Alright, so I finally bit the bullet and decided to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Always looked cool, right? Figured it was time to stop just thinking about it and actually do it.
First things first: research. I spent like, a week just watching YouTube videos and reading articles about beginner bikes and basic techniques. I was totally overwhelmed. So many opinions! But I narrowed it down to a few bikes that seemed manageable for a newbie.
Next up, safety course. I booked a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse. Seriously, do this. It’s worth every penny. They provide the bikes (usually small 250cc or similar), helmets, and teach you everything from the very beginning. I’m talking clutch control, throttle, braking, the whole shebang. I stalled that thing a million times in the first hour. Embarrassing, but everyone else was doing it too.
The instructors were awesome. Patient, clear, and really emphasized safety. I learned about things like lean angle, counter-steering (which sounds way more complicated than it is), and emergency braking. The course was two days, and by the end, I felt way more confident. Still terrified, but confident.
Then came the hard part: buying a bike. I went back and forth for ages. I was looking at a used Honda Rebel 300, a Yamaha V Star 250, and even a Kawasaki Ninja 400 (but that felt a bit too sporty for my first bike). Finally, I found a used Suzuki DR200S for a steal. It’s a dual-sport, so I figured I could mess around on some dirt roads too. Plus, it was super light and easy to handle. Perfect for a beginner like me.
Getting it home was…interesting. I had a buddy who already rides follow me. I was so nervous. The clutch felt totally different than the ones on the MSF bikes, and I kept overthinking everything. But I made it! Slow and steady.
Practice, practice, practice. That’s all I did for the next few weeks. Empty parking lots became my best friend. I practiced slow-speed maneuvers, figure eights, and emergency stops. I focused on getting comfortable with the controls and building muscle memory.
I slowly started venturing out onto quiet streets. The first few times were terrifying. Cars seemed huge and fast. I was constantly checking my mirrors and overthinking every move. But with each ride, it got a little easier. I started to relax and actually enjoy it.
Now, after a couple of months, I’m still a beginner. I still get nervous sometimes, especially in heavy traffic. But I can confidently say that I can ride a motorcycle. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The feeling of freedom and connection to the road is unlike anything else.
So, is it hard? Yes, in the beginning. But with proper training, patience, and a lot of practice, anyone can learn. And trust me, it’s worth it.
- Take an MSF course. Seriously.
- Start with a small, manageable bike.
- Practice in a safe environment.
- Be patient with yourself.
- Wear proper gear. Always.
And most importantly: Have fun!
