Tips For Learning To Ride A Motorcycle

The horizon is calling to you, and there’s no better way to answer that call and own the road than with your very own motorcycle. These machines are adventure magnets, but before you can make full use of yours, you’ll need to learn some of the basics of riding. Riding a motorcycle isn’t quite like riding any other vehicle, and they can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared to control them.

To give you a leg up and keep you safe, we here at Bluegrass Harley-Davidson have put together some tips for learning to ride a motorcycle. If you have any questions, or if you’re still looking for your new bike, contact our store in Louisville, Kentucky. Our friendly and experienced staff will help you find what you need at the prices you want.

Riding Classes

Riding classes are an absolutely essential part of learning to ride a motorcycle. It’s a wildly different experience from anything you’ve ever tried before, like a car or bicycle. These machines utilize a unique steering method, have a different turn radius, and more. To drive these safely on the road, you’re going to need the proper training.

Fortunately, riding classes are not in short supply. Most provide a beginner’s motorcycle for you to use, so don’t worry about buying one just yet. Beginner’s courses will teach you how to use your throttle, clutch, brake, and so on. Some locations offer different class levels for beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced riders, so you can keep advancing your skills. 

We also must press home how important it is to do these classes safely during the current pandemic. This isn’t a course you can really take online, which means you’ll need some in-person instruction. Remember to wear a mask with a filter or double up on masks, maintain a six foot distance from everyone, and wash and disinfect your hands after touching anything that isn’t yours. 

The Right Gear

It’s pretty much inevitable that, during this learning process, you’re going to earn a few bumps and bruises. To make sure they aren’t anything more serious, wear the proper protective gear. Always make sure you get this gear before you ride your motorcycle anywhere, and wear it on every ride, no matter how short. 

The obvious one is the helmet, but remember that it needs to fit well. If it’s too tight or too loose, it will be more than simply uncomfortable—it won’t protect you properly and can pose its own threat to your health. Take the time to find a helmet that’s right for your head size and shape, and make sure it has favorable crash test ratings. We recommend one that’s full-coverage and which has a tinted visor to keep the sun from distracting you.

You should also protect your skin from hazards on the road, from kicked-up debris to sunlight. Full skin coverage will also keep you from getting road rash if you fall. Invest in a riding jacket and riding pants that fully cover your arms and legs. The classic is black leather, which is very protective but also very warm. Before it heats up, look into heavy denim riding gear to give your skin more room to breathe. 

Finally, you’ll need hearing protection. Any time you go over 40 miles per hour, you risk permanent hearing damage. Something as simple as disposable earplugs will do fine, but feel free to spend a bit more on something reusable. 

Practice, Practice, Practice

Repetition is one of the best ways to learn. It’s not enough to simply hear about the concepts of riding a motorcycle. You need to put them into practice over and over until they’re second nature. For the early days, practice away from traffic like in an empty parking lot or low-traffic neighborhood. Practice every aspect of riding, including turning, accelerating, and braking. Increase your speed slowly until you’re confident about hitting the highway.

We hope these tips help you conquer the road safely and soon! If you have any questions, or if you'd like to browse the motorcycles we have for sale, contact us at Bluegrass Harley-Davidson. We proudly serve the people of Louisville and Jeffersonville, Kentucky, and Jefferson, Indiana—let us serve you today!