Some classes will have motorcycles that you can ride if you do not have one of your own. Check for licensing classes if you need a motorcycle license in your area. These classes tend to run a few more days than a non-licensing class, but you’ll receive the proper permit’s once you’re finished. Motorcycle laws vary depending on where you live. Consult with your local department of motor vehicles to determine the prerequisites for obtaining a license. In the United States, most places require you to be 15 or 16 in order to get a permit. Otherwise, you must be under the supervision of a licensed instructor.
Written and on-cycle exams are required in order to get your license. Questions on written exam include safety information, riding techniques, and how to operate your bike. Get familiar with how your motorcycle works and what your area’s laws are for riding a motorcycle. Read through a copy of your location’s motorcycle handbook to familiarize yourself with safety tips, laws, and regulations. [3] X Research source Go to your department of motor vehicle’s website to find online practice tests for the written exam.
The on-cycle exam will include identifying where the controls are for your bike, as well as riding slowly in a circle and serpentine pattern. Make sure to practice these techniques on your own before you take the test. [5] X Research source During the test, be aware of your surroundings and always travel below the speed limit. Depending on your location, this can be done at the department of motor vehicles or with a certified third-party tester. In the United States, you need to hold an instruction permit for 12 months if you are under 16 in order to get your license.
Registration may differ in your area if you purchased it from a dealership or a private seller. Check your local regulations online. Ensure you have updated tags for your license plate, if required in your area.
Test turning your lights and turn signals on and off to make sure none of the bulbs are burnt out.
Look for a Department of Transportation (DOT) or European Commission (ECE) sticker or label to see if the helmet meets the legal requirements for safe riding. Do not wear helmets with tinted visors when visibility is low or while riding at night. Helmets usually have ventilation systems so your head will stay cool in hot weather. Not all locations require you to wear a helmet when you ride. Check with your local laws to find out.
Find a jacket that has reflectors built into the fabric so you are more visible to other vehicles. If you cannot find a jacket with them sewn in, use reflective tape on the front, back, and on the arms of your jacket.
Wear leather chaps over your pants for an extra layer of protection.
Tuck the laces inside your boot so they don’t hang or get caught on anything. Not only do gloves protect your hands while riding or during an accident, they will also help prevent your skin from drying out.
Make sure the throttle snaps back into place if you turn it and let go. If not, have a mechanic take a look at it before you ride.
Most of your stopping power will come from braking your front tire. If you don’t see a lever near your right foot for a rear wheel brake, consult the owner’s manual for your motorcycle to learn where specific controls are found.
Keep your bike in neutral with your kickstand down when you aren’t using it. Neutral is usually found in between the first and second gear. Many motorcycles work with a “1 down, 5 up” shift pattern. From lowest to highest, the gears usually go first, neutral, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth.
Ensure your kickstand is up before you start riding.
Always look on the gauge indicator on your motorcycle’s dashboard to ensure that it’s in neutral. If not, adjust the gear shift lever while holding the clutch to the neutral position. Holding the clutch in while starting your motorcycle prevents it the bike from moving forward if you aren’t in neutral. If you have a kick start bike, the starting mechanism is found behind your right foot. Press down on it firmly to turn over the engine.
If your bike doesn’t have turn signals, you’ll need to use hand signals. Stick your left hand straight out so it’s parallel to the ground, palm facing down, to indicate a left turn. Bend your left elbow so your forearm is at a 90-degree to your bicep (which should be parallel to the ground) and close your fist to indicate a right turn. Begin signaling 100 feet (30 m) before you make the turn and return both hands to the handlebars when executing the turn. [18] X Research source
Practice on an isolated section of road or in a parking lot that has little traffic so you don’t have to worry about other motorists. If you let go of the clutch too fast, you may kill the engine. If this happens, shift back into neutral and start your engine again. Practice “power walking” by walking it forward while slowly releasing the clutch to accelerate. Work your way up until you’re comfortable keeping your feet on the pegs while your bike is moving.
As you increase your speed, you need to shift into higher gears. As you decrease speed, downshift to a lower gear. Make sure to let off of your throttle when you squeeze your clutch as you shift. Once you switch into second gear, you don’t have to shift down to first gear until you come to a complete stop.
For faster turns, practice countersteering. As you make your turn, lean slightly in the direction you wish to go while pushing the handlebar away from you to stay balanced. If you make too sharp of a turn, it will cause you to crash.
If you are finished riding, shift your bike into neutral once you come to a stop. Don’t squeeze hard on the front brake or else you could cause your tires to lock up and cause skidding or an accident.
