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Start out learning back roads without traffic

by Anita
(Charleston, WV)

I started riding on the back roads, not traffic, not traffic lights and well not much of nothing but the road and me. I think that by doing this type of riding, I built my confidence and comfort with my machine. I then moved to riding on the freeway during the week after 9 AM and before Noon to avoid the high traffic times, this really made me nervous! I then started taking the freeway more often and have become very comfortable to where now I like the freeway because its much quicker. Riding in groups also helps a new rider get comfortable.

Comments for Start out learning back roads without traffic

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Jun 21, 2008

how to get out on the street?
by: gina

I am learning to ride and have had my bike about a month. I still do not feel that comfort level to be out in traffic but at the same time I feel if I dont get out there I will not get the confindence, make any sense? I ride with my boyfriend he say I just need to do it. How did you just do it? I love hte feel of the bike when I get up to speed but at the same time riding in traffice still makes me nervous. What tips do you have?

Mar 05, 2008

Back roads are great -
by: Jacee

if you have them. I had to learn in a city with the back roads way too far away to be useful to me. I would have had to get TO the back roads, which would include lots of traffic. So the next best thing was a very large church parking lot. With my husband as coach (he's ridden for almost 30 years), I wore out that parking lot. ;^)

Building up confidence in traffic-free areas and learning your motorcycle until you can work the controls without thinking about them is the optimum way to learn to ride. When I felt confident enough, my husband rode his bike in front of me as I learned to ride in traffic. I can't emphasize enough the importance of the motorcycle training classes. I believe EVERY driver needs to take at least the classroom part of that course. I became a better car driver because it made me very aware of everything around me - especially the presence of motorcyclists!

I don't agree that riding in groups is a safe activity for a new rider. Most people who have been riding in groups for quite a while are very comfortable (and sometimes very cavalier) with the rules and the closeness of other riders. For me, riding in a group, even after a year, made me very nervous. A nervous motorcyclist is a dangerous one. When riding in a group you have other things to consider besides you, your bike and the car traffic. You have to pay attention to the rider in front of you and the rider in back of you. It's really too much for a new rider, unless like me, you stay at the back of the pack. Riding with one or two people is best to start out.

Happy and safe riding!

Mar 05, 2008

Yes, back roads and also...
by: Cathy G

Riding on back roads is a great idea, and I think working on your slow maneuvering in parking lots is also a good way to become comfortable with your bike (I guess you're still looking for one?). Read websites like this one and keep reading articles. I learned a lot just from reading various websites- there is a lot of good information out there from safety tips to finding the best gear. Riding in groups like Anita mentioned is also a really good idea. One thing I read that really stuck out for me is to "ride your own ride", and this is helpful if you ride in groups- ride at your comfort level and don't feel pressured to do anything more than you feel confident in doing. Your skills will develop over time as you keep riding, so don't push yourself to keep up. Another crucial bit of advice: When riding, always look where you want to go- the bike really does go where you look. It's a common beginner's trap- to look and focus on where you don't want to go (like a ditch)- just look where you want your bike to go and you'll be doing great! I hope this helps. As for the best bike, I started on a Kawasaki Ninja 250 but outgrew it within a year. If you plan to get one bike for a fairly long time, I'd go ahead and look for something in the 500/600cc range. Practice the slow maneuvers, get used to the throttle and friction zone, and always LOOK where you want to go :)

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