Riding a motorcycle is not easy as it looks. However, learning how to ride a motorcycle can be fun and the best way to learn how to properly ride is in a safe and controlled manner. In fact, you should always practice safety first and be sure you have appropriate safety gear for any type of motor-bike riding. If you’re a beginner, then its recommended to enroll for motorcycle safety course that will equip you with the best skills on how to become a proper bike rider. So, below are some of the steps you need to follow in-order to become a professional bike rider:
STEP-1: How To Get The Right Gear For Bike Riding:
-Acquire a helmet: A motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of equipment for motorcycling because it protects your head from injury in case your get an accident while riding. However, the helmet must fit well while maintaining your field of vision. Additionally, consider getting a helmet designed for motorcycle riders and meets established safety standards. Lastly, the helmet should have a snug fit in-order to protect your head properly. There are also different helmets that will fit different head shapes but consider getting a full face or modular helmet for best results.
-Get a nice protective jacket: A motorcycle jacket protects your torso including your internal organs in case of an accident. Most motorcycle jackets are made of leather or manufactured materials such as Kevlar to ensure optimum protection. So, look for a jacket that has an impact absorbing body armor and meets certification standards for sale. Additionally, jackets will provide protection from environmental conditions such as; sun-heat, wind, precipitation and cold temperatures when riding your bike.
-Buy motorcycle boots, gloves & other gear: All this equipment will help to provide greater safety and comfort while riding. In fact, boots provide protection to your feet and ankles, gloves provide protection to your hands, pants provide protection to your hips and legs.
STEP-2: Learning How To Ride A Motor-Bike:
-Go for a motorcycle safety course: This course will give you the best instructions to learn proper riding techniques and safety-measures. In fact, they are highly recommended as a starting point for all new riders. So, new riders with little or no experience can take a basic rider course offered by your local government or non-government school. A training course may provide you with a motorcycle to use if you don’t have one. Lastly, most courses consist of both a classroom and riding sessions and end with you taking a test to receive your license.
-Learn how to use the bike controls: You will need to get some knowledge on the basic controls before riding. When you’re riding, you will have to think quickly and if you’re not familiar with the controls then it could be dangerous for you. So, some of the controls include; hand clutch lever which is located on the left handlebar and is used to disengage the power from the rear wheel when shifting gears, gear shifter that is located by your left foot and is used to shift one gear up or down while you’re pulling the clutch lever, throttle on the right handlebar and used to accelerate, handbrake which applies the brakes to the front wheel & lever on the right side of the bike near your foot works the rear brake. You should also know that the left-side of your motorcycle controls gears while the right side controls acceleration and braking.
-Get onto the bike and practice: To properly get onto the bike, face the motorcycle from the left side then grab the left handlebar and swing your right leg over the seat. Plant your feet firmly on the ground. Additionally, the best way to get to know how a bike operates is to sit on it and go over the functions of the controls before starting it up. Make sure you can easily plant your feet on the ground and you should be able to operate the rear shifter without lifting or sliding foot off the peg.
-Practice on how to use the clutch: The clutch is used to change gears. So, when you pull the clutch in, you’re releasing the engine from the transmission. This action puts your bike in neutral, allowing you to shift gears. Additionally, think of your clutch as a dimmer switch when using it. Likewise, consider gradually and smoothly pulling and releasing the clutch to prevent your bike from stalling.
-Start the bike engine: Pull the clutch lever in and locate your kill switch. This is usually a red switch located on the right handlebar. So, flip it down into the “on” position. Additionally, most modern bikes don’t require you to kick start your engine but if you have an older bike then you may have to kick-start it using the kick start lever located behind the foot peg on the right side of your bike. Turn your key to the “ignition” position and check to make sure the lights and gauges are on and operating. Put your bike into neutral by downshifting to 1st gear then shift up once. With your right thumb, push the “Start” button which is usually located under the kill switch. Once the engine has turned over, let your bike warm up for about 45 seconds so that the engine will work properly. When your feet are flat on the ground, pull the clutch lever back in then roll back onto your heels and repeat until you have a good feel for the clutch.
-Try “power walking” the motorbike: Start with your feet in front of you and on the ground then slowly let the clutch out until the bike starts to pull itself forward. Using only the clutch, walk the bike forward while keeping it steady with your feet. Repeat this process until you can keep the bike upright when you pull your feet off the ground.
STEP-3: Start Riding Your Motorcycle:
-Start riding your motorcycle: Once the engine has started and warmed up, you can begin to ride your motorbike. This is done by shifting down into 1st gear and letting the clutch lever out while simultaneously pulling back on the throttle. Make sure your kickstand isn’t out and slowly let out the clutch lever until the bike starts to roll forward. Additionally, you may have to pull back on the throttle slightly to prevent your bike from stalling while releasing the clutch. Once you are moving, accelerate slightly and pull your feet up onto the pegs. Try straight line riding as you let the clutch out and slowly roll the throttle back to pick up a little speed
-Practice shifting bike-gears: When you’re able to start riding in a straight line, get a feel for shifting gears. This will allow for the transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheel. Motorcycle transmissions are sequential which means that you have to shift one gear in a consecutive order whether shifting up or down. In fact, it will take some practice to be able to feel and hear when it’s time to shift the gear. However, the engine will start revving at higher rpms when it’s time to shift.
-Practice turning the bike: Once you’re at about 10mph or higher by counter-steering, push down on the handgrip on the side of the bike you want to turn but look up and through your turn. As you enter your turn, remember to slow down and don’t apply the brakes during your turn. Release the throttle and break if you have to before you start your turn. Additionally, keep your head up and look through the turn. Slowly roll on the throttle as you glide through the turn to keep momentum.
-Practice slowing down and stopping the motorbike: After practicing starting, shifting and turning your bike, you will need to learn how to slow down and come to a stop. So, the lever on the right handlebar operates your front brake while the brake by your right foot operates the back wheel. As a general rule, begin braking with your front brake and employ your rear brake after to help you slow and stop.