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QUICK TIPS: Should You Ride A Motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience. Riding is fun and invigorating, yet the skills
needed for safe riding, combined with the lack of car-like crash protection on a
motorcycle, can cast doubts on whether a person should choose to ride a motorcycle.
Some potential riders lack the ability to execute skilled and timely actions in a complex
traffic environment; others lack keen judgment or don’t have a firm grasp of the concept
of risk management.

MSF believes that motorcycling isn’t for everyone. If you’re considering becoming a
rider, however, here are some questions for you to use as a self-assessment of the
physical capabilities and mental attitude required to safely navigate a motorcycle on the
street:

1. Are you a higher risk-taker than others you know? If you tend to need a thrill while
driving a car and have aggressive or risky tendencies (following too closely,
turning without signaling, talking on a cell phone, getting angry at other drivers,
etc.), motorcycling may not be for you. While motorcycling improves the overall
quality of life for many, for some it can lead to disaster. Thinking that accidents
only happen to others is an attitude that will get you in trouble.

2. Can you ride a bicycle? This is a prerequisite for enrolling in our Basic
RiderCourse and generally a good gauge of your ability to maneuver a motorcycle.
Bicycling, like motorcycling, is a physical activity that involves balance and
coordination. And speaking of coordination …

3. Can you drive a stick-shift car? This is not a requirement, but it may make
learning to ride easier because almost all motorcycles have manual transmissions.
If you can’t get the hang of shifting gears but still want to enjoy a powered two-
wheeler, you might want to start out on a motor scooter. Motor scooters generally
have automatic transmissions and come in many sizes, from simpler models with
an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters (cc) to powerful 650cc models.

4. Do you see well? Riding a motorcycle requires special perceptual skills that rely
on good vision. Have you had an eye examination recently? Do you tend to see
things that are far away later than other people you know? The ability to see well
ahead is important for safe riding.

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