Tips for Beginner Riders

Get Familiar With Your Bike
There are eight main types of motorcycles out there, from supercharged sport bikes to stately touring machines. Do your homework and get the one that’s right for you. Also, get familiar with the motorcycle maintenance routines required for your particular model. A well-kept bike is essential for road safety. Make sure your bike is covered by the right motorcycle insurance. 

Find Your Center
When they’re going fast, motorcycles balance themselves. But at slow speeds, bikes have a nasty —and embarrassing—tendency to tip over. The key to keeping them upright? Develop your muscle memory with good, old-fashioned practice.

Master The Clutch
Today there are motorcycles with automatic transmissions, however, most bikes come with standard transmissions, and working the clutch can be tricky. As with balance, you’ll only get better with practice; but if you find it challenging, consider a dual-clutch transmission bike, says Eastman. “These are basically automatic transmissions that allow you to shift gears via hand-mounted buttons.”

Refine Your Body Position
Don’t just plop yourself onto your bike; always be mindful of how and where you’re sitting. Plant yourself toward the front of the seat, relax your arms, hold your knees against the gas tank, and make sure you have a good grip on the handlebars.

Don’t Multitask
Just like in the car, distracted driving (or in this case, riding) is a dangerous practice, made even more dangerous due to the manual nature of motorcycles. So stow the cell phone and keep your eyes squarely on the road and both hands on the handlebars.

Practice, Practice, Practice
Take introductory riding lessons, but don’t stop there. Riding schools, local clubs and national associations offer more advanced classes in everything from racing to navigation. “Take all that you can,” says Eastman. “They are fun, allow you to try several different types of motorcycles and really build good skills quickly.”

Having a  Passenger
As a new rider, it is NOT advisable that you have a passenger on your motorcycle until you get some experience.  Don't complicate things while you are learning to be a proficient rider.  The California DMV Motorcycle Handbook advises that only experienced riders carry passengers on their bikes. Motorcyclists should be conscious of the fact that the extra weight a passenger adds changes the way a motorcycle handles.