Motorcycle Riding for Beginners

As a brand-new motorcycle owner, you’ve got some challenges ahead of you. No one is a professional the first time they sit astride their bike. A great deal of practice and education is necessary in order to safely ride your motorcycle.

SoCal Honda Powersports in Carson is your California motorcycle dealer. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of owning and riding a motorcycle.

1. Take a Class

The absolute best way to learn the ropes when you’re new to motorcycling is to take a class. Many places offer classes taught by professional riders who can show you how a motorcycle works and educate you on safety, maintenance and riding techniques. Some classes even have a practice bike that you can use under the supervision of your instructor so you can get hands-on experience.

2. Get the Right Gear

Your safety is paramount when you’re riding a motorcycle. Unlike a car, you’re not protected by a thick shell made of metal and glass. So if you crash, you’re liable to be flung from your bike, or you could slide out and end up skidding on the asphalt. To that end, you need to wear the appropriate gear to keep yourself safe.

The most important piece of safety gear for any motorcyclist is a well-fitting helmet that’s DOT-rated. If your helmet doesn’t have a face mask, then you’ll also need a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. You can opt to wear a heavy leather motorcycle jacket and sturdy pants or you can choose a one-piece riding suit that fits over your clothes. 

Invest in a pair of motorcycle boots with good tread that fit well; break them in by walking around your house before you wear them on your bike for the first time. Finally, a pair of riding gloves will help you maintain your grip on the handlebars.

3. Put in Some Practice

Practice makes perfect, as the old adage goes, and it applies to motorcycling just as much as anything else. Take your bike to an empty lot and practice your turns, reverses, acceleration and braking. If you’ve got an experienced motorcycling friend who can be there to give you pointers, so much the better! Try riding on residential streets before you tackle busy thoroughfares or the open highway. You want to feel confident in your skills before you ride in more challenging traffic conditions.

4. Ride Solo For Now

While it might be tempting to take a friend along for the ride, it’s best if you only ride by yourself for now. Until your skills improve, you won’t have the ability to take on the weight of a second rider, which will change the dynamics of your motorcycle significantly. No matter how much your best friend or partner is champing at the bit to ride with you, make them wait until you’re feeling more comfortable riding on your own.

5. Keep Your Bike Maintained

Any responsible motorcycle owner needs to keep their bike in good working order to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of those around them. Follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual when it comes to maintenance and get professional check-ups every now and then. In fact, if you ever do need some assistance with maintaining your bike, you can contact the service department here at SoCal Honda Motorsports to schedule an appointment with our mechanics.

Searching for motorcycles for sale near LA? Check out our website to see our vast inventory of new and used motorcycles for sale at our Carson, CA, dealership location. We even provide financing options to help you get the bike you want. SoCal Honda Powersports proudly serves greater Los Angeles, as well as the city of Long Beach, CA.