Motorcycle Riding Tips for Beginners

If you’ve finally decided to buy a bike, you have lots of exciting journeys to look forward to. However, before you hop on your motorcycle and hit the road, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared for the occasion. When you’re a first-time rider, it’s important to brush up on some basic riding practices and safety rules.

Here at Pensacola Motorsports, we value the safety of all riders, so if you’re new to motorcycles, our beginner tips for learning to ride should help you get up to speed. If you have any questions, or if you’re in need of parts or service, feel free to contact us. We are your premier motorcycle dealer in Pensacola, Florida, where we serve all those in Santa Rosa County.

Take a Refresher Course

The most important steps to becoming an expert rider are preparation and practice. Enrolling yourself in a course is one of the smartest moves you can make as a new rider. You'll get expert tips from those who have ridden motorcycles for many years and they can teach you tricks of the trade. At the same time, you'll be surrounded by other beginner riders so you can enjoy the sense of solidarity that comes along with that.

When You Ride

There are some key tips that all experienced riders know by heart at this point, and you’ll want to make them second nature for yourself. You need to figure out your maximum lean angle. This is how far you can lean into a turn without tipping over. You’ll also need to get used to how to shift your weight for making turns that are so tight that you risk leaning too far. 

Also, be mindful of how much you use your braking system. Your front brakes can be pretty harsh and using them to stop in an emergency can cause you to skid or lose control. That’s why you need to work at using the rear brake first and avoid slamming on the front brakes.

Practice Frequently

Once you've mastered the basics, you will need to spend some time riding in a safe, controlled environment. After all, knowing what to do is one thing, and being able to put it into action is another. New riders need time to develop muscle memory and to feel confident operating their motorcycles.

Spend some time practicing all your basics. Look for empty parking lots or low-traffic residential roads. Start at slow speeds and slowly build up your speed as your skills develop. Riding with an experienced friend when you hit the road for the first time can be helpful since they can help you if anything goes wrong. With regular practice, you will be on your way to becoming a pro in no time!

Wear Safety Gear

While riding your motorcycle, you’ll need to wear all the right gear to keep yourself safe and comfortable. One of the most essential pieces of gear is your helmet. A motorcycle helmet should cover your entire face, including mouth, jaw, and eyes.

For your clothes, you don’t necessarily need to invest in anything new. However, you'll want to guard your skin against the elements and hazards on the road. Your riding jacket and riding pants should be full-length and durable. Breathable fabrics with ventilation help you stay cool and safe on hot days.

In order to keep your grip on your bike and the road, you’ll also want to wear riding gloves with a good grip and a pair of sturdy riding boots with thick soles. These will also keep you warm when it’s cold outside, and you can even get waterproof boots for riding in the wet weather.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Before you hit the road, there are some general safety guidelines to keep in mind. Most importantly, follow all the local traffic rules and adhere to the speed limits in your area. Under no circumstances should you drink or use drugs before a ride. Riding your bike requires you to maintain your focus and reflexes, so never push yourself past your limits. Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and keep yourself hydrated.

With these motorcycle riding tips for beginners, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence! If you have any questions, you can always get in touch with us at Pensacola Motorsports. We have a wide selection of motorcycles for sale in Pensacola, FL, so if you’re still searching for your dream bike, visit our dealership to see what we have available right now. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Baldwin County, AL.