Believe it or not, nearly 150,000 Americans ride a motorcycle to work every day.
There are several reasons for this, including the fact that motorcycles are less expensive to own, require less gasoline, and provide a sense of freedom that’s hard to beat.
If you’re considering buying a motorcycle, you’ll first need to learn how to ride one. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for help. Here we take a look at the basics of learning to ride a motorcycle.
Keep reading to understand how to ride a motorcycle so you add a bit more excitement to your lifestyle.
It’s Not Like Driving a Car
Let’s start by stating the obvious: understanding how to drive a motorcycle is very different from learning how to drive a car.
After all, a car is an enclosed environment, whereas riding a motorcycle exposes you to the outside elements. Plus, you have to focus on balancing and pay close attention to everything on the road ahead of you.
That’s why safety must always be your top priority because accidents will happen when you least expect them.
There’s a Lot to Think About
When you’re driving a car, it’s easy to zone out. In fact, a lot of people tend to shift into autopilot rather than focusing on what’s happening around them. You won’t have that same luxury on a motorcycle.
In other words, you can’t afford to let yourself be distracted. You can’t drink your morning coffee while riding, and you should never have a phone conversation while in traffic on the road.
Instead, you need to remain keenly aware of other motorists on the road, the condition of the driving surface, and potential dangers that can spring up in front of you without warning.
Shifting Gears Isn’t Easy
Most people have become used to driving a car with an automatic transmission. In fact, most younger drivers have never driven a manual stick.
Well, riding a motorcycle requires understanding how to manually shift gear while operating a clutch. This can feel overwhelming at first and is tricky to master, which makes riding a motorcycle much harder than driving a car.
You Have to Learn How to Countersteer
Countersteering is another aspect of riding a motorcycle that’s difficult to learn. This is the technique of steering in one direction by turning the handlebars in the opposite direction that you’re wanting to go.
Here’s a resource that will help you learn about the Virginia DMV motorcycle practice test.
A Guide to the Challenges of Learning to Ride a Motorcycle
It’s no secret that gas prices are higher than ever. That’s why so many people have begun seeking more affordable forms of transportation, including motorcycles. Fortunately, this guide to the challenges of learning to ride a motorcycle will help you decide if this is the best option for your commuting needs.
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