Top 15 Tips For New Motorcycle Riders

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Are you new to motorcycle riding? Whether you’ve recently purchased your first motorcycle and are gearing up for a summer adventure or preparing for your first winter as a motorcycle rider, we’ve compiled our top motorcycle tips for new riders to help you stay safe on the road no matter the weather. Check out our best tips for new motorcycle riders below!

Before You Ride

Before setting out on your new motorcycle, it’s important to make sure you’re properly insured. Here at Motorcycle Insurance, we offer a free bike insurance quote in just 60 seconds, helping you save both time and money. Find temporary bike insurance of multi bike insurance online today!

 #1 – Ride Defensively

 One of the most important motorcycle riding tips for new riders is to ride defensively. This means approaching each corner with caution and adjusting your speed to stay in control at all times. Always stay in your lane and prepare for potential debris or other obstacles on the road.

 #2 – Wear A Helmet

 As a motorcycle rider, it’s essential to wear a helmet. Doing so significantly reduces the risk of head injury and even death. Make sure your helmet fits correctly by securing the strap and trying to rotate it from side to side. Your helmet should be snug to wear but not uncomfortable.

 #3 – Practice Makes Perfect

 Further motorcycle riding tips for new riders include practicing. Of course, riding a motorcycle is very different to driving a car, so don’t expect to pick up on it straight away. Remember, practice makes perfect!

 #4 – Check Your Bike Before Each Ride

All new motorcycle riders should check their bike before each ride, regardless of their experience. This helps to ensure your motorcycle is in top condition for your coming ride and helps prevent issues like a flat tire while you’re on the road.

#5- Gear Choices

When it comes to tops for new motorcycle riders, it’s also important to learn how to shift gears properly and understand the different options. In general, low gears have a low ratio, providing more power.

 #6 – Look Where You Want To Go

It can be easy to get distracted as a new motorcycle rider, but just like driving a car, it’s important to keep your eyes focused on where you want to go during your ride.  This is because you tend to steer in the direction you’re facing.

#7 – Master The Clutch

Generally speaking, the clutch on a motorcycle is positioned in front of the left handgrip. Use it gently to prevent stalling the engine.

#8 – Picking Up Your Bike

If your bike has tipped over, it’s key to know how to lift it correctly. For example, if the bike is on its side, turn the opposite handlebars. Then, squat down with your back towards the bike and slowly lift it up.

 #9 – Practice Braking

Braking on a motorcycle is going to feel different compared to a car or another vehicle. Understanding this difference will ensure safer riding and prevent the wheels from skidding if pressure is applied too quickly.

#10 – Get The Motorcycle Clothes That Fit Perfect

For your own safety, it’s important to choose motorcycle clothes that fit properly. Take the time to ensure your chosen clothing is snug but is not so tight that is causes discomfort.

#11 – Scootch Right Up Against The Tank

 When positioning yourself on the motorcycle, it’s key to sit close to the tank. This provides greater lower body support, helping to prevent you from sliding forward if you are required to brake hard during your ride.

 #12 – Select The Right Bike

Just like cars and other vehicles, motorcycles come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and power levels. Do your research and understand which bike suits your needs, whether you plan to use it for leisurely road trips or further afield where you may require a bike that’s more heavy duty.

#13 – Take A Safety Course

Safety courses are great for all kinds of reasons. Not only do they teach you important safety precautions you may not already be aware of, but they ensure you are fully comfortable with your bike, increasing your confidence.

#14 – Learn To Read The Road Conditions

Road conditions also vary between motorcycles and cars such as braking distance and other riding factors impacted by the weather. Understanding these road conditions and how they impact your bike is key for a safe ride.

#15 – Make Yourself Visible

One of the biggest tips for new riders motorcycle is to remain visible at all times. This means wearing the necessary reflective clothing to ensure you can be seen by others on the road both during the day and at night.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How should a beginner learn to ride a motorcycle?

One of our best tips for new motorcycle riders is to enrol in a motorcycle training course to understand how to ride your new motorcycle correctly and cover safety precautions to maintain your safety.

How hard is it to ride a motorcycle for the first time?

Riding a motorcycle for the first time is similar to learning how to ride a bicycle. Whilst it’s not overly difficult, it does differ to driving any other vehicle. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the hang of it straight away, as practice makes perfect.

How long does it take to get used to riding a motorcycle?

It can take some time to get used to riding a motorcycle but the more you practice, the quicker you will get the hang of it. Whilst some people will get the technique in a day, others may take multiple days or more to master it.

How do I get used to my new motorcycle?

When it comes to getting used to your new motorcycle, practice really does make perfect. Try to ride your motorcycle as often as possible to understand its unique characteristics and become comfortable on the road.

What is the hardest thing to learn on a motorcycle?

Steering and balancing are two of the hardest skills to learn on a motorcycle. Take your time to master both, especially when carrying out difficult manoeuvres or turning a corner.

How many miles does a beginner motorcycle take?

When it comes to being a beginner motorcyclist, your first 500 to 1,000 miles is considered to be your “break in” time. After this, you’re considered to be a proficient rider.

Do you need to be strong to ride a motorcycle?

Whilst you don’t necessarily need to be strong to ride a motorcycle, having some strength will help you to easily manoeuvrer the bike. Understanding your motorcycle will ensure you can handle it both confidently and safely.

Can you learn to ride a motorcycle in a week?

Absolutely! There’s nothing to say it’s not possible to learn how to ride a motorcycle in a week.

What are major fails on motorcycle test?

Major fails on a motorcycle test may include failing to reach the required speed, experiencing a dangerous skid, stopping in the incorrect location or not being able to execute a manoeuvre.

What is the easiest type of motorcycle to learn on?

Cruisers are one of the easiest types of motorcycles to learn on due to their appealing yet comfortable design.

Is it physically hard to ride a motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle can be physically hard and is often referred compared to a workout workout whereby your hands, legs and core are required to work together to support your balance and control of the motorcycle.