Basic Motorcycle Driving Skills
- 1/19If you start moving from a stop on a motorcycle
Begin by slowly releasing the clutch while gently rolling on the throttle. This balances power and control, helping you avoid stalling or sudden movement.
When you ride a motorcycle, how should you keep your knees
Keeping your knees tight against the fuel tank improves balance and control, especially in curves or windy conditions. It also helps stabilize the body during turns or stops.
If you handle a tight turn at low speed
Use the rear brake lightly and turn your head to look through the turn. This helps maintain balance and guides the bike smoothly through the curve.
When you approach an intersection on a motorcycle
Always be ready to stop or evade. Covering your brakes and checking both directions improves your response time and helps you avoid unexpected hazards.
If you want to ride in the correct lane position
Proper lane position increases your visibility to other drivers, helps you maintain safe space cushions, and avoids road hazards and blind spots.
When you corner, what is the correct head position
Your motorcycle goes where you look. Keeping your eyes through the turn, not down at the road, helps you maintain smooth and safe cornering.
When you make normal stops on a motorcycle
Applying both brakes provides balanced stopping power. Relying only on one brake reduces effectiveness and can lead to skidding, especially in wet or sandy conditions.
If you want to maintain balance while stopping at slow speeds
Keeping your head up and handlebars straight helps you maintain balance at stops. Avoid sudden jerks or looking down, which can cause tipping.
When you countersteer on a motorcycle
To initiate a turn at speeds above 20 km/h, push the handlebar in the opposite direction this technique is called countersteering and helps control lean and direction.
If you turn at higher speeds
Hard braking during a turn can cause loss of traction and lead to a skid or crash. Always slow down before the turn and use smooth throttle through the curve.
When you position your feet on the footrests while riding
Keep the balls of your feet on the footrests to allow quick shifting and braking. This position improves control, prevents fatigue, and reduces the chance of hitting the ground.
If you want to come to a smooth stop
To stop smoothly, gradually downshift while gently applying both brakes. This method balances your deceleration and ensures engine speed matches your road speed.
When you ride at slow speed, what is the role of the clutch
Feathering the clutch means partially engaging it to regulate power to the rear wheel. It helps maintain balance and control during slow-speed maneuvers or tight turns.
If you keep your head and eyes up while riding
Looking up and ahead improves balance and gives you more time to react to hazards, curves, or traffic. It helps maintain smooth movement and direction.
If you must ride over a pothole
If avoiding the pothole isn’t possible, stand slightly on the footrests, grip the tank with your knees, and keep a straight path to absorb the shock.
While you make a lane change
Always use your turn signal, check mirrors, and perform a shoulder check. This ensures no vehicles are in your blind spot and alerts others to your movement.
If you ride over railroad tracks
Always approach railroad tracks at a 90-degree angle or as straight as possible. This prevents the tire from getting caught or slipping on the metal surface.
When you handle gravel roads or loose surfaces
On loose or gravel surfaces, reduce speed, maintain a steady throttle, and avoid sudden steering or braking. This ensures traction and reduces the risk of a skid.
If you brake during a curve
Braking in a turn can disrupt balance, reduce traction, and cause the bike to stand up or skid. Always brake before entering the curve, not during.