Skills Needed to Ride Your Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle is thrilling way to explore the open road. However, if you want to ride a motorcycle, there are some basic skills you need to learn to enjoy your ride and avoid accidents. For more information on our motorcycles, visit Peak Powersports LLC in Sheridan, Wyoming, also serving our clients in Buffalo, Wyoming.

Releasing the Clutch

Knowing how to release the clutch is a necessary part of riding a motorcycle. When it comes to the clutch, you have to master the friction zone, the part of the clutch lever that transitions between being engaged and disengaged. Learning how to navigate the friction zone will allow you to have smooth starts and make it possible to do low-speed maneuvers like a U-turn.

Controlling the Throttle

Not having control of the throttle can have you flying across the parking lot. When riding a motorcycle, you want your throttle hand to be in a wrist-down position. If your wrist is in an up position, you can be pitched backward which can lead to even more throttle. The wrist-down position allows you to close the throttle as you reach for the lever of the front brake.

Knowing How to Brake

Not being able to brake properly is one of the major reasons for motorcycle accidents. Usually, in this kind of accident, the front brake is underutilized, and the rear brake is overused. Another situation may be a rider abruptly locking the front brake. Newer motorcycle models include ABS, which prevents the locking of the front and rear brake.

Motorcycles generally have a high gravity center. As you brake, the center of gravity shifts forward, which allows for more braking power. A person who is skilled at braking knows how to build pressure while doing a hard brake maneuver. 

If the weight hasn't shifted, you can lock and skid when you quickly apply maximum braking power with the front brake. It can also trigger the ABS. While this is happening, the center of gravity shifts forward, and it becomes more difficult for the rear brake to slow the motorcycle down.

Countersteering

Countersteering is when you turn the handlebar the opposite of the direction you want to go. If you are trying to turn left, you push the right handlebar forward. If you are trying to avoid colliding with something or someone, you really have to get this down.

Being Able to Downshift Smoothly

Downshifting involves controlling the throttle and clutch at the same time. To do this, match the acceleration of engine speed needed by the lower gear. If the RPM is mismatched, the chassis may bobble or the rear tire could skip.

Riding a motorcycle means you have to master some skills. Learn more about our motorcycles at Peak Powersports LLC by visiting our location in Sheridan, Wyoming, which serves Buffalo, Wyoming.