Learning how to Ride a Motorcycle

45 Responses (Add) | Friday, March 28th, 2008 at 1:46pm

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Owning and riding a motorcyle comes with a lot of responsibilities. Make sure you find the right bike for your needs above everything. Here are some other tips to get you started, should you decide to ever buy one of your own.

Read. Read a lot. Read forums, magazines and books. The more you read about motorcycles, the better prepared you will be to start riding, and to figure out what kind of motorcycle you would want to get. There are a lot of great rider forums out there that are filled with people who will be more than happy to help you figure out what kind of motorcycle would fit you best, and share tips on how to become a better rider. I also strongly recommend picking up “Proficient Motorcycling” by David Hough. This is a great book that really makes a lot of the theory and skills easy to understand.
Take a motorcycle safe rider class. I know that a lot of state DMVs offer these classes. Even if your state doesn’t offer this class through the DMV, you should still be able to find one of these classes offered in your area through another agency such as the local or state police. The basic MSR classes are taught using small-engined motorcycles that are owned by the agency giving the class, so you don’t have to worry about either trying to learn on a bike that has way too much power for you or about dropping your own bike the first time you try to ride it. These classes teach you the basics of riding in a safe controlled environment, and are by far the best way to learn how to ride a motorcycle. As an added bonus, in many states you automatically get your motorcycle license when you successfully complete the class.
Don’t skimp on riding gear! Quality riding gear can be expensive, but when you get into an accident it can make the difference between getting up with a few bumps and bruises or never getting up again. Leather is the best protection you can get, but there are also plenty of other options out there if you either don’t like leather or can’t afford it. Several companies make jeans for motorcycles that have a protective layer of either textile or kevlar sewn in, and many of those jeans include protective padding in the hips and knees. There are also textile jackets with elbow shoulder, and back armor sewn in, as well as at least one company that makes protective armor designed to be worn under your regular clothes.
Find a bike that fits your body and your skill level. Sit on several different bikes to figure out what kind physically fits you. If the bike is either so big you have trouble reaching the hand and foot controls or so small you feel cramped on it, then it’s not the bike for you. You won’t be able to enjoy riding it, and you will have a lot of trouble controlling it. If the bike you really like “almost” fits you, ask the dealer about what kind of adjustments can be made to either the stock parts or with aftermarket parts. If you are just learning how to ride, don’t go for the biggest, fastest bike you can find. Remember, even the “small” 600cc race bikes can easily reach 150 miles per hour and are capable of doing things far beyond the capabilities of the average street rider.
Find a shop you can trust. Go online and check rider forums to find out what people think of the shops in your area. Where you buy your first bike can have a big impact on what kind of riding experience you have. If you tell the sales person that you are new to motorcycles and looking to buy your first bike, and they seem to be pushing you towards the fastest/most expensive bike in the shop, turn around and walk out the door. That’s a dealer that cares more about making the sale than about your enjoyment or safety. A good dealership will want to help you find the right bike and gear for you. For example, last year at the dealer I purchased my current bike from the salesperson. He asked me a lot of questions about my riding experience and comfort level with getting back on a bike after having not ridden for several years. He told me that while the bike I was looking at would be good for getting back into riding, he thought I would end up wanting to move up to something larger and faster within a year. He showed me a different version of the same bike with a larger frame and engine, even though it was the previous year’s model and was discounted to about the same price as the smaller current year model. He also told me that while there was a 3rd version of the bike with an even more powerful engine, he didn’t think it would be the right bike for me because it had been several years since I had ridden and he thought I might find the larger engine to be more on the intimidating side than on the fun side. After helping me decide which bike I wanted, he took me to the parts department to help me pick out my riding gear. He had me try on almost a dozen helmets to find the perfect fit, and had me sit on the bike wearing each jacket and set of gloves I was considering so I could get an idea of how they would feel while riding.

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45 Comments

imsohood29

March 28th, 2008
at 6:58am

Same, I don’t think I’d ever ride a motorcycle… good tips though maybe I’ll try it one day :s

rebel4055

March 28th, 2008
at 7:02am

i have a mini motorcycle goes 50 mph :D $600

Domreis7337

March 28th, 2008
at 7:06am

I have an old 1974 Honda TR that I just found out is worth about $30,000

neolightproductions

March 28th, 2008
at 9:43am

Dirtbikes have always came natural to me. I had a mini bike till I was like 8yrs old. Then an 80cc till I was 16yrs old then bought a YZ 250. I have all thor gear. Shirt, pants, boots, gloves, chest protector, a matching helmet, goggles, etc. I think my next bike will be an 650cc enduro the way gas prices are going.

gunotsoldier50

March 28th, 2008
at 10:36am

im not big on motorcycles, i own a dirtbike but its not street legal.

ill stick to my vr4

wizkid22

March 28th, 2008
at 10:40am

segway are ridden on by security guards in my mall

wmmorgan1419

March 28th, 2008
at 1:19pm

One of the hardest things for me was transitioning from light dirt bikes that lean and balance totally different than heavy touring style bikes. I learned on the smaller but don’t have the “emergency turning” confidence on the heavy bikes, that Chris talks about in his training.

RMGangsta

March 28th, 2008
at 3:33pm

If u are a noob at street biking find a 196? Honda CA110. 50cc. some on ebay. manual tranny. bit small. You meet the nicest people on a honda

lilmoneyman23

March 28th, 2008
at 4:07pm

BORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRING!

Harold

March 28th, 2008
at 4:09pm

You didn’t buy one, did you? are you riding now?

Jacob321

March 28th, 2008
at 4:34pm

Someday I will have to take those safety classes, because some how I’m going to acquire a motorcycle. I think those classes would be very fun. It’s probably not as hard to get as a drivers license, but I wouldn’t know…I’m only 14.

michael burggraf

March 28th, 2008
at 4:57pm

I read this and through the whole thing i thought to myself: all of this stuff is also very relevent to sea-doo/jetski riding. a jetski is essentially a motorcycle on water, so most of the stuff is the same except for the fact that it has no brake.

my advice is to try riding a motorcycle first, because once you are used to a motorcycle, riding a jetski becomes almost second nature.

Kyle_vdk

March 28th, 2008
at 5:43pm

I have never really liked Motorcycles… My friend is addicted to motorcycles, but I am not.

I love biking, but motorcycle = less physical energy (I guess the same with a care). I am willing to learn how to, it would be a good knowledge, but just not now.. lol

~Kyle_vdk

eatsalot

March 28th, 2008
at 6:32pm

wow I could never ride a motorcycle great post i could never even get through the training you talked about crazy stuff

kurt

March 28th, 2008
at 6:53pm

Don’t be afraid that it’s too hard. I was only 17 years old when I first took a motorcycle course. I had never touched a bike before in my life and I learned how to ride in two days.

ZacsEpicEphemera

March 28th, 2008
at 8:04pm

You meet the nicest people on a honda — wasn’t that like the slogan years ago

KrnSidez

March 28th, 2008
at 8:57pm

When i get my drivers license, i wanna get a motorcycle. And i wont take the safety class 0:-), well thanks for the tips. i will be sure to take them into consideration.

~~~~Google

Windows Vista Torrent

March 28th, 2008
at 9:24pm

Tech InterviewsLearning how to Ride a MotorcycleWhat can You do in Alaska? Collectors Collect Collectables Norwegian Food Is your Blog Usable, or a Jumbled Mess of Information? Buying Music ala Carte vs Renting with Subscriptions Jordanian Food

Griff

March 28th, 2008
at 9:28pm

I’ve actually been think about getting a bike. It has a lot better milage, and i think it would be a hoot to drive. A bike gets anywhere from 29 to 150 MPG!! PERFECT for todays prices. I just need to work up the time to take the class…

hm…. MacBook Pro… or a bike….

Mad One

March 28th, 2008
at 10:02pm

I’m going to start riding a motorcycle just to save money on gas!

leethaxorcodo

March 28th, 2008
at 11:18pm

I tried to learn how to ride but I could really never pick it up all the way…But I would still love to get my full Motocycle lic.

Movie Trailers

March 29th, 2008
at 4:29am

source:Learning how to Ride a Motorcycle

Dimitry1996

March 29th, 2008
at 7:15am

I never realy had like a chopper or something like that but I have a moped. lol

Dimitry1996

March 29th, 2008
at 7:15am

I never had like a chopper or something like that but I have a moped. lol

RedDeathProductions

March 29th, 2008
at 11:04pm

pcs please pirillo!!!!

u a v. cool guy but i wnna know about vga graphics cards or summet lol!

cmon chris! try do a video bwt tech plz!

tobinsj

March 30th, 2008
at 6:00am

Dress for the crash, not for the ride.

XboxNerd08

March 30th, 2008
at 8:03am

no we dount bleed We Geeks are invincable

ULMarc

March 30th, 2008
at 1:43pm

what’s happening with chat in the vdeos lately?
Did Chris reduce the amount of voiced users or did he give out to people who keep saying “lol” and “i still use windows 98″

Win98Error

March 31st, 2008
at 7:02am

Pirill is stupid! he is a mac snob! leave window users alone moron.! you hater! you piss off alot people and even your fans.! what a dumb ***. i use to watch him 24/7 now,i don’t good bye chris. have a great life looser.

dan

March 31st, 2008
at 7:29am

To all who are skiddish: take the MSR classes. They’re free in Pennsylvania. They really do make it easy to learn with no added pressure.

@KrnSidez: take the class. There were guys who had ridden for 30 years (w/o license) who were taking it just so they would have a legit Class-M endorsement. They all reported that even for them, it was worthwhile.

emufan23

March 31st, 2008
at 8:18am

How many videos are you gonna say that in, looser?

Naruto0519

March 31st, 2008
at 1:31pm

OMG Chris lives in Iowa like me? Which city LOL Ames? Orange City? Alton? Paulina? WHERE?!?!?

shibster

March 31st, 2008
at 10:56pm

Remember, learning to brake is just as important as learning how to go.
It’s easy to twist the throttle and go 100mph, but can you stop safely and in time? Take the MSF course and learn the essential skills. You’ll be a better rider for it. Don’t forget your helmet and fasten it properly as well.
See you on the road………

JohnR

April 1st, 2008
at 1:33pm

In many states, passing the MSF course is a substitute for the written & road test at your DMV. Just show up with the course completion card and get your license.

The beginners course just assumes you can ride a bicycle, nothing more. A great way to expose yourself to a motorcycle without much investment. Check out the http://www.msf-usa.org for more information on a course near you plus some online exercises. Passing the course sometimes gets you a discount on your insurance.

Yes a motorcycle can save money, but don’t forget the initial cost of the motorcycle, insurance, maintenance (tires wear out much faster on motorcycles), and gear. Even with a used entry-level motorcycle (a Susuki SV650 or Triumph Bonneville are good), you are talking in the thousands of dollars. How much gas does that buy?