MOTORCYCLE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 2024

If your New Year’s goal is to learn to ride, the best place to begin is researching how to get a motorcycle license. Start by understanding what your local jurisdiction requires for a motorcycle license.

More than likely, it will require some or all of the following:

• Complete Written Test: Before you can ride, you'll generally need to pass a written exam covering rules, signals, and safe riding practices.

• Attend Motorcycle Safety Course: Many places offer beginner courses that cover basic riding skills and often provide motorcycles for you to learn on. Completing a course may even give you a waiver for some of the skills tests or offer insurance discounts.

• Pass Skills Test: After practicing your riding, you'll need to pass a skills test to get your license.

May 2024 be the year you finally purchase the new-to-you classic you've been drooling over since childhood, the factory-fresh showroom model, or a basic certified pre-owned as your first bike.

We know we always look for something new and different to add to our collection—nothing like adding a new ride to your stable, whether your first or tenth bike.

Motorcycle insurance is one thing every rider needs to ride on the streets legally. So why not take the off-season (unless you are a diehard winter rider) to get the right insurance cost for your bike?

You can save money on a policy and ensure you're covered in an unforeseen mishap. With the right insurance, you'll be back on the road as soon as possible without paying high out-of-pocket costs.

Call one of our agents today to discuss insuring your bike with Harley-Davidson Insurance Services, no matter what motorcycle you ride, including:

• Trike insurance

• Moped insurance

• Cruiser insurance

• Scooter insurance

• Sport bike insurance

• Touring motorcycle insurance

• Electric motorcycle insurance

We have extended hours and are available to discuss insurance anytime you want to call.

Motorcycle Safety Courses teach the foundations for better riding techniques. The introductory courses are perfect for prospective and new riders with only a few miles under their belt.

If you've never been on a motorcycle before, this is your chance to try one out. A bonus is that a passing grade allows you to skip the road test when getting your "M" endorsement in most states.

For veterans, advanced courses teach (or reteach) more technical fundamentals.

Check out a Harley-Davidson^® Riding Academy or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website to see what's available in your area.

The best part? If you were wondering how to lower your motorcycle insurance in 2024, completing a training or safety class may qualify you for a discount.

Even though you've been riding for a long time, you can still brush up on some slow-speed fundamentals.

Commit to an empty parking lot for ten minutes twice a week to practice counter-steering swerves, smooth throttle control, perfecting your feel of your friction zone, and stopping quickly.

While optional, if you have any small cones or marking devices in your garage, setting up a course for yourself to weave, dodge, and practice measured figure 8s is effortless.

This type of practice is like exercise; you're building muscle memory that will be useful in all situations.

No one is perfect. We all have weak points that we can improve on with regular practice.

For 2024, why not perfect one of the weaker areas of your riding?

It does not have to be about your riding technique. It could be maintenance-related, such as checking your tire pressure before you ride or forgetting to change your oil on schedule.

Better yet, set up private lessons with an instructor, or consider taking a riding course to improve your riding game.

Whether you are ATGATT (all the gear all the time) or just pop on a helmet, it's essential not to skimp on your motorcycle gear—it can save your life. We think investing in the best equipment you can afford is worth it because you never know when you'll need it.

Breakthroughs in technology mean that armor from makers like D30 and SAS-TEC is ultra-light, ultra-strong, and fits under regular clothing. Helmets, too, are getting lighter and stronger every year. Wearable airbags are available to the public (not just for MotoGP riders!).

The average motorcycle helmet can be safe for up to five years of use provided it has not been dropped on the ground, involved in an accident, or cared for improperly.

Bottom line: your helmet is designed to absorb an impact once. Once that happens, it's time to purchase a new one. If you haven't refreshed in a while, now's the time.

Too often, riders neglect this crucial step because they just want to ride.

We've all been guilty of it, which is why it makes our New Year's resolution list every year. Checking your owner's manual is a significant first step to see what maintenance your bike needs.

Here are a few of the things we also check when preparing for motorcycle riding season:

• Verify fuel is present in tank and add fuel if required.

• Adjust mirrors to proper riding positions.

• Check the oil level. Add oil if necessary.

• Check controls to make sure they operate properly. Operate the front and rear brakes, throttle, clutch and shifter. All controls should operate freely without binding.

• Check steering for proper operation by turning the handlebars through the full operating range. Handlebars should turn smoothly without binding.

• Check tire condition, pressure and motorcycle loading. Incorrect pressure and excessive loading can lead to tire or wheel failure, and can affect handling and stability.

• Check all electrical equipment and switches including the headlamp, stop lamp, turn signals and horn for proper operation.

• Check for any fuel, oil or hydraulic fluid leaks.

• Visually check drive belt for wear or damage.

• Service your motorcycle as necessary.

Effective communication with other road users is critical when you're on a motorcycle, and the proper use of hand signals is not something to overlook when you're on two wheels.

Adhering to recommended hand signal protocols will elevate visibility, minimize misunderstandings, and contribute to a safer ride.

Rather than listing all of them here, this guide will detail the essential motorcycle hand signals you need to know.

Get out there and take on the open road.

This is the number one resolution for most riders, but getting there can take time and effort. If you aren't spending as much time in the saddle as you would like, step back and ask, “Why?”.

Maybe you simply need to install saddlebags to take along your work clothes. It may be time to upgrade to a new bike better suited to your commute.

Often, small changes are the ticket to more miles.

Getting out for an overnight trip will change your thoughts about your motorcycle. The challenge of riding long distances is a great way to put your skills to the test.

Try riding one of America's famous roads alone or with friends. We can hear the Canyons, the Tail of the Dragon, and the Beartooth Highway calling - just make sure you know what to pack for a motorcycle trip.

We love the diversity of bikes you see on the road, and there's a rally or festival worth attending for every single one.

Even if you go alone, you'll likely leave with new friends. Rallies are places where people gather and talk about their bikes, share food and drink, and generally have a good time doing what they love.

If Daytona and Sturgis aren't quite your scene, try one from this list of motorcycle rallies like the Bikes, Blues & BBQ Rally, or Biketoberfest, where you can see some truly extraordinary machines.

If you're lucky, you might even get to ride one.

When you truly love something, it's easy to want to share it. So make 2024 the year you help others discover the joys of riding.

Get your significant other riding gear so they can come with you, or encourage a friend to learn how to ride. Just make sure to review your insurance policy to determine if someone else can ride your motorcycle.

If you feel extra evangelical about motorcycle riding, consider training to teach a rider safety course. You'll help a new generation of riders develop crucial skills for the road.

Lastly, getting involved in a new community is an excellent way to connect with new riders and learn new things.

No matter how old or experienced you are, meeting new people and heading out on a group ride can add a unique element to your love of motorcycling.

So, there you have it: some great motorcycle New Year's Resolutions for those who love to hit the road on their motorcycle.

If your motorcycle is your pride and joy, 2024 is the year to make the most of it!

• Insurance definition and terms

• How to ride in a motorcycle group

• How to ride a motorcycle in the rain

• How to ride a motorcycle in high winds