Riding techniques

• Braking
• Riding round a curve
• Starting on a hill
• Carrying a passenger

Braking

• Your brakes are the most important part on your motorcycle. Always check them before you ride.
• Your most effective brake is your front brake, but the most effective way to bring your motorcycle to a stop is to use the front and rear brakes together. Use both brakes every time you slow down or stop.
• Overbraking one or both wheels is one of the most common causes of skidding.

Riding round a curve

• Keep well to the left when riding around a curve, whether it's a laned or unlaned curve.
• Never change gear in a curve because your wheel could lock up or spin, causing a skid.

Starting on a hill

It is more difficult to get the motorcycle moving uphill than it is on flat ground. There is always a danger of rolling backwards into someone behind you. Here is what you have to do:

1. Use the front brake to hold the motorcycle while you start the engine and change into first gear.
2. Change to the foot (rear) brake to hold the cycle while you operate the throttle with your right hand.
3. Open the throttle a little for more power.
4. Release the clutch leaver gradually.
5. Release the foot brake quickly when the engine begins to slow down (this means the engine is taking hold).
6. Now accelerate gently and take off as normal.

Carrying a passenger

You must not carry a pillion passenger until you hold a full Class 6 motorcycle licence.

Last updated: 9 May 2005