This document provides a beginner's guide to getting started with motorcycle riding. It outlines the important gear needed like leather or textile jackets, sturdy boots that ride above the ankle, and gloves with curved designs for gripping. Helmets are also discussed as being required by law in some states and can protect the head from injury. The guide recommends taking a motorcycle safety course which includes classroom and riding portions to learn basic controls like the throttle, brakes, clutch, and shifter. It provides tips for ensuring the bike is a proper fit and how to properly turn, slow down, and stop the motorcycle.

1. Motorcycle Riding
BEGINNER’S GUIDE ON HOW TO GET STARTED
PRESENTED BY CHRISTINA O’BOYLE

2. Getting the right gear
Jacket
 Leather or textile to
protect skin
Boots
 Sturdy and well fitting
 Ride above ankle to
protect
Gloves
 Curved design for
easier gripping
 Padded for palm
comfort

3. Helmets
 State laws vary, may be
required
 Can protect head from injury
 Different styles to chose
from
 Can interfere with vision and
hearing
 Personal preference

4. Learning to ride
Take a motorcycle safety course
Basic rider course offered by DMV
Classroom and riding portions of
training
Many provide motorcycle for training
Often not required, but extremely
helpful

5. Learn your controls
Throttle Brakes
Right hand grip
Twist to accelerate
Both brakes on
right side
Hand lever
controls front
brake
Foot pedal
controls back
brake

6. Clutch & Shifter
 Both on left side of
motorcycle
 Clutch controlled by
hand lever
 Shifter controlled by
foot lever
 Shift one gear at a time
 Neutral between first
and second gear

7. Ensure that bike is a good fit
 Mount from left side
 Feet should be flat on
ground
 Arms should have a slight
bend
 Make sure feet can reach
controls
 Make sure hands can pull
levers

8. Turning
 Press handlebar in desired
direction (countersteering)
 Look where you want to go
 Slow down before entering
turn
 Never apply brakes during
a turn
 Keep throttle steady, lean
with motorcycle.

9. Slowing and stopping
Begin braking with front brake
Start to downshift
Engage back brake when slowed down
Keep clutch pulled in while stopping
Allow adequate time for stopping

10. You are now ready to hit the road! Ride safe!