Content

• Part 2 of 3: How a motorcycle works
• Part 3 of 3: So Practice
• Tips
• Warnings

1 Keep in mind the safety rules. Riding a motorcycle is associated with great health risks. Knowing and using simple rules can save your life and keep you healthy.

• Wear special motorcycle gear.
• Keep your distance from vehicles.
• Do not exceed the speed limit and keep to the traffic flow.
• Check periodically the condition of the motorcycle: tires, pedals, levers, headlights, battery, oil, chassis, footboards. T (Tires): tires and wheels; C (Controls) - controls: levers and pedals, cables, hoses, throttle; L (Lights) - light: battery, headlights, turn signals, mirrors and so on; O (Oil) - oil: liquid level and leaks; C (Chassis) - chassis: frame, suspension, chain and so on; S (Stands) - center and side steps.

2 Read the instructions for the motorcycle. Familiarize yourself with the controls and their locations. Standard controls:

• throttle handle on the right;
• brake lever on the right;
• clutch lever on the left;
• foot-pedal for gear shifting;
• speedometer and other sensors.

3 Know the rules of the road for motorcyclists. They differ from traffic rules for motorists. Check out the motorcycle specifics. For example:

• special insurance conditions for motorcyclists;
• rules for the carriage of passengers;
• speed limits;
• use of dedicated lanes;
• motorcycle noise restrictions.

4 Hand over to the right. Complete the training and pass the category A license exam.

Part 2 of 3: How a motorcycle works

1. 1 Get an experienced mentor. Contact a driving school or ask a friend to help you with practice.
2. 2 Get on the motorcycle. Correct fit is very important - if you fall with a motorcycle that weighs hundreds of kilograms, you can get injured. Follow these tips:
   • Lean slightly towards the tank and put your hands on the steering wheel.
   • Sit on the side of the footboard. If the footrest is in the center, it doesn't matter which side you sit on. Never sit on the back of the motorcycle.
   • Gently place your right leg over the motorcycle. Raise your leg as high as possible so as not to catch on something. Keep the weight on your support leg until you sit on the motorcycle.
3. 3 Tune in and customize the bike. Find a comfortable position, get used to the location of the controls, adjust the mirrors.
4. 4 Examine the controls. Ask your mentor to show you how to: get under way, accelerate, brake, change gears, park.
5. 5 Gas and brake. The right handlebar usually contains the throttle and front brake. The rear brake is usually located under the right foot.
   • Move the right stick toward you to engage throttle (acceleration). Be careful with the throttle, the movement should be smooth. Otherwise, there is a great risk that the motorcycle will simply fly out from under you.
   • Squeeze the right traction lever to apply the front brake. The front brake is usually used as the main brake. Again, the pressure should be smooth. To avoid pushing the lever too hard, you can use just two fingers - this approach works for most motorcycles.
   • The rear brake is mainly used to stabilize the motorcycle on the road. The exception is motorcycles, where the bulk of the weight is concentrated in the rear of the motorcycle (biker versions, cruise versions) - on them the rear brakes are often more effective than the front ones.
6. 6 Clutch. The traction lever on the left is responsible for the clutch. As with the right lever, the two-finger technique can be used here. However, on some bikes this approach does not work and you need to use your entire palm.
   • The clutch is the link between the engine and the transmission. Press the clutch to disengage the gears; release it to connect them and enable the selected speed.
   • By analogy with throttle and brake, pressing should be smooth.
7. 7 Switching speeds. The CPT foot is usually under the left foot.
   • Most motorcycles use a "1 down, 5 up" pattern: 6 speed (optional), 5 speed, 4 speed, 3 speed, 2 speed, neutral speed, 1 speed.
   • It takes practice to get used to the switch. When changing speeds, look at the green indicator "N".
   • Consider the order of gear shifting: first, disengage the clutch with your left hand; shift the gear with your left foot; release the clutch smoothly.
   • Gradually turn the throttle grip for smoother gear changes.
   • For more information on shifting gears, see the article "How to change gears on a motorcycle."
8. 8 Start the engine. Modern motorcycles do not need to kick start as they are equipped with a starter. In order to start the motorcycle, you need to follow simple steps:
   • The switch should be in the ON position (normally the switch is red and located on the right handle).
   • Turn the key to the ignition position. The motorcycle will perform a self-test. Make sure the motorcycle is in neutral (double check this by making sure the green "N" indicator on the instrument panel is on).
   • Release the clutch to start the motorcycle.
   • Using your right thumb, press the ignition button, which is usually located below the switch and is marked with a circular arrow logo surrounding the lightning bolt. On some bikes, you need to depress the clutch to get the engine to work.
   • Wait about a minute for the engine to warm up. This can take from 45 seconds to several minutes. Warming up a motorcycle engine, unlike cars, is an essential part of a safe ride.
9. 9 Remember to remove the footrest. With just one slight movement of your left foot, the footrest is tucked neatly under the bottom of the bike. You are now seated in the saddle, feet are on the ground, and you are ready to ride.

Part 3 of 3: So Practice

1. 1 Find an isolated place to practice. It would still be nice to have a mentor with you.
2. 2 Drive smoothly and slowly. Use the first speed for reliability. Remember to place your feet on the props when the motorcycle has reached sufficient speed.
   • Squeeze the clutch to disengage it.
   • Shift into first gear with your foot.
   • Release the clutch slowly.
   • Turn the throttle knob to keep the engine from stalling.
   • You will feel how the motorcycle started. As soon as you gain momentum, place your feet on the stands. Congratulations! You are driving a motorcycle! Check the brakes before entering the road.
3. 3 Use counter-steering. This technique is as follows:
   • Before turning at a speed of about 16 km / h, a short-term smooth turn of the steering wheel is made in the direction opposite to the turn. Then the steering wheel turns in the direction of the turn. Thus, the motorcycle falls to the side, as it were, and the desired angle of inclination is achieved. When exiting a corner, counter-steering is applied in the opposite direction.
4. 4 Practice shifting gears. With experience and confidence at low speeds, you can move up to higher speeds. Be extremely careful, smoothly press on the clutch, gas and brakes. The "grace" of movement will come with practice and time.
5. 5 Start driving around the city, observing the rules and respecting other road users.

Tips

• "Where you look - there you go." Do not look at the ground under your feet - fall over. If there is an obstacle in front of you, do not look at it, but look where necessary drive. You need to keep a lot in the review, but you don't need to get stuck on one thing.

Warnings

• Remember that a motorcyclist is, by definition, less protected than a car driver. Appreciate your life and use protective equipment, or at least a helmet. Read as much information as possible about safe motorcycle riding.
• You need to learn from a professional (in a driving school), or from an experienced adult.