Tips for Learning to Ride a Motorcycle
Learning to ride a motorcycle can be a thrilling but somewhat scary experience. The fact that riding a motorcycle is fun and efficient on gas doesn’t make it any safer than riding in a car. You’ll often hear people warning about the dangers of motorcycles. The real danger is an uneducated rider on the road who doesn’t know how to properly and safely operate a motorcycle.
Barnes Harley-Davidson® Langley wants to make sure you enjoy your learning experience but also that it’s top-notch so you’ll be a pro when you hit the open road. Visit our dealership in Langley, BC near Abbotsford for more information. We also proudly serve all of BC including Chilliwack, Richmond, Surrey, and Vancouver.
Take a Class
If you think you can skip the class and go straight to riding a motorcycle, think again. You’re also off base if you think riding a motorcycle will be just like riding a bike. There are more intricacies involved that you’re better off learning before you hop on a motorcycle. Fortunately for you, there is no shortage of available training programs for this very reason.
Many of these programs will even have a beginner’s bike for you to practice on. You’ll learn various essential techniques involving the throttle, clutch, brake control, and much more. You might even be able to find a program in your area that offers different classes based on your skill level such as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The moral of the story is you’ll reap the benefits by taking a motorcycle class so don’t skip out, especially if you’re a first-time rider.
Proper Gear
Another important factor when learning to ride a motorcycle is about using proper gear. You’ll always need to wear a helmet when you’re riding so you’re protected from a head injury in a fall. Other parts of your body require protection too. Your largest organ is your skin so you shouldn’t leave any exposed. A proper riding jacket and pants will protect you from road rash if you fall. If you want to go the extra mile (and as a beginner, you should) then you can invest in riding boots and gloves as well. Many riders also use hearing protection because the sound of your engine roaring combined with the whipping wind, it can get pretty loud out there. The more protection, the better and safer you’ll be out there.
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to ride a motorcycle is the same as any other skill in one very important way: practice makes perfect! You might be tired of the saying but in this case, it’s definitely true. Once you’ve completed your riding classes, you can start practicing. Keep in mind that your first ride on a motorcycle probably won’t be perfect or even smooth. Find an empty parking lot and break your new toy in. You should practice your stopping by squeezing the brakes with a little more force each time until you are familiar with maximum braking. It might take some time to get used to the front brake contributing more to a fast stop than the rear brake does.
Keep Up With Maintenance
A new toy can be loads of fun, but remember that your motorcycle is a hard-working machine that will require regular maintenance in order to perform properly. Always do a pre-ride inspection before hitting the road. You’ll want to keep your eye on the tire tread, chain, oil and fuel levels, brake and turn signal lights, and so on. If you notice anything that seems off but you’re not quite sure how to handle it, bring it in for service. It’s better to be safe than sorry and have something go wrong while you’re out riding.
Barnes Harley-Davidson® Langley is ready to help first-time riders out there who have any questions, want to check out our inventory, or inquire about motorcycle classes. Give us a call or stop by our dealership in Langley, BC near Abbotsford for more information. We also proudly serve all of BC including Chilliwack, Richmond, Surrey, and Vancouver.