Okay, so here’s the deal—riding techniques for motorcyclists aren’t just for wannabe MotoGP stars or guys with neck tattoos doing wheelies in parking lots. They’re for regular folks too—like me. The kind of rider who once forgot to put the kickstand down and dropped my bike in front of a Starbucks. (Yes, there was a crowd. No, I didn’t stick around for my drink.)
I’m not here to give you some lecture-y “10 Steps to Blah Blah Safety.” I’ve tried that route. I fell asleep halfway through my own notes.
This is more like…if your slightly unhinged motorcycle friend who’s made some questionable decisions decided to sit you down, hand you a gas station coffee, and say: “Okay, buddy. Here’s how to not die. And maybe look cool while you’re at it.”
Let’s ride.
The Throttle Isn’t Binary, Bro
I used to treat my throttle like a light switch. Off. ON. Off. ON. Which is great if you’re trying to impersonate a malfunctioning blender, not so great if you’re cornering at 40mph.
One day on a twisty backroad in northern California (you know the ones—like God made them just for two wheels), I got a little too trigger-happy mid-corner and bam—rear tire slipped, heart rate spiked, and I swore I saw the ghost of Evel Knievel judging me.
What I learned:
- Smooth throttle input is your best friend in a corner.
- Roll on gently as you lean out—not like you’re revving to impress your ex.
- Your tires grip better when you’re predictable.
Target Fixation Will Straight-Up Betray You
You ever look at a pothole and think, “DON’T hit it,” and your brain is like, “Cool, got it—let’s hit it.” Yeah. That’s target fixation, and it’s the devil.
One time I was riding past a roadkill armadillo (Texas things), got hyper-focused on it, and guess where my front tire went? Right over his crunchy little corpse. I could feel the judgment radiating from my riding buddies behind me.
So here’s the trick:
Look where you want to go.
Like, literally move your head and eyes. Want to make that sharp turn? Look through it. Not at the ditch. Not at the dude holding a taco on the sidewalk.
Your Brakes Are More Like Instruments Than Weapons
If your idea of braking is panic-squeezing your front lever like you’re wringing out a wet towel—we need to talk.
Your front brake is powerful. Like, “stop your bike from 60mph in a few feet” powerful. But also “send you flying over the handlebars” powerful if you use it like a gorilla on espresso.
Technique stuff, but explained in chaos-brain terms:
- Front brake = 70% of your stopping power. Use it gently but confidently.
- Rear brake = stability. Tap it going into corners for extra control.
- Don’t brake mid-corner unless you’re correcting something. It’ll stand the bike up or, worse, wash out.
Body Position Ain’t Just for the Pros (Or Yoga Enthusiasts)
I’m not saying you need to hang off the side like you’re about to drag knee at Laguna Seca (but like…mad respect if you do).
But where you put your weight matters. Especially on tight curves or when you’re dodging random debris that looks suspiciously like a flip-flop.
Here’s the quick and messy version:
- Move your upper body into the turn.
- Keep your arms loose like cooked spaghetti, not locked like you’re arm wrestling your handlebars.
- Shift your butt slightly toward the inside—just a bit, like your seat’s uncomfy and you’re adjusting.
Countersteering: The Black Magic That Actually Works
Okay. This one broke my brain when I first learned it.
To turn right…you push the right handlebar forward. WHAT?
I didn’t believe it until I tried it. But dude—it works. Like, physics magic.
When I teach new riders (aka, force them to listen to me while we eat gas station pizza), I always say:
“Push right, go right. Push left, go left. Fight the weirdness. Trust the force.”
And no, I don’t fully understand why it works. But neither do most people who use microwaves, and that doesn’t stop them.
The Road Is a Liar, So Read Between the Lines
You ever ride through a patch of fresh pavement and suddenly feel like you’re skating on buttered marble? Welcome to the lies the road tells.
- Shiny = slippery (especially if it rained 3 hours ago)
- Gravel = the devil’s confetti
- Painted lines = danger noodles
- Leaves = nature’s oil slick
I once fishtailed on wet leaves in Vermont like I was trying out for Disney On Ice. Learned my lesson. Still can’t listen to autumn-themed playlists without mild trauma.
Practice Like You Ride. Ride Like You’re in a Video Game.
Wait—what?
Hear me out.
When I ride solo, I imagine I’m playing a video game. Points for smooth corners. Bonus for smooth braking. Extra life if I make it to the gas station without stalling like a dork.
Practicing low-speed maneuvers in a parking lot? Sounds boring. But also saves lives. Figure 8s, emergency stops, U-turns—do them till your brain stops yelling at you.
It’s like going to the gym for your clutch hand.
It’s Not All About Speed (Except When It Is)
Look, sometimes you will open it up on a long straight stretch of road and scream, “THIS IS WHY I WAS BORN!”
And that’s okay.
But real pros? They don’t need to be fast all the time. They know when to be slow. In traffic. In the rain. Around school zones (seriously—don’t be a jerk). https://bikelovezone.com/essential-motorcycle-riding-tips/.
Final Thoughts from the Idiot Who’s Still Learning
You don’t have to be perfect. I’ve been riding for years and still do dumb things like wave at oncoming riders while downshifting awkwardly. (One time I honked instead. He looked confused.)
The point is: Learn the riding techniques that make sense to you, practice the heck out of them, and don’t let your ego steer the handlebars.
Also, if you ever wear two different gloves because one got soaked in beer (don’t ask), know that you’re not alone.
Bonus Pro-Level Tip: riding techniques for motorcyclists
I narrate my rides. Out loud. Like a total weirdo.
“Alright, smooth throttle…watch that turn…ooh gravel, nope nope nope…”
It keeps me focused. And hey, it’s not like anyone can hear me under the helmet anyway. (Except that one time I left my Bluetooth on and accidentally broadcast it to my group chat mid-ride.)
Wanna Learn More or Laugh at My Mistakes?
Check out this hilariously accurate Beginner Motorcycle Forum — it’s like therapy but with more oil stains.
Also, you’d love this spicy take on why target fixation might be ruining your life.
