Riding a motorcycle is an experience like no other. Once you’ve caught the bug, there’s no shaking it. It’s no surprise that new riders often focus entirely on choosing the perfect bike and dreaming of the open road. But while the thrill of motorcycling is undeniable, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to frustration, close calls, or worse. Some lessons come with time. Others are best learned the easy way.
Here are some of the most common mistakes new riders make — and how to avoid them.
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Skimping on Gear
Buying a bike is one of the most exciting parts of your motorcycling journey — and usually the most expensive. Many riders save for months, waiting for the perfect motorcycle, only to realize they’ve left nothing in the budget for quality gear. Too often, new riders settle for the bare minimum of what’s legally required — typically just a helmet. It may seem like a way to save money, but it’s a gamble that can cost far more in the long run.
How to avoid it: Invest in full protective gear from the start. That means a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet, a jacket made specifically for motorcycling (bonus if it includes armor), full-fingered gloves, preferably with extra knuckle and palm protection, riding pants, and boots that cover your ankles. You don’t need the most expensive gear — there are some legit and wallet-friendly gear out there.
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Overestimating Abilities
Whether you’ve taken a training course or learned from a buddy in a parking lot, getting your license can feel like a free pass to ride anywhere, anytime. And while confidence is important, it can also be a rider’s worst enemy. Many new motorcyclists assume they can handle more than they actually can — whether that’s taking a too-tight turn at speed, navigating heavy traffic before they’re ready, or hopping on a bike that’s too powerful for their experience level.
How to avoid it: Start slow. Give yourself time to build muscle memory and situational awareness. Every ride will introduce potential new hazards and challenges, so be honest about your comfort zone. Keep a margin between your skill level and your risk level — that extra space will save you when the unexpected happens.
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Neglecting Slow-Speed Control
Riding fast in a straight line? There are few easier things in the world. Making a tight U-turn in a parking lot? Not so much. Many new riders underestimate the importance of slow-speed control — until they’re dropping their bikes while parking or struggling to turn from a stop sign.
How to avoid it: Spend time practicing in an empty lot. Get familiar with your clutch’s friction zone and learn how to use your clutch, rear brake, and throttle together to control your bike at low speeds. Keeping your eyes looking forward, rather than looking down, will also help maintain balance.
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Looking Down Instead of Ahead
On a motorcycle, where you look tends to be where you go. If you stare at the ground, you’ll struggle with balance and control. If you only look a few feet ahead, you’ll have trouble adjusting for curves or avoiding hazards in time.
How to avoid it: Keep your eyes up and scan far ahead while staying aware of your surroundings. When approaching a curve, look through it toward the exit point, gradually accelerating through. And if there’s an obstacle, don’t fixate on it — look for your escape route instead.
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Poor Braking Technique
New riders often react impulsively in emergencies, grabbing the front brake or stomping on the rear. Either can lead to skidding, loss of control, or worse.
How to avoid it: Practice progressive braking. Squeeze — don’t grab — the front brake while applying steady pressure to the rear. In an emergency, brake firmly, but smoothly and keep your handlebars straight.
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Ignoring Lane Positioning
Lane positioning is critical for visibility and safety. New riders sometimes drift into blind spots or ride too close to vehicles ahead, leaving no escape route.
How to avoid it: Use lane positioning to maximize visibility. Stay out of blind spots, maintain a safe following distance, and always have an “out.” Always try to position yourself where you can see and be seen.
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Forgetting to Check the Bike
Unlike cars, motorcycles often don’t have warning lights for every issue. A quick pre-ride check can prevent breakdowns or safety hazards on the road, but new riders often assume their bike is fine as long as it looks okay.
How to avoid it: Get in the habit of a quick pre-ride inspection. Check the tires, oil levels, brakes, and lights. Use the acronym T-CLOCS to help. A few minutes to perform checks can save you a world of trouble.
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Skipping Rider Training
Learning from experience is great, but learning from professionals is even better. Skipping formal rider training means missing out on critical skills that could save your life.
How to avoid it: This one’s a no-brainer. Take a training course! Even experienced riders benefit from advanced courses. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other riders in your area or with similar interests.
One of the appeals of riding is the sense of freedom that being on two wheels gives a person. But responsibility is equally as important as chasing adventure. Making mistakes is part of learning, but if you can avoid the common ones, you’ll set yourself up for a safer, smoother experience and a lifetime of fun.