Every ride begins before the engine is even on. * Wear a DOT/ECE-approved helmet, gloves, long pants, sturdy boots that cover your ankles, and a riding jacket. * Walk around the bike: * Check tire pressure and condition. * Make sure your chain is lubricated and has proper slack. * Check your oil level. * Test your front and rear brakes. * Ensure your lights, turn signals, and horn work. When you sit on the bike: * Left hand: clutch. * Right hand: front brake and throttle. * Left foot: gear shifter. * Right foot: rear brake. ⸻ Understanding the Controls Throttle The throttle is your speed control. Rolling your wrist toward you opens the throttle and adds power. Smoothness is everything. Tiny movements make a big difference. Never jerk the throttle open. ⸻ Clutch The clutch temporarily disconnects the engine from the rear wheel. Think of it as a gradual connection. * Clutch fully pulled = engine disconnected. * Clutch fully released = engine fully connected. * Between those two is the friction zone. The friction zone is where the motorcycle first starts moving. Mastering this one area is probably the most important beginner skill. ⸻ Brakes Front brake Provides around 70–90% of your stopping power. Apply it progressively—not all at once. Rear brake Adds stability and helps at low speeds. Good riders use both brakes together. ⸻ Starting the Motorcycle 1. Sit on the bike. 2. Put the kickstand up. 3. Hold the front brake. 4. Pull the clutch in. 5. Make sure you’re in neutral (green “N” light). 6. Start the engine. 7. Let it idle briefly. ⸻ Moving Off This is where most beginners stall. 1. Pull the clutch completely in. 2. Shift into first gear. 3. Add a tiny amount of throttle. 4. Slowly release the clutch. Eventually you’ll feel the bike begin pulling itself forward. Don’t release the clutch quickly. Once rolling: * Continue releasing the clutch. * Add slightly more throttle. * Put both feet on the pegs. ⸻ Shifting Gears Accelerate. When the engine reaches a moderate RPM: 1. Roll off the throttle. 2. Pull the clutch. 3. Shift up. 4. Release the clutch smoothly. 5. Roll back onto the throttle. Eventually it becomes one fluid motion. ⸻ Downshifting As you slow: 1. Roll off throttle. 2. Pull clutch. 3. Shift down. 4. Release clutch smoothly. Many riders give a small throttle “blip” before releasing the clutch to make downshifts smoother, though it’s not required when you’re learning. ⸻ Turning One of the biggest misconceptions: At very low speeds You steer like a bicycle. Turn the handlebars where you want to go. ⸻ Above about 10–15 mph Motorcycles use countersteering. To turn left: Push the left handlebar forward. To turn right: Push the right handlebar forward. It sounds backwards but causes the motorcycle to lean in the direction of the turn. Remember: Push left → Go left Push right → Go right Every experienced rider does this, often without realizing it. ⸻ Looking Through Turns Your motorcycle naturally follows your eyes. Don’t stare at: * curbs * guardrails * potholes Instead: Look where you want to go. This is called target fixation. ⸻ Body Position Relax. Grip the tank lightly with your knees. Don’t death-grip the handlebars. Keep elbows slightly bent. Stay loose. - @declanpost18