Allow me to confess – I used to be so afraid of motorcycles. I’m not the only one who feels this way about riding one. Many people are scared of them, and it’s not surprising. The fact is, motorcycles are just like any other vehicle, anyone who is willing to put an effort to learn and practice can ride them safely.
It has nothing to do with any genuine risk I could encounter when riding one. Instead, people base the fear on thinking that motorcycling riding is risky.
In my opinion, riding a motorcycle is very dangerous. However, do a little research before you decide to take up this challenge. You’ll be surprised to learn how fun and exciting motorcycle riding is when you’re out there.
The Basics of Riding a Motorcycle
You can balance a motorbike if you can balance a bicycle. The principle is the same. The only difference is that a motorcycle has an engine. Honestly, the bulk of the learning curve of riding a bike is not in the balance; instead, it’s on how to control the gears, the speed, and turn and brake safely.
- Although not recommended, learning how to ride a motorcycle can be done alone. Getting a qualified and experienced rider to walk you through the process is best. This way, your coach can immediately see if you’re doing something the wrong way and correct you before a mistake can hurt you or damage your motorcycle.
- Choose a beginner-friendly motorcycle. The bike’s weight and power ratio is a huge factors when learning how to ride. Learning from a big bike is possible but not recommended for a first-time rider. It’s better to get the basics with a ride you can easily pick up if you fall. You’ll want a bigger bike as your skill and experience increase. If you can swing your leg over a saddle and comfortably put your feet down, you’d be able to ride it.
- Choose a clear flat field where you will not run into obstacles, endanger anyone, or damage anything.
- You’ll feel nervous when you swing your leg over a motorcycle for the first time; this is normal and part of the process.
Let’s begin:
1. Gear Up for the Ride
Riding a motorcycle is risky. You increase the risk if you’re learning how to ride one. So, to lessen the chances of injury, you need to wear the proper motorcycle gear. Wear a helmet, gloves, boots that cover your ankles, and padded motorcycle pants and jacket.
2. Learn where the brakes are.
To learn to ride, you need to know about brakes. Brakes keep you from falling and falling fast, so it makes sense that they are the first thing you should learn to control. Put pressure on your brake pedal and pull back on the lever to brake. You do not want to grip on the brake or stomp on it, as this could lock the brakes, send you off balance, and cause you to fall.
Feel for the sweet spot on the brakes by gently rolling forward and lightly pressing the rear brake pedal. Doing the same for the correct lever will help you feel how the brakes engage but do not grab the discs too abruptly.
3. Clutch and Throttle
First-time motorcycle riders often find shifting gears scary because they’re not used to dealing with them. Fortunately, the five-gear system of motorcycles is easy to learn and understand. The first gear is down, then shifts up for neutral, second, third, fourth, and fifth.
Pull the clutch lever in to engage the gears and then engage the first gear. Then, roll the throttle softly while gently releasing the clutch; this indicates that the bike is now moving. Once the bike starts moving, gently let the clutch out while adding a little throttle. Once you reach higher RPMs, pull the clutch lever in fully, release the throttle, then engage these second gear. The process applies to the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth gear.
When slowing down, shift down until you’re in first gear, then in neutral once you’ve stopped. Repeat the process until it becomes second nature.
4. Turning
Riding a bike is one of the most important things you will ever do, but learning to ride is only half the battle. You will also have to develop a new mindset for controlling your bike differently than you have before. Learning how to turn, make U-turns, and even spin your bike is a skill that takes time to learn.
Steering into corners is a neat trick. The secret is to practice it and then lean the bike a little as you \\turn so that you’re able to turn along with the bike and the bike is not fighting you. It’s all about learning to flow with it. So the key here is to keep practicing until you can do it naturally.
Around turns, keep your eyes (and maybe your bike) focused on the spot you’re trying to get to. Doing this will help you maintain your balance and guide the bike in the desired direction.
4. Practice
The more you ride, the more you will get to know your bike, controls will become muscle memory, and you will feel more and more confident on all kinds of roads and traffic conditions. However, build slowly: getting yourself into stressful situations in heavy traffic or high-speed freeways can scare you off motorcycling. So take it slow, hone your skills, and enjoy the ride as much as possible.
When learning how to ride a motorcycle, you must be ready to do it at your own pace. You may learn to ride in one day, but some people may need more time or practice. It’s important not to rush the learning process and take your time: you need to learn safely, and you also need to have fun in the process.
Remember that you’re not an expert when you receive your motorcycle license yet! Yes, it’s good to get it, but you still need to hone your skills. Don’t get complacent. Stay vigilant, and remember that your skill and confidence will grow as you go along.
Enrolling in a riding school
It may seem like a good idea to ask your friends or family members if they would be willing to teach you to ride a motorcycle. Friends and family can be a great source of support for getting started and getting you through some of the most confusing parts of your journey. While their intentions are good, they probably aren’t qualified instructors.
The more important thing you can do is trust the professionals when you’re just starting. If you’ve decided that a bike is right for you, you should sign up for classes with your manufacturer.
However, the best way to learn how to ride a motorcycle correctly and safely is to take an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course and train with a qualified instructor. They can help you learn all the basics and give you valuable tips and advice for a safe and successful ride.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle is a fun, safe, and rewarding experience. When you achieve mastery, you’ll be able to easily get to and from your location. More importantly, you’ll enjoy the thrill of riding in no time.
You may find that you enjoy riding a motorcycle, but if you’re not careful, you could end up in trouble. There are many dangers, and you need to be careful and alert.
Riding a motorcycle is a sport and an art form. You must develop your style and practice riding until you can ride like a pro.
Thanks for reading, and ride safe!