Many beginning motorcyclists learn to ride by taking a skills class—a requirement in most states in order to obtain a license. Whether you are a beginner or are a seasoned rider, you can use these 5 ways to improve your motorcycle riding skills at home and become increasingly comfortable riding your bike locally and on longer trips. For example, you can practice different techniques, like braking and shifting, in a safe location near your home.
Riding a motorcycle is a personal experience because there are many factors that are unique to you and your motorcycle. Mastering these skills will also help you master the subtleties and nuances of your relationship with your bike and with the road.
Choose a Safe Location to Practice Your Motorcycle Riding Skills
The size of your home and property will determine whether or not you can actually practice your skills on your own property. If your own property is not conducive, choose another location close by and safe to practice your skills.
An Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities while learning. If you are a true beginner, you may need to have your learner’s permit to practice in many locations. If you have access to private property, you might be able to practice there with the owner’s permission.
Practice Safe Distancing
Just like vehicle drivers, as a motorcycle rider, you are required to maintain a safe stopping distance between you and the motorcycle or vehicle in front of you. According to Indiana State Police (ISP), motorcycle safety mandates a minimum of two seconds of distance.
Safe stopping distance matters because it allows you enough time to safely stop your vehicle. At home, you can practice distancing your vehicle under different circumstances and in different road and weather conditions.
Sharpen Your Braking Skills
Now that you know how important it is to maintain proper distancing and to adjust your distancing according to conditions, you should also practice your braking techniques. Keep in mind that the majority of your stopping power is in your front tire.
Practice braking:
- In wide-open spaces
- On different road surfaces
- Using your brake lever
- Using your rear brake
Understanding how to adjust your brake pressure in different situations is important because it can help you make fast decisions when necessary.
Work on Your Shifting Skills
Shifting is a critical skill for all motorcyclists. A great way to practice shifting gears is to practice riding in an area with multiple stop signs or simulate one. You will learn how to upshift and downshift on flat roads and different levels of incline.
Practicing shifting is important because it trains you to understand when and where to shift your gears and ensures you understand how the RPM (revolutions per min) influences shifting.
Practice Cornering on Your Bike
Driving in a straight line is fairly simple. Most roads and highways, though, will require you to turn broad and tight corners. Find—or simulate—a two-lane curve and practice cornering safely and staying in your own lane.
Practice will ensure you know how to:
- Decrease your speed.
- Look ahead into the curve.
- Maintain your lane.
- Plant your feet.
- Slightly squeeze your tank.
- Adjust your throttle.
Practicing your cornering is important because it will help you acquire muscle memory and react appropriately when needed.
Familiarize Yourself With Low-Speed Riding
Riding your motorcycle is exciting, and riding fast can be thrilling. You will need to ride slowly, at times, and without knowing how to maintain a lower speed, many new riders might inadvertently tip over.
When you practice riding at slow speeds, you learn:
- How to turn safely in tight spots like a parking lot or driveway
- How to anticipate and handle the weight of the bike
- How to handle your bike on different road surfaces
Practicing slow-speed riding is important because it will help you learn the different ways your bike responds at a variety of speeds.
For a free legal consultation, call 317-636-7777
How Our Firm Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident
Without a doubt, practice makes progress. You can only control your own actions, though. If the actions of another motorcyclist or of a vehicle driver led to an accident, a personal injury lawyer near you can help.
Our law firm will:
- Investigate your accident
- Identify the at-fault driver
- Obtain your police report
- Assess your monetary damages
- Compile supporting evidence
- Communicate on your behalf
- Negotiate a favorable settlement
- Represent you in court, if needed
A motorcycle lawyer in Indiana can also ensure you have the time you need to recover without losing time to build your case and file a lawsuit if necessary since the state limits the time that you have to do so.
Hiring Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Make a Difference
As a motorcycle rider, you do not have all the protection of the occupants of a vehicle when involved in an accident. That, combined with the difference in size and weight of a vehicle and your bike can mean you suffer serious injuries.
When our Indiana personal injury attorney handles your case, we handle all the details related to building your case. We also make it easy to pursue the at-fault driver and comply with Indiana’s statute of limitations—generally two years, according to IC § 34-11-2-4—by representing you on a contingency fee basis.
In lieu of ongoing hourly fees, we accept a percentage of your financial award and will not charge any fees at all unless your case results in compensation for you.
Contact One of Our Team Members if You Were Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Responsible riding on your part can make you a more seasoned and confident motorcyclist. Practice these 5 ways to improve your motorcycle riding skills at home and contact one of our Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. team members for a free case review if a negligent driver caused your injuries.
Find out how our motorcycle accident attorney in Indiana pursues compensation for you if you were injured in an accident.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
