![Rumie logo](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/flamelink%2Fmedia%2FxtZFSaPwxZFBaASwwCXQ_Rumie - Horizontal Logo - Orange.png?alt=media)
This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our
Standards.
The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more
about how Rumie works with partners.
Have you seen the films Top Gun and/or Top Gun: Maverick and always wanted to be as cool as Tom Cruise when riding that motorcycle?
Join the ride!
Why not follow some basic steps to finally become just that person?
Time to get started on your two-wheeled adventure.
1. Prepare for the Ride
Before hopping on a motorcycle, it's crucial to ensure you have the right gear.
Safety should always be a priority.
It's not only important to protect your head and wear a helmet but to protect your entire body, you'll also need:
a proper motorcycle jacket from Cordura or Kevlar with padding on the shoulder, spine and elbow
textile or leather pants with Kevlar panels for extra protection in key areas
over the ankle sturdy boots with nonslip soles
full-fingered leather gloves with built-in knuckle protectors and
2. Know the Parts of Your Motorcycle
The clutch is responsible for transferring torque from the engine to the transmission.
The throttle increases the engine RPM to prevent the engine from stalling when rolled.
The brakes ensure that you can stop the bike at any time.
Learn more about using the clutch properly in this video:
3. Mount and Start the Motorcycle
Once you have your gear on and understand the main equipment, it's time to mount and start the motorcycle.
To be fully comfortable on your motorcycle, you should follow these simple steps:
Put your feet firmly on the pedals after balancing the motorcycle with your thighs
Hold on tightly to the handlebar. You'll get the right feeling soon enough and will become an expert in no time!
Familiarize yourself with the controls
Practice using the clutch, throttle, and brakes before hitting the road
4. Learn Basic Riding Techniques
Now that you're comfortable on the bike, focus on some basic riding techniques.
One essential skill is maintaining balance,which you can easily achieve by relaxing your body and not putting weight on the handlebars.
Another crucial aspect is understanding how to shift gears smoothly. Move the gear and slowly apply the throttle before releasing the clutch. You'll be a pro in no time with practice!
Last, it's essential to master braking techniques. Remember to brake steadily and avoid harsh braking.
Quiz
Helen will just have her first lesson as she would like to learn how to ride a motorcycle. What should she do before starting the engine? Select all that apply:
Safety first! This is why the very FIRST thing to do before riding your motorcycle is to be fully protected but of course, it's also vital to listen carefully to your instructor's directions.
Take Action
Learning to ride a motorcycle requires practice and experience.
![Image showing a man racing with his motorbike on a race course who is almost touching the ground](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/images%2F800%2F39ba7f00-209a-11ee-8ef8-dbe5a839c9ca.jpeg?alt=media&token=9516b8a2-71fb-41f3-85a4-9c3479ef5ac2)
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you'll soon be cruising on two wheels with confidence.
Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
This Byte has been authored by
Simone Pfliegel
(Digital) Project and product manager
M.A., M.Sc. MBA