’s rained or snowed. Avoid puddles and spots of snow just in case they’re hiding a pothole. 

Road Work

Another challenge that’s worse for motorcycles than it is for larger vehicles is road work. Obviously, a road that’s being stripped so it can be renewed is going to be a pain, but road work also tends to mean steel plates placed down to cover holes or other gouges made by the workers. The bump that these create is bad enough, but if it’s rained recently, these plates become incredibly slick.

If you see a metal plate near road work, particularly after precipitation, do your best to pass over it in a straight line and at a reduced speed. Avoid turning on these plates as much as possible to avoid slideouts. 

We hope you feel a bit more prepared to conquer the road now! If you have any questions, need some maintenance help, or just want to see the motorcycles we have in stock, contact us at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson. We proudly serve the people of Albany and Corvallis, Oregon—let us serve you today!