The 10 Most Common Beginners Mistakes when Learning to Ride a Motorcycle

IN RECENT TIMES, I’VE DISCUSSED WITH SEVERAL MOTORCYCLING EXPERTS, INSTRUCTORS, AND POLICE OFFICERS ABOUT THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES MADE BY NOVICE MOTORCYCLISTS (BUT NOT ONLY). MISTAKES THAT I MYSELF HAVE MADE, BUT SLOWLY LEARNED TO CORRECT THANKS TO VALUABLE ADVICE. LET’S LOOK AT THEM TOGETHER!

1. FORGETTING THE SIDE STAND

A few days after bringing the motorcycle home, something embarrassing happened to me: I get on the bike, start the motorcycle, lower the visor, pull the clutch, shift to first gear, and… the motorcycle stalls. What could have happened? I try again. Same result. I get off the motorcycle and inspect it carefully, but everything seems fine. Then I realize: I hadn’t raised the side stand! What a blunder! There are no warning lights, but motorcycle manufacturers have thought ahead: with the side stand down, the motorcycle won’t start. Raising it (and also lowering it!) must become automatic, even to ensure that it is completely up.

2. NOT TURNING OFF THE TURN SIGNALS

Kilometers and kilometers behind a motorcycle that I thought was turning left but wasn’t: the motorcyclist had forgotten to turn off the turn signal. This happens very often, even to the most experienced riders at times. In some newer models, it turns off automatically, but for those with older motorcycles, we have to adopt another habit: occasionally press the neutral of the turn signals with the thumb, even if we know we’ve already turned them off. This will prevent insults from our friends who follow us but, more importantly, risky maneuvers by other road users. Staying on the topic of turn signals, it’s also crucial to always use them, not just for turns, but also when pulling over, passing a cyclist, changing lanes, etc.

3. PUTTING THE MOTORCYCLE IN NEUTRAL AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT

I know, holding the clutch lever for endless seconds when you’re stopped is tiring and boring. But it’s important to avoid this mistake. The positioning when you’re in line should already be correct, the one that could give you an escape route in case of emergency. Never position yourself in the center of the vehicle in front of you; if a distracted driver comes up quickly from behind, you wouldn’t have a way to avoid them. That’s why when you stop at a traffic light, it’s better to be ready with first gear engaged, look for a possible escape route, and check the rearview mirrors.

4. NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECTING YOURSELF

 “It’s too hot!” “I’m only going a few kilometers.” “I want to feel free on my motorcycle.” I hear all kinds of excuses, but I won’t waste time telling you how dangerous it is to ride without proper protection, because I hope you already know. Nowadays, there are many types of clothing perfect for every season, even for hot weather: from perforated jackets to cooling vests, from breathable technical sneakers to helmets with ample ventilation. Protecting yourself is indispensable when riding. Always!

5. NOT TAKING RIDING COURSES

Oh yes, you know my stance: a riding course a year is an excellent investment in our safety and teaches us how to have more fun with our motorcycle. Federal instructors and various schools across the territory will guide you based on your level of preparation, correcting mistakes and teaching you how to truly enjoy this wonderful means of transportation. If you’re interested in a motorcycle riding course and have our MissBiker Card, check out all our agreements with the best schools.

6. WARMING UP THE TIRES

Is it a mistake? Yes, let’s see why! First of all, warming up the tires by swaying on the road serves absolutely no purpose. If you’re on the track, things are different, and you’ll use tire warmers that evenly heat up the tires, making them ready to maintain a certain speed for a specific duration. On the road, considering speed limits and constant slowdowns due to traffic and signals, it’s pointless.

What does the Highway Italian Code say? Article 141, paragraph 2 states:

“The driver must always maintain control of their vehicle and be able to perform all necessary maneuvers safely, especially the timely stopping of the vehicle within the limits of their field of vision and in front of any foreseeable obstacle.”

7. NOT USING THE REAR BRAKE

Since I learned to use the rear brake, my riding has improved. Not just for stopping the motorcycle, but especially for tackling turns uphill and downhill. Pay no attention to those who say the rear brake is not necessary: it’s essential! Here’s our tutorial.

8. NOT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT BLIND SPOTS

There are points called blind spots that prevent vehicles from seeing what’s happening around them. It must have happened to us many times when driving a car not to see someone and realize it at the last moment. Well, motorcyclists are often victims of this invisibility. The advice is: know what these areas are on a motorcycle, and most importantly, MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE! Fluorescent yellow clothing is not enough (although it can help in some cases), but the driver of the other vehicle needs to notice that we’re there. Here’s our tutorial.

9. NOT ANTICIPATING WITH YOUR GAZE

 A few years ago, I was in the mountains enjoying some winding roads. In one particularly wide and fast curve, I saw something fall right at the apex of the turn. I slowed down, signaled with my indicator to warn the one following me, and picked up a little dog that had fallen from a cliff right in the middle of the road. The maneuver was safe and gentle (thanks to riding courses!), but if I hadn’t anticipated with my gaze, I wouldn’t have noticed the danger. When tackling turns, your eyes should always be on the end of the curve (read more about the importance of gaze here). This way, if there were any danger, you’d have time to think and react. Too many motorcyclists only look a few meters ahead of the front wheel. It’s important to anticipate with your gaze and keep your eyes on where you want to go. Peripheral vision will help manage your position in the lane. Important: it’s not just about looking, you have to point your chin by turning your head. This movement will tire us less and offer a wider perspective.

10. RIDING FASTER THAN YOU’RE CAPABLE OF

In the beginning, as a newly licensed rider, I rode with the guys from the local motorcycle club, who were much more experienced and faster than me. My first thought was not to be a burden and try to keep up. What a big mistake! Luckily, nothing happened to me, but I did get a few scares. Since then, I’ve understood that you should never exceed your limits. Even in overtaking, it’s important to do them ONLY when you’re sure, when you can do it safely. Are you interested in learning more about reaction speed? Read here. We’re playing with our lives on a motorcycle, there’s no need to prove anything to anyone. Let’s try to find a group of friends who wait for us, respect us, understand our level, and give us time. We’ve all been through it!

Ride Safe!