59+ Essential Motorcycle Riding Tips for 2024

Hugh Laurie once said, “Driving a motorcycle is like flying. All your senses are alive.” There’s no doubt that riding a motorcycle is one helluva liberating and exhilarating experience. It’s about that freedom and adventure. What’s more, it’s about the connection between you and your machine.

But let’s be real. It also requires knowledge so that you can enjoy the ride and stay safe. It doesn’t matter if you’re just gettin’ your feet wet, or you've been riding forever, this guide of 59+ motorcycle riding tips has something for everyone. We’re going to take a ride on the wild side that covers everything from motorcycle riding tips for beginners to the more advanced techniques so we can make 2024 the best riding season yet. Let’s get moving!

• Freedom and Connection: Motorcycle riding requires knowledge and preparation for safety and enjoyment.

• Safety & Knowledge: Beginners and experienced riders must understand the essentials of riding, safety gear, and bike maintenance.

• Beginner Tips: Focus on the basics and always wear the right safety gear.

• Intermediate Riders: You can always advance your skill set by learning things like counter-steering and trail braking.

• Advanced Pros: Mastering track riding and performance tuning is key in this area.

• The Importance of Community: Joining clubs, events, and online courses is going to help you enjoy the ride more & do it safely.

So, before we get into the thick of it, we gotta take a closer look at your riding level. Below, you’ll find motorcycle riding tips for beginners as well as advanced riding techniques. In the following sections, take a look at the tips and techniques that are most relevant to you. Skill development, safety gear, and keeping your bike in working order are of the essence. So get ready, friend. We’re about to break it down for you:

Here are some fundamental skills to take note of:

1. Balance and Posture : Keep your body relaxed and centered. Finding that sweet spot is crucial for maintaining control of your bike. This is especially true at low speeds and when stopping.

2. Throttle Control : Smooth throttle application helps avoid jerky movements. This also helps to maintain a steady speed. Practice gentle acceleration and deceleration and get the feel of it.

3. Braking Techniques : Use both front and rear brakes for controlled stopping. A great way to build confidence is by practicing emergency braking in a safe space.

4. Gear Shifting : Learn to shift gears smoothly to maintain control and really enhance performance. Pay attention to the engine’s sound and feel (till it sounds like music to your ears as you shift).

5. Clutch Control : Smooth engagement and disengagement of the clutch are essential for maintaining control. No doubt, this is especially the case during low-speed maneuvers. Think of this as a smooth transition.

Take it from us, these are critical motorcycle riding tips for beginners that you need to practice. They help you maneuver your bike through traffic (or different terrains) every single day.

Next up on our list of motorcycle riding tips is non-negotiable - safety gear. This is legit your first line of defense. Without a doubt, this can mean the difference between a close call and a trip to the ER. Here’s the list of must-haves:

1. Helmet : Always wear a DOT-approved helmet. It significantly reduces the risk of head injuries and is a non-negotiable piece of safety gear (protect your brain, it’s an asset).

2. Jacket and Pants : Use gear with built-in armor for protection. Look for materials that offer abrasion resistance and impact protection. You wouldn’t fight without armor, would you? Then don’t hit the road without it.

3. Gloves : Wear gloves for better grip and hand protection. They also protect your hands from weather conditions and road debris. Since your hands are what connects you to your bike, be sure to keep them safe.

4. Boots : Use boots that cover your ankles for better support and protection. Look for boots with sturdy soles and ankle protection. Good boots matter!

Like we said earlier, riding is liberating and thrilling, but you also need to be prepared with the right gear so you can love every moment on the road.

Lastly on our motorcycle riding tips for beginners, is the basic maintenance. This is hella-important if you want to keep your bike runnin’ smooth. Basically if you neglect this, you’re asking for trouble. Be sure to stay on top of:

1. Tire Pressure : This is your first step to a safer ride. Be sure to check tire pressure before every ride. Proper tire pressure ensures better grip and control.

2. Oil Levels : Oil is the lifeblood of your bike. This is why you should regularly check and change engine oil. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and prevents damage.

3. Brake Fluid : Your brakes need to be ready to stop on a dime. Always make sure brake fluid levels are adequate. Low brake fluid can lead to brake failure and accidents.

4. Chain Tension : The right tension is bound to give the best performance. Make sure to adjust the chain tension for smooth riding. A loose or tight chain can affect the bike’s performance and safety.

As long as you keep your bike in peak condition, your motorcycle will definitely thank you.

So, you’ve already got the basics down, but now it’s time to level up with some riding techniques for intermediate riders. These include ways to handle the riding terrain and touching on in-depth bike maintenance. No matter what, these tips will help you hone-in on your skills as you ride-out with more confidence. Check out these advanced techniques below:

Intermediate riders can make a big difference in their riding experience by mastering riding techniques that enhance control on the bike. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Counter-Steering : Get the hang of this, and you’ll be carvin’ through those corners like a pro. Start using counter-steering for better cornering. To turn left, push the left handlebar forward slightly.

2. Trail Braking : With this technique, you’ll have more control. Be sure to learn trail braking for smoother turns. Apply the brakes gently while entering a turn and release them smoothly as you exit.

3. Body Positioning : Inevitably, your body position is key to a controlled and smooth turn. So, lean your body and the bike for better control in curves. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go as you find your rhythm.

4. Throttle Blipping : Talk about pro moves. Use throttle blipping for smoother downshifts. This technique helps match the engine speed to the lower gear.

As you master these techniques, you’re going to feel the difference.

Even the most intermediate riders need to know how to handle different types of terrain. Here’s the rundown of conditions that can make or break your ride:

1. Rain Riding : Wet roads can be dangerous. Be sure to slow down and increase following distance in the rain. Wet roads reduce traction, so avoid sudden movements.

2. Night Riding : Your senses must be razor sharp at night. This is why you should use reflective gear and make sure your lights are functional. Increase your visibility and be cautious of reduced visibility conditions.

3. Gravel Roads : This can be treacherous. So, always maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden movements. Loose gravel can cause the bike to lose traction.

4. Highway Riding : It’s all about no distractions, just pure focus. Stay in the right lane and use mirrors frequently. High speeds require constant awareness and quick reactions.

As long as you follow these environment tips for riding a motorcycle, you’ll be able to ride out nice and steady like a pro.

Next up on our intermediate motorcycle riding tips is a section on keeping your bike in the best shape of its life. Be sure to keep an eye on:

1. Brake Pads : Stopping power is a must. No one wants to deal with brake failure. Keep close watch on your brake pads regularly and replace them when worn. Worn brake pads can lead to brake failure and accidents.

2. Chain Lubrication : A small but mighty task is to lubricate the chain every 500 miles. A well-lubricated chain reduces wear and improves performance.

3. Air Filter : Even bikes need a breath of fresh air! Clean or replace the air filter regularly. A clean air filter ensures optimal engine performance.

4. Battery Check : Dead battery? Talk about a buzzkill. Always make sure the battery is charged and terminals are clean. A well-maintained battery is going to start up and run oh-so-smooth.

Remember, these maintenance tasks keep your machine ready to roll-out.

Ah, yes. Welcome to the world of advanced riders. This is for the guys (and gals) who really push the envelope. The focus here revolves around track riding, performance tuning, and following advanced safety protocol. Here’s some tips to take your ride to higher ground:

With track riding, you’re mastering a whole different beast. Here’s way to boost your overall riding skills:

1. Entry and Exit : Yeah, baby. This is how we flow through corners with finesse - smooth entry and exit strategies for corners. This is where you’ll approach the corner wide, hit the apex, and exit smoothly to maintain speed.

2. Apexing : Here’s your surefire way to enter max speed by hitting the apex of the turn for optimal speed and control. This technique helps you take the shortest and fastest line through a corner.

3. Body Weight Transfer : Use your body to help the bike stick to the track by shifting your body weight for better bike control. Move your weight to the inside of the turn for better traction.

4. Throttle Control : Smooth and controlled throttle application is going to help you keep the bike in balance while preventing the loss of traction. Just gradually increase throttle as you exit the turn to maintain stability.
   
   

Our list of riding techniques for the most skilled bikers wouldn’t be complete without us mentioning the need to fine-tune it for performance. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Suspension Setup : The right suspension makes one helluva difference. Just adjust suspension settings for optimal performance. Consider your weight, riding style, and the type of riding you do.

2. Tire Selection : Enhance the bike’s safety by choosing the right tires for your riding conditions. Different tires offer varying levels of grip and performance.

3. Brake Settings : Properly tuned brakes make a world of a difference. So, adjust brake settings for better control. Make sure your brakes are responsive and provide the right amount of stopping power.

4. Engine Tuning : A well-tuned engine is bound to be a reliable one. Always tune the engine for better performance. This can include adjustments to the fuel mixture, ignition timing, and other settings.
   
   

Lastly on this list of advanced motorcycle riding tips, we’re going to touch base on safety protocols. When you’re traveling at high speeds on or off the track, these protocols are even more critical:

1. High-Speed Riding : Gear-up, my friends. Always use advanced safety gear for high-speed riding. Be certain that your gear can withstand the increased impact forces.

2. Emergency Stops : Practice emergency stops regularly. Undoubtedly, this can save your life. Plus, this builds confidence and ensures you can stop quickly when needed.

3. Track Awareness : Be aware of other riders and track conditions. In fact, this is key to avoiding collisions. So, keep a safe distance and be prepared for unexpected changes.

4. Safety Inspections : Don’t get hemmed up. Be sure to regularly perform thorough safety inspections before track riding. Check all critical components to make sure that they’re in good working order.

At Rokform, we love to push the limits, but we believe that safety is key no matter how advanced you are. Just keep these tips in mind so you can ride safer, smarter, and faster.

Although this is one of the most obvious protective items on our motorcycle riding tips list, it’s also the most crucial. Be sure to wear a DOT-approved helmet. It should fit snugly and still give you room to breathe. Some of the best features to look for in a helmet include a sturdy chin strap, comfy padding, and a clear visor.

That’s right. Jackets and pants aren’t just for style. We included this in our protective gear motorcycle riding tips for a reason. These jackets and pants should have built-in armor that’s going to keep you protected against impacts. Be sure to look for materials that will allow you to move freely. Leather is a great option. You could also look at reinforced textiles as long as the gear fits well and offer abrasion resistance. Truly, it’s all about protection and being comfortable along the ride.

When it comes to protective gear motorcycle riding tips, we definitely recommend that you don’t skimp on gloves or boots. Over time, you’ll find that your hands and feet bear the abuse from your bike. So always look for gloves that give you good grip, protection, and comfort. For boots, it’s best that they cover your ankles and have sturdy soles. This is going to protect against impacts, while giving you oh-so-solid support.

Pre-ride checks are necessary and on our motorcycle riding tips list because they can save you from headaches later. Always be sure to check tire pressure, brake function, fluid levels, and lights. This is a quick check. Just think a few minutes here can save you from a major issue down the line.

Tires have to be on-point when we’re on the road. That’s because they’re the point-of-contact between our bike and the road. Just be sure to keep a check on that tire pressure and the tread depth. And always replace tires that are worn-out and damaged. Good tires equal a good ride

Next up on our list of motorcycle riding tips, we’re going to talk about the brakes system. The brakes can make or break your ride (pun-intended). If you’re going to stop safely, it’s important to keep a check on those brake pads, fluid levels, and the overall condition of your brake system. Just make sure you replace worn-out brake pads and make sure that brake fluid is at the right level.

Whether you’re searching for motorcycle riding tips for beginners or more advanced riding techniques, skill development courses are a killer way to learn both. Many of these courses include video tutorials, interactive lessons, and quizzes that aim to test your knowledge. Be sure to look into courses that offer certificates upon completion. It’s an awesome way to validate your skills.

Safety courses are extremely beneficial to riders. These courses are designed to make you more aware and understand even more than you already knew about motorcycle safety. These courses will include topics like defensive riding, emergency response, and how to recognize a hazard. This is much more than motorcycle riding tips. That’s because when you complete a safety course, you’ll be a much more confident rider that minimizes the risk of accidents.

Next up, on our list of motorcycle riding tips for online courses are maintenance tutorials. These tutorials can be your best bud. That’s because they offer step-by-step instructions to keep your bike in excellent condition. Additionally, these tutorials can help you save money on repairs. Just look for tutorials that have videos and detailed guides (this makes it much easier).

When it comes to motorcycle riding tips, we say join a riding club. When you join a local or even an online riding club, you’re building a network of riders who are there for you. These places share tips, stories from the open road, and even offer advice. With a riding club, many times they organize group rides, training sessions, and events. You could learn a thing or two from the veterans, gain some collective wisdom, and even make some new friends.

Sifting through forums and blogs to find the right fit are another kickass way to connect. With these platforms, you’re sure to find lots of knowledge and experience. That’s because they allow you to ask questions, share motorcycle riding tips, and learn from other riders’ experiences. Just make sure you look for positive communities that are active online and truly looking to help others out.

Our community motorcycle riding tips wouldn’t be complete without mentioning in-person live events and meetups! Let things get real, as these gatherings are the perfect opportunities to learn from more experienced riders and even the pros! At these events, you can find workshops, group rides, and training sessions. When you attend these, you can build connections. Cause nothin’ beats the vibe of a bike tribe.

At Rokform, our motorcycle phone mounts use the power of our RokLock™ twist-lock system and Neodymium magnetic technology, so that your phone stays put even on the roughest of roads. This system means you don’t have to sweat the small stuff and worry about your phone flying off during a bumpy ride. We’ve got a stellar selection of mounts to choose from.

Unsure of which mount you need for your bike? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got your back:

• Motorcycle Perch Mount: With this mount, you get a universal fit that has adjustable bolt spacing. It fits bars with brake lever/clutch spacing anywhere between 1.45”-1.65”.

• Pro Series Motorcycle Stem Mount: This mount is easy to use (installs in 2 minutes). It’s also fully adjustable. With this mount, you’ll be able to find the best angle for maps, texts, calls, and more. Additionally, it fits almost any sportbike with two adjustable inserts that fit 12-24mm center stems.

• Motorcycle Handlebar iPhone Mount: Look to this bad boy to make cruising and stayin’ in touch easy while on the road. With a dual-retention lock system and universal fit, it’ll blend well with your bike.

We’ve also got videos to help you install the perfect mount for you. Check them out below:

• How to Install Rokform Perch Mount

• How to Install Rokform Stem Mount

• How to Install Rokform Handlebar Mount

With our cases, you get the best combo of rugged cases and military-grade protection. Whether you’re cruising through those city streets or hitting some off-road trails, these cases are built-to-last. They can withstand drops, vibrations, and any other challenges you may face on the roads. They’re made from CNC-machined aluminum and neodymium magnets, so you can expect your device to be protected.

No matter the ride, safety and convenience play a major role in how much you enjoy the journey. At Rokform, we’ve got the rugged case and motorcycle mount to fit your lifestyle (urban or off-road)

For extra functionality and safety, Rokform has got the goods like vibration dampeners and magnetic phone rings. We know that with the right tools, you can ride safe and smart.

It’s time to get real my friends. When it comes to tips for riding motorcycles, none seem as important as when an emergency situation shows that having a reliable phone mount and case are incredibly crucial. Take it from Danny Truelove. In our Survival Series: 100-Foot Motorcycle Slide , his story is just one of the ways we can show you that our products are trusted by riders on a global scale because they’re durable and reliable. After checking out Danny’s story, be sure to check out some of our other blogs:

• Get Ready for the 2024 Motorcycle Season
  
  

• The Best Phone Case for the Gym: How it Can Amplify Your Workout
  
  

• Top Six Biking Destinations for Road and Mountain Biking
  
  

There’s no doubt that in the real-world, every second counts. That’s why you need gear you can trust, like Rokform.