Five Common Mistakes That Beginner Motorcycle Riders Make

Many novice riders only focus on the freedom and thrill they get while riding their motorcycles. They don’t think about safety at all, or not at least as much as they should. To help you stay safe on the road, our experts at Santa Maria Harley-Davidson have created this guide. Check it out if you’re a beginner bike rider or you want to refresh your knowledge about the safety practices that you should follow. When you’re ready to get your first Harley-Davidson® motorcycle or upgrade your existing one, visit us in Santa Maria, CA, where we happily welcome our friends from Ventura and Bakersfield.

1. Riding on Bad Tires

Your motorcycle’s tires affect your riding experience and keep you safe on the road. They offer you the traction you need to stay in control of your vehicle and play a crucial role in supporting your weight, your bike’s weight, and any extra weight of your cargo. If you notice that the tire pressure is not correct or the tread pattern has worn down, you’ll want to fix these issues as soon as possible.

2. Overloading Their Bikes

If you have a lightweight motorcycle that doesn’t feature a spacious cargo area, it probably isn’t equipped to carry tons of cargo. So, you’ll want to pack only a few essential items that you think you’ll need on your trip rather than overloading your bike. Many beginner riders add too much weight to their vehicle and end up disturbing its balance. Overloading your bike can also reduce your visibility, restrict your safe handling, and increase your chances of getting into an accident. To avoid this mistake, keep your cargo to a minimum and use saddlebags to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

3. Rushing Corners

While you’re riding your bike, use caution, especially at turns. Rushing corners can cause you to slide or collide with oncoming traffic, which can be very serious for you and others on the road. To avoid this, slow down ahead of the curve and maintain a constant speed while taking a corner.

4. Wearing Insufficient Gear

Many beginner riders think that wearing protective gear makes them look less stylish. So, either they will wear only some of the accessories, such as a helmet, boots, and gloves, or they may avoid wearing them at all. Doing this puts them at risk of sustaining injuries in case of a collision.

When you’re riding your motorcycle, make sure that you wear a well-fitting helmet, bright protective clothing made of thick material, boots, gloves, and goggles to keep yourself safe.

5. Neglecting Basic Maintenance

Unless you want to make regular and expensive visits to a service department, you’ll want to learn a few simple bike maintenance tips. Keeping your motorcycle in good working condition is key to its peak performance and your safety on the road.

Inspect your motorcycle to see if the tires have the right amount of pressure and that the fluid levels are sufficient for your trip. Make sure that the brakes and lights are functional, too. 

We hope this guide helps you avoid some common mistakes that many beginner riders make while they’re still perfecting their riding skills. If you have any questions or you’re still in the market for a motorcycle, visit Santa Maria Harley-Davidson, where we have an extensive inventory of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale. We can show you our latest collection and suggest models for your budget. We’re in Santa Maria, CA, where we proudly serve those from Ventura and Bakersfield.