4 Key Mistakes New Riders Make (And How to Avoid Them)

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Becoming a motorcyclist is an exciting journey. The thrill of the open road, the freedom, and the camaraderie of the riding community are unmatched. But stepping into the world of motorcycles isn’t just about buying the perfect bike—it’s about equipping yourself with the right knowledge, gear, and mindset to stay safe and enjoy every ride.

Here are four crucial lessons every new rider should take to heart.

1. Budget: Prioritize Gear Over the Motorcycle

Buying your first motorcycle is exhilarating, but your budget shouldn’t start and stop with the bike itself. Too many new riders blow their entire budget on the motorcycle, leaving little for proper riding gear, which is just as critical.

At a minimum, invest in:

A Helmet: A comfortable, well-fitting full-face helmet provides the best protection. Quality helmets in the $200–$300 range from brands like HJC, Bell, Scorpion, or Shark offer excellent safety features and certifications like ECE.
A Riding Jacket: Choose one with armor and good abrasion resistance.
Gloves: Ensure they fit snugly and provide protection for your hands.
Over-the-Ankle Boots: Avoid boots with overly thick toes that make shifting difficult.
Optional (but highly recommended): Riding pants and an airbag vest. Airbag vests are a newer technology but provide significant protection in the event of a crash.

A helmet that doesn’t fit well won’t protect you properly, so always try helmets on before buying. For more detailed guidance on helmet fit, check out MCrider.com/HelmetVid.

2. Training is Essential—It Doesn’t Stop After the New Rider Class

Passing a new rider class is a big milestone, but it’s just the beginning. These classes teach fundamental skills, but they take place in controlled environments with speeds up to 20 mph and no traffic. Once you hit real-world roads, the challenges are much greater.

Advanced training courses, such as the BRC2 or Total Control classes, are invaluable. Unfortunately, many riders never take them, despite their lower cost, shorter duration, and engaging curriculum. These courses help you refine your skills and correct bad habits that inevitably develop over time.

If you can’t find an advanced class in your area, consider taking the basic course again after six months to a year. You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll learn and how your perspective has changed.

For ongoing skill-building, MCrider offers resources like the Field Guide, forums, and a wealth of video content. While these don’t replace in-person training, they are excellent supplements to keep your skills sharp.

3. Skills: Riding Skills Are Perishable

Motorcycle skills are like fresh produce—they don’t last forever without proper maintenance. If you haven’t practiced emergency braking since your first training class years ago, your skills are probably as rotten as 7-year-old apples.

Riding is not training. You may only need to emergency brake once or twice in five years of riding, but in a single 30-minute training session, you can practice emergency braking, swerving, cornering, and more dozens of times. These drills build muscle memory, ensuring you react correctly in real-world situations.

The military trains consistently for a reason—skills are perishable. As a rider, you should adopt the same mindset. Make time to practice regularly, whether through organized training or solo drills.

4. Strategy: Road Strategy is as Important as Road Skills

If riding skills are the physical mechanics of riding, road strategy is the mental game—and both are equally important.

Think of road skills and road strategy like peanut butter and jelly: each is good on its own, but together, they create something truly exceptional. Even a highly skilled rider can be dangerous without a solid road strategy, while a less experienced rider with strong strategic awareness can be much safer.

Key elements of good road strategy include:

Maintaining Safe Speeds: Riding at or slightly above the flow of traffic helps you avoid tailgaters and unnecessary passing maneuvers.
Using Lane Position Effectively: Position yourself for maximum visibility and space to maneuver.
Anticipating Hazards: Always be scanning for potential threats, such as distracted drivers or obstacles in the road.

For nine years, MCrider has focused on teaching both road skills and road strategy through free videos, offering riders the tools they need to become well-rounded and safer on the road.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a great rider isn’t just about mastering the throttle or leaning into a corner. It’s about building a foundation of knowledge, equipping yourself with the right gear, maintaining and refining your skills, and developing a strategic approach to every ride.

If you’re serious about becoming a better rider, start by investing in good gear, committing to ongoing training, and practicing regularly. Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned veteran, there’s always more to learn.

For more resources, including training exercises and road strategy tips, visit MCrider.com. Ride smart, stay sharp, and enjoy the journey.

Till next week…