9 Motorcycle Riding Tips for Beginners

9 MOTORCYCLE RIDING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

1. Get the Right Gear
Proper riding gear is essential to staying protected while riding. Wearing the right beginner motorcycle gear can also make the sport more enjoyable and more comfortable. Basic riding gear includes a helmet, eye protection, a riding jacket and pants, gloves and boots. Many experienced riders live by the adage “all the gear, all the time” because it’s never a good idea to take a shortcut when protection and comfort are concerned.

2. Get Familiar with Your Motorcycle
Your motorcycle owner’s manual is your essential guide to the features and functions of your motorcycle. It will also outline the basic maintenance routines, from checking oil level and tire air pressure to preparing the motorcycle for off-season storage. A well-maintained motorcycle is essential for season after season of reliable performance. Whether you purchase a new or used motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson dealer can always give you a complete introduction to your motorcycle.

3. Take a Beginner Motorcycle Course
An investment in professional rider training will help to get your motorcycling journey off to a good start and is an ideal way to earn your motorcycle license. Group courses may be held at a driving school, a racetrack or at a local technical college. Many Harley-Davidson® dealers host the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy which offers a Beginner Motorcycle Course designed specifically for first-time riders. Rider training programs should be certified by your state and follow the curriculum created by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). The program will offer classroom or online instruction, and rider skills training on a range led by expert instructors. With professional training you’ll develop good skills while avoiding bad habits.

We’ve created a series of short New Rider Tips videos that demonstrate basic riding skills. These videos are not a substitute for taking a training course, but they can help get you familiar with how a motorcycle functions before or while you begin taking a training course.

4. Find Your Ideal Riding Position

Just as driving a car with the seat and steering wheel in the wrong position can feel really awkward, riding a motorcycle that does not fit can negatively impact your comfort and your confidence. It’s best to start riding on a motorcycle that helps you build your confidence as you gain experience. Confidence-building features include a low seat height that allows you to place both feet flat on the ground when the motorcycle is not moving, light weight that makes the motorcycle easier to handle at low speeds and modest power that’s easy to control as you learn.

Dialing in motorcycle ergonomics, or the “triangle of control,” is the key to being able to ride your motorcycle comfortably over long periods of time, without placing unnecessary strain on your body. Harley-Davidson offers accessory seats and handlebars for most Harley models designed specifically to help any rider – tall, short or in between – achieve their ideal fit on the motorcycle. Harley-Davidson dealers are fit experts that can help you adjust the motorcycle for a comfortable and confident ride.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

A good motorcyclist never stops learning and practicing riding skills. Once you’ve earned your motorcycle license and feel you’ve mastered basic riding skills, consider taking some advanced training to stay sharp and keep advancing as a rider. No matter how long you’ve been riding, a skilled rider course a great way to refine your riding skills, sharpen your riding mindset and build your confidence on your own motorcycle. Even the most experienced riders find that being observed by professional coaches can help identify and cure bad habits that can develop over time. A skills course may also teach you drills you can practice on your own to perfect braking and low-speed handling control.

6. Get a Motorcycle Battery Charger

A motorcycle battery charger should be one of your first purchases once you get a motorcycle. Most motorcycles sit idle for a time between rides, and a motorcycle charger will keep your motorcycle battery fully charged between rides. Plug in your motorcycle between rides and your battery will last longer. Don't forget to first learn how to charge a motorcycle battery with a charger.

7. Prioritize Theft Prevention

Once you have your new motorcycle, protecting it from theft may not be top of mind – you're excited about riding! But preventing motorcycle theft is an unfortunate necessity for all motorcycle owners. You can help make your motorcycle a less-desirable target for thieves with a few layers of motorcycle security like a motorcycle cover, locks and security systems. Some security measures may also earn you a discount on your motorcycle insurance. Shop popular motorcycle security solutions.

8. Learn How Group Riding Works

Once you learn to ride, you may be invited to join in on group rides. Motorcycle riding or touring with a group can add a social element to the ride, but riding in a group takes some practice and learning of the rules of group riding By learning some of the basic guidelines of group riding, including planning the ride, riding in formation, and using hand signal and electronic communication, you can help make sure your next outing is enjoyable for all.

9. Stay Visible

Take a tip from experienced riders and do all you can to make yourself as visible as possible: ride with your high-beam headlight on during the day and consider adding auxiliary lighting, wear high-visibility gear or gear with hi-vis panels and details and always try to anticipate the actions of other drivers. Many motorcyclists ride with the mindset that they are in fact invisible to other traffic, the ultimate defensive riding posture. Be especially cautious at intersections and when approaching a driver signaling to make a left turn.

For more motorcycle tips for beginners, reach out to your local Harley-Davidson® dealer.