Riding a motorcycle in South Africa is an incredible experience, but it comes with a specific set of challenges—from notorious taxi-math at intersections to roads that can turn from tarmac to gravel in a heartbeat. Suzuki South Africa recently hosted its rider safety training day at Red Star Raceway in Delmas to promote motorcycles as a viable transport option and reinforce safer riding practices for all two-wheeled users.
Related: Motorcycle safety tips for South African roads
Some of the learnings that came out of the classroom session before the track activity are more valuable than you can imagine. Suzuki South Africa has three more of these events planned for the year, so if you are interested in learning new skills and giving rider training a go, make sure you book your spot as soon as they open, as spots are limited to 140 riders on the day and they fill up quickly.
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Master visibility
In SA, "I didn't see him" is the most common excuse after an accident. You need to be impossible to ignore.
The 4-Second Gap: South African drivers often brake late or swerve for potholes. Give yourself a 4-second cushion instead of the standard two.
High-Viz is High-Value: If you aren't wearing a neon vest, ensure your gear has reflective strips. Use your high beam during the day; it's legal and encouraged for visibility.
Lane Positioning: Don't ride in the centre of the lane where oil drippings collect. Ride in the tyre tracks of cars, usually the right-hand third of the lane) to stay visible in the side mirrors.
Navigate the taxi factor
Minibus taxis follow a different set of physics. Anticipating their moves is a survival skill. The vast majority of taxi drivers do like bikers, and will try to make space for them on busy city streets, but keep your head on a swivel.
The hand signal watch: A taxi driver’s hand out the window often means an immediate stop or lane change, regardless of traffic.
Avoid the gap": Taxis often stop suddenly to pick up passengers. Never overtake a stationary taxi on the left (passenger side), as people may step out into your path.
Intersection ethics: Even if the light is green, pause. Red-light running is common. Check both ways before entering any intersection.
Road surface realities
South African roads are diverse, but they can be treacherous.
The pothole pivot: Heavy summer rains (especially in Gauteng) create deep potholes overnight. Keep your eyes 12 seconds ahead to spot them early.
Gravel spills: Construction and heavy trucks often leave sand or gravel on off-ramps. Lean less and brake earlier on curves you don't know well.
The first rain rule: After a dry spell, the first 20 minutes of rain turns SA roads into an ice rink as oil and dust rise to the surface. Pull over and grab a coffee; let the oil wash away.
ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time)
The South African heat is no excuse to ride in a T-shirt and plakkies.
Summer mesh gear: Invest in Airflow or mesh jackets. They provide CE-rated armour but allow wind to pass through, keeping you cool in 30°C+ weather.
Helmet standards: Ensure your helmet is ECE 22.06 or SABS approved, and that it fits correctly; too tight or too loose is a recipe for disaster!
Hydration: On long Karoo or bushveld rides, dehydration leads to fatigue and poor decision-making. Use a hydration pack.
Security and Awareness
Safety in SA also means being street-smart about your surroundings.
The "Stop-and-Go" awareness: At red lights, keep your bike in first gear with the clutch in. Watch your mirrors for approaching vehicles (or individuals) so you can move quickly if needed.
Avoid ghost filtering: Lane splitting (filtering) is legal in SA and helps prevent rear-end collisions. However, do it slowly—no more than 10-15 km/h faster than the surrounding traffic.
- Phone mount target: If you must use your smartphone on a handlebar or triple clamp mount, be aware that it becomes a target for smash-and-grab artists at traffic lights.
Pro-Tip: The Survivor Mindset
Even if you've been riding for years, the K53 principles, like the blind-spot check, save lives daily. Never assume a driver has seen your signal; wait for them to acknowledge you before making your move.
Important Note: In 2026, many major metros have increased camera enforcement for lane-splitting at high speeds. Keep it civilised to avoid heavy fines and stay safe.
Remaining Suzuki Rider Safety Training days are as follows:July 19 2026
Sept 26 2026
Nov 22 2026
You can book your spot at the next training day by signing up on the Red Star Raceway website here.
