Rideguide

RideGuide

THE VERY NOTION OF LEARNING TO ride can be intimidating. Who do you turn to for expert advice? Old Uncle Joe? A next-door neighbor? Or do you just wing it and hope for the best?

We’re here to help! Not only have we compiled some expert tips from one of the most respected teachers in the industry, Gary LaPlante* of MotoVentures, but we’ve taken the liberty of making a few suggestions based on the Cycle World staff’s collective years of riding experience. There is a lot of information out there for young riders and their parents to absorb, everything from gear to bikes and lots more in between.

In the following guide, we’ll touch on the most relevant of these topics and point you toward some other useful resources; the rest is up to you. The most important objective is for you to make motorcycling a fun and safe activity, ensuring that it will be something your entire family can enjoy for years to come.

Before you fire up the engine pick a safe, suitable location. Avoid the street or a front yard filled with trees and bushes, and stay off the pavement where the traction is too good. A smooth dirt surface will help the rider build confidence and develop good feel. You’ve got to learn to walk before you can run, right? Well, the same goes for motorcycles. Developing riding fundamentals such as clutch/gearbox/ brake operation are essential. Start on a friendly bike that fits the rider. Avoid a racing bike for first-time riders. Go practicing, not just riding. Every time you are on the bike, focus on improving skills, but make it fun.

If possible, hire a professional to teach your young ones; it’s a great way to learn and avoids a lot of friction.

Kids tend to listen to their teachers and respect their advice. If that isn’t an option, here are some of LaPlante’s tips to guide you.

THROTTLE CONTROL

Good throttle control is critical when riding a motorcycle. The most common mistake is allowing your arms to get too straight while you’re also trying to operate the throttle, brake and clutch. The key is to keep your arms bent. When riding sitting down, scoot forward on the seat and keep a slight bend in your arms. If you’re standing up, stand more erect, with your knees slightly bent and bowlegged, and lean forward into the wind to help compensate for acceleration.

CLUTCH CONTROL

Kids tend to dump the clutch instead of letting it out slowly and easing it into the friction zone of engagement. Use your entire clutch hand (four fingers) when stopping or taking off. Then, when underway, you can cover the lever with just two fingers while still being able to hang onto the grip easily.

BRAKING

To practice braking, find a good piece of flat, firm dirt. Pick up some speed, then pull in the clutch and see how quickly you can stop. Use both brakes with an emphasis on the front. Try to develop feel so you can squeeze both brakes hard enough to be on the threshold of lock-up.

TURNING TIP

When turning, keep the bike and your body pointed in the same direction. If you find yourself running wide on corner exits or running over the top of berms on a motocross track, check how your shoulders align with the crossbar. Chances are the bike is pointing one way while your body is pointing the other. We call it “getting all crossed up,” and it’s a common fundamental mistake. o