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Learn to Ride a Motorcycle Properly - Lite Course
Rating: 4.7 out of 5(34 ratings)
141 students

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle Properly - Lite Course

Have your very own personal online trainer, giving you a step by step guide when learning to ride a motorbike
Created bySimon Hayes
Last updated 7/2022
English

What you'll learn

  • Understand the motorcycle controls and how it works. Basic machine checks and how to operate the basic controls.
  • Learn how to operate a motorcycle and be in full control. Using the clutch, throttle, gears and brakes
  • Learn how to pull and and stop correctly as well as riding the bike slowly using the clutch
  • Learn how to change gear correctly, the art of gear shifting to select the correct gear for the job
  • Understand how to use the brakes correctly, including emergency stops

Course content

2 sections • 20 lectures • 1h 51m total length

  • Learning to ride a motorcycle1:03

    Learning to ride a motorcycle

    Biking is a fabulous pastime, people are learning to ride a motorcycle for economic reasons. On the whole, motorcycles are less expensive to purchase, tax and insure than cars. Taking account of the cost of learning, they offer a cheaper route to getting mobile.

    Parking is generally easier and less expensive for motorcycles. It can also mean quicker travel, by allowing riders to minimise the frustrations of traffic congestion. Given these benefits, there is also a good case for motorcycles to be used as a greener mode of transport.

    Riders must recognise and take responsibility for their own vulnerability on the roads. This requires an investment in good protective clothing, plus a commitment to both compulsory and ongoing motorcycle training. On today’s faster and congested roads, rider responsibility demands the highest levels of observation, anticipation and planning.

    Basic Training is the starting point. It sets the minimum standard for new riders, allowing them to ride unaccompanied on the road safely, it is effectively the lowest level of rider skill and rider safety. This contentious observation is supported by statistics that attribute most motorcycle accidents to rider error.

    For new riders we suggest that basic training does not tick all the boxes of ‘learning to ride a motorcycle’. Novice riders should take to the roads with care, take responsibility and commit to ongoing motorcycle training.

  • Preparing for training1:08

    Preparing for Training

    A new rider's training experience can be more effective with preparation. where video and e-learning can boost understanding and knowledge.

    It is recommended to wear appropriate clothing, as a minimum they should wear a helmet. They should also wear thick denim jeans, a heavy jacket, sturdy boots and motorcycle gloves (if they don't have proper motorcycle clothing. Shorts, T-shirts and trainers are not appropriate.

    Having proper motorcycle clothing offers the best protection.

  • Learners Academy explained1:26

    Learners Academy Explained

    This course does not substitute professional motorcycle training. It has been structured to enhance the skills and knowledge gained through professional training and as an essential learning platform.

    For students embarking on motorcycling for the first time, there is a lot to take in during training. This is especially true for those who are completely new to the road who may find it difficult to take it all in and set the required skills.

    The course has been put together by a team of highly experienced, skilled and qualified motorcycle instructors. It has been further enhanced through student feedback and then endorsed by an independent Advisory Panel.

    The goal of this course is to be a better skilled, more confident and safer rider. The course enhances a student’s motorcycle training experience through pre-learning and the opportunity to visualise and internalise the core components of safe motorcycle riding with instructional videos.

    The outcome is a better prepared, less stressed training experience. Motorcycle instructors are more empowered to train, because students attend with a higher induction level from home learning.

  • Avoiding Common Rider Faults1:24

    Common Rider Faults

    Before starting training, students should be able to ride a two wheeled pushbike. This ensures they have sufficient balance and skill to ride a motorcycle or moped

    Students who cannot ride a pushbike (or have not ridden one for some time) will find it difficult riding a motorcycle. Students should refresh their two wheeled skills before attending motorcycle training.

    During a training, new riders need to absorb lots of new information and for this reason, pre study is wise and will result in a better training experience. This course is structured to pave the way to the best possible learning experience.

    General advice to avoid a poor experience:

    ► Avoid feeling rushed, overwhelmed or intimidated

    ► Opt for training that allows you to learn at your own pace

    ► Do not look down at the ground when riding

    ► Don’t proceed onto the road ride unless fully confident

    ► Request more off road training if required

    ► Trust Instructor’s judgement, listen and take their advice

    ► Accept that it is natural to feel a little apprehensive at first

    ► Always be safe, in control of both emotions and motorcycle

  • Observations - Why they are so important0:52

    Novice riders must learn to shift their attention from their motorcycle controls and the road just ahead of their front wheel, to what is happening ahead, behind and to the sides. They must develop the skills to adjust position for the best view, have good observations and react accordingly to what they see.

    Rear checks - are required before signalling, changing direction, altering speed and on approach to hazards. They involve turning the head to look behind into the motorcyclists blind spot, along with the effective use of mirrors. blind spots are the areas to the sides and slightly to the rear that are not visible through the mirrors.

    Rear observations ensure full awareness and allow riders to ensure that it is safe to continue with their plan. They also inform other road users of an intended manoeuvre. Rear checks are required when indicating, slowing down or stopping, changing lanes, overtaking, moving off and negotiating junctions.

    New riders must develop the skill of correctly timing their rear observations and recognise when such observations might be dangerous. They should also avoid getting into the bad habit of looking over the shoulder too frequently or at the wrong time.

    During rear observations, riders can momentarily lose touch with what is happening ahead, plus run the risk of veering off course. In heavy traffic, whilst travelling at speed or when overtaking, poorly timed or excessive rear observations can be dangerous.

    Novice riders must also understand and learn that in certain situations, failing to use effective rear observations can be dangerous. Examples include, when turning right into minor roads, when moving out to overtake a slower moving vehicle.

    Lifesaver checks - are the final shoulder observations to the left or right blind spot area before committing to a manoeuvre. When performing lifesavers, new riders must take care not to adversely affect their motorcycles balance or steering which may alter their road position.

    Forward observations - are as critical as rearward observations and new riders must develop the ability to constantly interpret what is happening ahead. As well as looking directly in front, observations are extended to the middle and far distance, as well as implementing good forward scanning techniques.

    Skilled riders will constantly use extended forward vision and observations, using them to adjust speed and stop safely if necessary. Effective forward observations aids effective awareness and planning, with the scope to respond to the changing environment and developing hazards.

    Parked vehicles, road furniture, hedgerows and other obstructions can block a rider’s view. Skilled riders use good vision to anticipate, decide on a plan and safely adapt a new riding position to maximise their view.

    Riders must extend their observations to anticipate the actions of other road users and then position to be seen and give more room for error. This is especially important when approaching junctions where other vehicles are waiting to emerge and may not have seen an approaching motorcyclist.

    In moving traffic, riders must be aware of other vehicles blind spots. The use of high visibility motorcycle clothing and the use of dipped headlights, even in daytime riding is advised.

    Effective observation also includes using clues to anticipate potential hazards. For instance, for vehicles parked outside a school, there might be a risk of children suddenly running out, or car doors opening or vehicles suddenly pulling away.

    Developing good observation is essential to  increasing rider safety. The key to improving these and other skills relies on rider responsibility and recognising the importance of ongoing professional motorcycle training. With this commitment to training comes higher levels of competency, increased safety, greater confidence and a vastly enhanced riding experience.

  • The 5 basic controls - Throttle, Clutch, Gear lever, Front and Rear brakes8:55

    The 5 Basic Controls

    There are five basic controls that must be mastered in order to safely operate and ride a motorcycle. There are many other important controls, but until a new rider has reached a level of proficiency with these five basic controls, they will struggle with other aspects of riding a motorcycle.


    Clutch

    ► Disengages the drive when in gear

    ► Pull in the clutch to select first gear

    ► Use it slowly when pulling away

    ► Vital for slow control and stopping

    ► Aids smoother gear changes


    Throttle

    ► Use a flat wrist

    ► Use gently, do not be aggressive

    ► Turn it away from rider to allow engine braking


    Front brake

    ► All four fingers

    ► Finger tips only

    ► When the bike is in an upright position and in a straight line

    ► From high speed to low speed

    ► Never in a corner or when bike is leaned over

    ► Not used at slow speeds or when steering the handlebars


    Rear brake

    ► Only at slow speed

    ► Use when cornering or steering the handlebars


    Gear lever

    ► Sequential gearbox - up or down one gear at a time

    ► Speed up - change up

    ► Slow down - change down

  • How to hold the handlebars correctly4:24

    How to hold the bars

    Having the correct grip on the handlebars is imperative when riding a motorcycle. By adopting a light grip, learner riders will avoid suffering with sore hands, tension in the arms, shoulders and neck.

    A light grip translates to being more relaxed and less fatigued, along with improved handling skills.


    Right hand - The right hand operates the throttle. Maintaining a flat wrist posture, without angling the wrist over or dropping it down will result in a far more effective operation of the throttle. This ensures maximum control, without getting a sore wrist. The thumb of the right hand should be used to operate the righthandlebar switchgear, whilst ensuring a full grip remains on the throttle. Fingertips should be used to operate the front brake.


    Left hand - The left hand holds the left-handlebar grip and when needed the fingertips are used to operate the clutch. The thumb of the left hand is used to operate the left handlebar switchgear.

  • Operating the controls8:22

    Operating the Controls

    With respect to these additional controls, it is natural for learner riders to glance down to use them initially. Practice is the essential stepping stone to a rider keeping their eyes on the road, whilst operating the other controls. Even though motorcycle controls can vary slightly between models, the most common configuration is as follows:


    Left switch gear

    Controls that are operated with the thumb of the left hand are:

    ► Horn

    ► Left and right indicator switch

    ► Indicator cancelling switch

    ► Headlight (low and high beam).

    ► The passing light switch is normally situated on the front of the left switch gear and is operated using the first finger of the left hand.


    Central controls

    There may be some variations on different motorcycles, for most learner style motorcycles, the only central control is the ignition. This can be operated with either hand and would only be operated whilst the motorcycle is stationary and out of gear (in neutral).

    ► Clocks

    ► Speedometer

    ► Rev counter

    ► Fuel gauge

    ► Indicator and warning lights


    Right switch gear

    Controls that are operated with the thumb of the right hand are:

    ► Starter button

    ► Emergency kill switch.

  • Daily motorcycle checks - VOLTS2:41

    Daily Motorcycle Checks - VOLTS

    Riders should learn how to check their motorcycle on a daily basis. Basic daily checks should only take a minute, so there is no excuse!

    Confidence in a motorcycle’s road worthiness increases rider safety. If higher mileage journeys are being planned, then more extensive checks are required. In relation to basic daily checks, see below:


    Daily checks (VOLTS)

    This is a useful mnemonic to remember the essential daily checks must be carried out at the beginning of each day or journey.

    V - Visual

    O - Oil

    L - Lights

    T - Tyres and brakes

    S - Steering and suspension

    There are a number of commonly used mnemonics used to reference daily motorcycle checks, VOLTS being a popular one. Learner riders are advised to check with their local training provider, who may have a good alternative.

  • Basic Motorcycle Checks - POWDDERSSS10:49

    Basic Motorcycle Checks - POWDDERSSS

    Riders should learn how to fully check their motorcycle to ensure that it is roadworthy at all times. The road is dangerous enough without adding further risk by not having a serviceable motorcycle.


    Weekly Motorcycle checks - POWDDERSSS

    Instructors always offer advice on how to keep a motorcycle in a safe and roadworthy condition. To help remember the essential weekly checks, the mnemonic POWDDERSSS is a good memory aid.


    There are a number of other excellent approaches to use the right routine for weekly checks. Learner riders are advised to check with their local training school for their trainers' preferred method.

    P - Petrol

    O - Oil

    W - Water

    D - Drive

    D - Damage

    E - Electric

    R - Rubber

    S - Steering

    S - Suspension

    S - Stopping

    It is also important to refer to the owner’s manual for specific checks and servicing requirements.

Requirements

  • Taking learners from complete novice to learning how to ride a motorcycle, no previous experience required.
  • The only prerequisite skill required is to know how to ride a pedal cycle, so that you have balance on two wheels.
  • Online learning gives prior education so that the practical Training Course becomes less stressful and easier because on an elevated knowledge base to start with

Description

This bespoke motorcycle training program is for new and novice riders who want to begin motorcycling for the first time and learn how to ride a motorcycle correctly and safely.

The Learning to Ride Motorcycle - Lite Course gives you all the basic information that you need to get going as a new rider for the first time.

It is broken down into two Sections, they both comprise of video guidance with explanation and demonstrations. The delivery helps you through the early stages of riding to enhance your induction knowledge and understanding before and during the early stages of learning to ride.

The first section takes you through dedicated online training, giving you detailed lessons about the motorcycle, its controls and how it works, along with basic machine checks and what to look for when inspecting your bike before riding it.

The learning doesn’t stop there. You’ll also be guided through every training lesson in the second section you need to know when learning how to use the controls and get the bike moving.

Lessons include; pulling away and stopping, using the clutch and riding slowly, using the gears properly and carrying out emergency stops and braking correctly when riding on the road.

This is a methodical process of learning to ride, giving you the basic tools to have knowledge and confidence to put the skills into practice.

NB. Students have said that they were far more prepared after watching the training and education videos and as a result their learning experience was elevated, they enjoyed it more and they found it much easier.

Ride Safe, Stay Shiny Side Up and Keep It On The Black Stuff.

Who this course is for:

  • For people who want to learn to ride a motorcycle from scratch
  • For complete novice riders
  • For riders who are finding learning to ride difficult, this course takes riders through a step by step process
  • A methodical training course for learner riders who have limited experience
  • Begin motorcycling and learn properly before the practical experience

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