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New Rider Primer
10 steps to your first ride
 So
you’re thinking about buying your first motorcycle and going for a ride. For a
variety of reasons motorcycle sales keep booming. Whether it’s dealing with
lousy downtown parking, watching all those motorcycle TV shows that are on now,
the ridiculous price of fuel these days or you’re just ready to release your
passion – finally after all these years of it being pent up inside.
There are few things better in the world than riding a
motorcycle. But getting off on the right foot is the way to go. Just going to
your dealer, buying a bike and attempting to ride it will cause you nothing but
trouble. A lot of newbies ask me what’s the right way to get started – so here
it is folks – 10 steps to taking your first ride.
-
 Sign up for a Motorcycle
Safety Class NOW! – Taking the Motorcycle Safety Class will teach you how
to properly operate a motorcycle and can essentially save your life –
especially within the first few years of riding. It’s all the basics you need
taught in the correct order so your skills are in place when you take to the
road. There is not a friend or relative in the world who can teach you how to
safely operate a motorcycle as well as a certified instructor, unless that
person happens to be a certified instructor. Would you let children selling
lemonade on the street do your taxes for you? Wait times can be several weeks
to several months, so don’t delay – sign up today. Don’t get antsy if the wait
is several months – your health and safety are worth the wait. In Washington
you can get a list of who teaches the state-approved courses at:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/ds/mtrcycle.htm.
-
 Get
ahold of Dave Preston’s Motorcycle 101 – Mr. Preston’s book was
written with you in mind. He takes you through all the situations you’ll
encounter getting ready to ride. Things like proper gear selection, purchasing
the right bike, insurance and planning your travel are all included in this
primer that’s right for first time riders of all ages. It's $20 well
spent.
Click here to buy it.
- Get a copy of your state’s Motorcycle Operators
Manual – Don’t even think about getting on a bike until you’ve gotten a
motorcycle endorsement which is required in all 50 states. Most states require
you to take both a written and moving test. Reading the manual thoroughly will
provide the information you need to know to pass the written test. For
Washington riders, visit the
DOL website for a PDF version
- Take the written test at the Department of Licensing
– It’s time to take the written test. Head over to your local Department of
Licensing office and take a number.
-
 Learn
about what the right bike is for you – There are several styles of
motorcycles available in the market. Read our
buyers primer. Here you
will find the information about the various types of bikes available that will
satisfy both your body and your ego.
- Get the right riding apparel – Mr. Preston’s
book does a good job outlining apparel. I’m sure you’ve seen the occasional
sport rider or cruiser in a tank top and tennis shoes. That’s not proper
riding gear and don’t get the idea that it is. At the minimum, get a quality
protective jacket, helmet, gloves and boots. When you show up for your first
Motorcycle Safety Class you’ll be set to go.
-
 Check
out the clubs – As long as we’re on the subject of what kind of bike is
right for you, there’s probably a club to go right along with it. We encourage
new riders to join clubs because it puts them together with more seasoned
riders who can help answer questions as you head out on your new adventure.
You'll find an extensive club directory here.
- Study the Sound RIDER! archive – The
Sound RIDER! archive is loaded with tips and
tricks for riders of all kinds. If you live in the Northwest you’ll also be
privy to many of the area's best rides, who the dealers are and details about
clubs and organizations.
- Take the Motorcycle Safety Class – You've been
signed up for a while. Now it’s time to hit the classroom and get on the
field and begin your training. In Washington, if you pass the moving test
provided during the course, you will not need to take it at the Department of
Licensing later. Just stroll in with your certificate and get your endorsement
added to your license. It’s that easy. During this course, your mind may
change about what the right bike is for you. That’s why it’s best not to
actually purchase a bike until you’ve had the class.
- Purchase your first bike and ride – There’s a
whole world of riding waiting for you now and you have all the skills and
apparel to enjoy the ride. It’s best to start off with a small to mid-sized
bike, say 250 to 500 cc’s. If you need a bigger bike, get it later and trade
in your starter then.
See you on the road!
PT/Summer 04
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