Yesterday Jim & I introduced a new rider (Jim's Grandson) into the motorcycle world. I will try to articulate a few key tips to beginners
Brandon has already got a good start with a small 500 cc Honda Shadow.
In fact that is the first consideration when it comes to riding a motorcycle, especially figuring out what a good starter motorcycle should be able to do for a beginner rider. Start small with a lightweight cc motor and lighter weight will be easy for handling.
If there’s one thing you really shouldn’t skimp out on, it’s your motorcycle safety gear. Your safety is everything. Don’t take it lightly, especially when you learn to ride a motorcycle. A good quality motorcycle helmet is a must to protect that squishy thing in-between your ears. The impact on your head during an accident can mean the difference between life and death in many cases, so don’t be stupid; wear the helmet.
At the end of the day, just keep this simple acronym in mind, folks: A.T.G.A.T.T. All The Gear, All The Time.
All geared up...
Then start off with beginning fundamental of getting familiar with your bike. Every bike is a different feel and has it's own quirks. Find the gear patterns, brake sensitivity, clutch friction zone, and practice on a parking lot to begin your first experience with the bike's ride. The best route is to get & pay attention to other experienced instructors to give you advice in the proper ways of operation of that beautiful machine we refer to as the motorcycle. An actually motorcycle course would be best but at least a few hour course with Grandpa could not hurt.
Plus practice, practice, & practice acceleration, shifting, braking, leaning and looking beyond the bike.
Next thing to consider is: There are people on the road who shouldn’t be on the road, and then there’s you. Much as you want to, you can’t trust that everyone around you is following the law or being mindful of their surroundings. This is especially true if you’re commuting during high-traffic times.
Always be aware of your surroundings. For the first six months or so of riding, take some detours to avoid high-traffic areas and drive slowly. This way, you can focus solely on riding a motorcycle without having to react to every bozo who brake checks you at a traffic light. Once you’ve really honed in on your skills, you can venture along the roads that are more traveled.
You really shouldn’t put others’ safety at risk until you, yourself, are comfortable with riding. Adding another rider to your trip means you’ll have to make adjustments to the bike’s suspension. Not to mention, you’ll have to account for the extra weight when you’re braking and taking sharp turns, else that shiny side is going to be way, way up, if you catch my drift.
Checking your motorcycle every ride is essential. Ever made it halfway to anywhere only to realize you have a flat? I have, which is why you need to always give your bike a thorough once-over before hitting the road.
Not only do you need to test your tires, though, you also need to examine the engine oil and check for leaks. And when you turn the bike on, make sure all the lights are functioning correctly (headlight, tail lights, blinkers), your clutch isn’t sticking, and that the tank has enough gas to get you past where you need to go.
Though some of these precautions may seem obvious, it never hurts to be reminded. Whether you already have a bike and have been riding for a few months, or you just bought your first set of wheels, take this advice to heart because it will help you in the long run!
Last but not least , slow down there a minute, Bucky, because patience really is a virtue if you want to learn to ride a motorcycle—the safe and proper way, that is. Practice, Practice, and Practice!
Best Luck On The Road To All Riders! 👍
Nana
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