Motorcycle Riding Tips for Beginners

The prospect of riding a motorcycle for the first time can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to these two-wheeled machines. You’ve probably ridden on the back of one, or you’re upgrading from a scooter. A motorcycle is very different when compared to a passenger vehicle, such as a car, so it’s good to be adequately prepared. This will involve learning how your motorcycle functions and educating yourself on motorcycle-specific rules of the road, which vary from those you may be accustomed to as a car driver.

Take a Refresher Course

Check out motorcycle riding classes to get professional instruction in the proper methods and best safety practices. Certified courses can provide you with all the information and practice you need to become confident on a motorcycle better than anything else. You’ll also get to learn about motorcycle riding rules and regulations.

Riding courses often have motorcycles available for you to practice on, so your instructor can show you how to properly mount your bike, where the controls are, how to operate them, and what some good riding strategies are, all in a safe environment.

Gear Up

Another essential factor when you’re new to motorcycles is to adequately gear yourself up for safe riding. The most important piece of gear is a well-fitting motorcycle helmet with a full face mask that will keep you safe in a crash and also protect your face from the wind.

A riding jacket and pants or a one-piece riding suit will keep your clothes from getting dirty and shield your skin from the sun. Although, you’ll still want to wear sunscreen on exposed skin. Ventilated riding gear can even help keep you cool as you ride! In order to keep your grip on your bike and the road, you’ll also want to wear riding gloves with a good grip and a pair of sturdy riding boots with thick soles.

Practice Frequently

After you’ve completed your motorcycle classes, you’ll want to give yourself some time to practice before hitting the highways. Riding around a parking lot slowly to get used to the feel of your bike will help you gain confidence and fine-tune your turning, accelerating, and braking skills. An experienced friend can stand by to give you pointers.

Riding with an experienced buddy the first time you hit the open road can be helpful, too, since they can help you if anything goes wrong. Don’t be afraid to go slowly when you’re learning. After all, your safety is more important than being the fastest rider on the road.

For new riders in search of the perfect bike in Houston, TX, Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads is the place to go! We carry a wide selection of motorcycles for riders of all skill levels, whether you’re just learning to ride or you’re upgrading to a new bike. We welcome all those visiting us from Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and College Station.