20 Good Habits and Techniques Every New Motorcyclist Should Practise

1. Build a Pre-Ride Routine

Before every ride, spend a minute checking both the motorcycle and yourself.

Check the bike

• Tyres: pressure, damage and anything embedded in the tread
• Brakes: both controls should feel normal
• Lights and indicators
• Chain: obvious slack, rust or dryness
• Fluids and fuel
• Mirrors
• Side stand

Check yourself

• Helmet fastened properly
• Gloves on before moving
• Jacket and protective trousers
• Suitable footwear
• Pockets and bags secured
• Phone and navigation configured before departure

2. Look Where You Want to Go

One of the first habits every rider should develop is keeping their eyes up. Look through the corner rather than immediately in front of the motorcycle. Turn your head toward the exit of tight turns and keep scanning ahead.

Try not to stare at potholes, kerbs, barriers, or vehicles you are trying to avoid. This is called target fixation—the longer you stare at an obstacle, the more likely you are to steer toward it.

Continuously cycle your vision: Far ahead → middle distance → near road surface → far ahead again.

3. Learn to Brake Properly

New riders should become comfortable using both brakes. The front brake normally provides most of the stopping power, while the rear brake contributes additional braking and stabilizes the motorcycle.

The key is progressive braking. Do not suddenly grab the front brake. Begin applying it smoothly and increase pressure as the motorcycle's weight transfers toward the front tyre.

During an emergency stop, concentrate on stopping the motorcycle first. Gear selection is secondary.

4. Cover Your Controls When Risk Increases

You do not need to ride permanently hovering over every control. But when approaching situations where something may happen (intersections, parked vehicles, pedestrians, traffic queues), covering the brake or clutch can make a life-saving difference in reaction time.

5. Master the Friction Zone

Slow-speed motorcycle control is essential. At very low speeds, balance: Light throttle + clutch friction zone + gentle rear brake.

Practise tight circles, figure-eights, U-turns, and crawling at a walking pace. Try to avoid grabbing the front brake while handlebars are sharply turned at walking pace.

6. Position Yourself to Be Seen

Having the right of way does not guarantee somebody has seen you. Motorcycles are small and easily lost in visual clutter. Avoid riding in blind spots, position yourself where drivers can see you, and never rely solely on eye contact with a driver.

7. Maintain a Safety Bubble

Space gives you options. In normal conditions, aim for at least a three-second following distance. Increase it in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

At traffic lights, leave enough room to escape around the vehicle ahead. Keep the bike in gear, watch your mirrors, and stay aware of approaching traffic from behind.

8. Slow Down Before the Corner

A safe cornering sequence: Assess early → Brake before entering → Select proper gear → Release brakes smoothly → Look through the corner → Steer positively → Maintain steady throttle → Accelerate as exit opens.

9. Understand Countersteering

Above low speeds, steering primarily happens through countersteering:

10. Practise Swerving

When there isn't enough room to stop, swerving is key. Look toward the clear path, make a firm steering input, keep your body stable, and avoid heavy braking during the swerve itself.

11. Smooth Inputs Make Everything Easier

Motorcycles respond best to smooth inputs. Smooth does not mean slow—it means avoiding sudden changes that upset the motorcycle's chassis.

12. Stay Relaxed on the Motorcycle

Tension makes motorcycles harder to control. Hold handlebars lightly, keep elbows bent, and support yourself with your core instead of your wrists. Periodically wiggle your fingers to check for unnecessary tension.

13. Learn to Scan for Hazards

Predict what could happen several seconds ahead. Look for turning cars, driveways, pedestrians, oil/gravel, and brake lights far ahead.

14. Mirror, Signal, Shoulder Check

Before changing position, follow: Mirror → Signal → Shoulder Check → Move. Always remember to cancel your indicators after executing the manoeuvre.

15. Choose Your Gear Before You Need It

Avoid entering corners in too high a gear or coasting with the clutch pulled in. Keep the bike in a gear that gives smooth, predictable throttle response.

16. Develop a Consistent Start-Off Routine

Check the bike, check mirrors, signal, shoulder check, select first gear, confirm clear path, and move smoothly. Don't rush starting and moving as one continuous motion.

17. Respect Poor Road Surfaces

Be extra careful on gravel, wet leaves, painted lines, and metal covers. Reduce speed early, keep the bike relatively upright, and allow it to move slightly underneath you without panicking.

18. Know When Not to Ride

Fatigue, weather, stress, or feeling overwhelmed significantly impair safety. Knowing when to stop or postpone a ride is a critical riding skill.

19. Never Ride Somebody Else's Pace

Always ride at the speed you are comfortable with. Never take dangerous risks just to keep up with a group.

20. Practise Deliberately

Regular deliberate practice builds skills fast. Spend time in a quiet area practising emergency stops, slow-speed circles, U-turns, and swerves using soft markers.