First Time Motorcycle Rider Tips
Congrats on purchasing your first motorcycle! Now that you’ve got the keys to your new ride in hand, we’re sure you’re looking forward to hitting the open road and cruising along city streets. However, before you take off, we recommend looking over our helpful riding tips below for first-time motorcycle owners.
Drive Defensively
When you head out on the open road, practice defensive driving. Remember that you are surrounded by other motorists who might not be paying attention to the road as much as they should. People drive drowsy, drive impaired, text and drive, eat and drive, and so on.
Leave plenty of room between yourself and other motorists. If someone suddenly slams on their brakes or cuts into your lane, you'll have the time and space needed to react to keep you from a collision.
You'll also want to be cautious anytime you turn or change lanes. Put your signal on well in advance and check multiple times before changing lines to ensure you've been seen by the other motorists. Be extra cautious around large trucks since they have a bigger blind spot.
Keep Up with Motorcycle Maintenance
A key part of motorcycle ownership is regular maintenance of your bike. This keeps your motorcycle running well and helps it stay out of the mechanic's shop. Check your owner's manual for information on the specific types of maintenance tasks and how often you should do them.
You'll also want to do a pre-ride inspection before you hit the road. Look over the various parts of your motorcycle, such as the tires and the lights, to ensure everything is in working order. If you notice anything odd, bring your motorcycle to our service department.
Still searching for the perfect motorcycle to take your very first ride with? Then be sure to stop by Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® to browse our massive selection of top-quality models for sale here in Eugene, OR! Our expert staff will be happy to give you a tour of our impressive selection of new and used motorcycles for sale, and we look forward to serving those nearby in Albany and Corvallis, OR.