Motorcycle Riding Tips

Any rider can benefit from brushing up on motorcycle riding tips. New riders are still trying to learn the strategies and are needing reinforcement of the ideas to help them stick. Experienced riders can check their technique and ensure they haven't picked up bad habits. We discuss the basics of motorcycle riding below. If you are looking for a motorcycle dealership, look no further than Maxey's Motorsports. You'll find us in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

How to Brake

Braking is one of the most crucial aspects of motorcycle riding. It helps you keep your speed under control as you barrel down a hill quickly gaining speed. It helps you avoid a collision, whether it's another motorist slamming on their brakes or an animal darting in front of your path. But the process is quite different than braking on a car, which can be hard to get used to.

Motorcycles only have two wheels to stop and most of the stopping power is found in the front. You will still need to apply both sets of brakes at the same time, but you do get more stopping power up front. 

It can take time to get used to the unique braking style, so you'll want to dedicate time to practicing in a no-traffic situation. Look for an empty parking lot or a low-traffic residential road. You'll want to figure out how to stop quickly without locking the brakes.

How to Pass

Your motorcycle is a lean, mean, speed machine. You're going to want to pass those slowpokes on the road! Many people find passing easier than braking since you will be using on-demand acceleration to propel you through the passing. The key is maximizing your visibility before you start to pass. Make sure you only pass when you are legally able to. Different states have different laws on a motorcycle passing between lanes, so be sure to find out what the rules are for the state you are riding in (don't forget to look it up when you are on a road trip crossing state lines).

When you are ready to begin passing, make sure you maintain good following distance behind the car you're overtaking (so that you can see oncoming traffic). This is simple enough on an open road but becomes a bit more complicated if you are coming out of a blind area (such as a corner). If you want to pass out of a corner, head to the outside of the lane during the turn as it'll give you a better vantage. If the road is clear, open the throttle and pass that car. 

How to Shift Gears

It's easy to understand the mechanics of how shifting gears work. It's another thing entirely to get it second nature. While it'd be great if there was some easy tip to make the process easier, really all it comes down to is the importance of practice. Focus on smooth control over the clutch as you practice. Each motorcycle will have its own sweet spot between each gear, so you'll need to get used to your given model. Try to upshift and downshift in a way that gives consistent motion without jerking motions.

Steering

Riding motorcycles is an athletic activity because of their steering style. You have to push your handlebars the direction you want to go and keep the pressure through the turn. It engages many muscle groups to maintain control of your machine. It'll take time to get used to your motorcycle's turning radius, so engage in plenty of practice before hitting the open road.

For all your motorcycle needs, visit Maxey's Motorsports. We are a motorcycle dealership proudly serve those in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.