Do you think it’s easy to ride a motorcycle?
Or are you worried whether you can ride a motorcycle successfully?
If you learn, will you be able to enjoy it like others?
If these questions are in your mind, this guide is for you.
It will boost your confidence and help you ride a motorcycle like a pro.
Riding a motorcycle seems easy.
When you see others, it feels simple.
But when you ride a motorcycle yourself, it feels difficult.
Why does this happen?
The main reason is that nobody taught you how to ride a motorcycle the right way. But don’t worry.
I’ll guide you step by step on how to ride a motorcycle properly.
Let’s get started!
Before learning, let me also tell you that there are some safety aspects to take care of in it.
Caution:
Because you are going to learn right now that you have to ride a motorcycle with two wheels. If you have to balance your weight in it, then you also have to protect yourself.So, it can be a risk of falling or an accident.
Therefore, it is necessary to use safety gear first.
If you realize its danger, you can avoid a huge loss if it is already there.Age Limit:
In most regions, the minimum age to obtain a motorcycle license is 16.
This regulation ensures that learners have the necessary maturity and physical ability to handle a motorcycle safely.
If you are under 16, consider waiting until you meet the legal requirements and perhaps take motorcycle safety courses to prepare.
Preparing Before You Ride a Motorcycle
Before you ride a motorcycle, preparation is key.
If you skip this step, the process can be difficult.
What do you need to prepare?
First, ensure your safety.
Second, learn the basics of how to ride a motorcycle.
This will make your learning experience smooth and safe.
Essential Safety Gear for Riding a Motorcycle
When you are learning to ride a motorcycle, you are not an expert yet.
So, for your safety, here is a list of important gear:
Helmet:
Wearing a helmet is essential to keep your head safe from injuries.
If you fall while learning, it will prevent serious head injuries.
Jacket:
A jacket is important to protect your body from injury.
In case of an accident, it will protect you from cuts and bruises.
Gloves:
Gloves give you a firm grip on the motorcycle handle.
They also protect your hands in case of a fall.
Shoes:
Shoes protect your feet and help with changing gears.
They also give you a better grip on the pedals.
Protectors:
There are different kinds of protectors.
Some protect your waist, while others protect your legs and knees.
Now you have worn all these gears, Now that you’re prepared, let’s move on.
Learning to ride a motorcycle
It is very easy to learn to ride a motorcycle.
Now, the things that I will tell you, you need to follow them, and you will see how easy it is to learn to ride a motorcycle.
We’ll divide the practical steps to learn driving a motorcycle into separate parts so that you can understand them properly.
Watch video of motorcycle riding course
It is important to understand certain things that are written.
So first, watch a related video on YouTube about how to learn to ride a motorcycle and understand it.
Then, when you read this guide, I hope you won’t miss any points.
Learning motorcycle controls
A motorcycle can only be ridden well by those who can control it.
Now, I will explain how to control the motorcycle and what things help us in controlling it.
1. Motorcycle clutch
The clutch of the motorcycle is very important.
First of all, let me tell you what the use of a motorcycle clutch is and where it is located on the motorcycle.
After that, I’ll explain how to use it.
The clutch of the motorcycle is placed on the left side of the handle-bar.
Its job is to transfer power from the motorcycle’s engine to drive the motorcycle.
If I explain it in simple words, it acts as a means of communication between the engine and the motorcycle.
Now, I’ll explain how.
If you keep the clutch pressed, the motorcycle will not move forward, no matter how hard the engine works.
With the help of this clutch, you can also change gears easily, and as soon as you release the clutch, the motorcycle will start moving if it is in gear.
Now remember one thing:
when you press the clutch lever, no matter how much you increase the throttle or change the gear, the motorcycle will not move forward.
When you release the clutch, the motorcycle will start moving forward.
There is also a risk involved in pressing and releasing the clutch.
I’ll clearly explain what that risk is.
The clutch connects the motorcycle and the engine. When you press the clutch, it disconnects the engine from the motorcycle, preventing it from moving forward.
However, there is a risk that if you release the clutch incorrectly, you may lose control of the motorcycle and fall.
Now that you’ve pressed the clutch and shifted the gear, the motorcycle is ready to move once you release the clutch.
As soon as you release the clutch, the motorcycle will move forward based on the throttle.
If you apply too much throttle and release the clutch too quickly, you may lose control and fall.
So, when releasing the motorcycle’s clutch, do it slowly and carefully.
Now that you have learned how to use the clutch, let’s move on to the next control.
2. Gears
The gear lever is located on the left side of the motorcycle, near your feet.
A motorcycle typically has four gears.
First, let me explain the purpose of the gears.
The function of gears on a motorcycle is to provide more power to the engine when needed and to allow the motorcycle to run at higher speeds.
Let me simplify it for you.
Pressing the gear lever once shifts the motorcycle into first gear. Pressing it again shifts it into second gear, and so on.
But when should you shift gears, and which gear should you use?
First gear is used at the beginning, as it provides the most power but doesn’t allow the motorcycle to move fast.
Similarly, you switch to second gear when the motorcycle starts moving with force in first gear.
Third and fourth gears are used to increase speed.
You may wonder: Doesn’t speed increase with the throttle, not the gears? Let me clarify that.
If you don’t change gears, no matter how much you increase the throttle, the motorcycle will produce more thrust but won’t go faster.
You can increase the throttle in first or second gear, but the motorcycle will go faster in third and fourth gears.
Why do you need to change gears?
It is necessary to change gears when you want to increase the motorcycle’s power, such as when climbing a hill.
If you are in fourth gear, you’ll need to downshift to third, second, or even first gear, depending on the situation.
Note: Don’t forget to press the clutch when you shift gears at the start.
3. Braking
The motorcycle basically has two brakes. One controls the front wheel, which we call the front brake.
In the same way, there is a rear brake, which controls the rear wheel.
The function of the brakes is to slow down the motorcycle or stop it completely.
Both brakes serve the same purpose: one stops the front wheel, and the other stops the rear wheel to bring the motorcycle to a halt.
When the motorcycle is moving forward, we use the rear brake to stop it. Conversely, when reversing, we rely on the front brake, particularly when descending from an elevated position.
The front brake lever can be found directly in front of the throttle on the right side of the handlebars.
It works similarly to the clutch. When you press it, it will slow down/stop the motorcycle, depending on how much you press the lever.
Similarly, you will find the rear brake on the right side of the motorcycle, adjacent to your foot placement.
Warning:
If you suddenly apply the front brake or rare brake while riding at high speed, you may lose control of the motorcycle and could get injured.
So, always apply both brakes slowly and smoothly.
4. Throttle Control
Throttle control means controlling the speed of the motorcycle.
On the right side of the handle-bar, there is a grip where we hold the handle.
The throttle lever moves downwards and forwards, allowing the speed to increase or decrease.
If you push it downwards, you will increase the speed; if you release it, it will return to its original position and slow down the motorcycle.
You can adjust the speed using this control.
5. steering or Handle bar
When you need to turn the motorcycle, you use the steering.
The steering is located at the front of the motorcycle. It can turn right or left.
It’s important to learn how to keep the motorcycle straight and use the steering to lean to either side.
6. self-start or kick
This control is used to start the motorcycle.
There are two ways to start a two wheeler.
One is by using a kick, and the other by using a self-start.
For the kick start, push the rear brake near by a lever down firmly.
To use the self-start, press the red button on the right side of the handle-bar, and the motorcycle will start.
You have learned all these controls and understood them well, so now it is time to understand how to practically ride a motorcycle.
Practical motorcycle Driving
For example, even if you have read all the theoretical aspects of riding a motorcycle, are you ready to apply what I’ve taught you to practical learning?
Now, as I instruct you, you must follow exactly what I say. If you miss any point, it could lead to difficulties, so we will learn step by step where to begin.
I will guide you through each step we need to follow in the next practical session, and you just need to follow it.
Let’s begin:
Choosing a safe environment
Now that you are a practical learner of motorcycle riding, don’t forget to protect yourself before starting. While learning, you might fall, so it’s important to choose a location where you won’t hurt yourself or anyone else.
I mean, choose a place where the road is deserted or where beginners come to learn motorcycles, so no one gets harmed.
The most important thing is to protect yourself and others first.
Straightening the motorcycle
Before starting the motorcycle, inspect it by standing it upright. Sit on it with your feet on the ground, balance its weight on your legs, and keep the motorcycle straight.
While balancing the motorcycle, check it thoroughly.
Ensure the tires are properly inflated, and there are no issues with the motorcycle. Everything must be checked and confirmed.
Start the motorcycle
When you have made sure that there is no serious problem in the motorcycle, everything is fine, so now it is time to start it.
To start the motorcycle, you will have a kick lever near your right-side leg, push it down and start the engine.
or
If the motorcycle has a self-starter with the handlebar, then start with the help of it.
Note: Before starting the motorcycle, it should be free from all the gear of the motorcycle.
Using the motorcycle clutch
Once the motorcycle has started, keep the clutch fully pressed.
Remember, the clutch must be fully pressed; if you press it halfway, the motorcycle will stop, and you may fall, especially if you’ve accelerated. So, keep this in mind.
Shifting to gear
With the motorcycle started and the clutch fully pressed, look to the left side of your leg for the gear lever, as I mentioned earlier. Shift into first gear using the gear lever.
Speeding up the motorcycle
Now, gently increase the speed using the throttle on the right side of the handle-bar. Be very cautious — as soon as you feel the speed increasing, gradually release the clutch completely.
When you release the clutch, the motorcycle will start moving forward.
What to do after you start moving?
Once the motorcycle starts moving, your focus should be on the road ahead, keeping the handlebars straight.
In first gear, the motorcycle will exert more force, so it’s important to control your speed. Adjust the speed according to the situation so that, if you need to stop suddenly, you can do so safely.
Time to change gears
When a motorcycle is in first gear, it will not run at high speed, no matter how much you increase the throttle; it will only move forward slowly.
To speed up, you will need to shift the gear again.
When the motorcycle runs a little in first gear and you feel that it is operating properly, press the clutch to shift into second gear.
Similarly, you will also need to shift into third and fourth gears.
Stopping the motorcycle
As I mentioned in the control section about the brakes, the motorcycle has two brakes: one is the front brake, and the other is the rear brake. If you are driving the motorcycle forward, the motorcycle will slow down when you press the rear brake.
I will give you some tips on how to ride a motorcycle, which will also help you understand your motorcycle better. While you will continue to improve with experience, these tips will be useful for you.
Tips for Riding a Motorcycle
No one can give these tips without experience. Based on what I have learned from riding my motorcycle, and what I am still learning, I am sharing tips that will definitely help you.
Inspection of the Motorcycle
I am 26 years old now and have been passionate about riding motorcycles for six years.
In these six years, I have learned the importance of motorcycle maintenance. To put it simply, you should regularly inspect your motorcycle.
- During an inspection, it is necessary to check and change the engine oil.
- You should also check the condition of the tires.
- Make sure to regularly adjust the headlight to ensure proper visibility while riding.
- Both brakes need to be checked to ensure they are working correctly.
- Inspect the chain to see if it is in good condition.
- Check the motorcycle’s electrical cables and circuits to make sure they are functioning properly.
- The clutch adjustment should also be inspected.
These are all the essential things to check during a motorcycle inspection.
If you ignore any of these and face problems while traveling, it can be very frustrating, as I’ve had to learn the hard way.
That’s why I want you to avoid these issues by following the inspection tips I’ve mentioned.
Remember the Traffic Rules
If you want to enjoy riding a motorcycle, you need to understand the traffic rules related to motorcycles.
- You should be familiar with traffic signals to ride safely.
- Wearing a helmet is essential.
- Having a valid driving license is also necessary.
- You need to have mirrors to see both sides of the motorcycle’s handlebar.
- The motorcycle indicators must also be functional.
While Riding a Motorcycle
While riding a motorcycle, you need to keep a few important things in mind.
- First, whenever you go on a night trip, inspect the headlight thoroughly.
- When riding, avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or have straps, as they can get caught and cause you to lose balance and fall. It’s important to be cautious.
- Keep your speed low in the city.
- Make sure to fill the petrol tank before heading out.
- Practice regularly to improve your skills.
- When riding uphill, shift the motorcycle into first or second gear.
- Always use your indicators before turning the motorcycle in any direction.
Conclusion
In this article, I tried to give you all the important information you need to stay safe while riding a motorcycle. I shared both the theory and practical tips from my six years of experience.
We talked about everything from understanding traffic rules to why it’s crucial to keep your motorcycle well-maintained and wear the right safety gear.
I also shared tips for different situations, like riding at night or going uphill, to help you feel more confident on the road.
Remember, riding a motorcycle is not just about having fun; it’s also about being responsible and aware of what’s happening around you.
I hope this guide helps you feel ready to hit the road safely and enjoy your rides. Your safety is the most important thing, and with a little preparation and care, you can have great adventures on your motorcycle.
Happy riding!