Tips for New Bike Owners
There’s a steep learning curve to cover for all new motorcycle owners. To ensure you have great adventures ahead, you have to gain many new skills. This can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but taking things step by step should help. Freedom Cycles has compiled some basic tips for new bikers below. For more advice or if you want to browse motorcycles for sale in Grandview, MO, contact our sales team and have a chat with one of our expert staff members. We welcome all our patrons from Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS!
Take a Class
A beginner’s riding class can be a valuable learning tool. You’ll have access to a teacher who is an experienced rider. You will be able to learn the proper techniques and can be guided to correct any wrong habits before they become muscle memory. You can also get your questions answered by an expert. During the class, you'll learn the basics for safe riding. You may even find a riding buddy!
It’s okay if you want to learn how to ride before you purchase a bike. Many beginner's courses own starter bikes that they can lend you. Some riders find they thrive in the class setting and end up taking intermediate and advanced courses down the road.
Keep Practicing
Once you know the right way to ride a motorcycle, it’s time to practice. It's like learning any new skill - you'll need to devote time to repeating the steps until they become a habit. Start slow by seeking out an empty parking lot or low-traffic residential neighborhood. Practice accelerating, turning and braking. Once you build up your skills and comfort level, you can head out on higher-traffic residential roads and eventually the highway.
Don't Have a Passenger Yet
You’ll soon start to feel confident riding your motorcycle, and it's natural to want to share this new experience with friends or a partner. Avoid taking on a passenger just yet. You need more time to build up your experience level before you can safely handle another person on your motorcycle. Remember that the extra weight of a second passenger will affect how your motorcycle handles and beginners usually aren't quite ready for safely riding two-up just yet.
Drive Defensively
You should practice defensive driving once you start going on busier roads. Remember that you are surrounded by other motorists who might not be paying attention to the road as much as they should. People drive drowsy, drive impaired, text and drive, eat and drive, and so on. Ensure you leave plenty of room between your motorcycle and other motorists. If someone suddenly slams on their brakes or cuts into your lane, you'll have the time and space needed to react to keep you from a collision.
Be cautious anytime you turn or change lanes, as others might not be prepared for the change. Put your signal on well in advance and check multiple times before changing lines to ensure you've been seen by the other motorists. Be extra cautious around large trucks since they have a bigger blind spot.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your bike is an important part of the ownership process. This keeps your motorcycle running well and helps it stay out of the mechanic's shop. Check your owner's manual for information on the specific types of maintenance tasks and how often you should do them.
You should do a pre-ride inspection before you hit the road. Look over the various parts of your motorcycle, such as the tires and the lights, to ensure everything is in working order. If you notice anything odd, bring your motorcycle to our service department.
We hope these tips will help you get the most out of your bike for years on end! If you need more help, contact the trained staff here at Freedom Cycles, the leading bike dealer in Grandview, MO! If you’re looking for motorcycles for sale in Kansas City, MO or Overland Park, KS, contact our sales staff at your convenience!