Learn To Ride A Motorcycle

Learning To Ride A Motorcycle

Motorcycle riding is a learned skill. It is not something with which one is born. Being able to walk is an ability acquired by trial and error. The common factor in all of these actions is balance. Trying, failing and falling is an acceptable sequence of events for a child until the first uncertain steps on two legs are taken. It takes many years to gain the control necessary to be a ballet dancer or a circus high wire performer. Most will not get that far and for the normal purposes of life a satisfactory standard is soon attained.

Once the concept and practice of balance has become an unconsciously performed action then many progress to learning to ride a bicycle. As with walking the occasional fall from a bicycle is not usually too serious. The machine is not heavy and the speed involved is not much more than a walking pace. The help of friend or relative jogging behind initially to assist the rider to acquire balance is useful, particularly for a child. Eventually, as with walking, the art of balancing on two wheels is learnt.

A motorcycle is much heavier than a bicycle and it is a much faster machine. It is not possible to run behind a motorcycle to help the rider with balance and a fall can have much more serious consequences than an infant's tumble or cyclist's crash. The ability to balance without thought is the first essential in learning to ride a motorcycle. If the aspirant rider does not have this skill on two wheels then first learning to ride a bicycle is the best approach. This is not an inconsequential matter for an adult

Some feel that it is best to progress from a bicycle to a moped and then to a motor scooter before attempting to ride a motorcycle. There is some merit in this approach. A smooth graduation to a powered machine whilst retaining in moments of crisis the use of the feet as balancing help can build confidence. The big step in moving to a motorcycle is that not all of the control of the machine is done with the hands. There is no "floor" on a motorcycle as there is on a motor scooter and on which the feet can be moved to maintain the sense of balance. Only one foot is occasionally needed to operate a foot brake on a motor scooter.

On a motorcycle the rider is astride rather than simply on the machine and all limbs are involved with machine control functions. The control of throttle, brakes, clutch and gears plus all of the minor operational functions such as lights, signals and horn are undertaken by the hands and the feet independently, synchronously or sequentially. The almost innate balance function must be provided by the whole of the body moving in collusion with the machine. It is this union of body and machine that must cope with varying road conditions, changing direction, and wind effects.

It is vital that the rider and the machine are a good fit. Controls must be with in easy reach while the rider is in a relaxed position and the feet should be able to touch the ground when the machine is at rest. This kind of matching may not be immediately possible especially if learning to ride is done on a borrowed machine. It is important that this linking of rider and machine is as good as possible in an owned machine for long term comfort and safety. Only experience over years can complete the course.

References:

Learning to ride a bicycle

Learning to ride a bicycle as an adult

Mopeds Motor Scooters Theory of Learning to ride

By Les Johns - PhD (Development Economics)Associate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and AdministratorsMember of the Australian Computer SocietyLived and travelled in Africa, Asia, USA and Europe.

which streetbike is right for me?
So I decided I want to learn to ride a motorcycle, but im not sure where I should start out. Im a girl, 5'6 and fairly petite. I really like the gsxr... Not sure if that would work for me.

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Can a beginner learn to ride a motorcycle that is 1300cc?
I'm going to deploy early next year, and I plan on buying a motorcycle and doing the mandatory riding and safety classes when I get back. I don't really know exactly what I want to get right now. I'm thinking about getting a cruiser that is most likely 650cc or less and buy some saddle bags. Or I'll get a sports bike and add on the touring carrying cases. I really want a Hayabusa simply because it has all of the space I need to have a design painted on it and have the theme I've been think about for some time. The thing is I don't know how to ride yet, and Hayabusas' are 1300cc. I have a few questions: Is it possible or wise to learn to ride motorcycles that are that big and powerful? (I can drive a manual which I know makes it a little easier.) I know bike types depends on preference, but which type of bike would be better? What are some considerations (pros and cons) of both types? I appreciate all answers. Thanks.

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Learning to ride a motorcycle..help?
Ho dangerous is motorcycle? What is the best beginner motorcycle? Is the risk of crashing and dieing worth it? I read that in NY they will give you a license if you take a rider safety course instead of having to do road test?

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will it be okay to learn to ride a motorcycle before learning to ride a car ?
or even learn to drive whilst also learning to ride ? urr whats with the sarcasam i dont know if its a good idea to do it thats why am asking those who do know and have exsperiance with the two. cheers ,yeah i might just learn to ride a motorcycle first then ,ill do 5 lessons for a car just so i can start one but then leave it for abit and focus on the motorcycle

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How should I learn to ride a motorcycle?
I live in central London and after my doing my CBT I want to gert a motorcycle license. Currently, I'm 20 which I know means I will have to get a license which restricts me to 125cc for two years which is fine because insurance/experience. My idea of learning so far is to rent a bike for 3-4 days and learn, before doing a 1-2 day intensive to get me ready for my test. Does anyone have any experience of learning in London / any better ideas? Thanks

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