Learning How To Ride A Motorcycle

When you have observed an experienced motorcycle driver ducking and diving through turns and accelerating and stopping both quickly and efficiently, you become aware that there is a great deal more to driving a motorcycle that you first think. To those without any knowledge of motorcycle riding it looks as if all you have to do is jump on and away you go, but really and truly nothing is further from the truth. Driving a motorcycle requires the knowledge of new skills and much patience when learning how to balance yourself on the bike.

You will, of course, need to be in possession of the correct type of clothing when driving your motorcycle which may well be something you have overlooked. You are likely to be braving the elements while you are out and about on your bike so being properly kitted out is a must. Even though some motorcycles are fitted with specially designed windscreens, this is sometimes not enough protection from the force of the wind you will be facing when driving, not to mention the insects you will find sticking to your teeth! Pay a visit to your local motorcycle dealer who will assist you to become familiar with the best type of helmet, protective gloves, jackets and boots to ensure you have a safe and comfortable ride.

Hopefully the motorcycle you intend to ride will be in a good condition. Make sure the wheels and tires are roadworthy, check on the fluid levels, and regularly inspect the safety lights and horn to make sure they are in perfect working order. The chassis and stands should also be kept an eye on too.

The experts suggest that once you are learning how to ride a bike it is important that you know or can envisage just how much it hurts to come off a bike by accident. To stop yourself from coming off the bike it is important to master the center of gravity of the bike, especially for when turning corners. Throwing your leg over your bike as you get on it should be the most physical movement you make and from then on in it is all gently gently.

The grip on the right hand side of the handlebars of the bike, known as the throttle, moves when you take a hold of it and pull it towards you. This provides the engine of the bike with the necessary gas to move forward. Whilst driving your right hand controls the front brake of the motorcycle by pulling inwards on the lever to the side of the throttle. The brakes on a motorcycle are very sensitive so normally two fingers are sufficient to stop the bike. The rear brake is located in the foot area on the right side of the motorcycle.

The changing of gears is the final thing you will need to know how to do. Many motorcycles use the "1 down-5 up" gear shifting method. Probably the most difficult aspect of learning the gears is finding the neutral gear with your foot. Once you have mastered that, it is just a matter of repetition when you engage the clutch with the left hand, find the correct gear with your left foot and then disengage your clutch.