What\’s the best way to start learning how to ride a motorcycle?
kirr45 asked:
I want to know how to start riding a motorcycle. I rode my cousins motorcycle once. I jumped the bike a couple of times(popped a wheelie). I want to eventually get into the supersport bikes like the CBR600RR. I love that bike. I have so many motorcycle magazines but I have parents that won't let me touch one. Is there a way to learn on my own by buying a really cheap bike? Are there books I can buy?
I want to learn how to use the gears properly and quickly for racing and stuff like that. We have a track in our area which we can race on.
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I want to know how to start riding a motorcycle. I rode my cousins motorcycle once. I jumped the bike a couple of times(popped a wheelie). I want to eventually get into the supersport bikes like the CBR600RR. I love that bike. I have so many motorcycle magazines but I have parents that won't let me touch one. Is there a way to learn on my own by buying a really cheap bike? Are there books I can buy?
I want to learn how to use the gears properly and quickly for racing and stuff like that. We have a track in our area which we can race on.
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9 Responses to “What\’s the best way to start learning how to ride a motorcycle?”
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take a riding class. normally offered in summer and fall. price is around 100-300 bucks. They teach you the basics, which is a great foundation if you want to start racing. I would not recommend racing until you have at least a month of riding under your belt. If you mess up on the track, you are hurting yourself and others that are around you traveling at high speeds that could lead to death.
The best place to learn is out in the country off the paved road, and always wear a helmet.
Start with a MSF Motorcycle Safetey Foundation course it will teach you all the basics, Then you can find out if anyone teaches a track day class at your local track.
Good luck
they teach you from scratch, and provide the bikes.
At 3yrs old .
I learned all of the controls and coordination on a dirtbike in an open field once you’ve got that it just takes some time to get used to hiway traffic and road conditions cause obviosly street bike and dirt bike riding are two different animals
Like the previous answers, take the MSF course. They offer a “basic rider’s” course as well as an “experienced rider’s” course. They’ll teach you all the fundamentals and primary controls of the bike; which are generally universal across the board.
After you’ve completed the class (which only takes a couple of days for the Basics), buy a cheap bike similiar to the one you want. Understand that transitioning from a cruiser style bike to a supersport takes a while to acclimate due to its ergonomics and power/weight ratio. The braking is also another huge factor— the majority of your braking power (on supersports) is mainly in the front; roughly 98%…. you’d only use the rear when you really need to.
Once you find the right bike (perhaps a used Suzuki SV650), find some friends that know how to ride and ride with them. Watch their body position while turning and the way they stop; you’ll notice their only grabbing their front brake lever.
You’ll be riding for quite a few months (at least 6) to really get a good grip of what you’re doing. Once you’re confident enough to start racing, check into your local track and they’ll get you up to speed on HOW to speed. You’ll have to have a set of full leathers, boots, gloves, and bike preparation to get on the track but they’ll tell you all that once you’re ready. In other words, its going to take some money to buy all that (around $500-$900 for a good race suit).
While you’re in the learning stage, check out some race technique books (A twist of the wrist, etc.) from your local library for free and look @ some race videos to supplement your non-riding days.
Riding is a great liberating feel. You’ll notice a different world once you’re out there and other rides will be waving at you (be sure to return the favor). You’ll going to have a great time once you’re out there! Enjoy yourself and be safe. See you on the road!
Start out with a small dirt bike – maybe an 85cc to 125cc – preferably used. Ride it off road in a soft sandy or grassy area where the falls don’t hurt as much, learn the controls, going through the gears, proper braking, AND how to recover when it slips a little in the loose dirt. This will make you a much better (and confident) rider when you are ready to hit the street.
Have fun! That is always the key, but be smart about it too – the bike can bite you in a big hurry if you don’t stay focused and/or get careless.
motorcycle training course at your local collage