Motorcycle New Year's Resolutions For 2023 | Harley-Davidson® Insurance

A red Harley Davidson motorcycle that is parked

The new year is the perfect time to take stock of your life.

For many, this is about making changes to diet or exercise routines. And that's fine, but motorcycle enthusiasts may have different resolutions, such as being a better rider or riding more in general.

So, we've put together a list of 12 Motorcycle Resolutions you might consider adopting for 2023.

Every type of motorcycle rider can benefit from these resolutions. Our motorcycling resolutions range from the practical (find the right insurance policy for you) to the adventurous (plan a cross-country road trip with your best friends).

No doubt, however, there will be one for you. On with the list!

1. Take (Or Retake) A Rider's Safety Course

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 2023, completing a training or safety class may qualify you for a discount.

2. Buying A Motorcycle

May 2023 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.

3. Get The Right Motorcycle Insurance for you

Insurance is one thing that 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 that 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.

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

4. Upgrade Your Safety Gear

Whether you are ATGATT (all the gear all the time) or just pop on a helmet, it's essential to not skimp on your motorcycle gear—it can save your life. We think it's worth investing in the best equipment you can afford 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 is safe for five years of use provided it has not been dropped on the ground, been involved in an accident, and has not been 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.

5. Comprehensive Check / Maintenance

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:

Take a walk around to see if anything looks out of place.
Check the tires and wheels to ensure that you are riding on road-worthy rubber. If so, top up each tire with air according to your owner’s manual specifications and ensure they aren't leaking while you do the rest of your check. If not, you should visit your local dealer for replacements as soon as possible to avoid an unplanned tire failure while on the road.
Lubricate your chain (if you have one) and cables to ensure smooth power delivery and shifting.
Test your electric system. Do all the lights work as you cycle through your turn signals and squeeze on the brakes? How about your headlight?
Check all fluids: brake fluid, fork oil, engine oil, and (for some) cooling systems to ensure you have the right amount for your ride.
Clean or change your filters, per your service manual.
Check your critical fasteners. Is everything fastened to the correct torque value?
Clean your bike!

6. Practice Your Fundamentals

Just because you've been riding for a long time doesn't mean you can't 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 not essential, if you have any small cones or marking devices in your garage, it's very easy to set up a course for yourself to weave, dodge, and practice measured figure 8's.

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

7. Ride More!

Get out there and take on the open road.

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

Maybe you simply need to install saddlebags to take along your work clothes. Perhaps it's time to upgrade to a new bike that is better suited to your commute.

Often, small changes are the ticket to more miles.

8. Plan A Trip

Getting out for an overnight trip will change how you think 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.

9. Attend A Bike Rally

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 the Bikes, Blues & BBQ Rally or the Barber Vintage Festival, where you can see some truly extraordinary machines from the pages of history.

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

10. Share Your Love Of Riding

When you truly love something, it's easy to want to share it. So make 2023 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.

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

11. Choose A Weak Point and Work On It

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

For 2023, why not choose one of the weaker areas of your riding and perfect it?

It does not have to be about your riding technique. It could be something maintenance-related, for example, checking your tire pressure before you ride or never forgetting to change your oil on schedule.

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

12. Get Involved In A New Community

Lastly, getting involved in a new community is an excellent way of connecting with new riders and learning 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.

It’s Time To Start Planning Your New Year’s Resolutions

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, 2023 is the year to make the most of it!

Motorcycle New Year Resolutions for 2023