This is part two of a three part guide.  Read Learning to Ride Sportbikes: A Beginners Guide – Part 1 if you haven’t already.

In the first part of this guide we talked about the basic pre-work involved in getting ready to ride your new sportbike.  Having a clear, positive mindset will ensure that you approach the motorcycle with no apprehensions.  If you are too nervous the first time you get on a bike it could spell disaster!  Remember: the motorcycle itself is only going to do what it’s been told to do.  As the rider, you have complete control over what it does and when.

At this point you should already have your gear  (and be riding ATGATT).  Ideally, you will have read a training manual as well (giving you the basics of how to shift, where crucial components are, etc.).  Now it’s time to get on to the actual process of riding.

Before We Start the Motorcycle…

We’re going to assume that since you are learning to ride a sportbike that you’ve never even started one.  Luckily, this process is simple and straight forward.  However, before we start the motorcycle we are going to complete a visual check of the motorcycle to ensure that it is in good operating order.  The exact process is identified in the Get Ready to Pass videos pretty well.  To keep it short, ensure that you check the following:

• Fluid levels – Ensure that the engine oil is in good condition and within acceptable levels.  Also check the brake fluid and ensure that it is also filled to the appropriate amount.

• Tire pressure - A flat tire on a motorcycle is bad news.  Make sure that your tires are inflated to the appropriate amount, as per what is stated on the tire sidewall.  If you are using the OEM tire from the manufacturer, the correct tire pressure will also be found in the owners manual.

• Signal, headlight, and brake lights - On a motorcycle, visibility is king.  Ensure that your brake lights and turn signals work properly.  Also check to ensure the headlight works correctly.

Once you’ve performed your walk around you are now in a good position to actually go and start the motorcycle.  Do not ride the motorcycle unless you possess the required permit.

There are three main components that you will need to know of when starting the motorcycle: the clutch lever, engine kill switch, and engine ignition switch.  Of course, you will need to ensure that you have the handbrake depressed so that the motorcycle does not move during ignition.

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The engine kill switch and ignition switch are usually found right next to each other.  If you click on the image to the right you will see what they look like.  Typically, the engine kill switch is red and can be flipped up or down.  In the picture to the left, the switch is “off” when it is down, and “on” when it is flicked up.  When the kill switch is set to “on” the motorcycle will not start.

The ignition switch has a picture of an arrow in a circle with an electric bolt inside of it.  This switch is used to actually start the engine on an electric-ignition motorcycle (almost all new motorcycles use an electronic ignition).  Assuming that the engine kill switch is set to “off”, the key is in the ignition position, and the clutch lever is depressed, pressing the ignition switch will start the motorcycle.

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The motorcycle clutch lever is the lever that is used to engage and disengage the clutch.  When the lever is depressed, the motorcycle is free to be started or change gears.  Typically, the clutch lever is located on the left handlebar, as illustrated in the image to the left.

The clutch lever will have some resistance to it when you attempt to depress it.  This is to ensure that the clutch doesn’t accidentally engage when it wasn’t intended to, as well as provide feedback as to where the friction point is when engaging first gear.  If you’ve ever driven a manual transmission on a car, the friction point will feel very similar.

Before you attempt to start your motorcycle, make sure you know where all of these switches are.

(Click for full size)

The handbrake is the lever on the right handlebar, with the footbrake being the lever on the lower right side of the motorcycle near your feet.  These are the only two ways you have to stop your motorcycle, and as you ride, you will use them harmoniously.  If there is one thing that you do before riding, it is learning where brakes are and how “stiff” they feel when used.

Obviously, if either brake is in disrepair the motorcycle is not fit to ride.

So, now we know where the handbrake, rear brake pedal, engine kill switch, and ignition switches are.  Remember, each motorcycle may be a little different so ensure that you locate these items on yours.  Once you’ve got that down pat it’s time to move on and start the motorcycle.

Starting Your Motorcycle

Here is a helpful video that very clearly identifies how to start a motorcycle:

Fast Tube by Casper

If you are unable to view the video, simply follow this process:

• Apply the rear brake pedal - This will prevent the motorcycle from moving during the operation, as well as keep it in place should you accidentally have it in gear when you release the clutch lever

• Turn the key to the “start/ignition” position - Typically, this is two notches past the position it is in when you first put the key inside the ignition cylinder.  The next position is “accessory”, which will power on the lights, with “start/ignition” being the second position.

• Ensure the gearbox is in “neutral” - You will know this immediately, as a green neutral light will illuminate in the instrument panel.

• Ensure that the engine kill switch is set to “off” - If the kill switch is engaged you will not be able to start the motorcycle.

• Depress the clutch lever - This engages the clutch.

• Press the ignition switch -  This will activate the starter and start the motorcycle.

• If required, use the choke - The “choke” is a lever that is used to restrict airflow to the engine.  Use the choke as required to get the motorcycle running.  Once the motorcycle is running smoothly, release the choke.

Congratulations!  Your motorcycle should now be started and putting along beautifully.

This concludes part two of the guide.  In part three we will learn how to shift gears, get the motorcycle moving, and how to turn the motorcycle.

Related posts:

1. Learning to Ride Sportbikes: A Beginners Guide – Part 1
2. Review: MotoLearn.com Motorcycle Training Guide
3. Review: VRides Motorcycle Training Guide

This is part one of a three part guide.

Before you read any further, know this: there is absolutely no replacement for getting on a motorcycle and learning through experience. No, I am not saying that you need to hop on your bike and go for a ride down the highway.  What I am saying is that the best way to learn how to ride a motorcycle is to get on one.  That being said, there are a lot of things that you can do to ensure that your first experience on a motorcycle is a positive one.

Unlike a car, you don’t have the opportunity to ride with someone and have them coach you while you’re riding.  A motorcycle is an inherently personal machine, making instruction difficult.  Ultimately, it’s up to you to take the initiative to learn how to ride.

Learning to Ride Sportbikes: Pre-work

Before you hop on a motorcycle and decide to go for a cruise by the lake, take some time to mentally prepare yourself for what you are going to be doing.  Riding on two wheels is different than riding on four.  It takes some patience, and a whole lot of caution, to ensure that your ride is a safe and successful one.

That is why there is immense value in making the investment in a motorcycle training guide.  A good guide will cost you less than $30 and give you all of the information you need to make better, more informed decisions when riding.  Our recommended guides are

• Get Ready to Pass - Priced at $27, includes videos and other media.  Best value.
• MotoLearn - Priced at $17, it does not have video.  Good buy if you don’t want to spend $27.

If you’ve opted out of reading a guide, perhaps spend some time digging through the internet.  Whatever you do, ensure that when you get on that motorcycle you’re confident and ready to ride.  Overcoming the mental barriers inhibiting success is 95% of the process required to be successful the first time you hop on a motorcycle.

Learning to Ride Sportbikes: Your Gear

Everyone knows that you need a helmet to ride a motorcycle, but what about your other gear?  If you’re smart, you’ll ride ATGATT.  You should also have, at the minimum:

• A high quality helmet - This is self explanatory.
• Riding gloves - Work gloves are not a replacement.
• Riding boots – A high quality pair of boots will protect your feet and ankles much better than shoes.
• A riding jacket – A riding jacket offers spine protection, elbow/shoulder protection, and is more durable in the event of a fall.

Your gear is not an area where you can afford to cheap out on.  It is the only layer of protection, aside from defensive riding techniques and remaining alert at all times, that you have in the event of a fall.  Spend the extra money on gear that is high quality, durable, and comfortable.  Ideally, your gear will be a one-time investment that will ensure your safety and comfort while you’re riding.

This concludes part one of the guide. In part two we learn what to do before we start the motorcycle, as well as how to start the motorcycle.  Read part two.

Related posts:

1. Learning to Ride Sportbikes: A Beginners Guide – Part 2
2. Review: MotoLearn.com Motorcycle Training Guide
3. Review: VRides Motorcycle Training Guide