How not to get killed while riding a motorbike in Bali

by Nick | April 23rd, 2005

Renting a motorbike or scooter while in Bali can make all the difference to your holiday affording you complete independence. Not getting into an accident is important and here are some of my tips to help you stay safe.

1. Do not drink and drive. Look we all know people on holiday are going to have a beer, no worries, but when that leads to more, get a taxi.

2. Wear a helmet. Brain damage can be expensive, even if you survive.

3. Drive defensively. There are so many variables over here from potholes, to idiots on the road to kaki lima (strolling cart) vendors crossing the street. Give yourself the time to react.

4. Expect the unexpected. People will overtake you and then hit the brakes. People come diagonally across you without indicating, people will pull out from the curb without looking or indicating.

5. Concentrate. Riding a motorbike requires more concentration than driving a car because you have to spot potholes, rocks, oil, dogs etc.

6. When riding a Honda Supra do not use 1st gear its too jumpy. Start off in 2nd.

7. When riding over gravel use 3rd gear because it is mellow and avoid downshifting on loose ground.

8. Watch out for gravel, especially on corners.

9. Try not to ride at night if possible.

10. Try not to ride on the Bypass during rush hour.

11. Use the horn when in doubt.

12. When doing a U-turn apply gentle throttle and only gas it after you have fully straightened out

13. Downshift to 3rd gear coming down a hill to help you slow down.

14. Go twice next time. In situations where you are tempted to make a break for it into traffic or cutting across the center line play it safe. If I miss an opportunity I tell myself I will go twice next time. Its better to safety make it around the back of a truck than to not quite make it in front of it.

15. Cover up. I know its hard to cover up in Bali when the sun is shining and the temperatures are high. If you can wear a leather jacket, strong pants and boots. If you cannot do that at least cover up from the sun using a long sleeve shirt and a sarong around your neck.

Safe travels.