How To Ride A Motorcycle

A shiny new bike is a thrilling prospect, holding the promise of adventure and adrenaline bursts on its two wheels. But for a rider who is brand-new to the riding life, the idea of straddling the seat and twisting the throttle for the first time can be overwhelming and a little scary.  Motorcycles do merit some caution on the part of the rider, particularly when compared to cars, so it’s good to take the time to learn how to ride them correctly.

Here at Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys in Key Largo, we want all our customers to be safe and enjoy every journey on their bikes. That’s why we’ve provided this quick guide to help you learn the right strategies for safe motorcycle riding.

Enroll In A Course

One of the best and most foolproof ways to ensure you learn the right techniques for riding your motorcycle safely is to enroll in a course on the subject. Plenty of courses exist that will have a professional who’s well-versed in the art of riding, so they can show you all the ins and outs of your bike as well as correcting your posture and helping you to gain confidence.

Another benefit of taking a course is that it lets you try out their practice motorcycles to see how they feel. You won’t have to own a bike first, which can ease the anxiety for some people who would rather master riding before making a purchase. You’ll be able to figure out whether motorcycling is a pastime you really want to pursue by taking a course. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced classes at many schools, dealers, clubs and elsewhere.

Gear Yourself Up

Having the correct gear is a vital component of safe riding. The most vital component is a well-fitting motorcycle helmet that’s DOT-rated with high crash test safety ratings. A full face mask or a pair of goggles will need to be worn for eye protection.

Your clothing needs to serve as protection against wind chapping and road rash in the event you slide out, so a sturdy pair of pants, riding boots and a jacket made of a tough material like leather will keep you protected. Wear a pair of riding gloves to improve your grip, too.

One often-overlooked piece of gear for motorcyclists is ear protection. Between the noise of your bike and the noise of wind and traffic on the highway, you can easily suffer hearing loss. A pair of earplugs will dampen sound will still allowing you to hear sirens and horns.

Keep Practicing

No one is ever perfect at something as complex as motorcycle riding on their first try. It’s good to practice as often as possible while you’re learning to ride. Once you’ve taken your course, take your bike out or ride an experienced friend’s bike while they supervise you in a safe area like an empty parking lot or quiet street. Take it slow at first and make sure you understand all the components of the bike before you start.

Gradually increase your speeds as you feel more comfortable riding. Because the brakes feel different than those of a car, you’ll want to use them lightly at first. Apply the brakes more firmly with each stop, giving yourself time to adjust how the front wheel stops more quickly than the rear one.

With some patience and education, you can learn to ride a motorcycle safely and take yourself from new rider to expert in no time. You can also bring your questions to our dealership! Visit our Key Largo, FL, location today to see our full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale.

If your current ride needs some repairs before you can hit the highway, contact our parts and service departments to schedule some time with our professional mechanics. Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys proudly serves the Florida Keys as well as Homestead, FL.