Riding is more than a way to get from point A to point B; for most of us, it's a lifestyle. Despite its advantages, motorcycling comes with many dangers that just aren't met by those driving cars and trucks. According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), fatalities are up to 30 times more common among bikers. It's a sobering statistic, especially for someone who has never ridden before. Thankfully, we're here to help with a compilation of some of the most essential skills for new motorcyclists.

The Pre-Ride Inspection

Sometimes the smallest thing can ruin an enjoyable day. Maybe you forgot to close the garage door on the way out, or you've gone out to start the bike only to discover that it has a dead battery. Simple pre-ride checks—and making them routine—will end the frustration and make for a better ride.

When most riders think of a pre-trip checklist, the bike is the first thing that comes to mind. Oil level, tire pressure, chain tension adjustment, lighting functions, and other aspects should be checked before the kickstand goes up. Performing these basic steps will leave you with a clear head and an open road.

Throttle Control

It may seem counterintuitive but cracking the throttle doesn't guarantee acceleration. The momentary burst of power won't be enough to cancel out the friction involved, and you'll gradually lose speed during highway riding and in slow turns.

During fast cornering, research shows that a bike's throttle must be 20% open—or even more—before there's a notable increase in speed. Skilled riders know and expect it, so they open the throttle while the bike is slowing down and heading into the turn.

Throttle control, like other aspects of motorcycling, takes practice. On a deserted, straight road, work on closing and smoothly reopening the throttle enough so you're slowing down, but there's no slack in the drivetrain. With better throttle control, you'll have the speed, power, and ability to get out of a sticky situation.

Braking

As one of a motorcycle's most powerful components, brakes take some time to master—and because they are crucial to your safety, all that time is well spent. When learning to ride, start in an empty lot at a low speed. At about 15 miles per hour, apply the front brakes until the front tire starts to lock up or the rear tire lifts. Because there's an increased risk of falling, it's best to wear the right protective gear when practicing braking. Once you've achieved proper braking force at that speed, gradually work upward until you can stop at highway speeds. It's not a skill you'll learn in one day, so be patient.

Shifting

What seems complicated to a new rider must become second nature to those who want to learn the ins and outs of motorcycling. As with throttle control and braking, smoothness is the goal when learning how to shift gears.

As a novice it may be easier to start with the clutchless upshift. During acceleration, position your foot under the bike's shift lever and move it slightly upward, but don't pull in the clutch. Rather, hold the shift lever in place and close the throttle slightly. The bike will go into the next gear, and then it's time to open the throttle again. Practice until every upshift is done smoothly and seamlessly.

The same principle can be applied to downshifts. As you're braking while moving into a corner and have two fingers on the lever, pull in the clutch, open the throttle slightly, drop a gear, and release the clutch. When done properly, shifts should be fast and smooth, making aggressive downshifting easier. It takes experience and practice to learn how to upshift and downshift, so be prepared.

Cornering

This is where it's at for most riders—and it's something that can always be improved upon. When done well, corners are just as rewarding as they are challenging. If you're just starting out, it may help to go to a local track day or find the nearest curvy road. Don't try to speed through the turns; simply ride within your own abilities and don't worry about keeping up with others. As in other areas, full protective gear will help you feel safer, more comfortable, and more confident in the turns—so don't skip it.

Highway Cruising

We use highways to go the longest possible distance in the shortest time, but that convenience comes at a price. Straight, seemingly endless roads can be boring, causing a new rider's thoughts to stray. Learn how to keep your mind on the road, and if you start to feel distracted or tired, remember that it's okay to take a break from riding.

Maintaining a Safe Distance

When learning to ride, you may notice that some bikers don't follow the rules of the road too closely—and that puts them in danger. It's best to stay at least two seconds behind other vehicles and to increase that distance on slick, wet roads. By keeping the proper following distance, a new rider is more easily seen by other motorists.

Riding With a Passenger

Motorcycle rides are better when taken with those closest to you and getting there safely is the goal. Whether the road takes you through town or across the country, riding with a passenger is a skill every biker should have.

Passengers should have the same well-fitting gear riders have; it's an area where we can't afford to take shortcuts. The safest two-up rides start slowly and easily. Go down the street, then around the block, and increase distances gradually, keeping the extra weight in mind.

Tackling Hills

Being stuck in traffic is bad enough, but it gets even worse when that stoplight is on an upward grade. For new riders, stopping and starting on a hill can be intimidating. It puts newly acquired skills to the test, and if you can't apply the brakes, release the clutch smoothly, and blip the throttle, the bike may stall or even worse.

As with other stops, the first thing to do when stopping on a hill is to get into first gear with a closed throttle and an engaged clutch. It's easier to roll backward on a steep hill, so be sure to keep some pressure on the brakes after stopping. Because you'll be opening the throttle with your right hand, use the rear or foot brake to hold the bike in place.

From a standstill, the easiest and safest way to stay upright is to bring your left foot to the ground. When it's time to move again, release the clutch slowly and the bike will gradually roll forward. Apply the throttle gently while continuing to release the clutch, which will start to pull against the bike's rear brake. Finally, release the brake lever and use the throttle to move forward more quickly.

Learning How to Handle Off Days

As with other obstacles in life, it's not always about what happens when things go right. Sometimes, learning how to ride is about dealing with the stress that comes when it all goes wrong. Riding a motorcycle is supposed to be fun, and the more stress you feel, the more likely it is that you'll make a big mistake. Every rider, no matter how experienced they are, will have the occasional off day—and the way you handle it may make the difference between an uneventful ride and a serious situation.

Tips to Sharpen Your Skills

No matter how eager you are, it will take hard work and dedication to become a better rider. Improve your motorcycling skills by:

• Riding with a group. It will bring faster improvement, as other riders will be able to see you and offer helpful recommendations.
• Riding with someone more experienced. If you want to ride better and do it sooner, ask a more experienced friend for advice.
• Learn how your motorcycle works. Riding for the first time is exciting, but it's important to do some research before getting into the saddle. By taking the time to learn how the bike's basic components work, you'll be more likely to use them properly.
• Practice, practice, practice. Now that you've learned which skills to work on, the fun can begin. Try to practice in parking lots, on deserted roads, and at the track. As your skills improve, you will be better equipped to share the road.

Build Your Skills and Stay Safe on Two Wheels

The more you learn about motorcycling, the easier and more fun it becomes. Motorcycle safety courses are a great place to start, and they'll give you the foundation needed for a lifetime of safe and successful riding. The best rides start with the right types of motorcycles, and the team at The American Motorcycle Trading Co. is here to help you find them. From cruisers to sport bikes, for new riders and veterans alike, we're ready to put the world on two wheels. View our inventory online or text us to get started.