How to Start Riding a Motorcycle
Posted by RC Components on Jun 15th 2018
Riding a motorcycle is one of the most fun and exciting ways to get around. Motorcycles are fast, loud, and they can turn even the most mundane trip into an adventure. It’s no wonder that the number of motorcycle riders is increasing every year, and at RC Components, we couldn’t be more excited. In today’s post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to getting on the road with a brand new bike.
When you’re ready to take your bike to the next level, head over to RC Components’ online store to browse our selection of custom motorcycle wheels, exhaust pipes, and so much more! We have everything you need to create a bike that is as beautiful as it is functional, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have about our custom motorcycle parts. Continue reading below to learn how you can get started with your first motorcycle!
Invest in Training
The first step toward getting on the road is training and obtaining your motorcycle license. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers motorcycle training programs across the country, and you’ll almost certainly find a course taking place near you. It’s impossible to overstate the value of the MSF, as they offer courses for riders of every level. You’ll find everything from basic skill practice courses to courses for navigating heavy traffic. Remember, safety should be your first and foremost concern whenever you start your bike up, so don’t be afraid to sign up for a variety of courses. In case you need an extra incentive to take more courses, enrolling in various training courses will often earn you a discount through your insurance company.
Apply for Your License
After you’re feeling comfortable with riding and basic safety techniques, your next step will be to apply for a motorcycle license. We can’t speak too broadly in this section because each state has different requirements, but we’re going to do our best to give you a general idea of what you can expect.
You might only have a distant memory of the test required to obtain your driver’s license, but the basic skills test for your motorcycle license will be very similar. The point of a motorcycle skills test is to determine how well you can control your bike and respond to situations that could arise on the road. Expect to be tested on how safely you can turn, brake, accelerate, and maneuver around obstacles. You’ll have to stay inside of the lines of the practice course while maintaining an appropriate speed.
Choose a Bike
While you can always purchase a new motorcycle before you’ve obtained your license, you may want to wait until you’ve actually been on a training bike before purchasing your own. You can ask your trainer for recommendations, tips, and other information that can help you choose the perfect bike. Remember that you can always upgrade to a faster bike, but starting with a fast racing bike may not be the best idea. Bikes that are built for speed are intended for experienced riders, and they almost always lack the control capabilities of standard road bikes.
Use Caution
Now that you’ve earned your motorcycle license and have picked out the perfect bike, it’s time to put all of your hard work and preparation to use! If you learned to drive manual cars when you were younger, you can apply the same lessons you learned to your motorcycle. Start by riding in your neighborhood and the surrounding areas during off-hours. This will give you plenty of time to become familiar with how your bike handles without worrying too much about what other drivers are doing.
When you’re feeling more comfortable, try extending your travel radius to familiar locations beyond your neighborhood. You can even pre-plan your routes by scouting them out in your car before you take your bike out. This will allow you to observe the conditions of the road and avoid any surprise gravel or potholes. No matter what you decide to do, you should always take riding at your own pace. We know that you’re probably eager to upgrade your bike with custom motorcycle wheels and a custom exhaust pipe before hitting the highway for a high-speed ride, but keep in mind that every professional starts out by taking baby steps!
We hope that this guide will help you get onto the road as quickly and safely as possible. If you’re looking for a way to create a truly one-of-a-kind bike, then head over to the RC Components online store to view our amazing selection of custom motorcycle wheels, custom exhaust pipes, and other great custom motorcycle parts. We’re happy to help you find the perfect part for your bike – just get in touch with us if you have any questions! We look forward to speaking with you soon.