BEFORE you get on a motorcycle read this! 6 Facts
You’re thinking about getting on a motorcycle for the first time. And honestly, I’m a bit envious. You only get to take that first ride once, and it’s something special, even if it’s just in a parking lot for a weekend.
Before you get started, there are a few things you should know. This isn’t going to be about riding tips, but rather clearing up some common misconceptions you might have picked up from watching YouTube videos. These are seven cold, hard facts that you’re going to learn eventually, but it’s best to know them now.
1. MSF Doesn’t Teach You Everything
You’ve just finished your weekend at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, bought your new bike, and you’re ready for your first street ride. But then you encounter an uphill driveway with a turn. You search your brain for something your instructor said, but they never covered how to use the rear brake and throttle simultaneously on an incline. You end up dropping your brand-new bike. At least you’re at the dealership, where someone can help you out.
The truth is, the MSF course teaches just enough to get you started safely, but there’s much more to learn. The course is designed for complete beginners and focuses on basic skills at low speeds in a controlled environment. You won’t learn advanced techniques like rev-matching, picking up your bike if you drop it, or riding in traffic. Mastery takes time, so don’t assume you know it all just because you aced the course.
2. You’re Going to Drop Your Motorcycle
It’s inevitable—every rider drops their motorcycle at some point, whether it’s practicing slow-speed maneuvers or just losing your balance at a stoplight. Dropping your bike isn’t the end of the world. You might scuff some plastics, bend a lever, or break a mirror, but most damage is repairable.
To minimize the impact, consider adding frame sliders, case covers, and other protective gear to your bike. It’s much cheaper to replace a piece of plastic than to repair serious engine damage. If you do end up with minor cosmetic damage, there are paint pens and replacement parts to help fix things up.
3. Gear Is Disposable
That $300 jacket you just bought? It won’t be the last one. Motorcycle gear takes a beating from the elements, friction, and sweat. Gloves wear out, jackets fade, and helmets need replacing every few years, especially if they’ve taken a hit or endured heavy use.
Expect to spend around $1,000 on a full set of quality gear to start, including a jacket, helmet, gloves, boots, and possibly riding pants. After a couple of years, you may need to replace some of it. Budget an additional $500 annually for replacement gear. It’s worth it to invest in good-quality protection, even though it’s not permanent.
4. Your Motorcycle Is Not Permanent
While your motorcycle isn’t exactly disposable, it’s likely that it won’t be your last one. Most riders go through several bikes as their skills evolve and tastes change. You might think all you want is a shiny new sport bike, but after trying a friend’s cruiser, you might find you prefer a more relaxed ride.
Keep an open mind—there are countless types of riding, from track days to trail riding, and they’re all worth exploring.
5. Nobody Cares That You Ride
You might think having a motorcycle will make you the center of attention, but the truth is most people don’t care. Sure, other riders might nod or wave as you pass by, but don’t expect everyone to flock to you just because you ride. The exception to this is if you’re a woman—then you might get more attention, but usually from guys who are just curious or impressed.
6. Most Motorcycle Crashes Involve Only One Vehicle
This is important because it means the rider is often at fault. The leading cause of solo motorcycle crashes is speed. So, while it’s thrilling to open up the throttle, remember that staying in control is key to staying safe.
7. Your Motorcycle Won’t Replace Your Car
Many new riders dream of their bike replacing their car, but that’s rarely the case. How will you get your groceries home? What about when it rains, or when you’re just not in the mood to ride? There will be days when you’d rather take the car than deal with putting on all your gear just to run an errand.
The Bottom Line
Motorcycling is a thrilling hobby, but it comes with its challenges. It can be dangerous, expensive, and requires a lot of skill and dedication to master. But for many riders, the freedom and exhilaration of being on two wheels make it all worthwhile. If you’re serious about getting into motorcycling, do your research, invest in quality gear, and take your time to learn the craft.
