A Beginner's Guide to Motorcycle Riding: Tips for Taking Your First Ride
Our Motorcycle Shop Near You Can Help You Find a Used Bike Perfect for a Novice
Learning how to ride a motorcycle isn’t that different from the time you learned to ride a bicycle in grade school in that you can expect some trial and error. Be prepared to make mistakes. You might even scuff up your paint job during the process.
However, if you stick with it and commit to learning the ins and outs of your motorcycle, you’ll eventually develop a natural feel for riding that allows you to confidently hit the open roads around Kansas City.
In this guide, we'll walk you through some essential tips and best practices that beginning riders should know. This guide covers how to ride safely, essential items to check before riding, what maneuvers to practice, and more. We’ll also discuss the importance of choosing the right bike for your skill level with help from your local motorcycle dealership, Freedom Cycles.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course will ensure you’re prepared to earn a Class M endorsement on your Missouri driver’s license. These courses cover essential skills, safety best practices, and on-bike instruction.
Check out our motorcycle safety courses page to find an upcoming course. Completion of a safety course may also lead to a discount on your motorcycle insurance. Not all carriers do this, so check with your insurance provider to confirm.
Always Wear the Appropriate Safety Gear
Unlike traditional vehicles, motorcycles feature no protective enclosures to shield the rider. Getting the right safety gear is a top priority that must be addressed before you mount your bike for the first time.
Safety gear should include:
- DOT-approved helmet
- Riding gloves
- Riding jacket or leather jacket
- Riding pants or rugged jeans
- Motorcycle boots
- Eye protection
Protective gear is your first line of defense against potential injuries, so invest in quality motorcycle safety equipment that fits snugly and provides adequate coverage. You can find these items at a motorcycle shop near you.
Familiarize Yourself With the Controls
When you operate a TV remote, gaming controller, or keyboard, you get so familiar with the layout of the buttons that you don’t need to look at them. Ideally, you should have that same level of comfort and familiarity with your bike.
Take the time to get to know the controls of your motorcycle. Identify the location and function of the throttle, brakes, clutch lever, gear shifter, turn indicators, and other essential components. Familiarity with the controls will build confidence and enable you to operate the motorcycle smoothly without second-guessing yourself during a critical moment.
Inspect Your Bike
Perform a pre-ride inspection to ensure your motorcycle is safe and roadworthy. Check the tires for proper inflation and tread depth. Inspect the brakes, lights, and signals, and confirm that all fluids are at the appropriate levels. Regular maintenance and inspections contribute to a safer riding experience.
Start Off Slowly and Get Comfortable
As a beginner, you should ease into unsupervised riding in a controlled environment with minimal traffic. Residential areas are suitable for low-speed riding. Develop a sense of control over the basics, including:
- Accelerating/decelerating
- Clutch operation
- Braking
- Turning
- Using signals and main controls
Low traffic areas with plenty of room are great for when you’re ready to take things up a notch. For example, the roads surrounding Arrowhead Stadium are fairly isolated on non-game days, making them a perfect circuit to practice on.
Ride Within Your Comfort Zone
As you gain confidence and experience, progressively challenge yourself, but always ride within your comfort zone. Avoid pushing beyond your skill level, especially in unfamiliar or challenging conditions. Learning to ride is a marathon, not a sprint.
Stay Vigilant and Defensive
Practice defensive riding by anticipating potential hazards and keeping your head on a metaphorical swivel. Be aware of your surroundings, check mirrors regularly, and assume that other road users don’t see you. Defensive riding is a proactive approach to minimizing risks.
Choose Your Motorcycle Wisely
You wouldn’t put a beginning driver in a NASCAR stock car, would you? Heck no! Unless your name is Joey Lagano, that’s way too much power under the hood for the average driver to handle. Drivers of any high-performance vehicle need to gradually work their way up the ladder.
The same logic applies to motorcycles. As a beginning rider, you should start off with a bike that’s easy to use and maintain control over and that won’t cost you a fortune to buy and maintain.
Freedom Cycles carries numerous motorcycles for sale that are lightweight and feature sub-400cc engines. For example, the DR-Z400SM model of Suzuki motorcycle for sale is a solid choice for new riders. Contact our motorcycle dealership to learn more about starter bikes for novices.
The Road to Responsible Riding Starts Here
Learning how to ride a motorcycle is a thrilling process, but it comes with responsibilities. Beyond being mindful of your own personal safety and the integrity of the bike, you must also be extra cognizant of those around you and the conditions of the road. As an exposed driver on a two-wheeled vehicle, there’s less margin for error when compared to a traditional vehicle.
By wearing the appropriate safety gear, familiarizing yourself with the controls, inspecting your bike, and practicing essential skills, you will set a foundation for safe and enjoyable rides. Embrace the learning process, invest time in honing your skills, and remember that responsible riding is the key to unlocking the true joy of motorcycling.
If you’re in the market for your first bike or an upgrade from it, Freedom Cycles carries a wide selection of motorcycles for sale that appeal to all skill levels and riding preferences. Visit our motorcycle shop at 12501 South 71 Highway in Grandview or call (816) 408-6190 to arrange a personalized shopping appointment.