How to Ride a Manual Motorcycle (for Beginners)

Wear a Helmet. A helmet is the most crucial piece of equipment when riding a motorcycle. It protects your head from injuries in case of a fall. A helmet must fit properly to offer the best protection. The most suitable helmet is also a personal item for each rider.

• To ensure proper protection, choose a helmet designed for motorcycle riders that meets safety standards. The most expensive helmet isn't necessarily the best for protecting your head. A helmet that meets DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) or ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) standards is designed to protect you during an accident. These two certification systems have strict testing processes to meet safety requirements for riding on highways. Additional safety features are added to enhance comfort and protection for the wearer. Some riders prefer Snell helmets (a brand established by the nonprofit Snell Memorial Foundation) due to their rigorous safety requirements, including tests at higher speeds and harsher conditions.
• To determine the correct size, visit a store that specializes in motorcycle gear or measure your head at home using a soft measuring tape. Measure the circumference of your head about 13mm above your eyebrows. Compare the measurement with the sizing chart of the helmet brand you're considering. Note that sizing can vary across brands, so always check each brand's size guide before purchasing.
• When trying on a helmet, ensure it fits properly. The helmet should sit with the eye port just above your eyebrows, and there should be a finger's width of space between your head and the helmet. This ensures the helmet will protect your head effectively. Different helmets fit different head shapes, so if your helmet fits but isn't comfortable, consider trying another one. Full-face helmets or modular helmets provide optimal protection.

Wear a Jacket. A motorcycle jacket protects your body, including vital organs, in case of an accident. These jackets are made from leather or other synthetic materials, such as Kevlar. Look for jackets that absorb impact forces similar to armor. If the jacket carries the CE (Certified European) mark, it means it meets European safety standards.

• Your jacket should fit well, allowing for comfortable arm movement. Consider the climate you'll be riding in, as this will affect the jacket's weight and features. For example, jackets designed for warm weather have zippers and ventilation holes to allow airflow around your body.
• If you opt for a leather jacket, make sure it's designed specifically for motorcycling. Regular leather jackets aren't made to provide adequate protection for riders.
• In addition to safety, jackets also protect you from external elements like the sun, wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Comfort will help you stay alert, making the riding experience more enjoyable.

Wear Motorcycle Boots, Gloves, and Other Gear. These protective items keep you safe and comfortable while riding. Boots protect your feet and ankles, gloves safeguard your hands, and pants protect your hips and legs.

• Your feet take a lot of impact while riding, so it's important to protect them. Motorcycle boots cover your ankles, have slip-resistant soles, and feature reinforced toes. To assess how the boots will perform in an accident, grasp the toe and heel and twist them. The harder it is to twist the boots, the better they will protect you.
• Gloves help prevent injuries from insects and debris in the air and keep your fingers warm. Choose gloves that offer flexibility. Look for gloves with wrist straps to keep them secure during an accident. Kevlar gloves are a great option for their flexibility, durability, and stylish appearance.
• Pants are often overlooked when choosing protective gear. Jeans are more fashionable than functional, and they tear easily in accidents. A better choice is pants made from materials similar to those used in jackets, designed to withstand the force of a crash.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Course. A safety course is the best way to learn proper riding skills and ensure safety. We recommend starting with a beginner's class, which is required to obtain a motorcycle license in Vietnam.

• Beginners with little or no experience should take a basic riding course. Check with your local Department of Transportation for available courses in your area. Government-run basic training programs are not always available locally, but there are many private centers offering these courses.
• The course may provide a bike for you to practice on if you don't have one. It will also teach you the basics of operation and safety.
• Many centers offer both theoretical lessons and practical training. After completing the course, you'll take a test to earn your certificate.

Learn How to Control the Bike. Familiarize yourself with the basic operation before hitting the road. When you're actually riding, you'll need to think quickly, so not being accustomed to the controls can be dangerous.

• The clutch lever is usually on the left handlebar and is used to disengage the rear wheel when shifting gears.
• The gear shift lever is typically on the left foot and is used for shifting up or down while squeezing the clutch.
• The throttle is on the right handlebar and is used to accelerate. The front brake lever is located on the right handlebar.
• The rear brake pedal is located on the right foot and is used to slow down the rear wheel.
• As a general rule, the left side of the motorcycle is used for controlling gears, while the right side controls acceleration and braking.

Get On the Bike. To mount the bike properly, approach from the left side. Grab the left handlebar and swing your right leg over the seat. Ensure your supporting foot is firmly on the ground.

• The best way to get a feel for the bike's operation is by sitting on it and testing all the controls before starting the engine.
• Feel how the bike responds as you grip the handlebars, reach for the clutch and brake levers. Make sure you can easily access and operate them comfortably. Your arms should be slightly bent at the elbows when gripping the handlebars. Your fingers should have easy access to the switches.
• Ensure you can comfortably place both feet on the ground and feel the weight of the bike beneath you. You should also be able to operate the gear shift without sliding or lifting your feet off the foot pegs.

Practice Getting a Feel for the Clutch. The clutch is used for shifting gears. When you pull the clutch, it disengages the engine from the drive, putting the bike into neutral (also called 'N'), allowing you to shift gears.

• When using the clutch, imagine it as a switch. Unlike an 'On-Off' switch, you should gradually and smoothly pull and release the clutch to prevent the engine from stalling.
• When starting the engine, pull the clutch and shift into first gear by pressing the gear lever with your left foot. You may need to push the gear lever forward a few times. When you have pressed it all the way or when the wheels start moving, you’ve successfully engaged first gear.
• Most motorcycles have a gear shift pattern of '1 down, 5 up'. This generally follows 1-N-2-3-4, etc. When you shift gears, the appropriate number will light up on the dashboard.
• While riding, you should shift gears by first pulling in the clutch with your left hand to disengage the drive. Simultaneously, reduce speed to prevent the bike from jerking when the power resumes. Then, use your left foot to shift gears, throttle up with your right hand to keep the transition smooth, and finally release the clutch, allowing the rear wheel to continue its drive.

Start the Engine. Pull the clutch lever and locate the anti-theft switch (if present). This is typically a red switch on the right handlebar. Slide it to the 'on' position. Most modern bikes don’t require a kickstart, but older models may still have one. If present, the kickstarter is located to the right, behind the front foot peg.

• Turn the key to the 'ignition' position and check that the lights and gauges are functioning properly.
• Return the bike to neutral. The easiest way to do this is by pushing down to first gear and then gently lifting the gear lever back up. Look for the 'N' light on the dashboard.
• With your right thumb, press and hold the 'Start' button. This is usually located below the anti-theft switch and can be identified by a circular arrow with a lightning bolt in the center.
• After starting, let the engine run for about 45 seconds to warm up and ensure smooth operation.
• When both of your feet are fully on the ground, pull the clutch lever. Then, lift the front half of your feet (shifting your weight to your heels) and repeat a few times until you feel comfortable with the clutch's response.

Try 'Walking the Bike' with Your Feet. Start with one foot on the ground in front of you. Slowly release the clutch until the bike starts to creep forward.

• Use only the clutch to move the bike forward, pushing it with your feet to maintain stability.
• Repeat this technique until you can keep the bike balanced without your feet touching the ground. At that point, you should have a good feel for the bike's balance.

Starting the Bike. Once the engine is warmed up, you're ready to begin riding. Shift into first gear and slowly release the clutch while giving the throttle a gentle twist.

• Make sure the kickstand is up before moving.
• Gradually release the clutch until the bike starts rolling.
• You can also give a slight twist of the throttle to prevent stalling as you let go of the clutch.
• Once the bike starts moving, gently accelerate and place your feet on the pegs.
• Try to maintain a straight line. As you release the clutch and apply light throttle to accelerate slightly, continue moving straight. When you need to stop, pull in the clutch, gently apply the front brake, and press the rear brake. Lower your left foot to stabilize the bike while stopping. Once stopped, place your right foot on the ground.

Practice Shifting Gears. Once you're riding in a straight line, begin to focus on shifting gears. Pay attention to the "friction zone." This is the point where the clutch engages, allowing the engine's power to transfer to the rear wheel. Motorcycle power delivery occurs in a sequence, meaning you need to shift continuously, regardless of whether you're going forward or in reverse. With practice, you'll learn to feel the right moment to shift. The engine will rev higher as it signals when it's time to change gears.

• After starting the engine, shift down to first gear. You'll know you're in first when the shifter can't be pressed further down, or you might hear a 'clunk' sound.
• Release the clutch slowly until the bike starts to move. If you want to accelerate faster, gently twist the throttle while letting the clutch out.
• To shift into second gear, pull the clutch in, ease off the throttle, and firmly press the gear lever up to bypass neutral. Check that the 'N' light on the dashboard isn't on. Release the clutch and apply throttle again. Repeat for higher gears.
• After second gear, there's no need to press the gear lever as hard since you've passed through neutral.
• To downshift, release the throttle slightly, gently apply the rear brake, pull the clutch in, and shift down. Then release the clutch.
• Once you're comfortable with downshifting, you can shift into neutral from second gear. Then, when in 'neutral' position, shift again to first gear.

Practice U-Turning. Similar to cycling, once you reach speeds of 16 km/h or higher, you can make a U-turn by turning the handlebars in the opposite direction. Push the handlebars in the direction you want to turn and look ahead to where you’re heading.

• When approaching the turn, reduce speed. Avoid using the brakes while turning. Ease off the throttle and lightly apply the brakes (if necessary) before entering the turn.
• Keep your head straight and look in the direction of the turn. Turn the handlebars toward where you want to go. Gradually twist the throttle as you lean into the turn to maintain momentum.
• When moving slowly, tilt your head to look through the turn. The bike will follow your gaze. Find a point at the end of the curve to focus on and keep looking there. Never look down or turn your head to look behind. Although it might feel tempting to check your turn, this can be dangerous and cause you to misjudge the turn.
• Push the handlebars toward the turn. If you’re turning left, push the right side of the handlebars away from you. This will cause the bike to lean left. Lean with it and gradually increase the throttle to accelerate slightly. Once you've completed the turn, keep the throttle steady or slightly increase it while leaning back to straighten the bike. Allow the bike to balance on its own without jerking the handlebars.

Practice Slowing Down and Stopping. Finally, once you've mastered starting, shifting gears, and turning, it’s time to learn how to slow down and come to a complete stop. Remember that the right-hand lever controls the front brake, while the foot lever controls the rear brake. As a general rule, you should apply the front brake first, then ease into the rear brake to slow the bike down and bring it to a stop.

• To stop, it’s best to apply the front brake first, and after you’ve slowed down a bit, apply the rear brake until the bike comes to a full stop.
• When riding at slower speeds, be sure to shift gears as needed. The bike doesn’t always have to go back to first gear when stopping. You can shift to second gear, stop, and then shift to first gear.
• Pull in the clutch while applying the brakes and shifting gears.
• Apply force to both the front and rear brakes when slowing down at low speeds and starting to brake. Make sure you're not giving the throttle. This is easier to do since the front brake is designed for you to pull the throttle grip back to reach the brake lever.
• Gradually increase pressure on the brakes instead of slamming them, as this can cause the bike to stop suddenly and lose balance.
• Once the bike is stopped, hold the front brake and lower your feet to the ground. Put your left foot down first, followed by the right foot.