There are few things as freeing as a good motorcycle ride. Before you can get there, though, you’ll need to learn how to keep yourself (and other drivers on the road) safe.
Luckily, with a little practice, almost anyone with a passion for bikes can learn to ride. All it takes is the desire to do it and the willpower to keep at it.
At any rate, riding isn’t something to be taken lightly. If you’re ready to commit to learning, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for our top ten motorcycle riding tips for beginners.
1.Wear a Helmet
Helmets save an estimated number of nearly 2,000 motorcycle riders per year. Whether you’re a beginner or a heavily seasoned biker, wearing a proper helmet is a must.
As you probably know, a motorcycle helmet differs from the typical headgear used with a normal bicycle. Instead of a single piece only covering the head, a motorcycle helmet should fit over the entire head and face, with a piece of UV-blocking glass to cover the eyes.
If you choose an open-faced helmet, be sure to supplement this with protective glasses for your eyes. These will not only block out the sun but also protect your eyes from bugs and flying debris from the road.
When you’re picking out your motorcycle helmet, be sure you select something with a snug (but not too tight) fit. This will help ensure that the helmet stays on comfortably both while riding and in the event of an accident.
2.Wear Protective Gear
A motorcycle helmet isn’t the only protective equipment you should be using while riding a motorcycle. Since your body is completely out in the open, it’s essential to wear protective clothing from head to toe.
This doesn’t mean that you have to wear a bulky protective suit, but a simple T-shirt and jeans won’t cut it. Your best bet is to invest in high-quality leathers or reinforced fabrics that will help protect your skin from road rash.
As far as shoes go, one of the key motorcycle riding tips for beginners is this: never wear anything open-toed. Sandals should never be worn during a ride, no matter how brief it is. Instead, choose a sturdy pair of boots to protect your feet.
3.Hone Your Navigation Skills
When you’re riding your bike, you’re not going to be able to easily access your GPS. This is why one of the necessary motorcycle riding tips for beginners is to hone your navigational skills. Doing this will help you have smoother, longer, and more enjoyable rides, with less time lost.
Rather than trying to memorize a map, try to practice using a compass or the sun’s location to help determine the direction of travel. Break your routes into smaller pieces until everything starts coming together a little more easily.
Of course, it’s impossible to learn how to navigate like a pro overnight. While you’re gaining your bearings in the beginning, you can look up routes ahead of time or simply stick to areas that you’re already familiar with.
4.Watch the Weather Forecast
While you’re out riding a motorcycle, you’re completely at the mercy of the elements. This is why watching the weather is an absolute must. The last thing you want to happen is to be stuck in a downpour with no shelter in sight.
5.Study Motorcycle Riding Tips for Beginners
Riding a motorcycle might look easy enough, but it takes time to research before you can end up behind the handlebars. If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you’ve already started off in the right direction.
As you probably know, you’ll need the proper license before you can drive a motorcycle. You’ll have to study up on the laws in your area as well as general motorcycle safety tips. Don’t rush this process: it’s an important one.
6.Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Distracted driving is dangerous enough while you’re driving a normal car, but it’s especially hazardous while on a motorcycle. Simply put, a motorcycle is no place for texting and driving, fiddling around, or doing anything else besides watching the road.
Not only will you need to watch out for sudden curves and stops in traffics, but motorcyclists also need to be aware of road conditions that could potentially be dangerous.
For example, gravel or uneven roads can knock you off your bike before you can even react. This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for these conditions ahead of time so you can prepare accordingly.
7.Check Your Bike Before Every Trip
One of the most important motorcycle riding tips for beginners is this: always inspect your bike before a ride. Check your mirrors, tire pressure, and lights to ensure everything is working properly. It’s also important to do a walkaround to check for any abnormalities, such as a loose belt.
8.Practice Proper Bike Maintenance
In order for your motorcycle to get you around safely, it should be in tip-top working condition. It’s important to take it in for regular inspections and take care of any repairs immediately.
9.Stay Alert
You need to be able to keep your wits about you in the event of an accident or collision as well. Ensuring your own health and safety in the immediate aftermath comes first, but you should keep the number of a motorcycle accident lawyer on you, as well. Since motorcyclists tend to be riding a smaller vehicle, some other drivers aren’t as cautious around them. Having a helmet cam can help provide evidence if you were in an accident despite driving cautiously.
10.Don’t Rush the Learning Process
Here’s another imperative motorcycle riding tips for beginners: don’t rush the learning process. Stay in your comfort zone, especially in the beginning. Also, if and when you decide to take on a passenger, make sure you’re comfortable before hitting the main road.
Learning to Ride
There are few things that compare to the wind-in-your-hair freedom of taking a motorcycle out on the open road. Now that you know the best motorcycle riding tips for beginners, you’ll be ready to start your learning journey.
For more auto topics, check out our other articles.
