Before you start
- An approved training course and the licence or permit required in your country
- A certified motorcycle helmet
- Motorcycle jacket, gloves, trousers and over-the-ankle boots
- A road-legal, insured motorcycle suitable for beginners
Method 1 Get trained, licensed and equipped
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Step 1: Take an approved course
Proper training is the safest way to learn and is required in many places, for example Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) in the UK, or a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course in the US. Many courses provide a bike and helmet.
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Step 2: Get the right licence
Check which licence, permit or endorsement you need for the engine size you want to ride, and any restrictions for learners, such as no passengers or no motorway riding.
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Step 3: Buy a certified helmet
Choose a helmet that meets a recognised standard (such as ECE 22.06, DOT or SNELL), fits snugly without pressure points, and has never been dropped or crashed. Full-face helmets give the most protection.
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Step 4: Wear full protective gear
Wear a motorcycle jacket and trousers with armour, full-finger gloves and boots that cover your ankles, on every ride, however short. Bright colours or reflective panels help drivers see you.
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Step 5: Choose a beginner-friendly bike
A light, lower-powered bike with a comfortable seat height (you can put both feet on the ground) is easier to control and builds confidence.
| Control | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Throttle | Right handgrip | Twist towards you to accelerate |
| Front brake | Right hand lever | Main stopping power (about 70%) |
| Rear brake | Right foot pedal | Adds stability and stopping power |
| Clutch | Left hand lever | Pull in to disconnect the engine from the wheel |
| Gear lever | Left foot | Usually press down for 1st, lift for neutral and 2nd–6th |
| Kill switch | Right handlebar | Stops the engine quickly |
| Indicators, horn, lights | Left handlebar | Signal, warn and see |
Method 2 Check the bike before every ride
Training courses often teach this as the T-CLOCS check: Tyres and wheels, Controls, Lights, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands.
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Step 1: Tyres and wheels
Check tyre pressures (when cold) and look for cuts, bulges or low tread.
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Step 2: Controls and brakes
Make sure levers and pedals move smoothly and both brakes work. Check the throttle snaps back closed when released.
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Step 3: Lights and electrics
Test the headlight, brake light (with both brakes), indicators and horn.
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Step 4: Oil, fuel and chain
Check the oil level, fuel, and that the drive chain is lubricated and not too loose.
Method 3 Start and move off
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Step 1: Get on and start
Mount from the left with the side stand down, sit upright and raise the stand. Check the bike is in neutral (green N light), the kill switch is set to run, then pull in the clutch and press the start button.
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Step 2: Select first gear
With the clutch fully in, press the gear lever down firmly with your left foot to select first.
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Step 3: Find the friction point
Slowly release the clutch until you feel the bike start to pull and the engine note drops. This is the friction zone. Practise walking the bike forward using only this zone.
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Step 4: Pull away
Look ahead, add a little throttle as you continue releasing the clutch smoothly, and lift your feet onto the footpegs once moving.
Method 4 Change gear, brake and turn
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Step 1: Change up
At a moderate speed, close the throttle, pull in the clutch, lift the gear lever firmly, then release the clutch and open the throttle smoothly.
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Step 2: Change down
Close the throttle, pull in the clutch, press the lever down one gear, release the clutch smoothly. Change down as you slow, so you’re in the right gear to accelerate again.
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Step 3: Brake with both brakes
Squeeze the front brake progressively and press the rear brake at the same time, with the bike upright. Pull in the clutch just before stopping, select first, and put your left foot down.
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Step 4: Look where you want to go
In turns, slow down before the corner, turn your head and eyes to look through the turn, and keep a steady throttle. The bike follows your eyes.
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Step 5: Understand counter-steering
Above walking pace, gently pushing the right handlebar forward makes the bike lean and turn right, and pushing the left turns left. Practise it at low speed in a safe area.
Troubleshooting
The engine keeps stalling when I pull away
You’re releasing the clutch too fast or using too little throttle. Release more slowly through the friction zone and add a little more throttle.
I can’t find neutral
Neutral is a half-step between first and second. With the engine running and the bike rolling slightly, tap the lever up gently from first.
The bike feels wobbly at low speed
Look ahead, not down at the ground, keep a little throttle against light rear brake, and use the friction zone to control speed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn to ride a motorcycle?
Most people learn the basics in a day or two of training, but becoming a confident road rider takes many months of regular practice.
Is a scooter or automatic easier?
Yes, scooters and automatic bikes have no clutch or gears, so you can focus on balance, braking and traffic skills. Licence rules may still apply.
Do I need special insurance?
Yes, a motorcycle needs its own insurance. Training and advanced riding courses can lower the price with some insurers.
Summary
Take an approved course, get the right licence, and wear certified protective gear every time. Learn the controls, check the bike before each ride, and master moving off with the friction zone, smooth gear changes, braking with both brakes, and looking through turns in a safe space before you ride in traffic.
