Hey Lykkers! If you've ever ridden a motorcycle, you know how thrilling it is to zoom down the road, feeling the wind rush by. But let's be honest, it's not just about the speed—it's about mastering the art of riding safely and confidently.

In this article, we'll dive into some essential skills and habits for motorcycle riders. Let's explore how we can improve our riding technique and stay safe on the road!

Proper Riding Posture

First things first—maintaining a balanced and relaxed posture is key. We can't expect to control the bike properly if we're not sitting steady. Make sure you're sitting comfortably, with your body aligned. Don't lean too heavily on the handlebars, and avoid gripping them too tightly. If you're stiff, it'll be harder to react quickly, and we definitely want to stay flexible while riding.

Your arms should be slightly bent, with your wrists relaxed. That way, you can feel the bike's movements more intuitively. Keep your hips relaxed and avoid sticking your arms or legs out in an awkward position. The best riders keep their posture loose and natural, which helps avoid fatigue, especially on long rides.

Starting the Engine

Now, let's talk about starting the bike. When starting a cold engine, make sure the choke is in the closed position, and gradually open it as the engine warms up. Don't rev the throttle too much—this can harm the engine. Let it warm up slowly, and be patient. This will ensure the engine runs smoothly without putting unnecessary strain on it. If you're starting up after it's been pre-warmed, skip the choke and give it a gentle twist on the throttle.

Pushing the Motorcycle

Sometimes, we need to push our motorcycle, whether it's stuck or we're parking it. Before pushing, always put the bike in first or second gear, and release the clutch to allow the lubrication to work through the clutch plates. Push the bike carefully and avoid using excessive force. If the bike feels stuck, try using a higher gear and engage the clutch as needed.

The correct posture for pushing the bike is crucial. Stay close to the bike, keep your arms bent, and use your body weight to assist in moving it. Don't rely too much on your wrists or hips—use your core strength to push. This technique helps keep the bike stable while you push it.

Starting the Ride

When starting off, remember to engage the clutch slowly while gently applying the throttle. This process, known as “slipping the clutch,” helps you start smoothly. If you let the clutch out too quickly, the bike may stall or lurch forward. Practice makes perfect here—find the sweet spot where the clutch engages smoothly, and the bike begins to move with ease.

Shifting to Higher Gears

As we get moving, it's time to shift gears. To make sure we're shifting smoothly, we need to engage the clutch completely, shift gears quickly, and release the clutch slowly. The idea is to keep the engine running at the right RPM for each gear. The faster we go, the higher we shift. The key to smooth shifting is timing—make sure to shift when the engine speed matches the bike's speed.

Shifting to Lower Gears

When slowing down, we shift to lower gears. This can sometimes cause the bike to jolt, especially if we don't match the engine speed with the gear. A trick to avoid jerking is to use “half-clutch” operation, which allows you to control the engine speed more smoothly as you downshift. This helps prevent abrupt movements and makes your ride much more comfortable.

Braking

Braking is one of the most important skills to master as a rider. The front brake is your main tool for stopping, but using the rear brake appropriately can help stabilize your ride. When braking, don't slam on the brakes suddenly. Instead, gradually apply the brake lever and make sure to use both brakes in a balanced way. Avoid emergency braking while turning, as this can cause the bike to lose control.

Turning Corners

Turning on a motorcycle is an art. We need to lean into the turn, shifting our weight to the inside of the curve. Don't fight the bike's natural lean—trust it! While turning, make sure to apply gentle throttle to maintain stability. If you suddenly accelerate, the bike might become unstable, so be sure to control your speed as you navigate through the corner.

Riding in City Traffic

In urban areas, things can get chaotic. We must always be aware of our surroundings—especially the vehicles around us. Maintain a safe distance from other cars and avoid their blind spots. Always use your mirrors and signal your intentions early. If you need to change lanes or make a turn, make sure to do so predictably, and give other drivers enough time to react.

Also, be cautious of pedestrians, cyclists, and unpredictable drivers. Keep your eyes open and be prepared to react quickly. In busy traffic, defensive riding is essential for avoiding accidents.

Conclusion

Mastering motorcycle riding isn't just about speed—it's about being in control and making smart decisions on the road. By keeping a relaxed yet attentive posture, starting the engine correctly, and practicing essential skills like braking and turning, we can ride safely and confidently. The more we practice, the better we'll get, and soon enough, we'll be able to ride like pros!

So, Lykkers, the next time you get on your bike, remember these tips. Safe and enjoyable rides are all about preparation, technique, and staying alert. Let's hit the road, stay safe, and have fun!