William Lyon Phelps: This is the final test of a gentleman: his respect for those who can be of no possible value to him.

Learning how to Operate a Motorcycle





The idea of riding a motorcycle is to allow you the freedom of the open air while traveling. It can also be a very inexpensive way to travel or to commute. Learning how to operate a motorcycle is very important. You dont want to be an inexperienced operator out there with so many other vehicles on the road. The process is quick for some, and others struggle to learn how to operate one. It comes down to learning the skills and believing in your ability to make it happen.



Keep in mind that the motorcycle you learn on is going to affect how well you are able to learn to operate it. Make sure it is designed to fit you. This can be some what tricky because many people learn how to ride a motorcycle on one that belongs to someone else. However, you need to make sure the motorcycle isnt too heavy for you. It is important that you are able to touch the ground with both feet. Reaching the gas, brakes, and handle bars are essential as well. It is a good investment to find a cheap used bike that fits your body well. Once you have successfully learned to ride it well, consider upgrading to a better bike.



Make sure you learn from someone you trust and who is patient. Nothing can add to your insecurity as someone watching over you, especially if they are concerned about you damaging their motorcycle. If you dont have someone you can comfortably learn from then you are wasting your time. It may be a worthwhile investment to enroll in a motorcycle instruction course and learn from someone who is trained to teach this skill.



Once you have managed the basics of motorcycle riding, continue practicing. Just like driving a vehicle, you will get better as you practice. Avoid riding on busy streets, highways, or interstates until you are very comfortable with your riding skills. Practice changing lanes, turns, curves, and sudden stops as these are all things you will experience once you are operating your motorcycle on the open road.



Practice riding your motorcycle in a variety of weather situations. This will give you some very important motorcycle skills that you wont get anywhere else. You will be amazed at how different your motorcycle operates on a sunny day versus a very windy day. Being prepared for a variety of riding conditions is going to make you a much better operator. In time you will feel comfortable enough for long trips, maybe even to some of the wonderful motorcycle rallies that take place each year.



If you start small and practice hard, learning to operate a motorcycle will be a very rewarding experience for you. Too many beginners want a new motorcycle or the same power as their friends. They either find the motorcycle to be too much to handle or seriously injure themselves riding it. This can also cause you to loose interest in the idea of learning to ride it, and result in your selling it.



The motorcycle learning process can be a great experience if you arent in a hurry to be driving it fast on major road ways. Like anything else, your skills will only improve as you practice and learn from your own mistakes. Operating a motorcycle is a challenge that you will proudly succeed at if you work hard and follow the safety precautions of the road.

Latest News:

200 miles under the belt
Well as the subject dictates the R1200S has now used its first tank of petrol. A 200 mile tank range ain't too shabby. It hits reserve at about 150 miles then warns you via the dash and counts the range down from about 55 miles. Giving plenty of warning to find a petrol station. Could have speced a fuel gauge as part of the 'on board computer' option, but it's a factory fitted option and not a very popular one judging by the spec list of bikes coming into the UK.
The ride is fantastic! The throttle response is crisp and the drive is very smooth, none of the stuttering that can be associated with fuel injected bikes. The Ohlins does and amazing job of keeping the bike composed. It feels very nimble and lithe. It turns in quite fast (well faster turn in than the VFR) and changes direction quickly too. In fact it reminded me of the CBR600RR  I rode at Donington Park at the Ron Haslam Race School. Much less cumbersome than the VFR although similar weight. I'm so looking forward to getting it past the first service so I can give it a bit more stick and see what she can really do. Keeping it at 3.5k rpm is a nightmare!
The sound is lovely too, even with the stock exhaust but I think it really does need the Akrapovic to release the bark of the big twin.
So to summarise, its a great bike, I'm loving it. :o)