Learning to drive a motorcycle is a dream for many people — the call of the open road and the sense of adventure are hard to deny. As with driving a car, riding a motorcycle comes with potential risks and dangers that you can help minimize with preparation and practice.
If you’re looking to buy a new motorcycle or repair a pre-owned one, a motorcycle loan could offer a fixed rate and predictable monthly payments that may be easier for you to pay back over time.
Keep reading for some tips to help you master your first ride and go from novice to pro in no time.
Learn the rules of the road
To start, consider taking a beginner course to learn important safety information and the basics of operating a motorcycle. A specific course may be required as part of getting your license, but the exact requirements vary from state to state — the process often includes a written test, road test and learner’s permit before you can be officially licensed.
As with learning to drive a car, it may be helpful to practice in a large open space like a parking lot at first. You’ll also eventually want to practice driving on different types of roads, including more crowded routes and highways with higher speed limits.
Start slow, keep your eyes on the road and make sure you’re aware of what’s going on around you. Don’t look at your phone or get distracted by passengers or other friends who may be riding alongside you.
Always wear a helmet, which is mandatory in most states, and appropriate padding and gear to protect yourself, including boots, gloves, jackets and pants.
Get to know your bike
Getting to know your bike is also key if you want to be a successful motorcycle rider. Continue practicing driving in different types of conditions — in the rain, during colder weather and the heat of summer, as well as different types of roads— so that you can get more comfortable with a wider range of experiences.
As with any other vehicle, you also need to learn how your motorcycle works, know how to operate its unique features and be aware if a part is malfunctioning. Learn how to care for your motorcycle and what kind of maintenance it needs — regular oil changes, brake checks and cleaning are all to be expected.
Practice makes perfect
You won’t become a pro overnight, but dedication and practice can help you develop valuable experience. Learning to ride a motorcycle takes time and some trial and error, as well as watching and learning from those around you.
Some key things to master include:
- Figure out the correct placement for your hands on the handlebars and your feet on the pedals — this will provide extra stability and ensure you’re driving safely. Similarly, make sure your body is in the right position on the bike so that you can safely control it.
- Turning is probably one of the most difficult parts of riding a motorcycle. To turn safely, you’ll want to think about how to hold your body, choose the right angle of approach and when to engage the brakes, among other factors.
- As with a car, you want to drive defensively so that you’re ready to react if another vehicle makes a sudden and unpredictable movement, like getting too close to you or merging into your lane without checking where you are on the road.
You’ll likely also pick up common gestures as you ride more, which are important ways for riders to communicate with one another. For example, two fingers pointing down toward the road is a way to wish a fellow biker respect and safe travels.
Ask for help
With a motorcycle, it’s important not to try and learn alone if you aren’t sure what you’re doing. Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous for you, your passenger and anyone else on the road. Look for a mentor or a friend who has more knowledge and experience, or consider taking a motorcycle safety course.
Reach out to your local motorcycle community if you don't know how to get started. You could also look for motorcycle-specific online chats or threads to answer your questions.
Learning to ride a motorcycle takes time
If the open road is calling you, it may be time to learn how to master your first motorcycle ride. Be patient with yourself as you learn, commit to practicing, go at your own pace and soon you’ll be riding like a pro. Above all, stay safe and enjoy the experience.
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