Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting experience, but there are several things you must consider. Focus on signing up for a motorcycle riding course. Next, you must acquire the recommended safety gear and finally have a plan to purchase or rent a motorbike. The following are 6 primary things to consider for anyone that has never driven a motorcycle.
1. Take a Motorcycle Riding Class
You must take a motorcycle riding and safety course before successfully operating your motorcycle. Certified instructors run such courses and are the best at offering training in a controlled environment.
These trainers will equip you with an understanding of riding and how you will maintain safety on the road. These courses are effective as veteran riders sometimes take refresher riding courses to improve their skills.
2. Get Insurance, License, and Registration
After you have completed your motorcycle riding course, you will need a license before hitting the road. A license keeps you from running into trouble with the law. Also, insurance is required if you get into an accident.
Whether it was your fault, the insurance will cover you for compensations or damages. Insurance is also essential if you purchase a motorcycle as it covers theft, injuries, or repair costs.
3. Research Beginner Motorcycles to Rent or Purchase
Most likely, you have a plan to own a motorcycle as you take the riding course. It is crucial to understand that not all motorcycles are great for beginners. For example, some motorcycles could be too advanced for beginners, possibly leading to accidents.
Talk to friends that own motorcycles or speak to a professional to get recommendations. If purchasing exceeds your budget, search for “motorcycle rental near me” to get the best offers within your area. This will give you a chance to experience the full motions of driving a motorcycle before you decide to drop some cash on one.
4. Use High-Quality Safety Gear
You might find information on safety as you research the type of motorcycle to purchase or rent. Such information may suggest the best gear for your safety when riding a bike. For instance, primary safety gear includes a helmet, hand gloves, heavy jacket, and boots. Do more research on these items to know which brand offers the best quality and which is the best price.
5. Avoid Carrying Passengers Until You Gain Confidence
You’re probably excited about learning this new skill and could be looking forward to carrying your best friend or spouse. There is nothing wrong with carrying a passenger, but as a beginner, avoid this for a while.
Taking a passenger puts extra weight on the motorcycle, which makes controlling a little tricky. Also, since you are still learning the bike, any additional weight could create unfamiliar tensions that could cause you to make a mistake. Excess weight makes braking or taking sharp turns difficult, and you might fall since you are still new.
6. Keep Away From Highways, Freeways, and Interstates
Since many vehicles are on highways and interstates, you will likely experience increased stress and tension as a beginner motorcyclist. Avoid busy roads and streets until you have enough confidence to handle traffic in your practice stages. Also, even with such confidence, it’s best to take gradual steps on highways or freeways.
You need to start with low-traffic roads and proceed to medium and dense areas as your experience improves. Also, use routes that are already familiar as it is easy to anticipate what to expect.
The six things to consider are not final; you still have more to learn as you take your motorcycle course. The following are additional tips to help:
Focus on Traffic Rules
You will learn various traffic signs and rules during your motorcycle training class. Pay attention to these rules whenever you are on the road for your safety and other road users’ safety. Resist the temptation to exceed speed limits and stay at a safe distance from vehicles.
Check Your Bike Before Each Ride
It’s necessary to check your bike to ensure it’s in the best condition before heading into traffic. Perform simple checks like the brakes, headlights, tail lights, blinkers, and tire pressure. Also, check your engine oil for leaks, and confirm your clutch isn’t sticking. It will also help to ensure the tank has enough gas to take you beyond the intended destination.
Final Thought
Prioritize safety every time you head out with your motorcycle. It might take more practice, but with time, you will master your bike and easily take on highways, freeways, and interstates.
