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Beginner Mistakes in Motorcycling
The 5 Most Common
Beginner Mistakes in Motorcycling
by Basem Wasef
So you've taken the first steps, learned how to
ride a motorcycle, picked up all the safety gear, and maybe even started shopping
for your first bike — what's next?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has put together
a list of five common beginner mistakes, and we've compiled them here.
Check out these tips to get one step ahead of the curve.
Buying Too Much Motorcycle
Our lists of beginner, intermediate, and advanced
beginner motorcycles have one thing in common: they feature smaller, more
maneuverable features that help new riders buzz through the learning curve.
Though it's tempting to go all out and buy a big, powerful
motorcycle, you'll become a better rider more quickly by starting out on
something smaller.
And whether you're looking for a cruiser or a sportbike,
chances are there's a bike out there that will help you build your chops
quickly.
Too Much, Too Soon
As tempting as it may be to ride everywhere the moment
you've scored your motorcycle license, remember it's a jungle out there:
challenging roads probably offer more hazards than you're ready to deal with,
thick traffic adds a layer of menace, and hectic intersections all increase the
risk factors for new riders.
Take your time by taking roads less traveled, and you'll be
able to focus more on the art of riding without worrying about avoiding
dangerous distractions.
Don't worry; if you stay safe during your crucial early
experiences on a bike, it will give you more confidence when you're ready to
take on more challenging conditions.
Not Keeping a Clear Mental Picture of Traffic
There's more to riding in traffic than just scanning your
eyes ahead. Is that car to your right slowly encroaching into your lane?
Does that parked car have somebody about to swing the door
open? Is the person behind you aware that you're slowing down for red light?
In this age of rampant driver distraction, keeping a
360-degree image of traffic around you is crucial; when you've reached that
level of awareness, the unexpected is no longer a surprise.
Stay on top of your surroundings by scanning well ahead,
checking side-to-side, and occasionally checking your mirrors.
Not Assuming You're Invisible
Riders who've been around a long time usually offer the
same piece of advice to newbies: Assume you're invisible.
While there are many ways to stay visible on a
bike, it's also helpful to think about motorists around you as oblivious to
your presence.
Even if it's your right of way, don't assume a car won't
cut you off; even if you've made eye contact with a driver, don't bet the farm
that he or she won't make a sudden move that puts you in jeopardy.
And finally, keep a finger over your brake lever at all
times just in case emergency avoidance maneuvers are required — and remember:
only the paranoid survive.
Taking a Passenger or Going on a Group Ride Before You're
Ready
Motorcycling offers a deep sense of community; after all,
it's one of the numerous reasons we ride.
As tempting as it is to throw a friend on the back and head
for the hills, riding with a passenger significantly changes your bike's
handling dynamics — and, let's face it, we're also more likely to push harder
when we're trying to impress someone.
Similarly, riding in a group poses its own set of
challenges; not only do you need an added layer of spatial awareness, there's
often pressure to ride faster than you might feel comfortable with.
Spend your early riding time solo, and you'll get better in
tune with your own pace and way of doing things on two wheels. Soon enough,
you'll be ready to share your riding with others.
Basem Wasef
Introduction
A freelance journalist who has written about
motorcycles for Autoblog, Men's Journal, Robb Report, and Wired
Author of Legendary Motorcycles and Legendary Race Cars
Experience
Basem Wasef is a former writer for ThoughtCo
who wrote articles about motorcycles for more than eight years. As a freelance
journalist, Wasef also wrote for Autoblog, Men's Journal, Robb Report, Wired,
and Popular Mechanics.
In addition to his written work, Wasef
produced transportation programming for Spike TV, Speed Channel, and
Edmunds.com. His background includes working on shows such as NOPI Tunervision,
Life in the Fast Lane with Steve Natt, and Redline TV.
Wasef is a member of the Motor Press Guild
and an avid motorcyclist. He stays abreast of the motorcycle market and
continually expands his knowledge by researching and testing the newest bikes
available.
Education
Wasef graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in
English.
Awards and Publications
Wrote and photographed the book Legendary Motorcycles: The Stories and Bikes Made Famous by
Elvis, Peter Fonda, Kenny Roberts, and Other Motorcycling Greats
Wrote the book Legendary Race Cars which tells the stories of 25
historically significant vehicles
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