Riding a motorcycle provides an unparalleled sense of freedom, but for beginners, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to dangerous situations. Learning about common pitfalls helps new riders avoid accidents and enjoy their time on the road safely. Here are eight common mistakes new motorcycle riders make and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Riding Beyond Skill Level
It’s tempting for beginners to push their limits, but riding beyond your ability can quickly lead to accidents. Whether it’s speeding, taking sharp turns, or riding in poor weather conditions, overconfidence can be dangerous.
Tip: Ride within your skill level. Gradually build your confidence and experience before attempting more challenging rides or maneuvers.
2. Ignoring Pre-Ride Inspections
Many new riders overlook the importance of inspecting their motorcycle before each ride. Checking tire pressure, brakes, lights, and fluids can prevent breakdowns or dangerous malfunctions on the road.
Tip: Perform a quick pre-ride inspection each time you go out. It only takes a few minutes to ensure everything is in working order, and it can save you from potential problems down the road.
3. Improper Braking
New riders often struggle with braking, either by applying too much pressure on the front brake or not using the rear brake effectively. Sudden or improper braking can cause the bike to skid or even flip, leading to accidents.
Tip: Practice smooth and balanced braking. Apply pressure gradually and get comfortable using both the front and rear brakes together for optimal control.
4. Skipping the Safety Gear
One of the most dangerous mistakes new riders make is not wearing the proper motorcycle safety gear. Some may think a helmet and jacket are enough, but gloves, boots, and padded pants are also essential for protection. Wearing the right gear can significantly reduce injury severity in the event of a crash.
Tip: Always gear up, even for short rides. Invest in high-quality gear that includes a helmet, gloves, boots, and a durable riding jacket.
5. Not Looking Far Enough Ahead
Many new riders focus too much on what’s directly in front of them, failing to scan the road ahead for potential hazards. This can lead to late reactions to obstacles, traffic changes, or road conditions, increasing the risk of an accident.
Tip: Always keep your eyes up and look ahead, scanning the road for potential risks. This gives you more time to react and make safe decisions.
6. Target Fixation
Target fixation occurs when a rider becomes overly focused on an object, such as a car or a pothole, and inadvertently steers toward it. This is a common mistake for beginners and can lead to collisions or dangerous maneuvers.
Tip: Train yourself to focus on where you want to go, not on obstacles. Keep your eyes on the open road or your intended path, and the bike will follow.
7. Failing to Use Countersteering
Countersteering is a critical skill for controlling the bike at higher speeds. Many new riders instinctively lean their bodies to turn, which is not effective at higher speeds and can cause them to lose control.
Tip: Learn countersteering early. Practice pushing the handlebars in the direction opposite to where you want to turn—push left to go left, push right to go right—especially when riding at speeds above 15 mph.
8. Not Anticipating Other Drivers’ Actions
New riders often assume that other drivers can see them or will yield the right of way, which is a dangerous assumption. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible, making it more likely that drivers will miss them in blind spots or intersections.
Tip: Ride defensively. Assume that other drivers may not see you and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. Always position yourself where you’re visible to others and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Conclusion
Mistakes are a part of the learning process, but new motorcycle riders can avoid these common errors by staying aware, practicing regularly, and prioritizing safety. With the right habits and knowledge, new riders can build their skills while staying safe and confident on the road.
