Motorcycle Riding Tips for Beginners

If you’ve finally decided that you’re ready to invest in a bike, you have some exciting journeys to look forward to. However, before you hop on your motorcycle and hit the road, you want to make sure you’re prepared for the occasion. When you’re a first-time rider, it’s important to brush up on some basic riding practices and safety rules. 

Here at Big St. Charles Motorsports, we’ve gathered all the essential motorcycle riding tips for beginners to help get you started. If you have any questions, or if you’re in need of parts or service, feel free to contact us at our dealership in St. Charles, Missouri.

Take a Class

The first steps to becoming an expert rider are preparation and practice. Investing in a class is one of the smartest moves you can make as a new rider. You'll get expert tips from someone who has ridden motorcycles for many years and can teach you tricks of the trade. At the same time, you'll be surrounded by other beginner riders and can enjoy the sense of solidarity that comes along with that.

Practice Frequently

Once you've mastered the basics, you will need to spend some time riding in a safe, controlled environment. After all, knowing what to do is one thing. Being able to put it into action is another. New riders need time to develop muscle memory and to feel confident operating their motorcycles.

Spend some time practicing all your basics. Look for empty parking lots or low-traffic residential roads. Start at slow speeds and slowly build up your speed as your skills develop. Riding with an experienced friend the first time you hit the open road can be helpful since they can help you if anything goes wrong. With regular practice, you will be on your way to becoming a pro in no time!

Wear Safety Gear

It’s important to know that there are some critical pieces of protective gear that you’ll need to wear each time you ride. The most crucial piece of gear will be your helmet. Make sure you choose one that offers maximum protection. The best options are a crash-tested and well-fitting helmet with a pair of goggles. Keep in mind that the helmet should stay in place when you move your head from side to side. A helmet that slides around with a bit of movement should be avoided, as should one that pinches or causes redness after being worn.

For your clothes, you don’t necessarily need to invest in anything new. However, you'll want to guard your skin against the elements and hazards on the road. Your riding jacket and riding pants should be full-length and durable. Breathable fabrics with ventilation help you stay cool and safe on hot days.

In order to keep your grip on your bike and the road, you’ll also want to wear riding gloves with a good grip and a pair of sturdy riding boots with thick soles. These will also keep you warm when it’s cold outside, and you can even get waterproof boots for riding in wet weather.

Finally, you'll want some form of hearing protection. The roar of your bike’s engine along with the wind whipping past you can get very loud and potentially do some damage to your hearing. Simply wear a pair of disposable earplugs or reusable wax balls to protect your ears.

Rules of the Road

Before you hit the road, there are some general safety guidelines to keep in mind. Most importantly, follow all the local traffic rules and adhere to the speed limits in your area. Under no circumstances should you drink or use drugs before a ride. Riding your bike requires you to maintain your focus and reflexes. Never push yourself past your limits. Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and keep yourself hydrated.

With these motorcycle riding tips for beginners, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence! If you have any questions, you can always give us a call and chat with the friendly staff at Big St. Charles Motorsports. We are located in St. Charles, MO, where we proudly serve all those in St. Louis and St. Peters.