A Beginner’s Guide to Learning to Ride a Motorcycle or Scooter
Motorcycles and scooters have long been popular in Europe and Asia, but in recent years they have begun to gain popularity in other parts of the world as well. There are many reasons for this trend, but chief among them is the fact that riding a motorcycle or scooter is an exciting and convenient way to get around.
Motorcycles and scooters have many advantages over cars. They are cheaper to buy, operate and maintain, and they take up less space, making them ideal for city living. They are also more convenient, as they can easily manoeuvre through traffic congestion. In addition, riding a motorcycle or scooter is an exciting experience that gives you a sense of freedom and adventure.
However, it is important to remember that motorcycles and scooters are also much less stable than cars and can be more difficult to control in adverse weather conditions. As a result, riders need to use caution and always wear proper safety gear. When done correctly, riding a motorcycle or scooter can be a fun and rewarding experience. This is a brief guide designed to help you get started as a brand new, beginner motorcycle rider.
Things to consider early on in your motorcycle experience
If you're thinking of taking up two wheels, you might be wondering what kind of machine you can ride on public roads without having to take a motorcycle test. In the UK, that limit is 125cc. That means if you want to ride anything with an engine larger than that, you'll need to take your full motorcycle test. But for most people starting out, a 125 will be plenty. And best of all, getting out on a 125 just needs a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), which costs around £125 for a day's training.
A CBT course is a training course that all motorcycle and scooter riders must take before they are legally allowed to ride on public roads in the UK. The course covers the basic skills and knowledge needed to safely operate a motorcycle or scooter, and takes place over the course of a single day. Once a rider has successfully completed a CBT, they will be issued with a certificate that is valid for two years. After that time, riders will need to either retake the CBT or take a full motorcycle licence test in order to continue riding.
For many motorcycle riders, the goal is to eventually ride a bigger bike and will need extra protective gear such as leather motorcycle jackets with armor and even full face helmets. But for some, the thought of jumping on a 600cc+ motorcycle is a bit daunting. If that's the case, there are two options for getting there: taking a Direct Access course, or doing it in stages.
With a Direct Access course, riders can go straight to taking their test on a larger bike. This can be a great option for those who are confident in their riding abilities and are ready to take the leap. However, it's worth noting that the pass rate for these courses is slightly lower than for those who do it in stages.
The other option is to gradually increase the size of the bike you're riding. This can be done by taking progressive tests, which will allow you to ride bikes with progressively larger engines. For some riders, this can be a more comfortable way to make the transition to a bigger bike. And since you'll already have your licence for smaller bikes, you'll be able to enjoy them even after you've moved up to a larger machine.
Motorcycles are much more complicated to ride than cars, and the consequences of not knowing how to ride one properly can be much more severe. While you might be able to get away with having a friend or family member teach you how to drive a car, you shouldn’t try the same thing with a motorcycle. Instead of winging it, book yourself onto a course to learn enough to give you confidence. A professional instructor will be able to teach you the basics of motorcycle riding, including how to start the engine, how to change gears, and how to brake safely. They’ll also be able to give you tips on how to avoid common mistakes that novice riders make. Taking a motorcycle riding course is the best way to ensure that you know how to ride safely and confidently.