Category: News
Get Your Washington Motorcycle Endorsement - Wednesday, September 28, 2022The 4 Steps for your Washington Motorcycle Endorsement: PERMIT KNOWLEDGE TESTPass 50 multiple choice questions on the rules of the road. PERMIT SKILLS TESTDemonstrate the ability to operate a motorcycle legally and safely. ENDORSEMENT KNOWLEDGE TESTMaster cornering, decision-making, and hazard management. ENDORSEMENT SKILLS TEST Perfect your left and right cornering and quick stops skills. GET ENDORSED TODAY!
60 Seconds to Remind Yourself You Successfully Planned the Perfect All-Weather Ride - Sunday, August 21, 2022Calculating the minute is an interesting exercise. For example, it likely doesn’t pay off to put cold weather tires on your bike or break out the rain gear on the 4th of July. If you live in Washington state, you’ve got at least 12 weeks of the fairest, driest, and warmest riding weather ahead of you at that point. On the other hand, changing out tires, duct taping your beat up “weatherproof” gear, looking for replacement headlights, or shopping for […]
Instructor Voices: Cynthia Senger, Will Niva, and Kevin Giboney Discuss Training & HVE - Monday, July 18, 2022Why is motorcycle training important? Does it really matter? Is it just for new riders? And what is HVE? Here’s some insights from our vocal instructor community! Meet Cynthia Senger, Will Niva, and Kevin Giboney… “These guys out here are just a level above beginner riders. They’re intermediate, and we are teaching them some of the basics, like being able to do an emergency stop, being able to do evasive actions like swerving, and then we’re getting them set […]
Instructor Voices: Chris Johnson Highlights the Importance of Training & HVE - Monday, July 18, 2022Why is motorcycle training important? Does it really matter? Is it just for new riders? And what is HVE? Here’s some insights from our vocal instructor community! Meet Chris Johnson… “Motorcycle training is important to all riders no matter what their skill set is and here’s why. Motorcycle riding is a diminishing skill. If you don’t do it on a regular basis, you will lose that skill set. You can never stop learning as a rider. There is so much […]
July’s High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Campaign Makes Sure You’re Here Next Year - Thursday, June 30, 2022The Ugly Truth about living in the Pacific Northwest is the rider’s write-off. Come every November 1st, our brains (accurately) forecast at least three months of rain, bitter cold (or maybe both, plus some snow and ice), depending on where in the state we reside. Then maybe we catch a break in February, but come March-April-May…well, who knows? Doesn’t look awesome. At least June warms up! Although, it can be a little wet then too, especially west of the Cascades. […]
Everybody Has A Plan Until They Get Punched In The Mouth: Ride Within Your Limits - Thursday, June 2, 2022There are many different reasons why people ride motorcycles. For some, it’s all about the mechanics of owning a bike—literally the mechanics. It’s a joy to spend hours in the garage performing maintenance like changing the oil, brake pads, clutch, and the chain (or shaft) drive. Kind of a peaceful ritual that dials down the stress of that 40+ hour work week and culminates in a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. For others, it’s simply the exhilaration and challenge of […]
Rider Voices: Safety Gear - Friday, April 15, 2022Is motorcycle safety gear important? Seems obvious, right? Here’s some feedback from our vocal rider community! “I hear that all the time from riders. All different types of riders, wear all your proper safety gear at all times. Most importantly, invest in proper gear. Don’t just cheap out on whatever is on sale. You can spend more money on your gear than you do on your motorcycle. Easily, hands down. You see me wearing a leather jacket and jeans […]
These Famous Female Riders Help All Motorcyclists Get the Right Attitude - Wednesday, March 30, 2022They say the hardest thing about going for a run is the first step. Same with the gym – lifting weights requires significantly less effort than getting off the couch, putting on some old clothes, and walking out the front door. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the universal psychological affliction known as Waiting for the Mood to Strike. Humans simply don’t do the things they know they want to do because they don’t “feel like it.” But the truth […]
Rider Voices: Training Is Everything - Saturday, February 12, 2022Why is motorcycle training important? Does it really matter? Is it just for new riders? Is it true that it can help reduce insurance costs? Here’s some feedback from our vocal rider community! “My name is Benjamin Hughes. I live in Bothell, Washington. I’ve only been riding for three years. From the very beginning, I’ve had the utmost respect for how dangerous they are. I started with a motorcycle safety foundation course. It was a two or three-day course. […]
3 Ways for Night Riders to Stay Safe! - Saturday, January 29, 2022Night riding is a very different experience than riding during the day. For some, it’s their favorite way to get around after dark; while others would rather not deal with the perceived risk – even if the roads are quieter! Worried about riding at night? Maybe you’ll change your mind when you experience how much more scenic everything looks after dark when lights barely illuminate anything beyond the shadows. Be prepared though: colder temperatures mean wearing thicker clothes to keep […]
Mental Health is a Fine Line - Thursday, December 9, 2021Riding your motorcycle is a great way to relax and destress after a hard day’s work. Given the stresses of the last year and a half, getting on your motorcycle and enjoying the beauty of Washington may be what you seek out to put you at ease. Some of the benefits are obvious. Being outside can be calming and riding on a motorcycle makes it exhilarating and produces endorphins. Additionally, some find the routine comforting and distracting. After a long […]
Fall Motorcycle Riding Tips - Wednesday, September 29, 2021Fall is arguably the best time for motorcycle riding. With the cool, crisp air and the gorgeous autumn colors, it’s hard to deny that this is a beautiful time to explore the great outdoors. However, riding your motorcycle during this time of the year also comes with its own set of challenges. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid any unpleasant surprises that will spoil an otherwise great riding experience. Use the right tires. Fall is the perfect […]
Being Prepared for Emergencies - Monday, September 27, 2021As responsible motorcyclists, we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to be prepared in case of an emergency. If we’re riding in or near an urban area then we can usually count on first responders getting to the scene quickly, plus close proximity to a hospital. But what should you do until help arrives? And what if the accident happens when you’re riding out in a remote area? Here are a few things to know and keep on […]
Beginners Guide to Motorcycling - Friday, August 13, 2021How to Begin Now that you have decided to start riding there are a few legal obligations you need to get sorted out. You will need a motorcycle license (also called an endorsement) and motorcycle insurance if you plan to ride your bike on the street. One of the best ways to learn the basics of riding is to enroll in a beginner motorcycle class or motorcycle school. There are many options available in Washington State. Motorcycle Gear Any beginner […]
What is High Visibility Enforcement? - Wednesday, July 7, 2021High Visibility Enforcement combines enforcement, visibility elements, and a publicity strategy to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance with the law. HVE strategies include checkpoints, extra patrols and increased publicity and warnings to the public. Although forewarning the public might seem counterproductive to apprehending violators, it actually increases the deterrent effect. Remember: HVE is designed to change unlawful traffic behaviors and reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities. It is not a strategy designed to increase arrests; in fact, it may result in decreased […]
Ride Safe Memorial Day Weekend & Beyond - Friday, May 21, 2021Summer is upon us and motorcyclists across the country are gearing up to travel to and from celebrations, barbecues, and family festivities. In order to prevent a dangerous or even fatal collision, it is crucial to practice good safety habits. Here are a few things we recommend to help you ride safely this summer: Always Ride Sober. With Coronavirus restrictions lifting, there’s certainly a great reason to get out and raise a glass. It’s important to do so only when you […]
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month - Monday, April 26, 2021Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an effort to ensure drivers are aware of motorcyclists like you, and the vulnerabilities you face on the road. This month, take time to re-familiarize yourself with all aspects of motorcycle safety to help you stay safe and protected! Be Seen and Stay Safe While we strive to ensure motorcycle safety awareness for car and truck drivers, as a motorcycle rider, you need to take steps to be seen and stay safe. The first one is […]
What to Expect from Your Motorcycle Endorsement Test - Wednesday, April 14, 2021Washington State requires you to pass a total of four tests to get a 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement: a permit knowledge test and riding skills test, and an endorsement knowledge written test and riding skills test. You must have a permit or have passed the permit knowledge and riding tests to take an endorsement test. To take an endorsement test, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Washington State driver’s license. The 2-wheel endorsement knowledge […]
Motorcycle Tire Safety - Friday, March 5, 2021Never underestimate the importance of having good, properly inflated tires on your motorcycle. Safe riding depends on selecting the right tires, inspecting and maintaining them, and replacing as necessary. Checking your tires before you ride is a good practice to get into. While tire blowouts are not common, the absolute best way to handle one is to avert it before it happens. Here are three things to check before going for a ride: Pressure The tires should be inflated to […]
Washington State Motorcycle Laws: It’s Time to Brush Up! - Thursday, February 25, 2021Spring is just around the corner and it may have been a while since you’ve been on your bike. Now is a great time to brush up on Washington State motorcycle laws and safety. Riders must possess Class C, M1, or M2 license, as applicable, or a valid learner’s permit. Riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet in good repair with eye protection. Motorcycles must have a passenger seat and footrests to carry passengers. Headlight and taillight must remain on when […]
How to Be a Safe Motorcycle Passenger - Monday, October 26, 2020Are you eager to join a friend on their next motorcycle ride? While motorcyclists can do everything in their skill set to safely ride with a motorcycle passenger, you also have a part to play to ensure a safe trip. It’s important to be prepared and educated on a few things before you decide to jump on the back of a bike. Follow these tips to enjoy your next motorcycle ride as a passenger and to help keep you and […]
How to Ride Defensively on Your Motorcycle - Friday, July 31, 2020Even if you pride yourself in abiding by the rules of the road and wearing all of the necessary motorcycle safety gear, the fact is, motorcycle riding is dangerous and you can’t always guarantee your safety. One of the best ways to keep the rubber side down and get to your destination safely is to remember that it is up to you to avoid hazards on the road. Whether you’re going on a short trip to the store or getting […]
A Motorcyclist’s Guide to High Visibility Enforcement - Friday, June 19, 2020As the weather warms up in Washington State, more people are taking their motorcycles out of storage and hitting the open road. In the last five years (2015-2019) an average of 80 people died while riding, and data shows that the majority of these motorcycle collisions happen in a three-month period during the summer. What is High Visibility Enforcement? In a continued effort to reduce motorcycle collisions and fatalities, law enforcement officers work overtime during peak riding season. Increased motorcycle […]
Riding Safely Through the Phases of the Pandemic - Wednesday, May 27, 2020As we continue to learn more about the novel coronavirus and enter new phases of the pandemic, it is important to have a plan in place to stay healthy and safe moving forward. As stay at home orders begin to lift and we slowly start to transition back to “normal” life, what precautions will you take to stay infection free? No one is immune to COVID-19 but there is a lot that you can do to not only protect yourself […]
Safety Tips for Highway Motorcycle Riding - Monday, April 27, 2020There is nothing more exciting when it comes to motorcycle riding than an open road and long adventurous day ahead. Riding safely on a freeway, highway, expressway… whatever you prefer to call it, requires quick thinking and undivided attention. Many factors are at play on the highway that can increase the risk of a motorcycle crash such as vehicles merging, high speeds, blind spots and more. Remember to stay alert, and keep these things top of mind the next time […]