Learning To Ride A Motorcycle is an exhilarating goal. The idea of hitting the open road, experiencing the freedom and adventure that comes with motorcycling, is incredibly appealing. But for many beginners, a crucial question arises: Should you buy a motorcycle before you even learn how to ride one? This is exactly the situation I found myself in, and like many, I sought advice. The common wisdom often leans towards “no” – take a class first, then buy. However, based on my personal experience as a complete novice, I took a different path, and here’s why I believe buying a motorcycle before learning to ride can actually be beneficial.
My Leap of Faith: Buying a Bike Before the Basics
My motorcycle journey began with inspiration. Seeing images and videos of motorcycle travelers and enthusiasts sparked a desire to explore this world myself. Despite being over 50 and never having ridden a motorcycle, the allure of adventure was too strong to ignore. I signed up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, ready to dive in.
Initially, purchasing a motorcycle wasn’t part of the plan. I wasn’t sure if motorcycling would even be for me. However, my husband, a seasoned rider, presented a compelling argument: having a bike to practice on beforehand would significantly enhance my learning experience during the course. His logic was sound – practice makes perfect, and if motorcycling didn’t resonate with me, we could always sell the bike.
My heart was set on a sporty model suitable for potential motorcycle camping trips. A used 2015 KTM 390 Duke caught my eye, and it ticked all the boxes. We went to see it, my husband took it for a test ride to ensure it was in good condition, and shortly after, the Duke was in my garage. At this point, I still hadn’t even started it myself!
Motorcycle Basics: Starting from Square One
Bringing the motorcycle home marked the real beginning of my learning curve. I was starting from absolute zero. My first task was simply figuring out how to turn the darn thing on! I familiarized myself with the kill switch, the location of the clutch, throttle, and brakes. Having driven a manual car for years, the concept of clutch and shifting wasn’t entirely foreign, but translating that to motorcycle controls was a new challenge. These initial steps, though basic, were crucial in demystifying the machine.
The Great Debate: Learn Before You Buy or Buy Before You Learn?
This brings us to the core question: Is it wise to buy a motorcycle before enrolling in a learning course like the MSF Basic Rider Course? I encountered this very question in an online forum for new riders. The prevailing opinion, often voiced by self-proclaimed experts – long-time riders and instructors – was a resounding “no.” Their primary concern? Developing bad habits.
However, based on my personal journey, I respectfully disagree. While I acknowledge I am far from an expert, my experience as a beginner who practiced on her own bike before the MSF course was overwhelmingly positive.
Addressing the “Bad Habits” Argument
The main apprehension against pre-course practice is the fear of ingraining bad riding habits that instructors would then need to correct. I had approximately two months between purchasing my KTM and attending the riding course (which thankfully shortened to one month due to an earlier opening).
So, what “terrible” habits did I develop in that time? I occasionally honked the horn when intending to signal a turn, and I glanced down at the gear shift while changing gears. Were these ideal? No. Was I aware they weren’t perfect techniques? Absolutely. Was I actively trying to improve? Yes. Were these habits so deeply ingrained that the MSF course instructors needed to spend significant time correcting them? Not at all. These are simply beginner quirks that vanish with practice and increased riding proficiency.
In my opinion, genuinely ingrained bad habits are more likely to be seen in riders who have been self-taught for years before seeking formal training – perhaps those who grew up riding dirt bikes with informal techniques. Ironically, many of these experienced but untrained riders often outperform complete novices in beginner courses, “bad habits” notwithstanding.
I even heard someone mention operating the clutch and brakes with only two fingers as a “bad habit.” While using all fingers might be recommended, this is hardly a critical flaw and easily adjusted. The advantages of pre-course practice, in my view, far outweigh these minor potential drawbacks.
The Upsides of Pre-Course Motorcycle Practice
What did I gain by learning some motorcycle basics before my MSF course? The most significant benefit was confidence. I had initial worries about my ability to grasp fundamental skills like shifting, turning, and balancing. I can only imagine the added pressure of entering a structured learning environment while still unsure if I could even master these basic maneuvers.
Practicing in a safe, empty parking lot allowed me to overcome these initial hurdles in a low-pressure setting. I learned to control the throttle and brakes, execute basic wide turns, and become familiar with the bike’s controls and the clutch’s friction zone. Starting the MSF course with this foundational knowledge significantly reduced my anxiety and boosted my confidence.
After feeling comfortable in the parking lot and obtaining my learner’s permit, I progressed to practicing in quiet residential areas. These low-traffic streets with slow speed limits provided the perfect environment to refine my turning skills and practice using turn signals (even if accompanied by the occasional accidental honk!). This gradual progression, eventually leading to practicing on quieter country roads, built my confidence incrementally and made the formal course less daunting.
Learning to Ride as a Complete Beginner: MSF Course Expectations
The MSF Basic Rider Course is meticulously designed to cater to absolute beginners, individuals with zero motorcycle experience. If you are in this category, rest assured, the course is structured for you, and you can succeed. However, acquiring some preliminary skills beforehand will undoubtedly make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.
Knowing how to balance, shift gears, understand basic acceleration and braking for slow-speed maneuvers, and being familiar with the controls provides a significant advantage. While I still encountered challenges during the course, I can’t imagine how much more difficult it would have been without any prior practice. I am genuinely grateful I chose to buy a motorcycle and dedicate time to learning fundamental skills before attending the MSF course.
The MSF course excels at teaching life-saving basics and essential safety techniques. It is not designed to transform you into an expert rider overnight. Expertise comes from consistent practice after the course – diligently practicing the skills you learned and building upon that foundation.
The Minor Hiccup: Adapting to the Course Motorcycle
There was one minor downside to learning on my own bike before the course: the course itself is conducted on their motorcycles. Having only ridden my KTM, I was accustomed to its specific characteristics. The course I took utilized Harley-Davidson motorcycles. While the clutch friction zone was slightly different, adapting to it was relatively seamless.
The only real issue I encountered was the rear brake pedal position. Out of habit, I initially kept reaching for the foot peg as the brake on the Harley! However, this was a fleeting issue and certainly not significant enough to negate the benefits of my pre-course practice. Crucially, I avoided riding my own motorcycle during the course weekend, allowing me to fully focus on adapting to the Harley and minimizing any bike-switching confusion. For me, this approach proved to be the optimal path.
Final Note: I am sharing my personal experiences and opinions as a beginner rider. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a motorcycle before learning to ride is a personal one. Consider your own comfort level, learning style, and resources, and make the choice that best suits your individual circumstances.
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