How easy is it to drive a motorcycle?

Question

I really want to drive a motorcycle someday. Is it easy to learn? What do you to to stay safe as a biker?

ohshee · Accepted Answer

It is easy on one condition.
That is you ride a dirt bike when you write in your street bike you have to have eyes behind your head in front of your head because other cars do not see you you have to be paying attention I mean all the time out in the desert you have stage brush at least here anyway you don't have to worry about somebody else running into you or killing you are slamming on the brakes real quick her opening up their door
Okay so the writing part of a motorcycle that's the easy part but learning how to control it and control the Power Band and make that black do whatever you wanted to do at any given moment that takes a little bit of time so basically you need lots of experience even in the dirt

I used to race dirt bikes I used to be sponsored and when I finish Tracy I bought a street bike I had it for maybe about 5 hours and I turn around and I sold it because I am not disciplined enough to drive with other people in cars and I'm on a bike plus I love the powerband way too much and I'm just I had to be honest with myself there's no way in this world did I could ride a street bike and be safe I just love that powder way too much I tried but I couldn't do it so I had to make hard choices I sold the bike the beginning of Summer just started here in the last past month there has been four deaths on motorcycles and I feel bad for these guys because it should have been made to take any course but how to drive with other vehicles those blind spots are just so many obstacles it's unreal if these guys love the freedom on riding a motorcycle it's all good but you have to know how to handle the bike you have to do at any given moment if a car pulls out in front of you what are you going to do are you going to hit your front and back brake and he's going to hit you back great are you going to pull the front tire up and hope it sends you up and over the car you have to be thinking at all times you have to be able to know how to handle a situation in a split-second and not freak out the moment you freaked out your dead I would say if you want to ride a motorcycle you want to learn now please just learn how to ride a dirt bike

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

Most motorcycles have manual transmissions, which you shift with your left foot, and the clutch lever is operated with your left hand. Your right hand twists the throttle and squeezes the front brake lever and your right foot operates the rear brakes.

It definitely takes some practice, especially if you aren't used to a manual transmission, but you can learn. I would recommend a dirt bike to learn on so you get used to the controls in a more forgiving environment, before you try to move to the streets.

On the streets, you must always behave as if you are invisible and/or that cars are intentionally trying to hit you, because lots of drivers won't see you and some that do are literally indifferent as to running you down. In any bike vs. car collision, you are going to lose big time, and you cannot count on anyone to avoid you - you must avoid them.

The reason I don't have a bike is because Bay Area traffic is just too terrible. Literally every day during the commute, people on motorcycles are hit, and often the rider isn't at fault, but pays a high price anyway.

LindsayR07 · Accepted Answer

It's like riding a bike.

In all seriousness I feel better, safer, on a bike than in a car, but you have to remember a few things:
1. Err on the side of caution, no more beating red lights2. Try not to stop for traffic, take the shoulder if it's legal in your state (or if it's not) to keep your bike from overheating3. Loud pipes save lives.4. Most motorcycle accidents happen on residential streets, highways and interstates are the safest because there's no crosstraffic5. Most bike accidents are due to others negligence, you have to be ultraaware.6. Never be BEHIND or BESIDE a semi, trailers use recaps and when they come off it can take you out, plus you're small and their blindspots are huge 7. Truckers are your friends, many ride themselves, all are aware of how stupid drivers are. As such, when one let's you ahead of them, take the opportunity, they will usually try to keep cars off of you.8. Speed up through turns or if you feel the bike falling, centripetal force picks you back up.9. If other bikers wear vests with backpatches with rockers and esp the letters "MC" steer clear, they belong to an outlaw gang and for a cute young girl that could result in your bike getting stolen and you very probably raped if you interact and they're feeling rowdy.10. Always regularly check in with someone and leave a map of your route somewhere. Everyone knows I leave a map of my route on the table next to my door. If you drop your bike and get pinned this could save you from a stupid death.11. Wear good leathers with as few seams as possible, that is where they come apart. I live in Texas so I usually wear either a tank top and vest or go topless and just wear the vest. The reason for it is A bug's and B if you go down, the road will take the cow hide before the human hide.12. Wear a helmet, it helps the paramedics find all of your brains.

CrazyGirl2 · Accepted Answer

Well, like anything in life, if you know how to do it, then yes it’s easy! The most difficult thing for me was the clutch, and changing gears. But once I got the hand of it, then yes it was easy. I was fortunate to have a wonderful instructor, my dad is amazing, but his one weakness is his lack of patience when teaching. The riding instructor sat behind me and put his hands over mind and did the shifting at first my job was the clutch. When I mastered that, I was also responsible for shifting as well. It took about 20 minutes before I was riding myself, so… all-in-all yes, it was relatively easy. It you can ride a bicycle, you will be able to learn to ride a motorcycle in no time. Good luck, and PLEASE, be safe out there! Seriously, it sometimes seems as if the car drivers are deliberately TRYING to kill us!

andreasderjuengere · Answer

I'd say if you can ride a bicycle, you know 1/4 of biking already. Add one other 1/4 for motorbike specific handling (mainly curves and braking 'skills').
The other half is self discipline and a good sense for dangers all around.

What keeps me alive is mostly my assumption that everyone else on the road is trying to harm me :) - Be prepared; be aware; be concentrated.
If you're in doubt, then take a curve a little slower; some idiots may smirk. You can later visit them in hospital :D
The majority of biking accidents is about inexperienced (young) drivers, over-estimation of oneself, and being ignored (or just not seen) by cars and lorries.

You asked about self-balancing: While riding, the bike assists you in this; you can even ride free hand - but of course that's risky and rather a stunt or a show only.
The 'model' also has an influence; a 'sports bike' and a 'cruiser' have quite different ''characteristics''.
Self righting CAN be a danger in curves, when you brake there. In general there are some ''hidden'' physics to it that really recommend to have some basic training in handling skills.

Be safe :)

Fireguy17 · Answer

Yes, do yourself a favor.
There are courses you can take that teach you from ground up.
Check motorcycle shops in your area, and you use their bikes, they are smaller and easy to learn on.
They make you wear all of the safety equipment, they may provide it, but you can check.
When you are done with the course you have your license.
You don't want to learn from a friend and pick up their bad habits.
I work on the safety team at a major race track and they have them there.
It shouldn't be too hard to find one.
I still remember 100 years ago when I got my temporary cycle license, no more riding around my parents yard.
I went down the driveway, turned left on the road and me and my Vespa scooter with the slightly bent front wheel were going down the road at 45mph.
What freedom!
Since that day I have been to all lower 48 states, Canada, Mexico and I rented one in Hawaii.
Do it right, take the course.

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

If you can ride a bike, then you shouldn't have an issue. This of course depends on if your doing a dirt bike or a street bike.

Here you need motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license, so you have to know how to at least do basic stuff to pass that.

I ride mine like I'm invisible, no one can see me... since chances are, no one actually can or they aren't paying attention. Its all about safety, I just assume no one see's me that I'm super invisible and I have no way to make myself be seen.

This is why many times you see groups of riders together, the more there are the more they are seen.

If you have no experience, I'd recommend taking a class to get the basic's down and then like everything else, practice... won't get good at something without lots of practice.

MTC29 · Answer

Most riders, myself included, learned as we went- we got a learners permit (license) and hit the road. BAD IDEA. Get professional training before starting to ride.

Helmets can be argued endlessly, but professional riders wear them, and they are at skill levels far beyond what any sport rider will ever reach. Going in, expect to drop your bike at least once, and know how to repair a flat tire (carry a tire repair kit with you).

Riding a motorcycle is unlike anything else. You are a part of the machine.

WindAtMyBack · Answer

I'm not a rider. But since I've done some work for a helmet company I'll just say to wear a helmet. The helmet is to protect you and save your life. It's not a fashion accessory. The most important thing is that it's been certified by a qualified agency like Snell or DOT. (Snell is more stringent in their testing). Make sure it fits well. A wrong fitting helmet can do more harm than good, so fit is important.

20yearsolder · Answer

If you're in the United States, search for a motorcycle safety course. A lot of them actually supply the motorcycle. They will actually teach you to ride. My wife did it through the University of Illinois and it cost her 20 bucks. At the end of the class they will give you your $20 back unless you want to donate it to the class.

lightbulb27 · Answer

on a road or dirt?
I wouldn't ride on a road in general because you have to have your skills top notch to watch out for others. I've got 40yrs on a motorcycle and I generally won't' ride one on the road.

Dirt, start with a mellow 4 stroke, learn the controls. takes practice. ride a bicycle first.

electric bicycles or motorcycles may be easier.

Iron_Man · Answer

I wouldn’t say it’s easy if you take two short of a cut when making a turn you’ll go down Plus you have to learn all those gears and shifting my brother‘s neighbor got a motorcycle years ago and he would drive around the cul-de-sac all around the neighborhood before he took it out on US1 the busy highway. Always wear a motorcycle helmet even when riding around the cul-de-sac it can save your life

Likes2drive · Answer

Yeah it’s not that hard as long as you can ride a bicycle it just takes time to get used to the weight and power plus learning how to shift the gears with your left foot and clutch unless you get an automatic. I got my motorcycle license when I was 19

jshm2 · Answer

It's easy to learn and ride, but even easier to die.  Come to think of it, your first accident is usually your last. Something like 80% of bike accidents lead to deaths.

weysally · Answer

you don't drive a motor bike, you ride it, if taught right its easy, but remember, its easier to fall off

douride2 · Answer

I found it very easy to learn to drive a motorcycle. Just like riding a bike but you don't have to pedal.

DarkWinterNights · Answer

I’ve been considering getting one for commuting for the gas mileage alone. I’ve ridden ATV’s all my life, but never a motorcycle.

KelleyNice · Answer

After you learn the controls it is much like riding a bicycle.

Koalamate · Answer

buy the proper protective gear it saved my brothers life

FilmGuy93 · Answer

My understanding is that it's fairly easy, yeah. It would be good for you to take a safety course though.

mantelk · Answer

People made a big deal about driving manual cars. I learned it on my own in one day. I am sure motorcycles are easy to learn too.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

Do a search for "Riders Edge" which is a class taught at Harley Davidson dealerships. This is an excellent class that will teach you all you need to know.

Waldoe · Answer

can you ride a Bike? then you can learn to ride a motorcycle... start off small (50cc Honda)... then go as BIG as you want

Anonymous · Answer

It takes time to learn but a piece of cake when you get the hang of it I am sure you could do it just fine

zagor · Answer

Take a lesson.  I've known people who had motorcycles for years, who couldn't drive stick. So not too hard.

VV3ZZY · Answer

So dangerous. Not because of your driving, but because of other peoples driving.

Old_Golden · Answer

Assume every car on the road is trying to kill you, because they will

Anonymous · Answer

You know what they call motorcyclists? "Organ donors". Good luck.

dustybiker · Answer

Motojitsu - youtube. Good place to start research.

Andres77 · Answer

Distance is your friend.

Adogdog · Answer

It's not hard at all.

Kelly6 · Answer

Very easy

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