How to Ride a Motorcycle - a Step by Step Tutorial on How to Ride a Motorcycle

by Basem Wasef

So you've always wanted to know how to ride a motorcycle? Welcome to our step-by-step tutorial for
street riding! If you're interested in riding in the dirt, check out this tutorial first and then take a look
at our How to Ride a Dirtbike article.
While motorcycling is a great deal of fun, it's important to approach learning how to ride with the
respect and caution it deserves; taking that attitude not only will ensure that you're entering this high
risk activity with thoughtfulness and self-preservation, but it will make the whole process even more
enjoyable.
Perhaps you know what kind of motorcycle type you're interested in, or maybe you've already read up
on the first steps to start riding-- regardless of where you are in the process, think of this tutorial as
an outline of the basics on how to operate a motorcycle, and remember that there's no substitute for
a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Whether you're learning to ride or you're a seasoned pro,
remember to always wear your safety gear.
Before trusting your life to your motorcycle, you'll want to make sure it's roadworthy and safe to ride.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has established a checklist they call T-CLOCS:

T - Tires, wheels
C - Controls (levers and pedal, cables, hoses, throttle)
L - Light (battery, headlights, turn signals, mirrors, etc.)
O - Oil (fluid levels)
C - Chassis (frame, suspension, chain, etc.)
S - Stands (center stand and/or kickstand)

Going down on a motorcycle hurts like heck, and even at parking lot speeds it's easy to seriously
scrape yourself up. Make sure you're protected by wearing as much safety gear as possible, including
gloves, armored clothing, boots, and a helmet (which is required by law in most states, anyway.)
Once you're dressed for the part, you're ready to get on the bike.
Depending on your height and the motorcycle's height, throwing a leg over a bike can be an awkward
maneuver.
Starting at the left side of the motorcycle, stabilize your balance by leaning gently against the tank
and/or the handlebars. With all your weight on your left leg, lift your right leg up and over the bike-be careful to lift your leg high, or it might get caught before reaching the other side of the bike.
Once you're straddling the bike, you can rest on the seat and get a sense of the motorcycle's
ergonomics. This is a good time to make sure mirrors are adjusted. Acquaint yourself with footpeg
position and the location of turn signals, horn, and lights. Every bike is different, and spending a
moment to become familiar at this stage is far safer than moving fast and riding off too soon.
The next few steps outline the basic controls of a motorcycle; familiarizing yourself with key controls
like throttle, brakes, clutch, and shift pedal first will enable you to learn easily and focus more on your
technique.

Twisting the grip adds throttle, "gassing" the engine. The lever operates the front brake. Bottom: The
right foot pedal operates the rear brake.

The right hand is responsible for two crucial functions in motorcycling: acceleration and braking. By
twisting the grip towards you (so your wrist moves down), you apply throttle (or "gas" the engine.) A
little twist goes a long way, so be delicate with this control since sudden engine revs can lead to
instability, or even accidental wheelies.
The right hand also controls the front brakes (as seen in the top half of the photo.) Pulling the lever
applies the front brakes, and smoothness is crucial here: yank the lever too hard, and the front brakes
can lockup, causing the bike to skid, potentially tuck the front end, and crash. Though most bikes are
able to stop using a two-fingered technique (as seen in the photo above), some require the entire
hand to wrap around the lever. Use whatever technique works best with your bike.
The right foot operates the rear brake (pictured in the lower half of the split-screen photo), but be
aware that when the front brakes are in use, the rear becomes less effective (since weight transfers to
the front during braking.) Rear brake application is more useful during reduced traction situations and
low speed maneuvering, and though rear braking is sometimes more effective on cruisers (because
they carry much of their weight over the rear wheel), front brakes are usually the most effective way
to stop a motorcycle.

The top half of the image shows a two-fingered clutch technique (which is common with sportbikes),
while the lower half shows a four-fingered technique that is usually employed with other types of
bikes.

The clutch is the lever just ahead of the left hand grip. Most sportbikes requires only two-fingered
operation (pictured above), while touring, cruising, and other types of bikes often require the whole
hand to grab the lever (pictured below.)
Think of the clutch as a way to connect and disconnect the engine from the transmission. When you
squeeze the clutch lever, you're effectively putting the bike in neutral (even if the shifter is in a gear.)
When you let go, you're enabling the engine to turn the transmission and, if the bike is in gear, the
rear wheel.
Practice pulling the clutch with your left hand, and do so slowly and gradually; imagine it's a dimmer
switch, rather than an "On-Off" switch, and you'll be able to engage gears much more smoothly.

The top half of the image reveals how to upshift, using your boot to nudge the shifter upwards. The
bottom half of the image depicts a downshift, in which the shifter is pushed towards the pavement.
Motorcycles shift differently than cars. While they operate on the same principle, motorcycles shifts
are executed by moving a lever up or down with the left foot. Motorcycle shift patterns are as follows:

6th gear (if applicable)-5th gear-4th gear-3rd gear-2nd gear-NEUTRAL-1st gear

A vast majority of motorcycles incorporate this pattern, which is referred to as "1 down, 5 up." Finding
neutral with your left foot will take some getting used to, and while clicking the shifter back and forth,
you'll be looking for the green "N" to light up on the gauges. While some motorcycles can be shifted
without using the clutch, make it a habit of using the clutch every time you shift. Shifting should be
done in the following order:
1.
2.
3.

Disengage clutch (using left hand)

Shift (using left foot)
Engage clutch

Feathering the throttle with the clutch will add smoothness to the shifting process. Be sure not to
over-rev in each gear, and shift before the engine starts to work too hard; unless you're on a track,
there's no reason to "race" your engine.

SHIFTING IN DETAIL

One of the most challenging aspects of learning to ride a motorcycle is how to shift gears. The task
adds a layer of complexity for those already familiar with how to drive a manual transmission car, and
can be especially daunting for new riders who have zero experience with a manual transmission. But
have no fear: shifting a bike can be easily mastered with practice, and is much simpler than it looks.
The Basics
There are three basic controls to operate when it comes to shifting a motorcycle: 1) thethrottle, 2)
the clutch, and 3) the gear selector. The throttle revs the engine, the clutch engages and disengages
the transmission, and the gear selector-- you guessed it-- selects the gear. Pull the clutch towards you
using your left hand, and you can rev the engine without moving the bike forward. But release the
clutch while the transmission is "in gear" (ie, not in neutral), and you'll move the bike forward.
The gear pattern is selected by clicking a lever with your left foot, and is typically laid out as follows:

6th gear (if applicable)

5th gear
4th gear
3rd gear
2nd gear
NEUTRAL
1st gear

The Technique
Proper shifting technique requires the following maneuvers to be performed smoothly and
deliberately:
1. Disengaging the clutch (using your left hand to pull it towards you)
2. Selecting the appropriate gear using the shift lever (with your left foot)
3. Slightly revving the engine (twisting the throttle with your right hand)
4. Gradually releasing the clutch (and not "popping" it suddenly)
5. Feathering the throttle while releasing the clutch, which will accelerate the bike
6. Revving the engine for acceleration until another shift is needed
The mechanics of shifting a motorcycle is as easy as those six steps, but doing so smoothly requires
practice, practice, practice! Know your controls inside and out, and get a feel for how they work.
Practice riding in an environment like an abandoned parking lot, so you don't have to deal with traffic
or other distractions. And most importantly, stay safe and aware during the learning process so you're
able to focus all of your attention on the task at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll probably find that shifting a motorcycle is easier than it sounds; once you get a feel for where
and the how the clutch disengages, how much throttle is required for smooth acceleration, and how
much effort the shifter needs, the whole process will become easier and require less concentration.
Here are a few common questions and answers about shifting:

Q: How do I know when to shift gears?

A: There is no mathematical equation for optimum shift points. Revving high is not required for most
onroad riding conditions, and should generally be avoided, as should shifting so early that the engine
can't produce enough power for adequate acceleration. Typically, the sweet spot of the engine's
powerband-- ie, where it produces enough torque to provide the most efficient acceleration-- is the
point at which most engines "want" to be shifted. Because engines deliver their most effective power
at considerably different rpms, use your instinct to decide when it's time to shift.
Q: How do I find neutral?
Finding neutral is one of the most common difficulties faced by new riders. "Finding" neutral might
take extra effort with some gearboxes, but a bit of patience and a gentle touch makes the task easier.
Gently nudge the shifter downwards from second gear, while pulling the clutch all the way in. If you're
not pulling the clutch all the way, it might be harder to get into neutral. Look to the instrument panel
for a neutral indicator light, which is usually green in color. If you're overshooting neutral and going
into first gear (which is a very common), use the edge of your boot so you don't apply too much
pressure to the shifter... with enough practice, you'll get a feel for how to find neutral without even
thinking about it!
Q: How can I shift more smoothly?
A: The most effective way to shift smoothly is to pay attention to your bike's behavior: if your
motorcycle jerks while you're letting out the clutch, you're probably doing too abrupt with your left
hand. If you're lurching ahead during shifts, you might be applying too much throttle. And if your
motorcycle slows down during shifts, you might not be revving the engine enough between gear
changes, which will allow the engine to actually slow down the bike. Smooth shifting is all about
paying attention to the way the clutch, the throttle, and the gear selector interact, and orchestrating
the three with each other.
Q: How do I slow down for a red light or a stop sign?
A: Because each gear operates within a certain range of speeds, you'll need to downshift if you end up
going too slow for the gear you've selected. Let's say you're cruising along at 50 mph in 5th gear and
need to come to a complete stop: the proper way to slow down is to downshift as you decelerate,
selecting a lower gear and letting out the clutch while feathering the throttle to match revs. Doing so
will not only allow you to use engine braking to help slow down, it will enable you to accelerate again
if a light changes or if traffic conditions change and a stop is no longer necessary. If you come to a
complete stop, it's best to shift into neutral, hold the brake, and only shift into 1st gear just before
you're ready to go.
Q: What happens if I stall?
A: Don't worry if you stall out your motorcycle, but take immediate steps to start your bike up and get
moving; staying stationary when traffic accelerates around you is dangerous, so you'll want to pull the
clutch, start up the bike, shift into first, and get moving as soon as possible.
Q: Is it OK to skip gears?
A: If you wish to rev higher but skip a gear, doing so will result in roughly the same rate of
acceleration (though each gear change will take longer.) Though this may not be the smoothest way
to ride, doing so can sometimes save gas if it's done efficiently.

Q: Should I leave the motorcycle in gear when I park it?

A: It's OK to leave your motorcycle in neutral when you're parked on level ground, but if you're
parking at an incline, leaving it in gear (preferably 1st) will keep it from rolling off its side stand or
center stand.

Make sure the kill switch is in the "on" position, turn the key, and press the "start" button, which is
usually situated below the kill switch.

Now that you're familiar with your motorcycle's functions, it's time to start it up. Unlike bikes of yore,
virtually all modern motorcycles start electrically, without the need to "kick start" the engine to life.
The bike won't start unless the kill switch is in the "on" position, so flip it down before you turn the
key (the kill switch is usually a red rocker switch operated by the right thumb, as seen in the top half
of the photo.) Now, turn the key to the "ignition" position, which is typically to the right (as seen in
the lower half of the photo.) Most bikes will perform a self-check to make sure the gauges are
operational, and might involve every warning light going off like a Christmas tree. If you see the
speedometer and/or tachometer (which measures engine speed) pin itself and return back to zero,
don't worry-- it's normal. When the self-check is complete, make sure you're in neutral (by doublechecking that the green "N" is lit.)
Then, use your right thumb to push the start button, which is typically located below the kill switch
and marked by a logo of a circular arrow surrounding a lightning bolt. Many bikes will require you to
disengage the clutch while you start the engine; this is simply a precaution to prevent the bike from
accidentally lurching forward because it's in gear.
As you hold the start button the engine will turn over and, as long as everything's working correctly
and there's fuel in the tank, start to run. Carbureted bikes might need a slight twist of throttle as the
engine turns over in order to get fuel into the cylinders; fuel injected bikes are usually designed so
that throttle is not needed at startup. Once your bike comes to life and the engine turns over, prepare
to enjoy one of the age old rituals of motorcycling...

An age old motorcycling ritual: waiting for the engine to warm up.

Any internal combustion engine will reach its optimum performance when it's warmed up, but the
practice of warming up car engines has largely become obsolete. Riding a motorcycle, however,
requires the rider to trust that the engine will produce predictable power when needed, so warming a
motorcycle engine is still a crucial part of the riding ritual-- particularly when a bike is carbureted, as
opposed to fuel-injected.
Once the engine has turned over, allow it to idle for anywhere between 45 seconds to several minutes,
and avoid revving the engine during this crucial time, since oil might not be properly distributed across
moving parts. The actual time required for engine warmup will vary on a number of factors, including
ambient temperature, engine displacement, and engine oil capacity, to name a few. Use the
temperature gauge as a general guide, and only proceed when you're confident your engine won't
sputter or fail because it's not properly warmed up.

Your Kickstand: Don't Forget to Flip it Up!

Most modern bikes will automatically shut off if the kickstand is still down when the bike is put into
gear. If your bike isn't equipped with this feature, make sure you retract the kickstand by literally
kicking it up with your left foot and allowing it to tuck underneath the underbody of the bike; not
doing so can produce a serious safety hazard.
Centerstands operate a little differently, and require the bike to be rocked forward while the rider is on
tip-toe in order to retract the stand.
Once you're on your feet, you're ready to ride!
This is the time when you'll need to recall the functions of throttle, brakes, clutch, and shifting, and
develop a fluid relationship between them. Pull the clutch lever, press the shifter down to first gear,
release the clutch slowly, and start to feel the motorcycle move forward. Twisting the throttle slightly
might be needed to keep it from stalling; as the bike gains forward momentum, put both feet up on
the pegs.
Once you're moving, congratulations; you're riding a motorcycle! Most beginners get tripped up with
the turning process. Just like a bicycle, a motorcycle is turned by countersteering above roughly 10
mph, not by "turning" the handlebars from left to right. Countersteering involves pushing the handgrip
on the side you want to turn, and though it doesn't seem to make sense, it actually works. If you want
to turn right, you'll need to lean slightly to the right while pushing the right handgrip away from you;
once you try it, you'll see that it actually works!
Turning is actually easier to do than to describe, so when you get out on a bike try to trust your
instincts, feel what the bike is doing, and don't overthink it. Shifting, as described in Step 6, takes
practice. Braking and throttle, described in Step 4, also take some practice, but the key rule is to
maneuver your motorcycle with a smooth touch and gradual input. Doing so will not only make you a
safer rider, it will make you more graceful and effortless. Don't let all of this information daunt you;
motorcycling is easy, but it takes conscientiousness to do it safely and correctly.