Learn to Ride a Motorcycle Properly - Lite Course

Learning to ride a motorcycle

Biking is a fabulous pastime, people are learning to ride a motorcycle for economic reasons. On the whole, motorcycles are less expensive to purchase, tax and insure than cars. Taking account of the cost of learning, they offer a cheaper route to getting mobile.

Parking is generally easier and less expensive for motorcycles. It can also mean quicker travel, by allowing riders to minimise the frustrations of traffic congestion. Given these benefits, there is also a good case for motorcycles to be used as a greener mode of transport.

Riders must recognise and take responsibility for their own vulnerability on the roads. This requires an investment in good protective clothing, plus a commitment to both compulsory and ongoing motorcycle training. On today’s faster and congested roads, rider responsibility demands the highest levels of observation, anticipation and planning.

Basic Training is the starting point. It sets the minimum standard for new riders, allowing them to ride unaccompanied on the road safely, it is effectively the lowest level of rider skill and rider safety. This contentious observation is supported by statistics that attribute most motorcycle accidents to rider error.

For new riders we suggest that basic training does not tick all the boxes of ‘learning to ride a motorcycle’. Novice riders should take to the roads with care, take responsibility and commit to ongoing motorcycle training.

Preparing for Training

A new rider's training experience can be more effective with preparation. where video and e-learning can boost understanding and knowledge.

It is recommended to wear appropriate clothing, as a minimum they should wear a helmet. They should also wear thick denim jeans, a heavy jacket, sturdy boots and motorcycle gloves (if they don't have proper motorcycle clothing. Shorts, T-shirts and trainers are not appropriate.

Having proper motorcycle clothing offers the best protection.

Learners Academy Explained

This course does not substitute professional motorcycle training. It has been structured to enhance the skills and knowledge gained through professional training and as an essential learning platform.

For students embarking on motorcycling for the first time, there is a lot to take in during training. This is especially true for those who are completely new to the road who may find it difficult to take it all in and set the required skills.

The course has been put together by a team of highly experienced, skilled and qualified motorcycle instructors. It has been further enhanced through student feedback and then endorsed by an independent Advisory Panel.

The goal of this course is to be a better skilled, more confident and safer rider. The course enhances a student’s motorcycle training experience through pre-learning and the opportunity to visualise and internalise the core components of safe motorcycle riding with instructional videos.

The outcome is a better prepared, less stressed training experience. Motorcycle instructors are more empowered to train, because students attend with a higher induction level from home learning.

Common Rider Faults

Before starting training, students should be able to ride a two wheeled pushbike. This ensures they have sufficient balance and skill to ride a motorcycle or moped

Students who cannot ride a pushbike (or have not ridden one for some time) will find it difficult riding a motorcycle. Students should refresh their two wheeled skills before attending motorcycle training.

During a training, new riders need to absorb lots of new information and for this reason, pre study is wise and will result in a better training experience. This course is structured to pave the way to the best possible learning experience.

General advice to avoid a poor experience:

► Avoid feeling rushed, overwhelmed or intimidated

► Opt for training that allows you to learn at your own pace

► Do not look down at the ground when riding

► Don’t proceed onto the road ride unless fully confident

► Request more off road training if required

► Trust Instructor’s judgement, listen and take their advice

► Accept that it is natural to feel a little apprehensive at first

► Always be safe, in control of both emotions and motorcycle

Novice riders must learn to shift their attention from their motorcycle controls and the road just ahead of their front wheel, to what is happening ahead, behind and to the sides. They must develop the skills to adjust position for the best view, have good observations and react accordingly to what they see.

Rear checks - are required before signalling, changing direction, altering speed and on approach to hazards. They involve turning the head to look behind into the motorcyclists blind spot, along with the effective use of mirrors. blind spots are the areas to the sides and slightly to the rear that are not visible through the mirrors.

Rear observations ensure full awareness and allow riders to ensure that it is safe to continue with their plan. They also inform other road users of an intended manoeuvre. Rear checks are required when indicating, slowing down or stopping, changing lanes, overtaking, moving off and negotiating junctions.

New riders must develop the skill of correctly timing their rear observations and recognise when such observations might be dangerous. They should also avoid getting into the bad habit of looking over the shoulder too frequently or at the wrong time.

During rear observations, riders can momentarily lose touch with what is happening ahead, plus run the risk of veering off course. In heavy traffic, whilst travelling at speed or when overtaking, poorly timed or excessive rear observations can be dangerous.

Novice riders must also understand and learn that in certain situations, failing to use effective rear observations can be dangerous. Examples include, when turning right into minor roads, when moving out to overtake a slower moving vehicle.

Lifesaver checks - are the final shoulder observations to the left or right blind spot area before committing to a manoeuvre. When performing lifesavers, new riders must take care not to adversely affect their motorcycles balance or steering which may alter their road position.

Forward observations - are as critical as rearward observations and new riders must develop the ability to constantly interpret what is happening ahead. As well as looking directly in front, observations are extended to the middle and far distance, as well as implementing good forward scanning techniques.

Skilled riders will constantly use extended forward vision and observations, using them to adjust speed and stop safely if necessary. Effective forward observations aids effective awareness and planning, with the scope to respond to the changing environment and developing hazards.

Parked vehicles, road furniture, hedgerows and other obstructions can block a rider’s view. Skilled riders use good vision to anticipate, decide on a plan and safely adapt a new riding position to maximise their view.

Riders must extend their observations to anticipate the actions of other road users and then position to be seen and give more room for error. This is especially important when approaching junctions where other vehicles are waiting to emerge and may not have seen an approaching motorcyclist.

In moving traffic, riders must be aware of other vehicles blind spots. The use of high visibility motorcycle clothing and the use of dipped headlights, even in daytime riding is advised.

Effective observation also includes using clues to anticipate potential hazards. For instance, for vehicles parked outside a school, there might be a risk of children suddenly running out, or car doors opening or vehicles suddenly pulling away.

Developing good observation is essential to  increasing rider safety. The key to improving these and other skills relies on rider responsibility and recognising the importance of ongoing professional motorcycle training. With this commitment to training comes higher levels of competency, increased safety, greater confidence and a vastly enhanced riding experience.

The 5 Basic Controls

There are five basic controls that must be mastered in order to safely operate and ride a motorcycle. There are many other important controls, but until a new rider has reached a level of proficiency with these five basic controls, they will struggle with other aspects of riding a motorcycle.

Clutch

► Disengages the drive when in gear

► Pull in the clutch to select first gear

► Use it slowly when pulling away

► Vital for slow control and stopping

► Aids smoother gear changes

Throttle

► Use a flat wrist

► Use gently, do not be aggressive

► Turn it away from rider to allow engine braking

Front brake

► All four fingers

► Finger tips only

► When the bike is in an upright position and in a straight line

► From high speed to low speed

► Never in a corner or when bike is leaned over

► Not used at slow speeds or when steering the handlebars

Rear brake

► Only at slow speed

► Use when cornering or steering the handlebars

Gear lever

► Sequential gearbox - up or down one gear at a time

► Speed up - change up

► Slow down - change down

How to hold the bars

Having the correct grip on the handlebars is imperative when riding a motorcycle. By adopting a light grip, learner riders will avoid suffering with sore hands, tension in the arms, shoulders and neck.

A light grip translates to being more relaxed and less fatigued, along with improved handling skills.

Right hand - The right hand operates the throttle. Maintaining a flat wrist posture, without angling the wrist over or dropping it down will result in a far more effective operation of the throttle. This ensures maximum control, without getting a sore wrist. The thumb of the right hand should be used to operate the righthandlebar switchgear, whilst ensuring a full grip remains on the throttle. Fingertips should be used to operate the front brake.

Left hand - The left hand holds the left-handlebar grip and when needed the fingertips are used to operate the clutch. The thumb of the left hand is used to operate the left handlebar switchgear.

Operating the Controls

With respect to these additional controls, it is natural for learner riders to glance down to use them initially. Practice is the essential stepping stone to a rider keeping their eyes on the road, whilst operating the other controls. Even though motorcycle controls can vary slightly between models, the most common configuration is as follows:

Left switch gear

Controls that are operated with the thumb of the left hand are:

► Horn

► Left and right indicator switch

► Indicator cancelling switch

► Headlight (low and high beam).

► The passing light switch is normally situated on the front of the left switch gear and is operated using the first finger of the left hand.

Central controls

There may be some variations on different motorcycles, for most learner style motorcycles, the only central control is the ignition. This can be operated with either hand and would only be operated whilst the motorcycle is stationary and out of gear (in neutral).

► Clocks

► Speedometer

► Rev counter

► Fuel gauge

► Indicator and warning lights

Right switch gear

Controls that are operated with the thumb of the right hand are:

► Starter button

► Emergency kill switch.

Daily Motorcycle Checks - VOLTS

Riders should learn how to check their motorcycle on a daily basis. Basic daily checks should only take a minute, so there is no excuse!

Confidence in a motorcycle’s road worthiness increases rider safety. If higher mileage journeys are being planned, then more extensive checks are required. In relation to basic daily checks, see below:

Daily checks (VOLTS)

This is a useful mnemonic to remember the essential daily checks must be carried out at the beginning of each day or journey.

V - Visual

O - Oil

L - Lights

T - Tyres and brakes

S - Steering and suspension

There are a number of commonly used mnemonics used to reference daily motorcycle checks, VOLTS being a popular one. Learner riders are advised to check with their local training provider, who may have a good alternative.

Basic Motorcycle Checks - POWDDERSSS

Riders should learn how to fully check their motorcycle to ensure that it is roadworthy at all times. The road is dangerous enough without adding further risk by not having a serviceable motorcycle.

Weekly Motorcycle checks - POWDDERSSS

Instructors always offer advice on how to keep a motorcycle in a safe and roadworthy condition. To help remember the essential weekly checks, the mnemonic POWDDERSSS is a good memory aid.

There are a number of other excellent approaches to use the right routine for weekly checks. Learner riders are advised to check with their local training school for their trainers' preferred method.

P - Petrol

O - Oil

W - Water

D - Drive

D - Damage

E - Electric

R - Rubber

S - Steering

S - Suspension

S - Stopping

It is also important to refer to the owner’s manual for specific checks and servicing requirements.

Safety Position

The safety position:

(1) sitting on the motorcycle

(2) right foot on the rear brake

(3) both hands holding the handlebars

(4) head up, looking forward to aid stability and balance

(5) left foot supporting the motorcycle, first gear must be selected (with the clutch in), ready to pull away

Adopting the safety position aids full throttle control whilst pulling away. If the front brake is applied, it would be difficult to pull away being in full control of the throttle.

By having the right foot up and on the rear brake

► correct brake is applied

► rear brake light is illuminated

► bike will not roll on a hill

► right foot is out of harm’s way

► less danger in the event of a nudge from the rear

The safety position is an essential skill that all learner riders should master. As a riding discipline, using the safety position early in training, will result in a novice rider learning how to sit correctly from the start.

Mastering the safety position helps with a number of manoeuvres e.g. hill starts and angle start.

Selecting 1st gear

An essential step to getting a motorcycle moving is being confident in selecting both first gear and neutral. This skill requires the learner rider to understand how the clutch is operated in conjunction with the gears and the relationship between the clutch, the gears and the throttle.

Before moving away for the first time, riders should practice the process of pulling’ the clutch lever in, to engage both first gear and neutral. They should also learn what to do if second gear is inadvertently selected if trying to select neutral.

Selecting first gear from neutral

► Apply front brake and put right foot on floor

► Pull in the clutch and left foot onto the foot peg

► Left toe pushes down onto the gear lever and select 1st gear

► Left foot down, lift the right foot up and apply the rear brake

► Release the front brake and hold the throttle correctly

Selecting neutral from first gear

► Apply front brake and right foot down

► Lift the left foot and push the gear lever up into neutral

► Left foot down and apply the rear brake with the right foot

► Release the clutch lever with both brakes still applied

► Release the front brake lever and hold throttle correctly

Pulling Away and Stopping

The process of learning to pull away and stop for the first time is exciting. It is at this point that the five main motorcycle controls are used. Riders will use the throttle, clutch, front brake, rear brake and gears.

This aspect of learning to ride a motorcycle takes a significant amount of time and should not be rushed. Motorcycle instructors will nurture and skilfully guide their students step by step, until novice riders become competent with this skill to move on to the next stage of training.

Learner riders should to be patient, take their time and accept that repetition is the key to success. Improving riding skills demands a step by step approach and when learning to pull away and stop, the objective is to gain confidence in coordinating the basic motorcycle controls.

Throttle - use a flat wrist and only a small amount of revs to get the motorcycle moving forwards.

Clutch - use the ends of the fingers only to use the clutch bite. Make sure the clutch control is smooth and get used to using a sustained biting point, this can feel unnatural at first.

Front brake - there is no requirement to use the front brake whilst pulling away and stopping at slow speed. If the front brake is used in error, ensure the bike is travelling in a straight line. If both feet are on the ground to aid stability the rider will have to use the front brake. If the front brake is used it should be used gently and never aggressively.

Rear brake - this is the recommended brake to use for all slow control exercises.

Gear lever - having mastered selecting first gear and neutral, pulling away and stopping builds confidence and skills when introducing the other controls.

Slow control

Slow control skills are essential to road safety and come into play in a wide variety of situations. Slow moving or queued traffic, slow control is required by using the clutch, throttle, gears and rear brake.

Also when approaching and negotiating road junctions. Other situations where slow control is required includes: filtering, riding in congestion, riding/pulling away on an incline, riding in car parks and in any situation where safety dictates.

This skill requires novice riders to become confident in controlling the speed and forward movement of the motorcycle by feathering the clutch to maintain biting point. This requires fine clutch control, where the clutch is held between being engaged and disengaged. The throttle is maintained with more revs required, to give sufficient power to the engine to prevent it from stalling. The rear brake can be used to slow the speed of the bike when required.

Slow control riding is usually at walking speed and generally around 3-4 mph. Any slower than this and novice riders will experience balance issues. Any faster and the rider will be relying on the throttle to control the speed of the bike instead of using the correct balance of clutch and throttle. Use the following to aid slow control:

Clutch - on the clutch bite to control the speed

Throttle - to stop the engine from stalling

Rear brake - to slow the bike if travelling too fast

Left foot - only needed to engage first gear to pull away

Head position - looking up for balance and stability

Front brake - do not use when moving slowly

Figure of Eight

The figure of-eight is a slow control exercise. It brings together the co-ordination of clutch, throttle and rear brake, along with the introduction of steering and the correct riding posture.

For learner riders the figure-of-eight is not an easy manoeuvre to master. Head position becomes vital, with a requirement to keep the head up and looking in the direction of travel. The exercise also gives riders the opportunity to practice maintaining effective throttle and clutch control whilst steering the bike to the left and right.

A good technique is to imagine a centre point between the two cones and to use this imagined point as an aiming marker for each complete turn. The rider should arrive back to the same centre point each time in preparation to ride the next ‘circle’.

Circles can be large to start with and even in shape to make this exercise easier, making them smaller the more proficient they become.

Remember:

► Keep the head up to aid balance and stability

► Be gentle with the throttle

► Clutch at biting point at all times to control the bikes speed

► Rear brake only during this exercise

► Look where you want the bike to go

► Keep the chin up

► Steer the bike smoothly when turning

U-Turn

The U-turn exercise is a great opportunity for new riders to practice developing their slow control skills a confined area. Confidence in this manoeuvre is important in real life road situations between kerbs.

This U-turn is usually practised in a safe environment between painted lines or a set of cones. This ensures there are no physical barriers in place in the early stages. The U-turn exercise requires control of the clutch, throttle, rear brake, steering, posture and head position.

The key is for the rider to create maximum room within the turning area, whilst maintaining full control of the clutch, throttle and rear brake (if needed).

Mirror checks and lifesavers are required, as this exercise is intended to represent riding a U-turn between two kerbs on the road. There is a safety need for good observations and a lifesaver before turning.

Remember:

► Carry out rear observations before pulling away

► Keep the machine steady and under full control whilst riding parallel to the line (kerb)

► Carry out a lifesaver before turning

► Ensure motorcycle is close to the line (kerb) prior to turning, this creates a maximum turning area

► Look in the intended direction of travel throughout

► Make good steering movement and commit to the turn

Gear changing

Operating the gears and ensuring that the correct gear is selected is an important skill to master. As well as being aware of how gears should be matched to the bikes speed, it is also important to understand how gears are selected in relation to the motorcycle speed in all conditions.

Key point to remember

► Speed-up : change-up

► Slow-down : change-down

During training, learner riders will learn about the motorcycle’s sequential gear box and how to use the controls to smoothly to change gear.

Changing up

► Throttle off before each gear change

► Clutch in and select the next highest gear

► Don’t rush the gear change

► Release the gear lever fully

► Release the clutch before using the throttle

Changing down

► Throttle off before each gear change

► Brake to bring the bike to the desired speed

► Clutch in and select the next lowest gear

► Release the clutch slowly to take up the drive

► At desired speed release the brakes and continue riding

Controlled braking

The front brake is the more powerful brake and must be used gently. For an effective application of the brake, learner riders should use all four fingers and avoid snatching or grabbing the brake lever. The front brake should only be used when the bike is in an upright position and travelling in a straight line. It must not be used in a corner.

The rear brake is less effective at higher speeds. At speed, it is generally used in conjunction with the front brake. However, if needing to slow down in a bend, the rear brake would be used on its own. As a general rule, use the rear brake on its own when riding slowly or turning the handlebars.

Both brakes

► Used together from high speed to low speed

► When the bike is in an upright position

► Travelling in a straight line

Front brake only

► Sometimes taught as a means of giving a signal to the traffic behind when taking off a small amount of speed.

► Generally, the front brake is not used on its own to slow down or stop

Rear brake only

► Slow control situations

► When steering the bike

► In a bend or corner

Engine braking

► At the start of every slowing down manoeuvre

► In a corner

► Losing a few miles per hour

► When it won’t affect any road users behind

Emergency Stop

An emergency stop should be a last resort, good forward planning should prevent the need for an emergency stop. It is far better to identify hazards early enough so that a rider never has the need to carry out a quick braking exercise.

In the event that emergency braking is required, riders should stay upright and travel in a straight line. Some motorcycles have ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems), but if motorcycles don’t have it and the wheel’s lock, release the brakes immediately to regain traction and then re-apply them with less pressure.

Dry conditions

► Throttle off

► Apply front brake to allow the brakes to start binding

► Apply rear brake a fraction of a second later

► Gentle application of both brakes

► Continue to squeeze the front brake only

► Keep the brakes applied until the bike stops

► Just before stopping, pull the clutch in to prevent the bike stalling

► No gear changes are necessary until stopped

► Put left foot down to stabilise the bike

Wet conditions

► Throttle off

► Apply front brake to allow the brakes to start binding

► Apply rear brake a fraction of a second later

► Gentle application of both brakes

► Continue to squeeze evenly on both brakes

► Keep the brakes applied until the bike stops

► Just before stopping, pull the clutch in to prevent the bike stalling

► No gear changes are necessary until stopped

► Put left foot down to stabilise the bike

Basic Counter steering

Counter steering is an essential skill to safely negotiate bends and corners. At slow speed the handlebars are turned to steer the bike (as with the U-turn and figure-of eight). Counter steering takes time to master and learner riders tend to improve as they develop through practice.

Riders should ensure that their speed in corners does not exceed their ability.

Simple explanation (push on the inside bar)

► To steer right - Look right - Push right

► To steer left - Look left - Push left

Look in the direction of intended travel. In a bend look through the corner and to the exit of the bend. Locate the aiming point through the corner and at the start of the corner, gently push the handlebar with the palm of the hand down and away from the body (in the direction of travel). This weight transfer results in the motorcycle leaning in to the corner and as this happens, it becomes a natural manoeuvre to negotiate the bend.

Counter steering is a skill and must be understood, practiced and mastered. With practice comes confidence, and the ability to put the motorcycle where the rider wants to end up.

Remember:

► Look in the direction of travel

► Keep the head up, look ahead and through the corner

► Do not look down at the ground in front of the bike

► Do not focus on a single point

► With the palm of the hand, push the handlebar forward, down and in the intended direction of travel

► Relax and go with it

► Lean slightly in to the corner if necessary