HOW TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE FOR BEGINNERS

Motorcycles are not difficult to ride but you should familiarize yourself with the proper operation of controls and proper riding techniques before starting out.

If you can ride a bicycle, then you can learn to ride a two-wheeled motorcycle, especially if you start by participating in a motorcycle safety course (more on that later).

How long it takes to get comfortable varies from person to person, but if you’re already experienced on a bicycle or dirt motorcycle, you will likely get up to speed quicker. It also varies from motorcycle to motorcycle, however, if you start with a small motorcycle, it will be easier.

When purchasing beginner motorcycle gear, you’ll want the best protective riding gear and for it to cover your body from head to toe. Luckily, motorcycle gear is designed to improve your riding experience by keeping you comfortable in all weather. It also looks cool.

The sort of motorcycle insurance you will need can vary from state to state. At a minimum, you'll want liability insurance to provide coverage for the property and well-being of another rider.

You will want collision insurance to cover damage to your motorcycle.

And if you're going on a long trip, you'll want roadside assistance to bail you out of a jam. This can be particularly useful if your motorcycle just needs minor repairs so your whole trip doesn't need to be scrapped.

If you regularly travel more than 100 miles from home, you may also consider Trip Interruption coverage which applies to a motorcycle in the event of a mechanical breakdown or a covered comprehensive or collision loss. This provides reimbursement up to the limits listed in the coverage endorsement for temporary lodging, alternate transportation, meals and deposits on reservations.

The Harley-Davidson Street® 500 is an ideal motorcycle to start with once you've completed your first motorcycle safety course. You can use it for daily commuting or weekend excursions. It comes with an anti-lock brake option, which is great for beginners who may over-apply the brakes if panicked.

Another great choice is the Harley-Davidson® Superlow® Motorcycle which is ergonomically designed to take on riding hundreds of miles a day to fend off discomfort. Of course, you can just ride it to the grocery store, too.

You'll get the handle of getting on your motorcycle even though it can be awkward the first couple times you do it.

1. Stand on the left side of your motorcycle.

2. Bend your knees somewhat and center your weight over your legs.

3. Take the handlebar grip into your left hand and the right handlebar grip into your right hand and squeeze the front brake lever.

4. Put your weight on your left leg and then kick your right leg up and over the motorcycle.

5. Make sure it's a high kick so that your leg doesn't get caught on the motorcycle before your leg completes its journey.

Once you’re on the motorcycle, reacquaint yourself with all the controls. Mind the footpeg position, and where the turn signals, horn, and lights are. Double-check that the mirrors are positioned just how you like them.

How do you make your motorcycle stop and go, and what do you do in between? The answer to this question is found in the controls.

The left side of your motorcycle contains the controls to shift gears, while the right side controls focus on acceleration, deceleration, and braking. It may seem like a lot to get used to, but with enough practice, the motorcycle will begin to feel like an extension of yourself, and your graceful movements will lead to enjoyable rides.

The clutch is how you change gears. Pulling the clutch in releases the engine from the transmission, which allows you to shift gears. You will also pull in the clutch as you are coming to a stop and slowly release it to begin moving again.

Now that you know where the clutch and gear shift are you can finally start your motorcycle.

Insert the key into the ignition of the motorcycle and, if your motorcycle is not fuel injected, then pull the choke all the way out unless the motorcycle has been running previously, then set as needed. Turn the key in the ignition to the “on” position and make sure the engine off/run switch is set to “run”.

Check to make sure the motorcycle gear shifter is in neutral and squeeze the motorcycle clutch lever with your left hand all the way to the grip.

Press the start button with your right thumb and allow the motor to turn over until the engine fires before releasing the start button. For non-fuel injected motorcycles, gradually push the choke in as the motorcycle engine warms up.

Unlike with cars, you actually need to warm up your motorcycle, So, once started, let your motorcycle warm up for about 45 seconds or longer in cooler weather. Try to avoid revving the engine during warm-up.

These days, some motorcycles are built to automatically turn off if the side stand is down. If your motorcycle doesn't do that, manually retract your side stand using your left foot. Just kick it up so the side stand can fit nearly underneath your motorcycle's underbody.

Center stands, meanwhile, need the motorcycle to be rocked forward. Before attempting to retract the center stand, observe how motorcycles may react coming off the center stand and perform a self-assessment to verify your ability to execute this task. To make this happen, stand to the left of your motorcycle, put your hand on the left handlebar, and straighten out the front tire. With your right foot, check to see that the center stand is on the ground. Next, push the motorcycle gently forward, causing the center stand to click and pop up.

The engine has been warmed up, you've shifted into first gear, you've let the clutch lever out, and roll-on the throttle at the same time. Now you’re literally moving.

Accelerate a little and put your feet onto the pegs. As you let out the clutch and roll-on the throttle to pick up speed, continue to ride. When you want to take a break, pull in the clutch lever and slowly engage both the front and rear brakes at the same time. Your left foot is used to steady the motorcycle as it stops, and once you've come to a complete stop you can put your right foot on the ground too.

Turning is easier to do than it is to explain, so trust yourself once you're actually riding. The way steering works is that at very low speeds, you use direct steering by turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go. Once you’ve hit between 10-15 mph, you lean slightly in the direction you want to turn while pushing the handgrip on the same side away from you (this is called countersteering). So, if you want to go right you lean right and push the right handgrip away from you.

To shift gears, you'll be coordinating the use of the clutch lever on your left hand with the shift lever using your left foot. It takes practice to upshift and downshift through the gears, and in particular to find neutral. You'll know you're in neutral, though, when the green "N" lights up on your dashboard/instrument and you can easily move your motorcycle forward and backward with the clutch lever out.

Pull the clutch lever in, shift gears, and then slowly release the clutch lever. This way, shifting will be a smooth transition. Don't over-rev in each gear, and don't shift before the engine starts to work too hard.

The best way to have a fun ride is by having a safe ride. That’s because riding safely improves the quality of your ride and makes you feel better riding. First, take the time to read your motorcycle owner’s manual to become familiar with its features and the safe operation, care, maintenance, and storage of your motorcycle. Additionally, follow these safety best practices to get the most out of your trips.

We’re just scratching the surface of learning how to ride a motorcycle. Here are some things you find out when you dig a little deeper.

You can do it.

There’s so much joy that comes from motorcycling that the effort necessary to learn how to ride is itself joyful. Sure, you may be worried and you may struggle, but since the challenge is part of the reward, you’ll be grateful every step of the way that you chose to pursue your dream.