Woman Motorcycle Enthusiast – MOTORESS
LEARN TO RIDE

Learn to Ride A Motorcycle – All You Need To Know To Start Riding

Last Update: 28 October 2021

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
Learn to Ride a Motorcycle – All You Need to Know To Start Riding

Welcome to the MOTORESS learn to ride a motorcycle hub linking everything you need to know about learning to ride a motorcycle! For over three decades I’ve been a motorcycle instructor, advocate and motorcyclist. I can, with all certainty tell you there is nothing quite like the thrill and reward of riding and controlling a powered two-wheeler, no matter what style – cruiser, sportbike, duo-purpose both on road or dirt. The activity in all its forms has provided me a lifetime of excitement and adventure. And yes, there are risks involved however, I can assure you that if you learn properly, develop the skills and technique required, and respect the craft, you will have success. And like me, you’ll enjoy a lifetime of pleasure and reward.

Whether you are ready to take your first lesson, or just contemplating the activity, the journey into motorcycling can often appear to be intimidating –  and I want to help simplify the process.

Learn To Ride: Any Age, Any Gender

Below you will find a collection of links to help you begin the steps to riding and the activity of motorcycling. Women, men, young or mature – anyone, if taught the skills needed, can ride a motorcycle! And though many motorcycles appear daunting, they’re not! But you do need skills and technique – there is no question about that.

More Women Riders

In the USA, one in five motorcycle owners is female. Data in their research also suggests females have the potential to make up 25% of motorcycle owners. Among all age groups, women make up 19% of motorcycle drivers, and in 2018, research showed even more ownership among younger generations. Among Generation X, 22% of motorcyclists are women, and Gen Y accounts for 26% of their owners being female.

I hope you will use the resource here on MOTORESS not only as a starter support, but ongoing as you develop your motorcycling skills.  So, let’s get riding!


STEP ONE:
Getting Your Motorcycle Licence / Permit

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
STEP ONE: Getting Your Motorcycle Licence / Learners Permit

As with all vehicle licences, each class qualifies you to drive a different type of vehicle. The class of licence you have must match the type of vehicle you are driving. So alongside your automobile licence you will require additional training and certification to qualify your operation of a motorcycle. You will need to enquire within your local governmental agency. There is generally an age requirement – most commonly, you must be at least 16 years of age.

*Note that motorsport competition licences are different and have very specific requirements outside of the general road licence requirements.

Temporary Motorcycle Permit

Most countries require a motorcycle temporary permit, which can be obtained at your local drive test centre or driver vehicle agency. The permit is achieved by passing a written test, but other requirements, depending on the country, may be required. Once you have a temporary motorcycle licence or learner’s permit you will then be able to sign up for a rider safety course. The permit may, again, depending on country, also allow you to ride, within restrictions set out, and practise on your own motorcycle. However, I advise against riding without proper instruction. Teaching yourself to ride will be difficult and you’ll want to avoid learning lessons “the hard way”. Remember, any mishap, however slight usually causes injury.  Equally, learning from a rider friend is guaranteed to confuse you and cause you to miss important skills only taught by an expert or an official instructor. Learning to ride properly from an authorised trainer is crucial to your survival, safety and enjoyment.

In many cases a motorcycle safety course is not mandatory and a licence may be achieved by being tested at a governmental test centre. However, most insurance companies nowadays will not insure a new rider unless you’ve successfully completed a rider training safety course. So, to sum it up- take a course.


Read and Study Your Motorcycle Handbook

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
Read and Study Your Motorcycle Handbook

If you are applying for a motorcycle licence, most countries and licencing centres (or private schools) will have a rider handbook which will generally include a section for mopeds, scooters and three-wheeled motorcycles. These manuals are very important as they provide you a well-rounded fundamental intro to learning to ride. And if you don’t have your automobile licence, these manuals will explain traffic signs/laws, road regulations as well as the specific strategies a motorcyclists practices to ensure safety. It’s a guide to safe riding as well as laws specific to motorcycles. Published by the Government of your country or region,  and is the only official handbook for motorcycle drivers. These are now found online for free. However, best to purchase the hard copy – for a small fee – to use are reference for the years ahead.

STEP TWO:
Enrol In A Rider Training Course / Rider Safety Course

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
STEP TWO:  Enrol In A Rider Training Course / Rider Safety Course

A motorcycle rider training course, or safety course, isn’t often mandatory for obtaining your riding licence, however, you will be trained well, thoroughly and within a safe controlled environment. Plus, taking a rider training course will often provide a cheaper insurance rate. Safety courses ensure skills such as throttle and clutch control, balance, street etiquette, and collision avoidance manoeuvres.

Choosing A Motorcycle Safety Course

Every new rider, or those wishing to improve their skills, should take a motorcycle training course. Motorcycle courses are open to all ages (that meet standard driving conditions). If you pass a governmental, ministry-approved motorcycle safety course, you can often reduce the amount of time required for certain graduated licence level standards.

Most importantly taking a rider training course will provide you with:

  • Personal instruction from experts.
  • A motorcycle for use for the duration of the practice.
  • Valuable tips and skills to keep you safe on the road.
  • Your official rider test / exam.
  • Possible insurance discount on your motorcycle (check with your insurance company).

What To Expect During the Rider Training Course

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
What To Expect During the Rider Training Course

Generally you will receive in class theory during an evening or classroom session. The remainder of the training, which can span over a two or four day period (depending on the school) provides you with hands-on riding experiences. This will be done on motorcycles provided by the training school. And don’t worry – most schools have various sizes and types of motorcycles. They are generally small cc motorcycles and varied to fit your physical size. Learning as a new rider is about technique first and foremost, not about have the most powerful machine.

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
The Basics:  Four Steps To Getting Into Motorcycling and Learning to Ride

You’ll learn how to handle and safely manoeuvre a motorcycle through a range of scenarios while progressing through various exercises designed to help you be safe and competent on a motorcycle.  Such skills include safely stopping, accelerating, shifting gears, navigating around objects, U-turns, and changing lanes.

STEP THREE:
Get Your Motorcycle Gear

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
The Must Have Motorcycle Riding Gear Essentials

Riding a motorcycle comes with risks. Unlike driving in a car, a motorcycle mishap usually always results in injury. Reducing the risk of injury is done with training and skills and also with good riding gear.

Your protective clothing can help defend you from injury in a fall or collision and equally from the impact of wind, rain, insects, stones and debris. Furthermore, motorcycle protective gear designed for motorcycling, ensures your comfort. It can help reduce fatigue by keeping you warm in bad weather. Bright colours and reflective items, such as a safety vest, make you more visible to other drivers on the road.

The Must Have Motorcycle Riding Gear Essentials

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
Motorcycle Helmet: Important gear! Be sure it’s certified (DOT, ECE, Snel, etc.) and meets the requirements of your country/region.
  • Motorcycle Helmet: Important gear! Must be certified (DOT, ECE, Snel, etc.) within legal requirements; meets the safety standards of your country/region.
  • Motorcycle Jacket: A jacket designed for motorcycling is best. These will have features special to the sport – including armour and built in back protectors, etc.
  • Motorcycle Pants: Pants designed for riding are best. These are composed of abrasion resistant fabrics.
  • Motorcycle Boots: Boots designed for riding will have sturdy reinforcements and other features.
  • Motorcycle Gloves: Be sure these are made of leather, fully cover your fingers and wrist bone.
  • Eyewear: If your helmet provides full-face protection or has a visor, you do not require further eye protection. If not, you may need goggles. Even with a visor be sure to protect your eyes from UV rays and the sun and wear sunglasses.

►Read more about helmet certification.


►Read The complete Guide To Buying A motorcycle Helmet


►Read More About Helmets In “The Complete Guide To Motorcycle Protective Riding Gear”


Motorcycle Gear Budget

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle - All You Need to Know To Start Riding - MOTORESS
In the beginning it can seem like a difficult investment

As in any sport the same applies to motorcycling – you get what you pay for. Quality has its price and in the beginning it can seem like a difficult investment for something you’re not certain you’ll take to.
Indeed, you don’t need the “best of the best”- but you do need to be safe and fitted properly.  Plan on a budget of $500. or less which will get all you need to be ready to ride.

Some schools provide rented gear which is also an alternate.

STEP FOUR:
Mental and Physical Preparedness

If you’ve never been on a motorcycle, or operated one before, you have nothing to worry about! Motorcycle learner courses are designed to help beginners ride with confidence and proficiency. Trainers help you get acquainted with the motorcycle, the gears and the skills before you even hop on a bike. Riding classes can also serve as a refresher for people who haven’t ridden in a long time.

Be prepared to use muscles you’ve not used in a while, or ever. Motorcycling is a physical activity and it’s outdoors, in all weather conditions. As you progress you will develop your power – such as stronger hand muscles for an enduring grip as well as body core strength and importantly, mental fitness. Riding can be mentally fatiguing until you develop “no-brainer” patterns for traffic awareness etc.

With a combination of classroom instruction and practical riding, learning how to ride a motorcycle is an exciting venture!

You Passed Your Motorcycle Test Now What?

You passed your exam and achieved your motorcycle licence – congratulations!  However, you’ve only achieved the basics and need practise. It’s time to solidify all you’ve learned and acquire as much seat-time as you can in as you can. You will want to gain confidence before riding on busy streets – as you might imagine, it’s going to be different from the controlled setting of a riding course parking lot.

If you already own your own motorcycle find time to practise all your newly acquired skills. These skills on your bike will also feel different.  Select riding time and practise time when public roads are less busy (early Sunday morning’s) and be sure to find an open space, such as a parking lot. Understand how your own motorcycle responds to an emergency stop, a swerve or a tight turn.


►Read this guide to BUYING A USED MOTORCYCLE.


New Rider Tips

  • Before heading out on your first ride – head to a parking lot and practise on your own motorcycle.
  • After passing your in-parking lot training course, your first ride in real traffic will be overwhelming. Earning a motorcycle licence provides you with the basics. Allow yourself the time it takes to practice and develop the different skills that are ideal for you and your bike.
  • Start with the right motorcycle for you. Your motorcycle should fit you. Your feet should reach the ground while you are seated on the motorcycle. It’s important to build confidence as a new rider and feel that you are overpowering the motorcycle, not the other way around.
  • A safe and enjoyable ride begins with good planning and preparation. In the beginning, try riding with at least one other person in case you have trouble, and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

►Read more about How Mastering These Five Essential Motorcycle Riding Skills Can Keep You Safe And At The Top of Your Riding Game


  • Practice several times a week, whether it’s in a parking lot or traffic-free road.
  • Take it slowly and steadily, then work your way to busier and faster environments. When you feel comfortable, start riding your bike on the highway.
  • Read your motorcycle’s owner’s manual entirely before you ride. Motorcycling is a mechanical sport. Your owner’s manual ensures your correct tire pressures, operation and knowledge of your bike. Plus it’s full of facts, instructions, safety information and helpful tips.
  • Check the motorcycle before every ride.

►Read about How to do A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection


  • Avoid add-ons and modifications that make your motorcycle harder to handle.
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol

Registration and Insurance:

Once trained and licenced, in order to ride your motorcycle on public roads, you will need to register it. This also means purchasing the proper type of licence plate(s) attached to your motorcycle or moped. You must also have liability insurance.

 


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