When it comes to motorcycles, you have to give yourself some time to account for the learning curve. While you get the hang of your bike, just know you’re going to make some mistakes. However, there’s a few common beginning biker mistakes you’ll want to be sure to avoid.
Beginning Biker Mistakes: What Are They and How Do You Avoid Them
Poor Clutch Control
One of the most common beginning biker mistakes is having poor clutch control. In general, a lot of new riders don’t allow the clutch to be steady and fluid. Instead they use it as quick switch. One way to avoid this mistake is by practicing. In fact, you want to try practicing on a slight incline, as this will be tricky when you hit the road.
Following Too Closely
Following too closely behind other vehicles is also one of the more common beginning biker mistakes. Since most people do this when driving their cars, it often translates when you start riding bikes. But this is a very dangerous driving habit, especially on a motorcycle.
When riding, you have to constantly stay alert to what the vehicles around you are doing. It’s more like a game of moves and counter movers. You want to be able to react safely to whatever other vehicles around you do. But when following too closely behind them, you give yourself little chance to react in time. So in order to avoid this, riders should practice leaving at least a two second gap.
Managing Corner Speed
When it comes to beginning biker mistakes, corner speed is an area a lot of rider struggle with. When you enter a curve in a car, you can either ease of the gas or brake. You can do either of these quickly after feeling out the curve. But on a motorcycle, you want to be able to add speed in order to handle the curve properly. So try really slowing down before you reach the curve, then adding some speed in the curve, and then apply more as you hit the straight.
The good news about beginning biker mistakes is that they are easily correctable. However, you want to be sure you are practicing the right methods, so these mistakes don’t become habits. When it comes to beating these beginning biker mistakes, it just takes a lot of discipline and practice.