If you’re ready to learn more about motorcycles and how to ride them, you’re on the verge of an amazing adventure. It’ll be one filled with freedom, excitement, and the thrill of the open road. Many people choose to learn to ride on their own through practice and trial and error. While there’s nothing wrong with that, a little extra help never hurts.

 

You can certainly benefit from the knowledge and experience of more seasoned bikers. Of course, not all of them have the time and patience to pass along their experience to beginners. At the same time, some of them may not fully subscribe to the conventional rules of the road and safety measures, so they may not be able to teach you everything you need to know.

 

On top of that, some states require people to successfully complete an approved training course before acquiring a motorcycle endorsement. Passing one of these classes may even allow you to forgo the DMV’s written and skills tests when you get your bike endorsement. It may qualify you for insurance discounts too. With all that being the case, you should definitely consider taking a motorcycle training class.

 

What You’ll Learn in a Motorcycle Training Course

 

Motorcycle training courses generally offer a combination of book learning and hands-on training to help you learn how to operate and ride a bike. They also teach you how to keep yourself safe while you’re on the road. That barely scratches the surface of the essential knowledge you’ll get from a class.

 

Though some training facilities provide bikes for students to use, you may want to purchase a used motorcycle of your own before taking a class. That way, you’ll be able to learn and practice on the bike you’ll be riding once you complete your training. Keep in mind that if you don’t have a motorcycle license yet, you’ll need to haul the bike to class on a trailer to keep things legal. Now, let’s delve into the skills you’ll learn in training.

 

• Bike Controls and Operation

 

One of the things you’ll learn in motorcycle training is where a bike’s controls are and how they work, both individually and together. You’ll also learn how to use that knowledge to operate a bike properly. This will probably begin with the controls on the handlebars and work toward the back of the bike from there.

 

The handlebars are the helm of the bike. That’s where many of the bike’s main controls are located, such as the throttle and the front brake and clutch levers. Twisting the throttle revs up the bike whereas slowly releasing it slows the bike down. Along the way, squeezing the clutch lever allows you to change gears based on how fast you’re going and how many RPMs the engine is putting out.

 

That said, you can’t actually change gears without knowing how to use the gear shifter. That’s located near the foot pegs, and it’s generally operated with the rider’s left foot. Pushing it up or down while you’re squeezing the clutch lever gears the bike up or down. Timing and coordination are crucial here.

 

Eventually, you’ll get to know your bike well enough to feel when to change gears. Until then, you may need to use the tachometer located in the instrument cluster. In a training course, you’ll most likely gain a general understanding of which RPM ranges to look for to tell you when to change gears.

 

There’s no need to change gears unless you’re in motion, and that’s another element training courses cover. They teach riders how to start their bikes and how important it is to have the bike in neutral when starting off. Before you learn to go, though, it’s important to know how to stop effectively. That requires a combination of the front and rear brakes. Those are only a few of the most basic concepts you learn about the bike’s controls and how to use them to your advantage.

 

• Riding Tips and Techniques

 

After becoming familiar with the controls and how to work them, you’ll move on to riding techniques. Many people think that riding a motorcycle is simply a matter of getting started and knowing when and how to stop. There’s a lot more to it than that, though.

 

At this point, your instructor may emphasize the importance of having a bike that’s not too heavy or light for you. One that’s in just the right weight range will give you more control and keep you from wearing out too quickly when riding. Size and seat height are also major factors to consider. You’ll learn why it’s essential to be able to plant your feet firmly on the ground when you’re stopped. If you can’t, you may not be able to hold the bike upright.

 

Beyond those points, you’ll learn about proper riding positions. This varies by rider and bike, but for the most part, it involves leaning forward a bit and staying somewhat relaxed but not overly so. You’ll gain an understanding of correct foot positioning for both riding and operating the foot controls as well.

 

Balance will also come into play. For many people, that’s one of the most difficult factors to master, especially when they’re in motion. Contending with rough roads and other hurdles makes it even more complicated. Still, it’s something you need to learn before riding on your own.

 

In a training course, you’ll also learn how to use both the bike and your body to create just the right center of gravity to make riding easier and safer. You’ll learn how to lean with the bike rather than against it when going around curves as well. Many people try to fight leaning and keep their bikes completely upright at first, but that’s actually counterproductive and dangerous.

 

Countersteering when making turns is yet another skill you’ll gain in class. That means briefly and slightly turning the handlebars in the opposite direction of where you want to go just before heading into a turn. You’ll also learn more about maneuvering through traffic, changing lanes, and other riding skills.

 

• Rules of the Road

 

Additionally, motorcycle training courses give you an in-depth understanding of the rules of the road for riders. Riders are expected to follow the same rules as passenger vehicle drivers, but it doesn’t end there. Quite a few laws and regulations apply specifically to motorcycles, and you’ll need to know those to ride safely and legally. Those vary by state as well, so motorcycle training courses cover local laws for their students.

 

This is a very broad topic considering all the variations in play. Some laws apply to whether motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, which is riding in between lanes to get through traffic. Others dictate whether helmets are required. Different states have varying regulations about which motorcycles can legally carry passengers too.

 

Furthermore, numerous regulations apply to the basic equipment a motorcycle must have to be roadworthy. Many states insist that motorcycles keep their headlights on even in daylight and that they have at least one rearview mirror. Some states have certain restrictions on handlebar heights and types whereas others don’t. Restrictions on exhaust systems and noise levels exist as well.

 

Several states also have passenger age limits in place. For example, in Louisiana, children under the age of five aren’t allowed to ride on motorcycles. In Hawaii, the cutoff point is seven. Children must be eight years old or older to ride in Arkansas. Some states require groups of bikers to ride in staggered formation whereas others allow side-by-side riding. Insurance requirements vary widely as well.

 

Those are only a few of the factors to consider here. Your training course will most likely provide a thorough rundown of the laws and regulations in your area. They’re all equally important, and they’ll help keep you safe and within the law.

 

• Motorcycle Safety

 

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn about motorcycle safety in a training class. Standard driver’s manuals, safety courses, and road tests don’t really delve into considerations for motorcycles, so most drivers aren’t aware of any of those rules. Even if they were, few drivers actually watch for motorcycles. That essentially means you’re on your own on the road, and your life and those of your passengers are in your hands.

 

On the most basic level, motorcycle training classes cover the importance of riding gear. Helmets aren’t required by law in every state, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them. Eye protection, long pants and sleeves, and boots are also vital. Adding a layer of leather over your clothes can give you even more protection against the road and flying debris. When you’re the one operating the bike, gloves are also helpful.

 

Aside from protective gear, you’ll learn a great deal about safe riding practices and sharing the road with other vehicles. That includes not weaving recklessly through traffic simply because the bike fits into tight spaces. Avoiding riding too closely to other vehicles enters the mix. It’s important to try to leave distance between yourself and the vehicles behind you when possible as well. People in passenger vehicles aren’t as likely to see your brake lights as you are to see theirs.

 

Being mindful of the weather and road conditions will be covered in your training course too. Rain, ice, fog, and other hazards pose problems for any type of vehicle, but they’re particularly dangerous for bikers. Potholes, bumps in the road, and other obstacles can be incredibly dangerous for motorcycles as well.

 

Vigilance and situational awareness are also crucial skills you’ll learn in a motorcycle training class. As mentioned, other drivers probably aren’t watching out for you, so you have to be at least twice as cautious and observant on a motorcycle. You need to constantly keep an eye on the vehicles in front of you, beside you, and even behind you. Be on the lookout for vehicles pulling out of side roads. Watch for people changing lanes in front of you or possibly on top of you.

 

In training, you’ll likewise learn about the importance of always having a way out if necessary. You’ll learn how to find possible escape routes in potentially dangerous situations and plan them out as you go. You’ll also learn about spotting road hazards well before you get to them so you can successfully avoid them. Numerous aspects factor into motorcycle safety, and a training course will give you the tools you need to protect yourself.

 

• Inspections and Basic Maintenance

 

Finally, you’ll learn about the importance of inspecting your motorcycle before and after each trip. Your course will cover points like checking the tires for damage, wear, and proper air pressure. It’ll also teach you about checking the brakes, clutch, throttle, and lights to be sure they’re all working correctly. Checking the oil is a good idea as well, and your instructor may advise you to ride with a full tank of gas when possible.

 

You may learn a few basic motorcycle maintenance tips too. That may include how to change the oil and light bulbs. Keeping the chain in good condition, maintaining the battery and cables, and changing plugs and wires may also be part of your training. You won’t learn everything there is to know about working on a motorcycle, but you’ll gain a better understanding of how to keep it up and running between visits to a mechanic.

 

Equipping Yourself with Essential Motorcycle Skills and Knowledge

 

Not all motorcycle training classes are exactly the same, but they cover a range of general information. That includes how to operate your bike, comply with the law, and protect yourself on the road. They also delve into pre-trip and post-trip inspections and basic maintenance. They’ll equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to ride safely and get the most out of your adventures.

 

Different types of courses are available for riders of different skill and experience levels too. If you’ve been riding for a while but want to refresh your knowledge, there are classes to accommodate. You can even find courses to expand your knowledge beyond the basics and teach you more advanced skills.

 

Still, there are some things you just can’t learn through a class, and training can’t prepare you for every eventuality. The more you ride, the more you’ll learn. Beyond that, staying vigilant on the road and keeping your training in mind will help you deal with unexpected situations when they arise.