How do people learn to ride motorcycle's?

Question

I really want one but I am not trying to kill myself by just jumping on one.

Answer 1

That's how I did it. I bought one, jumped on, and learned. Some of it would have been a lot more fun if it wasn't so scary. I wore a helmet because I wasn't out to kill myself. It's a little easier now. You can read rifleman's answer and take a riding course. The internet didn't exist back then. Most, if not all states offer some type of rider training through their department of motor vehicles. There's always the MSF(Motorcycle Safety Foundation) and Harley offers their Rider's Edge program too. Look for what's available in your area. Then, come join us on the road.

Answer 2

The safest way to learn is from a professional instructor. In the US, the biggest group running lessons is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, but they're not the only game in town. Your local office that issues your driver's license should have a list of approved instructors.

Most of these schools follow a similar format - you'll be there one evening and two whole days, although some are longer and a few may be shorter. They'll first explain the controls, and then you'll go through various exercises learning one aspect of riding at a time. The classes also cover defensive driving, the types of motorcycles, safety gear, and basic stuff a motorcyclist should know.

The other option is to get a driver's ed book for motorcycles, take a written test to get a learner's permit, then buy a bike and practice in a parking lot.

Once you are done with the class, you'll have your license, but really mastering a bike takes a long time. I'd recommend starting off with something forgiving and predictable - no 100 hp 600 cc fire breather - and taking it carefully for the first couple weeks.

Answer 3

Riding a bike or tricycle as some suggested is not the method to use to learn to ride a motorcycle. THe differences are night and day. Bicycles do not ride on the roads. The automobile traffic is very different than riding on a sidewalk.

Someone suggested the MSF course and this is the best advice. Talk to your DMV or local police dept and ask them about motorcycle safety courses. OR you can search Google for MSF courses in your state. They will teach you all you nned to know to get started.

Answer 4

The safest way is through a MSF Motorcycle Safety Foundation class. You learn on someone elses bike, they provide all the equipment ie helmets and all you have to do is show up ready to learn! As an added bonus, most states have a law that requires you to receive a discount on motorcycle insurance if you have successfully completed a MSF course.

Good luck...safe riding!

Answer 5

Well, I learned by just jumping on one and riding. But, I DID keep to small, low traffic volume back streets for a while.

Answer 6

Get on one and go, Most people had someone explain the basics and have a friend to ride with to adjust in a style.
Some people took the riders class

Answer 7

I took a safety course offered where i live. There are several locations where they offered these all of which seem to take place in parking lots of schools. they have bikes there that you can use. good way to learn the right way to ride and weather or not you want to.

Answer 8

Take a MSF class! http://www.msf-usa.org/

You should be able to find a class in your area. They will provide classroom instruction as well as hands-on instruction using THEIR motorcycles which are in some cases specially designed for training new riders.

Answer 9

MSF course all the way. Everyone I know that has taken it feels more comfortable starting out, because they teach the basics. Get tips from others after to improve.

Answer 10

Go slow, like learning to ride a bicycle. Simple.

Just start out real slow on the grass....Learn to turn. learn to shift gears. Learn to stop.