Addressing the Fears of New Motorcycle Riders for Safer Riding
The thrill of motorcycling is what makes it so attractive to potential riders. It’s exciting, it promises freedom, and offers plenty of adventure. However, many fears new or potential riders have might be holding them back from life on two wheels. To ease the mind of newcomers to the lifestyle, Cycle Trader is here to address common fears and to let you know they’re valid—that we’ve all been there—but overcoming them is worth it for the joy of riding.
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Dropping the Bike
Before even heading out on the road, most new riders face anxiety over dropping their own bike or, worse still, one belonging to someone else. It’s a valid concern, as motorcycles can be costly machines, and many of them are rolling works of art with plenty of chrome or painted body panels that don’t fare well when crunched on the pavement.
It can happen to the best of us, but with more motorcycling experience, the fear dissipates. When maneuvering a bike around a parking lot or in the garage, if you’re not straddling the bike, keep it as upright as possible and close to your body. This way, if it does start to lean slightly, it’s easier to catch well before it reaches the point where you can’t hold it up. Choosing a bike that’s not too tall or heavy for the rider is also important.
Another way to help reduce the fear is to build confidence with a bike that’s already taken a tumble or two or has some crash bars fitted. That way, if it does go down, the damage is minimized. And remember, even if you drop your bike, it can always be repaired.
Traffic
After successfully learning to ride—ideally through an accredited riding school—most new riders have to face the fear of riding among other motorists. The act of riding itself is a complex activity, but throw in the unknowns and distractions of fellow motorists, particularly in busy urban centers, and it can become overwhelming.
Like most things in life, practice makes perfect. Be smart and ease into it by making your first few rides on public roads during quieter times rather than rush hour. Weekend mornings can be a great time for this, as traffic is often minimal. Spend some time riding the streets you plan to traverse during busier times to get accustomed to how the bike behaves before adding in traffic congestion.
Freeways
Building on those city rides, as confidence grows, riders typically graduate to higher-speed riding that can seem intimidating at first. Secondary highways are a good stepping stone, allowing a rider to build speed without the fear of high-speed traffic congestion. Riders quickly learn that most bikes are designed to be surprisingly stable at elevated speeds, as long as they’re at least 250 cc in engine size and not wildly modified (like a stretched chopper), and confidence grows quickly.
As a rider moves toward higher speeds surrounded by more traffic, vigilance is crucial. Traffic can approach quickly, and you may come up on slower traffic faster than expected, not to mention the unpredictability of fellow motorists’ behaviors. Because of this, smart bikers ride as if they’re invisible to other motorists, assuming other drivers cannot see them. This mindset helps you ride more defensively and better anticipate their moves.
Wild Weather
Sooner or later, every rider encounters an unexpected downpour that can dampen a ride. No sweat—you can make it through that too with some increased caution. Many modern bikes have a “Rain” ride mode that softens throttle response and increases traction control intervention to help prevent a rider from losing control. But even if your bike doesn’t have that feature, exercising caution can help manage low-traction scenarios when the road is wet. Slow down and avoid abrupt throttle, braking, or turning inputs that might unsettle the bike.
Different road surfaces have different friction rates. While grooved concrete usually remains very grippy even when wet, smooth concrete can be slipperier than asphalt. When rain first starts, the oils on the road surface haven’t yet washed away, creating the greatest chance of a slippery scenario. Similarly, pooling water on the pavement can cause hydroplaning or upset the bike’s balance somewhat, so it’s best to avoid it.
Even when it’s not wet, windy weather requires heightened rider concentration, especially on lightweight or tall bikes that can be blown around more than lower, heavier motorcycles.
Mechanical Failures
Many riders worry that a mechanical failure while riding equals disaster. While a breakdown is never ideal, it’s usually not much more than an inconvenience and can often be avoided. The best way to prevent breakdowns is to maintain your motorcycle properly. Riders are encouraged to regularly inspect their bikes for safety, ensuring the tires are in good shape with sufficient tread, no punctures, and proper inflation. Regular inspection of the chain and sprockets is also wise, requiring frequent cleaning and lubrication.
A properly maintained bike is less likely to let you down, but if a breakdown does occur while you’re on the road, smoothly and safely make your way to a parking lot or as far out of harm’s way on the shoulder as possible, shut off the bike, and call for help if it’s something you can’t repair yourself.
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It’s said that nothing worthwhile is easy, and while riding a motorcycle doesn’t need to be hard, it does require more care and consideration than most activities. Work through these common fears, and the thrill of riding makes it all worthwhile. Looking to purchase your first motorcycle, or upgrade to a newer model? Check out the great options on Cycle Trader’s nationwide inventory of new and used motorcycles
Jeff Wilson
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