01 of 08

The motorcycle, our companion

The first steps on a motorcycle


Roberto ruiz

On a motorcycle, as in everything, there is always a first time , if this is yours, you will wonder how it is to ride a motorcycle, if it will be difficult and if you will be able to do it.

Well, just for that, here you have a practical "Step by Step" with which to know where to start, how to do it in the most correct and safe way and thus get the most out of it during your first steps.

Our attitude towards the bike is one of the key elements, with confidence and determination but without losing respect for it for a moment , being aware of the risks that it can imply to always get the best out of it.

The first step is to know the types of motorcycles that are on the market andhow to choose the motorcycle that suits you best . From there it is essential to be clear about everything you need to know about how to start with a motorcycle and that the best way to learn is with a driving and handling course such as those of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation .


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Equipped from head to toe

How to drive and operate a motorcycle

Candela Sanchez

Before getting on a motorcycle we must be properly equipped and know what makes up the rider's equipment to be well protected against possible and unwanted setbacks.

First of all, the helmet . Take a look at the different types of helmets to find the one that suits you best and be clear about what the safety of a helmet depends on . You cannot forget some good gloves with which to keep your hands safe. You also have various types of gloves to choose from. A jacket with protections is just as important, and you have many types of jacketsdepending on the use you give to your motorcycle. The same happens with boots , you will find different types of boots depending even on the type of motorcycle.

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Move the motorcycle while stopped

How to drive and operate a motorcycle

Candela Sanchez

Knowing how to move the motorcycle while stationary is sometimes not so easy. It depends a lot on the type of motorcycle in question, its weight and the height of its center of gravity, and what type of movement we want to do.

To walk in a straight line with it, the easiest thing to do is grab both sides of the handlebar, with one hand on each fist. However, when turning it, on a tall trail bike with a wide handlebar like the one in the image, we will not be able to do the movement with our arms.

For greater comfort, we will hold the motorcycle with one hand on the handlebar and with another on the back if it offers a handle or grill. Thus, the control and balance of the weight is absolute and we can maneuver with it while standing still without difficulty.

Remember that a tall motorcycle with a high weight, such as a trail bike, will always imply more difficulty than a low motorcycle, no matter how heavy it may be, such as a cruiser motorcycle .

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One last look ... all set!

How to drive and operate a motorcycle

Roberto ruiz

Before setting off, it never hurts to take a look at the general condition of the bike to avoid unpleasant surprises.

A quick check to see that the wheels are in good condition and with the correct pressure, that the chain is in good condition and lubricated, that the controls in feet and hands do not show damage, the accelerator offers a normal turn and that all the lights they are in order.

When you know that everything is under control, the bike is ready to be started.

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The controls: throttle and brakes

How to drive and operate a motorcycle

Candela Sanchez

The right part of our body is in charge of making the motorcycle move forward or stop. That is, we will use the right hand to accelerate, and the right hand and right foot to brake. With the right fist we control the accelerator , the gas, and turning it backwards, lowering the wrist, we will increase the engine revolutions. It is a very delicate control, it is essential to operate it with caution until practice and experience with that motorcycle allow us to know what the rotation / acceleration ratio is like so as not to do it either abruptly or excessively.

With the right hand we also control the front brake, the brake that generally applies the most power at each stop. It acts on the front wheel and it is there where the weight is concentrated when braking. Knowing how much force to apply is something that experience will show you and will teach you to brake on a motorcycle.

And it is the right foot, finally, the one in charge of activating the rear brake . The brake lever is under the right boot and by pressing on it we act on the rear wheel. The best way to brake is undoubtedly a combination of both front and rear brakes, as well as using the engine brake itself.

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The controls: clutch and gear lever

How to drive and operate a motorcycle

Candela Sanchez

The left part of our body is in charge of changing gears.

The vast majority of motorcycles, except for automatic or electric ones, have a manual gearbox in which we will have to decide which ratio to use at all times.

The left hand rests on a fixed grip that does not move, unlike the throttle grip, and it is that left lever that makes the motorcycle's clutch come into action . Pulling it we will separate the movement of the engine from that of the transmission, as if the gearbox were in the central position even though it has a gear engaged, and the motorcycle will not move.

It is at that moment, pressing the lever, when we can move the gear lever with our left footup or down to select a higher or better gear respectively. Then it will be a matter of gently releasing the clutch so that the movement is transmitted smoothly from the engine to the transmission.

To know the technique and clear all possible doubts, we recommend that you consult the article on how to change gears on a motorcycle.

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Start your engines!

How to drive and operate a motorcycle

Roberto ruiz

Now everything is ready to start the engine of our motorcycle . Today all modern motorcycles offer an electric starter and there is no need to start them by means of a lever as in the old days

Once up and seated on it, if possible with both feet resting on the ground, grasping the handlebars by both grips and with the gearbox neutral position selected, it is time to start the motorcycle.

To do so first check that the cut button ignition is in position "on", you find the red button with the right fist and start button (or starter ).

Now we turn the ignition key to the "ignition" position., most motorcycles will do a self-check to make sure everything is in order, the gauges on the instrument panel will light up, and both the tachometer and speedometer needles may automatically go up and down. Everything will depend on the model of the motorcycle in question. Mind you, check carefully that the green "N" for "neutral" is on .

Now, we proceed to press the start button, the one next to the red on the ignition cut-off and which is normally represented by a logo with a circle ending in an arrow and a small lightning bolt inside. This will cause the motor to start and start to spin . Some bikes require squeezing the clutch while pressing the starteras a safety measure, this ensures that if the motorcycle is not in neutral (green letter "N" on the dash) it will not move abruptly when a gear is engaged.

Now, with the engine running, it 's time to wait . It is essential that the engine warm up for a few minutes before starting off. Let it spin at idle, without accelerating, for the time necessary for your answer to be correct. The waiting time will also depend on the ambient temperature.

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To enjoy!

How to drive and operate a motorcycle

BMW Motorrad

Before starting off, with the engine already at optimum temperature, you cannot forget to fold the side leg . Most modern motorcycles prevent you from engaging a gear with the leg unfolded for safety reasons, but just in case make sure it is retracted before you start riding.

Now is the time to start moving.

To do this, pull the clutch lever and press the gear lever down to engage first gear, as we explained in step 6. Release the lever very little by little, gently, and feel how the motorcycle advances little by little. little. Give it a little throttle to keep the engine from stalling and you'll be on your way soon.

Now, as you start to move forward, place your feet on their respective footpegs. Continue advancing until the engine turns up and you need to engage a new gear, repeat the process with the clutch and the gear lever but now moving it up decisively, and you will have the second gear working.

The first time to turn on a motorcycle is not as easy as it seems, but it is exactly the same as on a bicycle. Curiously, when stopped or very slowly we will do it by turning the handlebar towards the side we want to go to, but as soon as we go above 10 mph we do exactly the opposite. Move the handlebar to the opposite side, or counter- handle .

To do this, if we want to turn to the left, we will push the left fist forward, so the right will come backwards, and if we do it at a certain speed the motorcycle will lean towards the side we want to go and will start to turn. And surprisingly it works!

It really is much easier than it seems and it is only a matter of letting your instinct work, as soon as you have done it a couple of times you will not think about it again and it will be something automatic.

To reduce speed, in addition to downshifting, we will do as indicated in step 5, stopping acting on the accelerator and giving way to the brakes, both the front and the front. Slowing down takes some practice too, but you'll soon have it under control.

And that's it,By following these 8 steps, you already know how to start driving and operating a motorcycle . Now may be the time to find your new partner, so take a look at our recommendations on 10 good beginners bikes , 10 good bikes for intermediate beginners and 10 good bikes for advanced beginners , but always without forgetting the most common mistakes when buying. a motorcycle.

Also, you may like:

1. Tips To Avoid Seizing The Engine Of A Motorcycle

2. Types of motorcycle clutches

3. The essential parts that every biker should take on his tri