If you have finally got the keys to the bike you’ve been dreaming of, your first month can be some of the most exciting times you spend on the roads. Often people decide to go from four wheels to two because they are ready to experience more freedom, enjoy a new way of travel and a little extra speed. 

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It is also the first month that many new motorcycle owners make common mistakes. Luckily you can avoid them all with this guide. 

Maintenance 

If you have owned a car for some time, you’ll already be well versed in vehicle maintenance. However, motorcycles aren’t cars! So you’ll need to go through the steps until they become as automated as breathing. 

Tyres 

You’ll want to make sure that your tyres have the right amount of air in them. When you drive a car, you have four points of contact with the road; with a bike, you have two, so this needs to be a priority. 

Inspect them for any cracks, tears or pesky nails that have gotten stuck. You will also need to check to make sure your tyre treads are legal. 

Lights

Check all of your lights before you head off, even on a short journey. Motorcyclists are more likely to be hit, so make sure your lights are working at all times. 

Oil

Replace your motorcycle’s oil as soon as you get it unless you have paperwork from the prior owner; you won’t know when it was last altered. Even so, it’s prudent to make a change.

Gear

While you might see other motorcyclists wear jeans, no helmet, or the incorrect type of jacket – you shouldn’t. Ensure that you have the proper riding gear at all times. A full-face helmet, riding gloves, boots, and a jacket at a minimum will help with much of the protection. 

You can try different materials until you find the one that works best for your needs. It is a great idea to get motorcycle gear reinforced impact points. 

Road types

Not all roads are great for motorcycles. You’re going to need to be comfortable with many of them. In the first month of your bike, it is a good idea to plan a few outings of varying lengths. It will give you a deeper understanding of how your new bike handles roads. 

If you have upgraded your bike to a higher CC or it is your first bike, eventually, you’re going to want to head to the freeway, highway or motorway. Expect to notice each of the bumps in the road, the wind, the noise of the other cars and more around you. You are likely to be highly aware of how unprotected you are compared with a car. 

Make sure you know where the nearest stops are so that you can take a breather after a short while. 

And one of the most important is if you release the clutch too fast and kill the bike – calmly restart the bike. Everyone has moments like this – it’s all part of the learning process. 

And when you’re ready, it might be time to head out on a more extended trip with biking friends: Fun Things To Do With Your Friends on a Road Trip | Good Shout Media | Automotive Marketing Specialist.