Whether you are doing some research before investing in your first motorcycle or you are an experienced rider looking to hone your skills, you came to the right place! This quick primer covers all the basics of motorcycle riding, and it can serve equally well as an introduction and a refresher course.

If you are still in the market for a motorcycle, you can find plenty of models to choose from at Loudermilk Tractor & Cycle. Our dealership is located in Ashtabula, OH.

Braking

For new motorcycle riders, braking is probably the first and most important skill to master. If you are accustomed to driving a car, you will find that braking on a motorcycle has a very different feel. Motorcycles only have two wheels, of course, and most of the braking power is concentrated on the front wheel. Proper braking is critical to safety, so make sure you feel confident in your braking skills before you start riding in traffic. You can practice riding your bike at high speed on a straight, empty roadway to get a feel for the braking system.

Making Turns

Counter steering is the name of the game when it comes to making turns on a motorcycle. Using this method, the rider steers away from the turn as they approach a corner, and leans their body weight in the desired direction. This may seem counterintuitive on paper, but it feels perfectly natural in practice – just like riding a bicycle. The trick is to keep the controls in a steady position and stay on track as you move through the turn. With plenty of practice, you will learn to judge the precise speed and angle you should aim for when making a turn.

Shifting Gears

The vast majority of motorcycles have manual transmissions, and choosing the appropriate gear will make all the difference between a smooth or bumpy ride. Riders who are already skilled at driving a car with manual transmission will have a head start on this particular learning curve. There are no real shortcuts here: learning how and when to change gears is mostly a matter of trial and error. That means you will need to practice, practice, practice.

An empty parking lot makes the perfect training ground. Start slow, and try to find your motorcycle’s sweet spot between each gear. Figure out how to upshift in a way that provides smooth and consistent acceleration, and practice downshifting as you slowly decelerate. You can expect some hiccups at first, but once you get the hang of shifting gears, it will become second nature.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Looking for more expert advice on motorcycle riding? Feel free to ask the friendly staff here at Loudermilk Tractor & Cycle. We welcome customers all the way from Painesville, OH, and Erie, PA.