Many people dream of riding motorcycles but wonder: is riding a motorcycle hard? The truth is that the learning process takes time, but with the right approach and practice, anyone can become a confident rider. Riding on two wheels requires mastering balance, coordination, and proper riding techniques, but modern motorcycles are designed to make learning smoother than ever.
Whether you are preparing for your first motorcycle, working towards your motorcycle licence, or just curious about what it takes, here are seven tips to help new riders get started safely.
1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
Before you even try to ride a motorcycle, sign up for a motorcycle safety course. These courses teach you about motorcycle controls, lane positioning, and motorcycle safety. You will get hands-on experience with front and rear brakes, the clutch lever, gear shifter, and throttle control in a safe environment like an empty parking lot.
Professional instructors help you understand the friction zone, how to slowly release the hand clutch lever, and how to manage engine speed while learning to shift gears smoothly.
2. Learn All the Controls
Motorcycles may seem intimidating at first because of all the levers and pedals. Here’s a quick guide to the basics:
- Left handlebar: clutch lever
 - Right handlebar: front brake lever, throttle, and kill switch
 - Left foot: gear shifter
 - Right foot: rear brake pedal
 - Foot pegs: resting points for your feet
 - Front brake controls most of your stopping power, while the rear brake helps stabilise the rear wheel
 
Once you get familiar with all the controls, using them will become second nature through muscle memory.
3. Practise in a Safe Space
Your first bike riding experience should happen somewhere calm and free from traffic. An empty parking lot or quiet street is ideal. Practise starting in first gear, rolling forward, and keeping the throttle steady.
Stay in a straight line before trying turns or a u turn. Once you master smooth starts, work on shifting to second gear without rushing. Remember, you can skip gears when slowing down, but focus first on shifting correctly in order.
4. Focus on Balance and Throttle Control
Balance is everything on two wheels. Keep your front tire pointed straight when stopping, and make sure you use the center stand when parking. When moving, apply throttle control gently and avoid sudden movements. Smooth inputs will help you feel stable as you gain riding experience.
5. Always Wear Proper Safety Gear
No matter how short the ride, protective gear is essential. Proper motorcycle gear includes a helmet, motorcycle jacket, gloves, motorcycle boots, and other safety gear. Some riders even carry a soft measuring tape to ensure a proper fit for jackets and helmets. Proper safety gear can make the difference between a minor scrape and a serious injury.
6. Be Aware of Other Road Users
Even if you ride perfectly, distracted car drivers are always a risk. Defensive riding means paying attention to motor vehicles around you, keeping safe lane positioning, and leaving space between yourself and other drivers. Riding responsibly keeps both you and other road users safe.
7. Build Confidence Step by Step
No one becomes a skilled rider overnight. Start riding slowly, practise in safe areas, and build up to busier roads as your confidence grows. As you improve your riding motorcycles skills, you will notice your muscle memory take over, making shifting and braking more natural. Over time, you will learn how to find the right gear, manage the rear brake lever, and handle challenges like hills and sudden stops.
Final Word
So, is riding a motorcycle hard? At first, yes. But with patience, practice, and a commitment to motorcycle safety, the challenge becomes an exciting journey. By taking a motorcycle safety course, learning all the controls, wearing protective gear, and practising in a safe space, you can turn your first bike into years of confident and enjoyable riding.
If you are ready to start riding and need your first motorcycle or want to upgrade as your skills grow, Procycles has you covered. With a wide range of Kawasaki, KTM, BMW and Yamaha motorcycles, plus expert guidance for new riders and seasoned ones alike, Procycles will help you ride safely and confidently.