can I learn to ride a motorcycle if I don't know how to ride a bike?

Answer 1

Yes, you can. I taught my gf at the time, and she grew up in a very conservative family that really sheltered the girls (she was vn). She was quite short too--4'11". She learned on a Rebel 250, which we chose because it was the smallest engine we could find, and the lowest seat height, so she could plant her legs for balance. The funny thing is, we did play around alot on bicycles too. Motorcycles are heavy--even the Rebel weighs 300 lbs, which is an awful lot of weight for a lil' girl to toss around when you're learning how to control the throttle and clutch *and* balance. So, we actually borrowed bicycles and rode them for *hours*--mostly at slower speeds, bcs you get a much better sense of balance. We also used bicycles to help her understand the concept of countersteering, vs steering with body weight. Much cheaper to fall on a bicycle than a motorcycle.

Honestly, the best move, though, if you're new to *everything*, is to get a scooter first. I know scooters don't have the same image as a mc, but they are darn convenient, and the smaller engine size allows you to learn much much more quickly. In fact, my gf ended up selling her mc after she got her mc license, and picked up a 125cc scooter just bcs the scooter was more useful around the city.

Oh...I forgot to mention a great reference, in case it helps. Some folks pick things up faster if they understand the physics behind it. This is a great reference for that. "Motorcycle Riding Skills: Proficient Motorcycling", by David Hough. Btw...the physics behind bicycle and motorcycle control *do* share the same fundamentals. Don't let any ignorant do-gooders tell you different. Except for the obvious like having a clutch to learn about, the difference is that you weigh 3 times that of a bicycle where-as the motorcycle weighs 3 times as much as you, so that will amplify certain effects (the effect of a heavy bike/wheel), and minimize other effects (the effect your body could have on steering). Take it from a guy who's spent years studying dynamics, mechanics and mechanical control systems. It's the same.

The last piece of advice I'd give is this. Spend less time going fast, and more time going slow. You learn much more about balance and control when you're going slow. Real slow. We literally spent weeks practicing in parking lots, doing control drills. I mean she literally started from square one. You can too; it's empowering, exhausting, and a ton of fun!

G'luck, and ride smart! --J

Answer 2

You COULD, but I wouldn't recommend it. Riding a motorcycle takes coordination, thinking at speed, throttle control, independent braking, and watching out for gravel, sand, oil, water, ice, roadkill, potentioal roadkill, and of course all the idiots on the road that will never acknowledge your existence as they pull out in front of you. ANYONE of the aforementioned things can happen at random and kill you every time you ride.

Now combine dealing with that ALL AT ONCE with the additional task of trying to balance a 400 lb or heavier machine that will do exactly what you unintentionally tell it to.

Don't listen to anyone that tells you "the physics are the same" because there is FAR more going on with a motorcycle, like countersteering, different contact patches front & rear, suspension & damping control, and tons of rotational inertia that doesn't exist on a bicycle. The only similarities to bicycles and motorcycles is the balance and that both have two wheels.

Thinking otherwise will kill you. Even if you hear people that say they've done it, think about why you DON'T hear from those that weren't successful.

The choice is up to you, but remember that the MSF classes require you to know how to ride a bike, and to have done so within the last two weeks before class. Motorcycles aren't toys, and riding, although fun, isn't a game.

Answer 3

Nobody is born knowing how to ride. Just find a bike that you won't mind dropping a few times and don't take biking lightly. Car drivers will look you in the eye and still pull in front of you because their tiny little brains didn't register you as a vehicle.

Answer 4

YES, riding in the dirt sharpens your skills and reactions, it's a safer environment to learn in, and a little ( not a lot ) softer to land on than asphalt. Use your safety gear and have fun. I started with dirt bikes when I was ten, 26 bikes and 41 years later I still ride, but all harleys now. Good luck

Answer 5

Yeah ,you don't need to know how to balance on a motorcycle it does it by itself pretty much.But I would recommend learning how to ride a bike because it has some of the same principles as riding a motorcycle(leaning into turns,steering,etc).But really it is not needed.

Answer 6

yes riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bike.
a motorcycle has a motor and is powered by gasoline.
a bike has gears and is powered by you.

ask your dad to teach you how to ride a motorcycle.
it's alot of fun.

Answer 7

Yes you can.....Although it is safer to start on a Bicycle since it is safer and there is less product to damage....The physics are basically the same except that the motorcycle is heavier and bigger. Also a motorcycle requires you to shift. The shifter (on most motorcycles) is located below your right foot. The Rear brake is located under your left foot. The front brake is located on the left side of the handle bar. The throttle is the right hand grip on the right side of the handle bar.

*also remember that riding "2 up" is much different and requires much more skill and experience.

Answer 8

i dont think so. u need to know how to balance. i think u better start on a bike. riding a motorcycle is no joke u need to balance alot its heavy. take it from me i ride motorcycles

Answer 9

take a rider safety course,they supply the motorcycle.in pa. one thing to remember,always stop with the front tire straight,even on curves,when front wheel is straight you will never drop the bike....ride a bike first to learn about balance.safety course you need a permit,they will teach you almost everything you need to no

Answer 10

Scary