More and more people are choosing to switch from driving cars to riding motorcycles. Motorcycles can be an exciting and liberating way to get around. However, the transition does require some adjustments. Follow these 5 important tips when switching from four wheels to two.
Get Proper Motorcycle Training
If you’ve only ever driven a car, it’s essential to take a motorcycle training course before getting on a bike. Even if you’re an experienced driver, operating a motorcycle requires a different set of skills.
Take a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course to understand the controls and practice basic riding skills in a safe environment with professional instruction. After completing CBT, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc on public roads with L plates.
For full licencing, take additional courses like Direct Access for larger bikes. Proper training will make you a confident, skilful rider.
Start Small
The engine size, height and weight of your first motorcycle should match your experience level. Beginners do best on lighter bikes around 125cc to 300cc with a low seat height. This makes them easy to handle while you build skills and confidence. Respect the power of motorcycles and work up slowly to bigger, faster bikes. A lightweight commuter or standard bike is a good place to start. Take care not to overestimate your abilities and choose a bike that’s challenging for your current skill level.
Gear Up
An essential part of staying safe on a motorcycle is wearing proper motorcycle gear. This means a helmet, jacket, trousers, boots and gloves specifically designed for motorcycle use. Quality motorcycle gear protects you from injury in the event of a crash while also keeping you comfortable in all weather conditions.
Focus your budget on the helmet by choosing one that’s well-fitted and meets safety standards. Then choose jackets, trousers, boots and gloves with protective features like armour and abrasion resistance. Wear all your gear each time you ride.
Adjust Your Mindset
When transitioning from a car, it takes time to adjust your mental approach to riding. Cars provide a enclosed shell of safety with seatbelts and airbags. On a motorcycle, you feel more exposed and vulnerable. This requires increased focus, situational awareness and defensiveness. Be extra vigilant about scanning for potential hazards and always ride like other motorists don’t see you. Assume an invisible protective bubble of space around you. Develop your risk assessment skills and know your limits. Respect the motorcycle and ride within your abilities. It won’t be long before you’re thinking “where can I sell my car Leeds?” and stick to your motorbike full time.
Practice Low Risk Riding
Learning to ride safely and defensively is critical. Be very cautious with speed, braking and cornering. Smooth out your throttle, braking and steering inputs. Scan far ahead to anticipate situations. Allow larger safety margins on following distance, road position and speed. Be particularly careful of road surfaces, weather conditions and hazards that can destabilise the motorcycle. Avoid risky scenarios like busy motorways, group riding and night riding until you have experience. Follow the rules of the road and don’t give in to temptation to show off or test your limits. Prioritise your safety above all else.
After gaining experience, you can gradually upgrade your motorcycle and riding skills. But always make safety your top priority.
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