You’re officially a rider! Riding is an endlessly fulfilling venture and investing in it makes you a confident, responsible rider that will keep you engaged for years to come. It all starts with a great foundation, so as you reinforce the skills you learned through training and research, here are some great tips to keep you on the road.
WATCH THE WEATHER
As a new rider, wet pavement isn’t the best place to build confidence. It’s important to know your limits and set yourself up for success as you build foundational skills. Before you head out, check the weather to be sure you know what you’re headed into and make the right call to stay off your motorcycle should conditions not be ideal.
REMEMBER ATGATT
As you learned in your MSF course, ATGATT refers to All the Gear All the Time. Whether you’re doing a quick run to the store down the street or a long stretch on your favorite scene route, having all the appropriate gear is a no-brainer.
BUILD YOUR PRE-RIDE ROUTINE
Building a good routine before you ride is crucial, so be sure to reinforce this habit every time you ride. The T-CLOCS℠ Inspection Checklist from our friends at the MSF is the perfect overview of what to check before you hit the road.
KEEP YOUR BIKE MAINTAINED
Whether you’ve taken the DIY route or let your local dealer handle the care of your bike, be sure your bike is up on all its service before hitting the road. A well-maintained motorcycle not only performs better but is safer to ride.
PRACTICE
Find a location close to you with low traffic so you can get in those riding reps! Large parking lots are a great space to practice u-turns, quick stops, or simply ride in circles to just get time on your bike. Use resources like the MSF’s Practice Guide to practice exercises to improve your skills. Even short periods of consistent practice go a long way to help you grow into a confident rider.
FIND A RIDING BUDDY
The buddy system works for a reason; having great support as you grow your riding skills goes a long way, so get connected with your local riding community and find a friend! Check out moto meetups in your area, head to your local bike shop, or download some motorcycle community apps to find your crew. Two wheels are even more fun when you can enjoy it with friends.
CONTINUED EDUCATION
Taking a course served to get you started, so why not explore the next level to keep going strong? The MSF offers plenty of motorcycle courses to experience new areas of riding, improve your on-street riding skills, and even advance your skills as you seek new challenges. Learning leads to growth, so continue to invest in your ride. As a bonus, motorcycle courses are also a great way to meet a riding buddy!
Putting these skills into practice will keep you cruising down the road for years to come.