Riders Share What It Takes to Become an Experienced Biker
Like it or not, statistically, experienced motorcyclists are the safest riders. The insurance companies know this, which is why so often new riders pay hefty fees for their coverage. Internet forums and Reddit threads are full of self-proclaimed experienced riders offering endless advice on how to become as experienced as they are, for better and for worse.
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So, Cycle Trader wants to know, what does it take to become an experienced rider? Is it just about how many years you’ve been riding? How many miles do you need to log? What about the type of riding or bike? And what do experienced riders wish they knew when they first started riding motorcycles? Can those factors fast-track becoming an experienced rider? Ultimately, there is no definitive formula or defining measure to concretely determine when a new rider officially becomes an experienced one.
Certainly, time is a factor.
Author’s Note: For me, it took a couple of years before riding truly felt an extension of my being. But it wasn’t a linear progression. In the beginning, even after my rider training courses, my riding tended to be short trips, not far from my home on roads with little traffic. This was important to build my confidence with the machine as the controls became second-nature. With confidence, the bike became a regular commuting tool to go to and from work, run errands, and of course just for joy rides, and my experience grew.
Now, after 15 years of riding many different bikes, I am statistically an experienced rider. At least that’s what my motorcycle insurance company says.
Even still, I reached out to two riders with way more than double the experience I have to get their thoughts on how a new rider can become an experienced rider.
Take a Motorcycle Riding Course
Costa Mouzouris has likely forgotten more about wrenching on and riding bikes than I will learn in my life. He reviews bikes for a living, is a retired riding instructor, ex-racer, and a darn-skilled (and fast!) rider. Having instructed new riders for a long time, it’s not surprising Costa’s first bit of advice is to take an approved riding course. He notes, “It will give you the right tools to enjoy motorcycling long-term. Don’t rely on a riding friend to teach you to ride; that friend might have bad habits that will transfer onto you, and even though your friend has gotten away with practicing them, they might not work out so well for you.”
Look Out on the Road
Costa also encourages riders to learn to use their eyes properly since they’re the best tools we have in our survival toolbox.
“Look far ahead, over cars, through SUV windows, so you know what’s happening ahead and can prepare for it, probably even before the distracted driver ahead. Scan your surroundings often, and check your mirrors often. BE aware of your surroundings all the time, anticipating the worst from surrounding road users, especially those coming in the opposite direction.”
Costa also cautions riders to not trust drivers to obey the rules of the road. “If you notice a driver constantly glancing at their lap while driving, stay far away from them; they are looking at their phone.” A distracted driver can be a deadly one, especially to a motorcyclist.
Rider Vigilance
Mark Richardson has been reviewing motorcycles for ages, and is the author of a number of books including Zen and Now: On the trail of Robert Pirsig and the art of motorcycle maintenance. He’s accumulated “45 years of not crashing on two wheels,” which qualifies him as an experienced rider.
Mark suggests we “forget the crusty old biker’s advice of ‘ride like everyone’s trying to kill you.’ They’re not, and this will never let you relax and enjoy the ride. Instead, just assume that other drivers haven’t seen you, even if your light is on and you have bright clothing. Give yourself lots of space from other vehicles so you’ve got plenty of room to maneuver if you need to swerve or brake in a hurry. Look far up the road so you can better anticipate the next five or 10 seconds.”
There’s a theme here. Rider vigilance means being able to anticipate bad situations and stay clear of them before they happen. But beyond seeing, do your best to be noticed by those other motorists. Mark recommends, “If it’s dark or dim out, and you see somebody behind you, dab the brake lever a few times so your brake light flashes and draws attention to you being there.”
Ride More
Author’s Note: One of the best ways my skill, comfort, and yes, experience grew was by going on road trips on my bike. After spending several hours a day in the saddle for two-to-three days, riding becomes very much second-nature.
Riding in a small group can be a great way to gain confidence, too. It’s important to pick the right group, however. Emulating those riders hell-bent on putting on a stunt show in the middle of downtown, or on the Interstate, probably isn’t going to help you. There are loads of groups of conscientious riders who are happy to help encourage sensible riding for those new to motorcycling.
Costa appreciates group riding too, but reminds riders to ride at our own pace and not try to ride beyond your skills. “Don’t feel shy to let others in the group know that you are new to riding. Experienced riders appreciate newcomers and a responsible group leader will take measures to ensure your safety, like having a plan if the group splits up.”
And when in a group, remember to avoid the blind spots of others (whether cars or bikes), and as Costa reminds, “Never try to impress your riding companions with your skills—an abundance of YouTube videos will convince you why this is a bad idea.”
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Finally, Richardson points out the importance of practising our riding in wet weather, stating, “you don’t want to discover the basics of riding on damp roads when it’s forced on you because you got caught out on a road trip. Discover the slipperiness of riding on painted lines and fallen leaves under your own terms, in your own time, and not when you’re in a hurry to escape the rain.”
Put the time in, plan some road trips with some skilled riders and you’ll be a confident and experienced rider before you know it.
When the time comes to make a bike purchase, find the ride that fits your experience level and lifestyle. Visit the marketplace on Cycle Trader for the nation’s largest selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles for sale.
Jeff Wilson
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