10 tips for motorcycle beginners

What you should pay attention to

Markus

21.02.2022

TIP 1: FIRST GO SOLO

Even if it certainly makes sense to pay attention to the comfort for the passenger when choosing the right motorcycle, if you want to take someone with you more often, in our opinion it is advisable to practice solo (i.e. without pillion) for the beginning. It is advisable to first gain experience on the machine and to get routine and safety before taking others with you on the journey. Firstly, driving with a passenger feels significantly different. You have much more weight to act and, in case of doubt, have to cope with counterproductive movements of your pillion. Secondly, you should not unnecessarily expose the passenger to danger and first learn to drive safely. After all, you also bear responsibility for passengers.

TIP 1 1/2: DON'T GET MARRIED :-)

Admittedly, that's just fun. All three of us are happily married and hope our sweethearts will forgive us for this little silliness. But we just couldn't resist. And even if one or the other actually prefers to go solo, there is still the possibility to equip a partnership with two driver's licenses and two bikesJ! On one of our alpine tours, we were even able to get to know a family of bikers: father, mother and son each cruised on their own bikes – but together through the mountains.

TIP 2: KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN WHEN CHOOSING A MOTORCYCLE

This applies to every purchase of a new bike, but it is particularly important for the first motorcycle. Above all, we would pay attention to seat height and weight. There is no point in owning the fattest and coolest bike if you can't handle it. So take your time with the selection, take an extensive test drive and make sure that you really feel comfortable with the machine.

TIP 3: BUDGET FOR EQUIPMENT

You should also keep in mind that the necessary equipment also devours one or the other thaler. And the crew of Motorradtest agrees: here should not be saved too much! Of course, not everyone has to call the absolute professional equipment their own, but helmet and clothes should fit well, be comfortable to wear even on longer tours and of course ensure the necessary protection. You should also note that these do justice to the different weather conditions. The motorcycle dealer of your trust can certainly advise you well.

TIP 4: BE AS FIT AS A SNEAKER

Now, normal biking is certainly not necessarily a high-performance sport. But you should be quite fit to go on two wheels in the traffic. On the one hand, you need physical fitness to have the machine under control even in difficult situations, but on the other hand, it is also important to always be vigilant in order to be able to react accordingly at the right moment. If you don't feel good, you can also leave the planer in the garage for a day.

TIP 5: CHECK THE BIKE CONTROL & MOPED

Regular visual inspections and the necessary know-how to assess the condition of your own machine are always helpful. You don't have to develop into a professional screwdriver. But many small things (tire pressure, fluid levels, lighting, chain tension, ...) can be checked regularly and thus ensure that everything is okay before starting the journey.

TIP 6: DRIVER SAFETY TRAINING

I can only say the following: Everyone I know who has completed safety or curve training found this very helpful. You can try out borderline situations in a controlled environment and get to know your motorcycle and your own abilities better. You also lose the fear of one or the other critical maneuver and can automatically unwind it in an emergency. In short: This is really a fine thing.

TIP 7: IT'S EVEN MORE FUN TOGETHER!!!

The passion for motorcycling can be shared excellently. And that has several advantages: You get to know nice people, can exchange ideas and maybe also benefit from the experiences of others. In addition, you always have a helping hand on the tour – in case of problems, it is always good not to be on your own.

TIP 8: PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD CONDITIONS

The eyes belong where? That's right, on the road! Especially when riding a motorcycle, it is extremely important to always be on the job, not to dream and not to be distracted. Whether wet and leaves in autumn, the pothole in the curve or perhaps inattentive, other road users. It is always up to you to recognize such situations in time and to deal with them safely.

TIP 9: BE VISIBLE

Only when you are seen can you be taken into account. And you can actively support this with a suitably eye-catching clothing color and good lighting. So it does not always have to be black but it is advisable to rely on reflectors, safety vests and eye-catching colors. Because you are fast and small and are therefore often underestimated and overlooked.

TIP 10: KEEP CALM & DON'T LET YOURSELF BE RUSHED

This applies to any participation in road traffic but also to you. Each of us has made a driving mistake or stalled his bike at traffic lights. Don't let such little things upset you. And even if you ride with friends in a group, you don't have to break any records. Find your own pace and style, because everything else is not only no fun but simply too dangerous.

We hope our tips were helpful. In any case, last but not least, motorcycling is a great hobby where you can have a lot of fun. Anyway, we have it and wish you a good and safe journey!