The Most Common Beginner Mishaps

1. Buying the Wrong Motorcycle. Many beginners buy too much weight and too much power, resulting in a bike they cannot control. See our bike buying guide for new riders.

2. Overestimating skills. Going from the training of an empty parking lot into downtown traffic during rush hour is not a good idea.

3. Underestimating other drivers’ stupidity. There are a ton of terrible drivers on the roads, and a new rider should never underestimate the stupidity of other drivers.

4. Assuming you’re not invisible. Cars and trucks have a hard time seeing motorcycles, especially when turning or changing lanes. Always assume that you are invisible to every other driver on the road.

5. Riding with a passenger. Before you let a passenger on the back of your bike, get a few thousand miles and a year of experience under your belt.