Do you want to feel the wind in your hair as you drive on a lonely road? Or are you just facing a midlife crisis? If you have found the right motorcycle for you and have obtained the license to ride it, this guide will help you become a real biker.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Safety and Preparation
Step 1. Learn the safety measures for riding a motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle can be very dangerous. Knowing the basics of safe driving is critical to ensuring your health and those around you. Some basic security measures include:
- Wear appropriate safety equipment.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Respect speed limits and traffic flow.
- Periodically check your motorcycle for possible safety issues. Check these items: tires, levers and pedals, cables, hoses, throttle, lights and battery, oil level, frame, suspension, belts and chains, seat.
Step 2. Read your motorcycle manual
Familiarize yourself with the components of the bike and learn how it will perform on the road and on the highway. Typical motorcycle components and controls include:
- Accelerator on the right side of the handlebar.
- Brake lever on the right side of the handlebar.
- Clutch lever on the left side of the handlebar.
- Pedal for gear change.
- Speed and fuel level indicators
Step 3. Study the laws relating to motorbike traffic
Consider the following aspects of the Highway Code:
- Special insurance conditions for motorcyclists.
- Rules regarding passengers.
- Speed limits and restrictions.
- Noise restrictions.
Step 4. Take the driver's license test
To drive motorcycles with a displacement greater than 125 cc, the B license (of the car) will not be enough, but you will have to face a test to obtain the A license. First you will have to pass the written test on the rules of the Highway Code. If you pass it successfully, you will have to take the practical test and you will receive the pink paper, which will allow you to try to ride a motorcycle respecting certain restrictions.
Method 2 of 3: Understanding How Your Motorcycle Works
Step 1. Get help from an experienced driver
Before you get too excited and turn on your motorcycle, make sure you are being looked after by an experienced person. If you don't know anyone who can help you, consider taking driving lessons.
Step 2. Get on the bike
The first time you do this, you may not be able to get on the bike comfortably. Try following these steps:
- Find your balance by carefully leaning against the tank and placing both hands on the handlebars.
- If you start on the left side, put all your weight on your left leg. Never mount on the opposite side of the stand. If your bike has a central stand, you can mount it on the side you prefer.
- Raise your left leg over the bike. Raise your leg well, so as not to hit the bike before reaching the other side. Never mount from behind.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with your bike
Now that you are in the saddle, take the time to appreciate its weight and feel. Adjust the mirrors and learn about the position of the pedals, turn signals, lights and horn.
Step 4. Learn how to control the bike
If you ask someone to help you, they can show you all the basic procedures: how to start, accelerate, brake, change gear, decelerate, stop, park and restart. To learn these procedures you will need to know how the controls on your motorcycle work.
Step 5. Throttle and brake:
your right hand will control both the throttle and the front wheel brake. Your right foot will control the rear brake.
- Turning the right handlebar towards you will accelerate the bike. Be gentle with the throttle. Accelerating too much can be dangerous and could cause the bike to wheelie.
- Pulling the right handlebar lever will activate the front brake. As with the accelerator, the key is delicacy. The two-finger technique will work for most bikes, while for others you'll need to use your whole hand.
- The rear brake is especially useful in low traction conditions or when traveling at low speeds. Some motorcycles, with their weight unbalanced on the rear wheel, may brake more effectively with the rear brake.
Step 6. Clutch:
The lever on the left side of the handlebar is the clutch. As with the right lever, the two-finger technique will be fine in most cases, otherwise you will have to use your whole hand.
- The clutch controls the connection between the engine and the transmission. Depressing the clutch lever disconnects the engine from the transmission. Releasing the lever will restore the connection. When you press the clutch, you will put the engine in neutral. Releasing the clutch will bring the engine into the gear you have selected.
- As with the accelerator and brake, you should also pull the clutch as gently as possible.
Step 7. Change:
you can change gears on a motorcycle by moving the gear lever up or down with your left foot.
- Most motorcycles adopt the "1 down, 5 up" scheme: sixth (if any), fifth, fourth, third, second, neutral, first.
- It will take time to learn how to find the madman with your left foot. You will see a green "N" on the dashboard when you shift the gear and select neutral.
- You will need to change gears in this order: press the clutch (with your left hand). Change gear (with your left foot). Release the clutch.
- Gradually opening the throttle as you shift into gear will make shifting smoother.
Step 8. Start the engine:
Modern motorcycles no longer require a kick start, and have an electric ignition. Follow these steps to turn on your motorcycle.
- First, move the power switch to the "on" position.
- Then, turn the key to the on position. At this point most motorcycles will perform a check.
- Make sure the bike is in neutral. You should see a green "N" on the dashboard.
- Press the clutch. Some motorcycles require the clutch to be depressed to start the engine.
- Press the start button (usually this is a button with a circular arrow logo surrounding a lightning bolt, below the power switch). If everything works fine, your engine should start. Some motorcycles may require slight acceleration to allow the engine to rev up.
- Be patient when the engine heats up. After the engine has started, it may take 45 seconds or a few minutes for your motorcycle to be ready to go. Unlike a car, making sure your motorcycle's engine has warmed up is critical to ensuring safe riding.
Step 9. Don't forget to retract the kickstand with your foot
Forgetting it could be dangerous. To retract a center stand you will need to make a forward movement. When you have retracted your stand you will have to keep the bike upright with the tips and you will be ready to go.
Method 3 of 3: Put All the Tips into Practice
Step 1. Find an isolated and safe area to practice
Get help from an experienced driver.
Step 2. Start slowly, practicing the basics of accelerating and braking first
Remember, to do this you will need to:
- Press the clutch.
- Move the shift lever down to engage the first.
- Release the clutch slowly.
- Rotate the throttle to prevent the engine from stopping.
- You will feel the bike starting to move forward. Place your feet on the foot rails when you have gained enough inertia. Congratulations! You are driving a motorcycle! Before driving into the sunset, test the brakes.
Step 3. Maneuver your bike using a method known as counter steering
When you have reached a speed of approximately 15km / h, push the handlebars on the side you want to turn towards. If you want to turn right, lean slightly to the right as you push the right side of the handlebar away from your body
Step 4. Practice shifting gears
When you feel confident at low speeds, you can learn how to shift into higher gears. Again, your goal will be to be as smooth as possible. To achieve this fluidity you will need practice and muscle memory.
Step 5. Gradually approach roads and highways
Remember all the rules and safety measures you have studied to pass the driver's license test.
