Congratulations! You’ve passed your MSF course!
or maybe you got lucky and borrowed your buddy’s CBR 1000RR to ace the DMV road test without any formal training. Hey, a win is a win. I’m not here to judge. But now that you’ve got your motorcycle license, what’s next? Should you buy a sportbike and hit the track? Or refinance your home to splurge on a $30,000 BMW?
Both sound fun, but before diving headfirst into the deep end of the motorcycling world, there are a few things to consider. Your first year of riding is filled with lessons, some harder than others. From your first parking lot tip-over to navigating skeptical friends and family who are nervous about your new hobby, this year will be transformative.
One of the first things to remember is that while your MSF course taught you the basics of motorcycle operation, it didn’t fully prepare you for riding in real-world traffic. Ease into it. Start with short trips around your neighborhood. As you become more confident, gradually venture out onto busier roads. Be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid high-risk areas, especially during peak times. Your skills will develop faster than you think, so there’s no need to rush and risk riding beyond your abilities. This advice isn’t just for your first year; even experienced riders should remember not to overestimate their skills.
In your first year, you’ll also discover that riding is a social activity. Your non-riding friends and family may not share your enthusiasm, so you’ll likely need to make some new friends who understand your passion. Riding with others can keep you excited and help you stay connected to the motorcycle community. However, large group rides can be overwhelming for new riders, so stick to smaller groups or one-on-one rides at first. It’s also a great way to try out different motorcycles without the pressure of a sales pitch.
You’ll also need to get hands-on with your bike. While some tasks might seem daunting at first, basic maintenance like oil changes, chain cleaning, and checking fluids will become routine. If your bike is new, it might not require much attention, but older motorcycles demand more care. Many riders find that working on their bikes is as enjoyable as riding them, and it’s a great way to deepen your connection with your machine.
As your confidence grows, you’ll want to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s your first ride on the highway, carrying a passenger, or even attending a bike night, it’s important to keep expanding your horizons. The world of motorcycling is vast, and it goes beyond commuting to work. Consider trying different styles of riding, like off-roading or track days, to broaden your experience.
One of the most exciting aspects of riding is taking long trips. Motorcycling has always been about freedom and adventure, and there’s no better way to experience that than hitting the open road. Even a short day trip can introduce you to new roads, towns, and experiences that you’ll never forget. These rides will test your endurance and give you a deeper appreciation for your bike.
Mistakes are inevitable, especially in your first year. From minor missteps like dropping your bike in a parking lot to more serious errors like misjudging a turn, every rider has been there. The key is to learn from these experiences and continue improving. Over time, your instincts and reflexes will sharpen, helping you avoid bigger issues down the road.
As your rookie year comes to an end, you might start to feel the itch for a new bike. After a year on a beginner bike, it’s natural to want something different—whether that’s a larger bike, a more specialized one, or just something new to reignite your excitement. This is also a good time to upgrade your gear. After all, you’ve likely learned a lot about what you really need, and you’re ready for something more specialized or higher quality.
