How to Ride a Motorcycle - a Step by Step Tutorial on How to Ride a Motorcycle

And Finally, How to Ride!

Once you've completed steps 1-9, all systems are go and you're ready to ride!

This is the time when you'll need to recall the functions of throttle, brakes, clutch, and shifting, and develop a fluid relationship between them. Engage the clutch, press the shifter down to first gear, release the clutch slowly, and start to feel the motorcycle move forward. Twisting the throttle slightly might be needed to keep it from stalling; as the bike gains forward momentum, put both feet up on the pegs.

Once you're moving, congratulations; you're riding a motorcycle! Most beginners get tripped up with the turning process. Just like a bicycle, a motorcycle is turned by countersteering above roughly 10 mph, not by "turning" the handlebars from left to right. Countersteering involves pushing the handgrip on the side you want to turn, and though it doesn't seem to make sense, it actually works. If you want to turn right, you'll need to lean slightly to the right while pushing the right handgrip away from you; once you try it, you'll see that it actually works!

Turning is actually easier to do than to describe, so when you get out on a bike try to trust your instincts, feel what the bike is doing, and don't overthink it.

Shifting, as described in Step 6, takes practice. Braking and throttle, described in Step 4, also take some practice, but the key rule is to maneuver your motorcycle with a smooth touch and gradual input. Doing so will not only make you a safer rider, it will make you more graceful and effortless.

Don't let all of this information daunt you; motorcycling is easy, but it takes conscientiousness to do it safely and correctly.

If you're ready to shop for your first motorcycle, be sure to check out our Guide to Ten Great First Motorcycles.

Congratulations on becoming a motorcyclist, and keep the shiny side up!