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Visiblity -
One disadvantage motorcycles have compared to cars is that they’re less visible. Taking steps to increase your visibility is an important step in managing your riding risk.
Clothing -
Black has long been a popular fashion choice among Harley® bike riders, but sometimes dark colors can be hard to see. If bright, highly visible clothing does not suit your taste, consider adding a few well-placed pieces of reflective tape to your gear, especially at night. Harley-Davidson also offers apparel with reflective taping such as a conspicuity vest, rain gear, jackets, and caps.
Signals -
Make sure your turn signals are working properly – and use them. In addition, consider using hand signals in situations where you want to make absolutely sure a driver knows your intentions.
Brakelights -
If you want to make sure the driver behind you knows what you’re up to, consider flashing your brake light as you prepare to stop.
Horn -
Use your horn to help draw attention to yourself when necessary. But don't rely on it or overuse it.
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Positioning -
Maintaining the proper lane position is a crucial part of an effective street strategy.
Space -
Maintain a space cushion on all sides of your motorcycle. This helps provide adequate reaction time if evasive maneuvers are necessary. It also helps create an "escape route."
Lane Placement -
In general, when riding alone on a straight road most people prefer to ride in the left third of the lane. It provides you the best line of sight for the road ahead, and makes you most visible to oncoming traffic. However, always be prepared to make adjustments based on road conditions and traffic patterns.
Following Distance -
Always leave a minimum of two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. The ideal following distance will vary depending on road conditions and other factors.
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S.E.E (Search, Evaluate, Execute) -
Recently, the MSF introduced a simplified version of the mental process for making judgments and taking action in traffic: S.E.E., for Search, Evaluate, and Execute, which is
used in the Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course and the MSF Basic Rider Course.
Search -
As you ride, scan the area aggressively, including the areas along the road and behind you. Check your mirrors frequently to maintain a constant awareness of your surroundings.
Evaluate -
Use that information to evaluate the situation, predict what unexpected hazards and challenges may arise, and actively formulate strategies to deal with them.
Execute -
Adjust your speed and positioning accordingly, while communicating your intentions to others.
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 Staying Sharp -
For some, knowing your skill limits may mean keeping your bike at home when the weather is threatening. For others it may mean choosing a route that avoids congested areas or timing your departure to avoid rush hour traffic. It all depends on your own skill set and comfort level.
Knowing Your Limits -
There are some rules that apply to all riders, no matter the skill level. Riding in an overly aggressive manner is never acceptable. There's no excuse for jeopardizing others by pushing your limits on the street. Riding while tired is another risk that no rider should take. When you're tired, your reflexes are slowed and your judgment is not as strong – a combination that no motorcycle rider can afford. Other, more obvious examples of behavior that should be avoided under any circumstances are talking on a cell phone while riding and looking at a map while you're in the saddle. If you get off course, pull over to a safe area to consult your map. Remember, out on the open road, you must take responsibility for all your actions, and keeping yourself safe should always be your number one concern.
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 Alcohol Limits -
There’s no plainer way to say it: Riding a motorcycle when you’re not in complete control of your mental faculties is not smart. Using alcohol (even a small amount) or other drugs (including even certain prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines) can have a deadly effect on your ride.
Dangerous Decisions -
Data collected by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® shows that almost 40 percent of riders killed in motorcycle accidents had been drinking. And only about one-third of those were considered legally intoxicated. The rest, though below the “legal limit,” had consumed enough alcohol to diminish their skills and impair their judgment – which ended up costing them their lives.
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 A Matter of Time -
Contrary to popular belief, drinking strong coffee, splashing cold water on your face, or “getting some fresh air” will not help you sober up. These things may help you temporarily feel less impaired, but the only thing that eliminates alcohol from your system is time. That said, there’s only one sure way to keep alcohol from affecting your riding ability: If you’re riding, don’t drink – period.
Bad Call -
It's easy to tell yourself, "I'm only going to have one drink." But after that first drink, it becomes even easier to convince yourself that "one more won’t hurt." With each successive drink, your self-evaluation abilities diminish – not to mention your riding skills and judgment. The best way, therefore, to avoid ending up drinking more than you wanted to is to ask for a soft drink instead of that first serving of alcohol.
Better yet, leave the bike at home if you or others are going to be drinking and arrange for a designated driver. Don’t risk your own and others’ safety by putting yourself in a situation where you may lose control of your better judgment.
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