So here you are! You have made a decision which will change your life forever. You want to start riding a motorcycle!!
This blog was designed to support you as you embark on this journey. Please feel free to reach out to us on instagram with any questions relating to this!
SAFETY FIRST
Before you start riding, and we’ll get into how to learn, you must have the bare minimum of equipment.
I’m not here to entertain a helmet debate, for any learner this is a non-negotiable start. I like to think of the helmet kind of like buying fancy running shoes. Once you’ve made the purchase, you’re now committed.
Gloves are another non negotiable. The first thing to hit the ground on a low speed fall is your hands. You also should get used to the rider controls with gloves on, so even in a parking lot, gloves are a must. You can get a solid pair for around $50.
Other Recommended gear:
- Jacket - While learning, I won’t call this a requirement, but as you start riding you will definitely want to invest in a proper jacket. Just look up videos on youtube of road rash from motorcycles - yeah, exactly.
- Boots - Not a requirement, but proper riding boots can protect the most vulnerable part of your body in any motorcycle accident. Also the cdc found that 30% of all non-fatal motorcycle injuries happened to the legs and feet.
LEARN HOW TO RIDE
* Learner’s Permit - I put an asterisk here because each state is different and yours may not require a permit. In my native Massachusetts, for example, you must get your learners permit first before you start riding on the streets. This test can typically be done without studying, but your time and money is on the line, so maybe do some practice tests.
Once you have gotten your gear situated, it is time to learn how to ride.
There are two pathways to go about here. One way, which is more cost effective but less accessible, is finding a friend who has a bike. Now two points of caution here:
- Your friend may be a terrible teacher. Some people have bad habits and you should be weary of who you learn from.
- Don’t be offended if your friend doesn’t want you on their bike. Even the smallest little drop of a motorcycle can result in expensive repairs. So if your friend doesn’t want you to ride their BMW S1000rr, don’t get offended.
The second way to learn how to ride is through a riding school. This is going to be my RECOMMENDED method of learning. Many dealerships offer free classes if you buy a bike with them (more on that below), and it’s a great way to get a thorough, and complete education around road safety and bike operation.
This is the route I took, and while I know phenomenal riders who never took a course, there are a lot of safety habits and techniques that you get to develop in the safe environment of a riders course.
GETTING A MOTORCYCLE
The theme of twos continues in terms of ways you can get your booty on the seat of a bike. The first way is less risky and more expensive - through a dealership.
Now chances are, if you’re reading this, you may not have experience with bikes and thus repairing bikes. With that being said, there's nothing worse than a new rider who’s bike doesn’t allow them to get seat time. You will only get better at riding, and thus safer on the road by racking miles on that bike. Going through a dealership will help you get a running and safe bike, and as mentioned before, you can always negotiate free lessons in the price. This is also the route I took for my first bike.
The second way of getting yourself a bike which is higher risk but oftentimes much more affordable is through private sale. As an experienced rider, this is how I have gotten four of the five bikes I have owned in my life. You should have some wrenching experience, or have a drive to learn because more often than not, these bikes won’t come 100% perfect.
I have had great experiences and not so great experiences through private sale. All in all, as an experienced rider this is my preferred way of buying and selling motorcycles.
GET OUT THERE AND RIDE
You did it, you made it happen and now you get to jump on your bike and RIDE! As a beginner I encourage you to go phone-less for a while, meaning no mounts. You can study your route to wherever you’re getting before leaving your house and not have any sort of distraction.
Remember that you will only get better with experience, so let your odometer be your source of pride! Rack those miles up and the smiles will follow suit.
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