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Beginner's Guide to Motorcycle Riding

Apr 22, 2025

How to Ride a Motorcycle - Beginner's Guide

Introduction

  • Presented by Ninja Nick
  • Beginner-friendly, easy-to-digest tutorial
  • Covers basics:
    • Motorcycle controls
    • Starting the bike
    • Friction zone
    • Riding and shifting

Motorcycle Controls

  • Left to Right
    • Clutch: Kills power to the rear wheel when pulled
    • Blinkers
    • Horn
    • Key
    • Kill switch
    • Power button
    • Throttle
    • Front Brake: Provides 70% of stopping power
  • Down and Other Side
    • Shifter:
      • Upshift by kicking up
      • Downshift by kicking down
    • Rear Brake: Provides 30% of stopping power

Getting on the Bike

  • Approach from the kickstand side
  • Grab handlebars
  • Swing right leg over
  • Straighten bike and wheel
  • Put the kickstand up

Starting the Bike

  1. Turn the key to ignition
  2. Turn off the kill switch
  3. Ensure the bike is in neutral
  4. Press the power button

Engaging the Friction Zone

  • Pull in the clutch and kick down into first gear
  • Slowly let out the clutch and give throttle
  • Practice is key to mastering the friction zone
  • Avoid killing the bike by letting out the clutch too fast

Riding

  1. Feet Up and Ride
    • After engaging the friction zone, put feet up and ride
    • Begin in first gear at approximately 5 mph
  2. Using Throttle
    • Roll on the throttle by twisting right hand
    • Feeds gas to the bike to increase speed

Shifting Gears

  1. Upshift (e.g., from 1st to 2nd)
    • Roll off throttle
    • Pull in the clutch
    • Kick up on shifter
    • Let out clutch and give throttle
  2. Downshift (e.g., from 2nd to 1st)
    • Roll off throttle
    • Pull in clutch
    • Kick down on shifter
    • Slowly release clutch

Stopping the Bike

  • Use both brakes:
    • 70% front brake
    • 30% rear brake (avoid skidding)
  • Pull in clutch to kill power to back wheel
  • Come to a controlled stop, put left foot down
  • Optional: Keep right foot on rear brake or put it down

Turning Off the Bike

  1. Hit the kill switch
  2. Pull in clutch
  3. Half-click up on shifter to neutral
  4. Let out clutch
  5. Put kickstand down
  6. Lean handlebars left and dismount

Bike Recommendation

  • Ninja 400: Recommended beginner bike

Closing Remarks

  • Encouragement to practice
  • Subscribe for more content
  • Signing off

Full transcript