THE 5 Most Critical Mistakes New Riders Make

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Motorcycling is an exciting and rewarding activity, but it comes with inherent risks that demand preparation, knowledge, and responsibility. This guide dives into the essential steps for new riders to safely and successfully begin their motorcycling journey. From understanding the sobering statistics about motorcycle crashes to investing in proper gear, training, and maintenance, we outline everything you need to know to reduce your risks and ride with confidence. Whether you're deciding on your first motorcycle or looking to develop good habits, these insights will help set you on the right path. Read on to learn how to stay safe and make the most of your time on two wheels.

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So, you want to buy a motorcycle. Let’s talk about some facts.

First, the bad news. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash per mile than people driving cars. About 80% of motorcycle accidents end in injury or death compared to about 20% of accidents in cars. Thirty-five percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of car drivers. Motorcyclists aged 40 and over are around 20 times more likely to be killed than drivers in the same age bracket. These are just a few sobering numbers to consider before you even get into motorcycling.

But, if you’re still reading, it means you’re still considering the idea of getting a motorcycle. Before we wrap up, I’ll share some ways to greatly reduce the odds of becoming part of these statistics. Let’s start by discussing five key mistakes new riders make that contribute significantly to these numbers, and then I’ll provide tips to help you avoid them.

Protective Gear

The first mistake many new riders make is skipping or using inadequate protective gear. If I were to write a step-by-step script for getting into motorcycling, the first step would be to buy good protective gear and commit to wearing it. You might think, “Helmets are too expensive,” and I agree—but if you can’t afford a helmet, you probably can’t afford to ride safely. Or perhaps you’d say, “Protective gear is too hot in the summer.” I’d counter by saying, I live in Texas, and every time I ride, I wear protective gear. If it’s too hot to ride with gear, it’s too hot to ride, period. Over the years, I’ve heard countless excuses for skipping gear, but I’ve never heard a rider involved in a crash say, “I wish I hadn’t been wearing my helmet.”

Helmets save lives. There’s no way around it. As a new rider, you should invest in a full-face helmet, a riding jacket with armor, motorcycle gloves, riding pants, and over-the-ankle boots designed for motorcycling. When it comes to gear, fashion or image isn’t the objective—protection is. Many new riders pick gear based on how they want to look: cute, tough, or cool. Looking good has nothing to do with being protected. Buy gear that will protect you in a crash and, as a bonus, make you more visible to other drivers. While no gear can fully protect you in every crash, not wearing it greatly increases your chances of becoming a statistic.

Training

Next, let’s talk about training. Whether it’s an MSF course or a Total Control class, get trained, get your license, and make learning and training a regular part of your riding practice. No new rider course will teach you everything you need to know, and I speak from experience as a former MSF and Total Control instructor. In my opinion, these courses qualify you to begin practicing on your own and prepare you for future training.

The best approach is to take a new rider class, then, after six months to a year of real-world practice, take an intermediate or advanced class. During those six months, you’ll gain a better understanding of the challenges of riding and the need for proper technique. Advanced rider classes can be harder to find, but a quick Google search for advanced motorcycle training in your area should yield results. If not, consider retaking the new rider class; I’ve done it several times myself. Becoming a member of MCrider also grants you access to a digital or print Field Guide with practice exercises to keep honing your skills. You’ll also have access to forums where you can ask questions and connect with riders in your area.

Finding the RIGHT Motorcycle

Once you’ve invested in the right gear and completed your training, it’s time to buy a motorcycle. Many riders make the mistake of buying the motorcycle first, followed by gear and training. I recommend the opposite approach. Why? Because training can influence what type of motorcycle you choose. Many students enter an MSF class dreaming of a 1000cc sportbike but leave with a more realistic understanding of their needs after handling a 250cc training bike.

I recently spoke to a young rider who realized that a Honda CBR wasn’t a good starter bike. If you were buying a first car for a teenager, would you choose a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Probably not. Even if you could afford it, those cars would be too powerful and too much of a temptation for a new driver. Yet many people buy high-powered motorcycles as their first ride. A 1000cc bike is as fast and powerful as a Ferrari, but the risks of a mistake on a motorcycle are 28 times greater.

Another mistake I’ve noticed in new riders is overconfidence, especially among those who rode dirt bikes as kids. When I was teaching, I’d mentally flag students who mentioned this background because they often needed extra attention. The problem is that dirt biking habits don’t always translate well to street riding. As humans, we tend to rely on what we know, even if it’s not the best approach. Through practice and training, you’ll discover better techniques—ones that don’t involve riding like a 10-year-old.

Tips for Finding Your First Motorcycle

Here is a guide with several motorcycle options to pick your first motorcycle.
The list is not comprehensive but is a great place to start.

Maintenance

Finally, let’s discuss basic maintenance, which is often overlooked. Unlike cars, motorcycles demand more frequent maintenance, and the consequences of neglect can be far more serious. At a minimum, every rider should know how to perform a T-CLOCS inspection—a simple pre-ride checklist that covers tires and wheels, controls, lights and electrics, oils and fluids, chassis, and stand. You don’t have to be a mechanic to ride a motorcycle, but knowing these basics is essential. If you’re not comfortable performing maintenance yourself, be prepared to increase your budget to cover professional services.

To summarize: get the right gear and wear it, complete training and keep learning, choose the right motorcycle, ride within your limits, and learn how to maintain your bike. Stay safe, and until next week, keep the rubber side down.