How to Ride a Motorcycle for Beginners

Get on that motorcycle and ride. Those big bikes can look daunting for a beginner, but with a few tips, you can be off and riding and having the time of your life. The trick is getting acquainted with the motorcycle first and being familiar with all its operating parts.

Instructions

1. Get on the motorcycle. Stand on the left side. Hold onto the handlebars and lift your leg over the seat. Balance with your feet and check the adjustments of the mirrors, foot pegs, and gears.

2. Brake and accelerate with the right hand. Twist the grip or throttle on the handlebar so that your wrist goes down towards you to accelerate. Have a light touch so you don't spin out into a wheelie. Pull the lever to apply the front brake. Use the right foot to engage the rear brakes, though these are used more for slow speed and transitions.

3. Use the clutch to shift gears. The clutch is the lever at the grip for the left hand. Pull in the clutch with gentle slow movements to put the motorcycle in and out of neutral.

4. Shift with the left foot by moving the lever down and up. Most motorcycles have a one down, five up shifting pattern. Basically your foot will shift down for first gear and up in increments for neutral to second and down to fifth gear. Look for the a "N" to light up green on your gauge when you get it in neutral. It may take some practice, but you'll get the feel for it fast.

5. Start the engine. Flip down the kill switch to "on" then turn the key to "ignition" or to the right. Push the starter button with your thumb.