What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Riding

Many of us that have ridden a motorcycle for a while can remember that first year of riding and all we learned. I know for me there were so many things I wish I knew before starting that I had to learn the hard way as I went. So today I thought I would share not only my own experiences, but also some of the outstanding advice many of my subscribers on YouTube shared with me a week ago.

Must of the advice broke down into roughly 3 main categories with a few different topics within each. Here is what they shared.

Safety and Learning To Ride

Take a safety course

This is so important to not only ensure that you are legal to ride by receiving your endorsement for your license, it also teaches you the basic skills needed to ride. I know here in the US, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy offer programs for those interested in riding.

Find A Mentor

Riding with and working with a more experienced rider is an invaluable resource. Sending time learning from someone with more experience allow you to learn the lessons they already have, so when you get out there you are more prepared and a stronger rider much quicker than you would be on your own.

Be Patient With Yourself

Learning is a process and it takes time. You are going to make mistakes and that is okay. The more time you spend in the saddle riding, the stronger you will become.

Ride Within Your Skill Set

Always, always ride your own ride. Never let someone make you feel pressured or obligated or guilted into riding any way you are not comfortable with. Even if that means making someone in a group ride frustrated, that is their problem and not yours. It is better to make someone frustrated than to ride outside your skill level and hurt yourself.

When Choosing A Bike

Buy A Used Bike To Learn On

The bike you will be hardest on is your first one. Instead of buying new, get one that is used, save a little money so if you need to pay for repairs you can. And it will help you learn exactly what you want on a bike before investing in one that is new.

Choose A Bike You Are Comfortable With

By choosing a bike you are comfortable with, you will be more confident in the learning process. This includes one you are able to pick up at your current skill level. Too big, too powerful, too soon can cause issues. 

Once on the Road

Practice Often

This is especially your slow speed and emergency skills. In my experience, most issue happen in a parking lot. Being able to control your bike with confidence and skill will keep you safe more often than I can express. The ride as if everyone around you is going to do something stupid. Too many drivers on the road are not going to see you and having strong emergency skills will help you when the need arises.

Speed kills

This one is self explanatory and circles back to riding within your skill level. 

Take Breaks

On longer rides and in extreme heat or cold, take beaks to delay the onset of fatigue. It is also a good thing to have water and snacks on you so that you fuel for your body no matter where you stop.

Modify Your Bike For Comfort

I have modified both of my bikes to allow for easier reach of the bars, a better riding position, and to help delay the onset of fatigue when riding longer distances or in traffic. Being comfortable and confident on any bike you ride makes a huge difference.

Alcohol And Riding DO NOT Mix

I know this seems like a 'Duh' statement, but it is one that needs to be stated often. The best answer is to wait until the Jiffy Stand is down for the day before enjoying responsible.

Some of this may seem as if it is so basic that there was no reason to state it. Yet the fact that so many experienced riders repeated the same advice again and again shows just how needed it really is. If you are looking at becoming a rider or are very new to riding, welcome to the community. Take the advice to heart, find a mentor if you can, and then…

Get out and ride, have fun, be safe, and catch you in the next post……