Riding a motorcycle is fun and adventure. Especially when it comes to the novice riders, they tend to have a more thrilling and entertaining session with their new motorbike. Having said that, a motorcycle ride is one of the few relaxing activities; however, there is a time when everyone makes mistakes. All motorcyclists, even the elderly, were newbies and made mistakes.
The main thing is how to overcome and solve that mistake in a very quick and efficient method. You need to get used to those methods, especially if you are new to motorcycle riding. Here we will state some common mistakes new motorcycle riders make and how to prevent them as well.
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Common mistakes new riders make on their motorcycle
1. Stalling
Stalling is one of the most common mistakes that new riders always make. But handling the stalling of a motorcycle is a very easy job to do. So if you repeat this mistake, don’t worry about fear or guilt. Instead, you will be practicing every new move to control the clutch lever.
All you need to do is hold the clutch lever steady after starting the bike, and then you need to let it go as slowly as possible. This will keep your motorcycle started, and you will start riding. Stalling is a very common mistake that you can overcome with time.
2. Not changing gears at stops
The second most common mistake new riders make is not down-shifting the motorcycle at the stops. Unfortunately, riders often get caught in this scenario many times. To prevent your motorcycle from turning off, you need to control the clutch level and press it accordingly to the situation.
After hitting the clutch, you will need to press the breaks as well. Applying the brakes while hands on the clutch will make your motorcycle stop seamlessly without any difficulties, and you will be able to ride it again by throttling and letting the clutch lever open accordingly.
3. Kickstand jive
Not shutting the kickstand is also one of the most common mistakes that even skilled riders can make. Unfortunately, this can be fatal sometimes. If you are riding at high speed while the kickstand is not shut, it can imbalance the motorcycle, and a motorcycle at very high speed can cause a bad accident.
This small mistake can be prevented so easily too, all you have to do is always shut your kickstand in the first place. Just include this in your initial list of things to do after you get on a motorcycle.
4. Forgetting about canceling the turn signals
There are some motorcycles of this era that have new automatic self-canceling turn signals. But most of them don’t, so you need to turn them off after you make a turn manually. This can cause distraction and confusion to other people on the road.
And this is a very common mistake many people make. If you already have driven a car, you will know how important it is and how you can turn them off in time. But, unfortunately, that needs practice, and with time you will turn them off subconsciously without even knowing at the correct time.
5. Not covering your brake or clutch lever
Not covering your clutch level is something that you should not do. Instead, it would be best if you made it your habit to cover your clutch lever with your fingers. That can come very handy sometimes, as riding a motorcycle is a game that is all about timing and rapid decisions.
Covering the clutch lever with your fingers can be very helpful in various sudden decisions. For example, there are times when you need to brake in very sudden locations, which can only be done fast if you are covering your motorcycle’s clutch lever. You can cover it with as many fingers as you want.
6. Not remembering about the counter steering
That’s another common mistake that people that are new to riding make. They often keep missing the counter steering. That is a very easy technique to master as well. If you are at high speed, the counter steering can be very useful for you in that case.
You can take turns seamlessly by pushing the side of the handlebar to the side you are willing to take a turn to. Most of the new riders don’t know that, but you can become a good rider if you master this technique. Counter steering will help you save both your life and time.
7. The Fuel Level
Knowing the fuel level of your motorcycle is one of the main things you should do if you are going out for a ride on your motorcycle. By that, you can get an idea of how far you can go with this limited fuel in your motorcycle. This can be very helpful for you.
You can make arrangements before leaving home and also get prepared for your next upcoming hurdles. For example, you can think about your next hurdles when your motorcycle will be full-on fuel, and you can fill it up at the nearest station or take the reserve fuel with you if your bikes have space to store.
8. Not leaving enough space
It’s easy to get lost in the early days of motorcycle riding. It will take time for you to understand which thing needs your attention and how much is required. In addition, some operations may be slightly affected, and the problem might be because you didn’t have enough space.
It is very helpful to keep a safe distance, and with that, you should also remember to leave the exit route when needed. If the space you’re in is about to be invaded, having a safe place to enter can save you from unnecessary drama.
9. Carrying a passenger early
Be careful before carrying on passengers when you get a bike and want to share that experience with your circle. You should feel comfortable driving and perform protective maneuvers like a single driver before accepting passengers.
Traveling with a passenger on the back is very different from traveling alone. The passenger may become nervous and push the bike against a turn, resulting in loss of control. The best thing for passengers is that the driver has the experience and the ability to manage different weight distributions properly.
10. Choosing a heavy Bike that is too powerful for a beginner
Standard motorcycles are not cool enough for you. You want at the least one thousand cc’s; It is very easy to fall for all that hype. The reality of this matter is that you ought to pick a comfortable bike for you, especially one that you can handle easily.
Motorcycles are always in demand, especially models with a small displacement for beginners. A beginner should consider buying a small bike first as it is easier to handle, and later on, you can upgrade to something that you like.
11. Not wearing Protective Gear
For a beginner, it is essential to wear the right gear while learning to ride a bike. Often, novice riders are eager to showcase their new motorbikes to their friends and in the community. But, unfortunately, this directly affects their safety.
Not just is the helmet responsible for the protection of the rider, but gloves, jackets, and boots are also essential whenever you are out on your bike. These items are padded with an extra layer of protection to save you from bruises and cuts from hazardous injuries.
12. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Lack of regular maintenance could add an immense amount of risk to your safety. You should check the fuel tank, clean the bike, and grease the brakes before going out. Doing so will increase the shelf life of your bike.
Try to schedule regular maintenance checks with your mechanic so that your bike would remain in perfect condition. This will also help you avoid further issues, especially if you plan to go on long road trips.
Ensure that your bike is in trustful hands who has excelled in mechanical skills. Keep your bike in check and learn more about the functionality of the motorcycle parts, and keep them in shape by following the expert’s instructions given on different platforms. Or you can follow the manual that is given alongside the bike.
How to avoid making such mistakes while riding a motorcycle?
There are several ways one can opt for resolving such issues. However, for a novice rider, it becomes difficult to keep everything in check when you have no clue what you are looking for. With that being said, this guide is here to help you avoid the mistakes you will make.
From purchasing a bike to maintain its functionality, one has to be more careful than ever before. Following are the things you should keep in mind when riding a motorbike.
- Wear your safety gear before getting out on a bike.
- Learn some important measures with the help of an expert or from the internet.
- Practice on different occasions would help you overcome the fear of falling to Earth.
- Learn to balance the motorbike on the road.
- Check the fuel tank whenever you are going out on a long trip.
- Keep the brakes in check regularly to avoid failure. Otherwise, it would put you at great risk.
- You have to remain active on the road. Practicing too much will automatically develop a pre-cognitive sixth sense in the rider. This will help you make the right decision like a reflex for when a car or other automobile tries to cross paths with you.
- Ride at a pace where your reaction time is much faster, which will fit your reflexes and actions in a fight or flight situation.
FAQs
How much time does it take to handle a motorcycle professionally?
First, you need to learn all the basics; after that, it usually takes several months of regular riding to drive and handle the motorcycle professionally. However, this can also take up to a year or two. So it depends on how often you ride your motorcycle.
Is it normal to be scared before riding a motorcycle?
Fear is an important part of safe motorcycle riding. If we have too much or too little fear, we can lose concentration, and bad things can happen that can be avoided. So fear is a perfectly healthy reaction, especially when riding in traffic. But you should also note that frightened driving is just as dangerous as driving stupidly.
Is it difficult to learn how to ride a motorcycle?
People think that riding a motorcycle is extremely difficult, but it is easier than many think. Motorcycles are small and complex machines that require specialized knowledge to get started. Bikes are just motorized bicycles that anyone can learn to ride with practice.
Is it safe for beginners to ride in the rain?
It is highly recommended for beginners not to ride on a rainy day as there is a lot of oil, mud, and other dirt on the road that can make you lose control of your bike easily. However, if you still decide to ride when it is raining, do not forget to drive extremely slowly.
Is riding a motorcycle dangerous?
Riding a motorcycle is extremely dangerous. Motorcycle riders account for 14% of all road traffic deaths. There are higher chances of road injuries, especially when you are riding at a higher speed. Motorcycle riders should be careful. Any mistake or even a wrong turn can lead to accidents.
Final Verdict
Rookie mistakes are made by everyone who is a new rider, don’t fear making mistakes. You will be learning new things every time you make a mistake. Mistakes are okay to make because that is how we learn.
Recognizing and understanding mistakes will help you overcome them. Do this slowly, and you are on your way to enrich your motorcycle riding experience. Hopefully, the mistakes we highlighted above helped you somehow to conquer your mistakes.
