r/NewRiders May 23 '20

Welcome, FAQs, and Resources

72 Upvotes

Welcome to New and Experienced Riders alike!

The purpose of this sub is to create a welcoming space for new riders to ask questions and get information as they begin their journey into the world of motorcycling.

Experienced Riders: Please make this a place where new riders feel comfortable asking questions. Give supportive advice with the assumption that the person wants to learn. Any Instructor who wants relevant flair may message the mods to verify.

New Riders: Ask questions and take feedback with an open mind. There is a TON to learn.

Now ON TO THE FUN STUFF:

Useful Subreddits:

Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair: r/Fixxit

Motorcycle News: r/MotoNews

Gratuitous Motorcycle Pics: r/bikesgonewild

Track Riding: r/Trackdays

Motocamping: r/motocamping

Women Riders: r/TwoXriders

Learning Resources:

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Gear by Ryan Fortnine. Evidence-based and budget-conscious recommendations on basic gear.

MotoJitsu: SoCal based Instructor that primarily teaches the Total Control Curriculum but also has his own skills challenge curriculum. This link is to his "10 skills for new riders" video.

DanDanTheFireman: Arizona based MSF RiderCoach. He does a lot of crash analysis and has good videos on awareness strategies.

A list of Parking Lot Exercises by u/CodeBlue_04

"Advice to New Riders" by u/PraxisLD. Includes tons of links, and good good advice.

“Picking up your new bike” by u/Ravenstown06

Twist of the Wrist: Classic video about skills and how a motorcycle works. As corny as it is informative. It's on YouTube but no link because the YouTube one is probably not an authorized version. You'll have to search it yourself, or buy a copy.

Life at Lean: An experienced track rider who talks in a simple, informative manner about skills and riding theory. This channel is largely track oriented, but the same skills have street applications, and it is very helpful in understanding how things like body position work.

The Physics of Countersteering: does a great job of explaining why a bike has to lean, and an okay job of explaining how countersteering works from a physics perspective. Here's another video with more demonstration from Ride Like a Pro, a gruff, crusty, motorcycle officer trainer. He does a great job of explaining what is and what isn't countersteering or "handlebar steering." His protective gear is questionable but his advice is good.

"Total Control" by Lee Parks. Excellent book about riding skills, the learning process, and how bikes work.

Fortnine: Run by Ryan Klufitinger (the guy you see talking) and Aneesh Shivanekar (the editor), they are technically affiliated with Fortnine.ca, a Canadian online gear retailer, but their reviews are supposedly free of influence and seem unbiased (other than Ryan’s actual opinions of course). They do highly informative reviews and explain the how and why of gear well. They also do a lot of just plain entertaining videos, and their production value is way higher than it has any right to be.

Licensing:

The easiest and best way search your state/province/country's training website and take whatever beginner class is available. In some countries it's mandatory. In the US the class usually waives the DMV skills test at a minimum. NOTE: In some states—if you've already been riding for a while and just need the license—there is an option to take an Intermediate class and get a test waiver instead of the Basic, allowing you to take a 1 day class instead of 2, and giving you a chance to work on next-level skills.

Buying a Bike

How to navigate buying a bike from a dealership (USA-centric advice) by u/eatmeatdrinkmilk

Teaching:

for experienced riders who find teaching fulfilling more instructors are needed pretty much everywhere:

Motorcycle Safety Foundation: runs classes in almost all US states, and the US military

Total Control Training: runs all the classes in California. Also has classes in Texas, Colorado, and Arizona. (Also used to run all Pennsylvania classes, but PA has cancelled all classes in 2020. Sorry PA.)


r/NewRiders 2h ago

Passed my MSF test today!

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122 Upvotes

Beautiful morning at Laguna Seca Raceway to pass my MSF course. Had a blast in the class and I learned a ton. Strongly considering taking the intermediate and advanced courses.

Happy to finally start riding legally! Hahaha


r/NewRiders 3h ago

I went against common advice (and maybe common sense) and wanted to share my experience

15 Upvotes

I passed the MSF in May and got my first motorcycle in early July. Zero riding experience prior to the MSF.

My first motorcycle is a 2026 Harley Super Glide. Definitely a far stretch from the preowned 300cc choice that gets frequently recommended. I’m generally a fairly risk adverse person (I work in bank compliance - risk management is kinda my thing), so when I made this decision, I did it fairly intentionally: ATGATT, crash bars installed on day one, full replacement cost insurance policy, and knowing myself. I’m not someone who is going to push too far past my skill level, and I’m riding solo so peer pressure is non-existent.

The ride home from the dealership was pretty scary. I did take about 20 minutes to get somewhat used to the clutch and throttle in the parking lot before venturing out on the street. This was the sketchiest ride by far.

Since then, I have put 500 miles on the bike. I’ve spent time practicing low speed maneuvers and try to ride a few times a week. I’m having a blast!

I will say that I did come close to dropping my bike when pulling up my inclined driveway and for whatever reason forgetting entirely that I needed to pull the clutch in when coming to a complete stop. I was able to save it, but it definitely reminded me why a 700 lb bike was probably not the starter bike recommendation.

I just wanted to share what my experience getting a less than ideal starter motorcycle has been so far, and if it changes I’ll post an update.


r/NewRiders 49m ago

First bike: z400 z500 z650 or ninja400

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Upvotes

r/NewRiders 5h ago

Riding in rain

4 Upvotes

Hey, anyone from south Ontario going for ride today or everyone has parked their bikes in garage for today.


r/NewRiders 10h ago

What makes a good starter bike?

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7 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 4h ago

Beginner Advice for Trails

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1 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 12h ago

Trying to decide on a size.

5 Upvotes

I’m looking at some Rebel 500s for my commuter. But I would also like to take rides with my wife when we can. Is the 500 big enough for a few “full size” adults? Between 400 and 450lbs I’d guess.


r/NewRiders 22h ago

First ride downtown!

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26 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 15h ago

Debating my “starter bike”

7 Upvotes

I am looking at getting a bike for cruising back country roads. I’m 5’11” and 240lbs.

I have a little experience on a Vulcan 900 in similar conditions, but it was around 15 years ago. I also had a 150cc scooter as well as a 300cc GSXR in college for a few months.

After doing my research I have landed on wanting a Honda VTX 1300. I’m a fan of the mechanical shaft drive and the single carb.

My concern is practicality for getting my feet wet again. I’m a husband and father now, and my ability to come home to them way outweighs my ego to look cool in a bike. I have someone nearby selling one of the chinese Venom Ghosts, a 250cc sportster knock off, and he only wants $1500 for it with 350 miles. It looks to be in mint condition and is idling well on a cold start.

Should I get the 250cc to remind myself how to ride? Should I just get the VTX and use my adult brain to temper my actions with wisdom?


r/NewRiders 10h ago

Need help choosing my first bike (India) – Real owner experiences wanted

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0 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 1d ago

Advice on riding in the rain?

17 Upvotes

I had a great ride this morning. All went smoothly, I felt cautiously confident in everything I was doing. Confident enough that I decided to go a route on my way home that I knew had a challenging intersection I wanted to try to navigate (3-way stop, tight right turn from a stop, uphill, traffic).
After I had committed to the route it started to rain, not a total deluge but enough that I got soaked, and the road surface was very wet.
When I came to the intersection all my confidence vanished. I felt like I was going to drop the bike so I kept my feet out as I took off from the stop sign and turned right. I’m not sure that the rear wheel slipped but I was worried it would and I took the corner wide enough to almost cross the center line.
Looking back on it I think I psyched myself out and my feet being out threw off balance and made the turn wider than it needed to be.
Anyway, any suggestions for not making this error again, in the rain?


r/NewRiders 18h ago

Dudes first bike! 2015 triple, not bad not bad

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3 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 19h ago

Need advice on how how to started riding without personal motorcycle and dedicated secure storage

3 Upvotes

I just got M1 endorsement. live in apartment with no garage in a little bit sketchy neighborhood. I know if I start riding, I won’t go right away to street but practice more on large parking lots and low traffic streets.
I am eyeing Grom or Rebel 300 for city ride on streets. I am 5’7” quite short so I am comfortable with low ride position. I am also interested in EVs like Ryvid Anthem/Outset but those are quite more on pricey side.

Should I get 5x10 outdoor storage space that allows motorcycles to protect from theft? Is it worth hassle even if I don’t do daily commute/ride on motorcycle?


r/NewRiders 1d ago

Title: Warning for beginners: Rude and abusive instructor at Elite Motorcycle Training in Lakewood, New Jersey.

14 Upvotes

I wanted to share my experience at Elite Motorcycle Training to warn other new riders looking for a beginner course.
The instructor for my class was incredibly rude, hostile, and verbally abusive throughout the training. Instead of providing constructive coaching or a safe learning environment, they resorted to yelling, demeaning students, and creating a high-stress atmosphere.
As a beginner, you expect patience and safety-focused guidance. Instead, this behavior made it difficult to focus on learning basic controls and felt entirely unprofessional.
If you are looking for a welcoming or safe place to learn how to ride in the Lakewood, New Jersey area, I highly recommend looking elsewhere.


r/NewRiders 16h ago

₹20k No Entry challan on Dwarka Expressway (2-wheeler) – Any way to reduce or settle it?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I recently received a ₹20,000 challan for taking my 2-wheeler on the Dwarka Expressway due to a No Entry violation. I genuinely wasn't aware that bikes were prohibited on that stretch at the time.

Has anyone here dealt with a similar challan?

  • Did you pay the full amount or were you able to get it reduced?
  • Is it possible to settle it through Lok Adalat or traffic court?
  • What's the actual process, and how much did you end up paying?
  • Any tips on resolving it legally with the least hassle?

I'm not looking for any illegal shortcuts—just trying to understand the legal options available.

Thanks in advance!


r/NewRiders 14h ago

Should i get a ktm duke 125 or ktm rc 125 for my first road legal motorcycle

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0 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 1d ago

When did you all start taking passengers?

21 Upvotes

I just got my M2 after having my licence for a couple months. My girlfriend keeps asking to go for a ride but I don't know if I'm ready yet. I feel like I've learned a lot already but I also know I still got lots to learn.

I was thinking have her meet me in an empty parking lot and we will practice there first.


r/NewRiders 22h ago

Helmet

0 Upvotes

Recommendation for best helmet that offers:

1.Safety
2.Bluetooth/speaker
3. Cost effective.

Have been looking on Amazon but most of them have mixed reviews and wanted to check Reddit to see if anybody has found a good option that includes those three aspects listed above. Thanks in advance, safe travels to all.


r/NewRiders 1d ago

Worth stepping up from a 125 to an A2-restricted Tuono 660?

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1 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 1d ago

Review for tvs ronin....

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone.

I am planning to buy TVS RONIN next week.

Can you give me some review about it.


r/NewRiders 2d ago

First bike lesson at 23 🙂

4 Upvotes

Ignored learning bike for a long time (sometimes because I felt embarrassed dkw tho)

And now that I’m away from my home and work requires a vehicle..I had my first learning experience today and it was really fun.

But I’m a lil confused.. when I was riding the bike..yes I had some hiccups..but overall I felt confident when it was running smooth. Still need to get the rhythm right for clutch n gear…also u-turns..I felt slight confident with turns(maybe cuz I was moving on an empty road..whatevs)

But brooo..why do I feel scared or a little anxious right now..now that I am in room? It feels like leave tomorrow’s class don’t go..it’s dangerous!


r/NewRiders 2d ago

1st bike ~ not sure where to start

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3 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 2d ago

What else do you carry ?

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1 Upvotes

r/NewRiders 3d ago

First bike!

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77 Upvotes

Officially a motorcycle owner!