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

By , About.com Guide

9 of 10

Your Kickstand: Don't Forget to Flip it Up!
How to Ride a Motorcycle - a Step by Step Tutorial on How to Ride a Motorcycle

Most modern bikes will automatically shut off if the kickstand is still down when the bike is put into gear. If your bike isn't equipped with this feature, make sure you retract the kickstand by literally kicking it up with your left foot and allowing it to tuck underneath the underbody of the bike; not doing so can produce a serious safety hazard.

Centerstands operate a little differently, and require the bike to be rocked forward while the rider is on tip-toe in order to retract the stand.

Once you're on your feet, you're ready to ride!

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