Top mistakes beginner motorcyclists should avoid

Picking your FZ X and getting your license is a great first step on along your journey on the open road; but becoming a seasoned rider is also about knowing how to ride your motorcycle and not let it the bike control you. This distinction is something that you will acquire with experience, with patience, and prudence.

So, what are the most common mistakes beginner motorcycle riders make? Take note so you don’t fall into these traps.

·         Stalling

This is one of the most challenging issues you face when you’re learning to drive a car or ride a motorbike with a conventional transmission. You have to synchronize the fuel flow (accelerate) little by little while you adjust the clutch to prevent the engine from suddenly stopping due to lack of torque. It is a matter of getting used to the touch of the clutch lever and the throttle.  Every motorcycle’s clutch and throttle are a little different so you’ll have to get used to it each time you change your ride. 

·         Incorrect gear

When you’re stopped, you should normally be in neutral, but when you want to move, you start at first gear. As you move faster, you should skip to second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth gear when you are riding on highways at high speed.

When you ride the city, it is recommended to choose your gears wisely because the engine helps us to accelerate faster if we want to move forward with more energy.

·         Clutch lever

Your gear and clutch lever go hand-in-hand.  A rookie biker thinks he has more control if he squeezes the clutch lever and only uses the brakes. Except at very low speeds, when you have to ‘play’ with the clutch to prevent the engine from stalling or when we want to make a total stop, the engine must always be engaged so that we do not lose control of the motorcycle and get the right traction of the rear wheel we want.

·         Skills

At first, don’t worry so much about your skills.  Be focused on gaining confidence on your Yamaha FZX.  Concentrate on safety and techniques that will make your ride safer: counter-steering, body position, and look towards the exit of the curve.

·         Feet and hands out of place

Remember! Keep your hands on the handlebar in order to maintain control and be ready to react to any challenges on the roadway.  It also helps to have one, two, three or even four fingers resting on the brake lever and on the clutch lever to be ready when breaking.

The same is true for your feet. The sole of your foot must be supported by the corresponding footrests so that you can stand your feet correctly and in the most natural and comfortable way.

·         Maintenance

From the get-go, you are responsible for the maintenance of your motorcycle. Follow the instructions in the user manual regarding car of your bike, including: oil changes, drive chain, brakes, liquids and, of course, tires, which should be in good condition and always filled to the recommended tire pressure.

Your skills on the bike will only improve over time.  If you focus on safety and learning about your bike you’ll quickly learn the ins and outs of riding like a pro.  So remember to be cognizant of your surroundings, maintain your bike, keep your tires properly inflated and enjoy the road ahead!