Stop procrastinating
Just get on a bike and start riding . Don ’ t keep putting it off because sometimes later can become never . Your age is irrelevant . Don ’ t listen to all the risk-averse naysayers telling you how dangerous motorbikes can be . Adopting a defensive riding style will eliminate a lot of risk and hazards . Life ’ s for living , why not live it loudly ? I was the least natural rider to begin with , crikey – if I can do it – anyone can . If you ’ re still stuck in the ‘ thinking about it ’ stage of getting into motorcycling , take a taster session . In a controlled environment with an instructor that comes recommended . Sometimes a female instructor can make the prospect of the experience less daunting . It ’ s much easier than you ’ ll imagine . If you can ride a push-bike , you can ride a motorbike .
For relatively new riders
Believe in yourself . Take the opportunity to learn from and practice with someone whose experience and patience is far-reaching . Find yourself a riding partner that doesn ’ t mind acting as your mentor too . Shadowing is a great way to learn . Ride as often as you can and even though you may go through a steep learning curve – occasionally feeling out of your comfort zone – keep riding . Be patient with yourself content in the knowledge that sooner rather than later , you ’ ll become a competent rider . Avoid task loading yourself on the road , instead practice in empty car parks away from all the distractions you encounter in traffic to hone your slow-speed skills . As well , go on lots of ride outs and practice , practice , practice !
Don ’ t be intimidated by the macho image
Yes , motorcycling is still male-dominated but ignore the stereotype of the big burly guy on his whopping 1200cc machine . And needing enduro / motocross training as a pre-requisite skill to ride a motorcycle , is a myth . There are increasingly more women taking to two wheels on smaller , lighter bikes . Get out of your own stereotype too and know women can ride just as easily as men . .
Join the world of adventure motorcycling
Find a local motorcycle club or find a few ; make friends with other riders and there will be oodles of people eager to help and support you go from zero to lets go ! Riding has opened up a whole world of excitement and life long friendship for me .
Buying the bike
Before buying a motorcycle , test ride as many as you can . Ask yourself what do you want your two wheels predominantly for . Although a personal choice , a smaller bike may be a good choice for commuting to and from work , ideal for negotiating through busy traffic . A touring bike capable of carrying significant luggage may appeal for longer distance road trips . Do you want to ride off road and therefore need good ground clearance ? Is sitting upright astride the bike preferable , will you be carrying a pillion and do you require your trusty steed to give you sizeable mileage in between filling up – are other aspects to factor in . Spoked wheels can be easier to fix on the road than alloy ones is another consideration . Above all , choose a motorcycle that will meet your needs and capabilities .