How to Ride a Sport Motorcycle

This article will teach you the basics about riding a motorcycle step by step. You will learn how to get started riding and how to shift a standard 6 spd motorcycle transmission.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle
• D.O.T. approved Helmet
• Gasoline (for the tank)
• Useful:
• Gloves
• Motorcycle Jacket

1. First off, check that you have enough oil and coolant in the motorcycle (different depending on model). Check tire pressure.

2. Get familiar with the layout of the motorcycle. Left hand lever is clutch, right hand lever is front brake, left foot is clutch, and right foot is rear brake (lets not worry about the rear brake now).

3. Start off in your driveway or on a level, paved road without cars (dirt or gravel can make the front wheel slip!!!) Get familiar with the gearbox, put the key in and turn to the on position (do NOT hit the start button!!!). Now your dash should light up.

4. The basic shift pattern starting in neutral (when the N light is illuminated on the dashboard) is lever down for 1st, lever all the way up for 2nd, up for 3rd, up for 4th, up for 5th and up for 6th. Reverse instructions to go back to neutral. Keep in mind neutral is between 1st and 2nd gear (1,N,2,3,4,5). From 1st gear to neutral is about half a shift up from 1st on most motorcycles (the N will light up again when you are in neutral). Get on the motorcycle with both feet on the ground and pull the front brake lever in (right hand) and hold it there, now pull the clutch lever in (left hand) and hold it there.

5. Keep the motorcycle steady and put your left foot on the peg. Now go through the gears a few times starting from neutral all the way to 6th and back. Once you know how to get into gear and back to neutral, you can move on.

6. Put the motorcycle back in neutral and put both feet on the ground. Verify the motorcycle is in neutral! Verify again! (It will jump forward and you might fall in the next step otherwise).

7. Time to start moving... Both feet on the ground and left hand holding the clutch lever in, right hand holding the brake lever in, push the ignition switch. The engine should now be running...

8. While holding clutch and brake lever in, shift into first. slowly release the brake lever and let the clutch out very slowly until you can feel the motorcycle pulling a bit and slowly moving forward. Go a few feet with your feet dragging, then pull the clutch lever in and the brake lever too. Practice a few times. (If the bike stalls, you need to release the clutch lever more slowly or adjust the idle (check manual on how to do this).

9. Once you have that down, practice some more, but try to put your feet on the pegs this time. Do not twist the throttle (right hand) yet! Once you are comfortable with this step, move on.

10. Time to start riding... Now, repeat previous step but slowly twist the throttle once the bike starts pulling (I said slowly!!!), release clutch lever slowly. Note: The Rpm' s should not jump above 3k. Keep practicing. Once you have that down, shift into 2nd gear when first is around 3k to 4k rpm. From here its easy.

11. Enjoy!!!

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, pull clutch lever and release throttle, slowly pull brake lever.
• Front brake has over 90% of the braking power, use with caution or your wheel can lock or slip.
• Make sure the motorcycle is in neutral before starting
• Make sure you are on level pavement, NOT gravel etc.
• Don't try to do too much too soon or you will fall
• Always take baby steps at first, and practice before moving on.