Basic Rules for Learning to Ride a Motorcycle for Beginners

If you are a new motorcycle rider, you must know certain rules and regulations. If you lack prior experience and are not fully aware of bike riding rules, it can be life-threatening at any moment. If you’re a beginner, first learn to ride safely and properly.

Before beginners start learning, a few tips should be followed: always wear safety gear and a certified helmet. This is the most important thing. Then, master the bike’s braking system thoroughly. Gradually get used to engine braking as it’s very effective. A common problem among beginners is their eagerness to compete with other bikes. This dangerous habit must be avoided — instead, focus on experiencing and enjoying riding. Without enough experience, you must not ride long tours or highways in excitement.

Motorcycle Riding for Beginners

Keep these basic points in mind -

• Ride slowly. Keep your speed limited to within 40 km/h.
• Always wear a helmet, even if your destination is nearby. Wear riding gear (gloves, jacket, shoes).
• Learn how to use gears and the clutch for engine braking.
• Avoid riding in rainy weather and on muddy roads.
• Pay special attention to banana peels, children, elderly people, road curves, junctions, and stray dogs.
• Be cautious when switching lanes.
• Always check ahead before overtaking another vehicle.

When riding a bike for the first time, the very first thing you must do is wear proper safety gear. Learn about all the controls of your motorcycle beforehand — how to shift gears, apply brakes, signal, where the headlight and horn switches are, where the engine kill switch is, etc. Adjust the rearview mirrors properly. Never ride without a helmet.

On your first day, choose a quiet but paved road for practice. Some suggest learning in open fields, but the risk is high because wet grass (especially in winter or rainy season) can cause slips. However, if no better place is available, fields can still be used.

Also, as a beginner, never start with a large and high-speed motorcycle. With long practice, you will naturally gain the required skills, but that requires patience. If you buy a bike beyond your current skill level, it will be hard to control and you won’t enjoy riding. So, ensure you have the skill level needed for the motorcycle you buy. Instead of thinking about a 150cc or 250cc motorcycle at first, consider starting with an 80cc or 100cc bike.

Steps for Beginners to Learn Motorcycle Riding

(1) Before riding, learn the basics. Even if you’re not very technical, you can easily understand some mechanics of motorcycles. Almost all bikes have similar structures, though bigger bikes have larger and more powerful engines.

Knowing the details of your motorcycle will benefit you. You’ll better understand how it works, how it runs, and you’ll build confidence about your bike.

Know the location and function of each switch: throttle, clutch, brakes, horn, turn signal, headlight, high/low beam, brake light, tires, tire air pressure, fuel supply valve, engine oil level, brake oil level, and the engine cut-off switch (not available in all bikes). Check tire air pressure before riding.

Sit straight with your back upright and neck straight, looking ahead to see the entire road. Sit at a point on the seat from where you can easily control the handlebars. Hold the handlebars firmly with slightly bent elbows. Grip the throttle so that your palm rests naturally facing the front wheel.

(2) Switch off the engine kill switch. Turn off all signals. Ensure the bike is in neutral gear (check the indicator). Check if the side stand is up. If the engine is cold, use the choke for an easier start. (The choke switch is usually near the clutch or behind the engine.) Start with full choke, then after 1 minute move it halfway. After 4–5 minutes, turn it off. Kick-starting is better to save the battery. Always ensure your bike is in neutral before starting, otherwise it may jerk forward and damage the engine.

(3) The left handle lever is the clutch. The clutch disconnects the engine power from the gear. When pressed, the engine power doesn’t reach the gear; when released, the engine power connects back to the gear.

Fully press the clutch lever to change gears. Note: in sports bikes, you can use two fingers for the clutch, but in regular bikes, use four fingers for full clutch operation. Gear shifting patterns vary: in some bikes, pressing down engages gear and lifting sets neutral; in others, it’s the opposite. Some even support both patterns.

(4) With the bike in first gear, slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the throttle. Focus straight ahead. First gear is mainly for climbing uphill, giving more power but very low speed. Practice combining clutch release and throttle gradually. Think of the clutch as more of a regulator than just an on/off switch.

(5) Now practice shifting from first to second gear. Increase throttle to gain speed, then completely release throttle, fully press clutch, shift to second gear, slowly release clutch and accelerate again. Second gear is good for traffic jams. Third gear works the same way, but beginners don’t need to use top gear yet. Practice riding in third gear at 20–30 km/h.

(6) Braking:

Braking isn’t easy and requires lots of practice. For example, if riding at 48 km/h, you must press the brakes 30 feet before where you want to stop. At 96 km/h, brake 120 feet earlier. The faster you ride, the earlier you must start braking. Practice stopping at targets on empty roads. Front brakes are more effective as weight shifts forward while braking. Press front brake first, then rear brake to maintain balance.

(7) Emergency Braking:

Sometimes you’ll need to stop instantly. Here are some tips:

• Press both brakes firmly together. Keep the handle straight and tight to avoid skidding. If skidding straight, you won’t fall.
• Keep your eyes forward, not on the tires.
• Apply and release the front brake repeatedly, but hold the rear brake steadily until the bike stops.
• Never brake while cornering. If unavoidable, apply both brakes gently.

Other safety precautions for beginners:

• When riding on roads, be mindful of other drivers. Not everyone drives the same way. Your safety is your responsibility.
• Always ride defensively, as roads are shared with many types of vehicles.
• Learn full control of your motorcycle and practice regularly in open areas or empty fields.
• Adjust your riding according to weather. If you’re not comfortable riding in storms or rain, wait until the weather clears.
• Learn some basic motorcycle maintenance — e.g., spark plug cleaning, tire pressure, what to do if the bike stalls — these will save you trouble.

Always follow traffic rules when riding. Accidents are unpredictable. For your safety and that of others, ride cautiously. Be extra careful at turns, using mirrors properly. Stay alive, and you’ll not only enjoy riding but also share your experiences with others. Make your rides safe by remembering and practicing these simple but essential tips.