How to tell if riding a motorcycle is for you

So, a large group of your friends ride motorcycles, and it sounds like a lot of fun. It certainly is, but it is also a lot of responsibility. You are the only one that can decide if you want to take on the responsibility, along with the fun. Well, you and the DMV, when, or if, you decide you are ready to take the motorcycle driving test.

Do not make your decision solely on how much fun your friends tell you it is. This can lead to a disaster, if you jump on a motorcycle just to have some fun. Take it slow and think everything through. Riding a motorcycle is not for everyone.

First you need to determine how large a motorcycle you can handle. Motorcycles under 500CC engine size are pretty light weight, but as you get into the bigger sizes they will also get heavier. You have to have both the strength and the knowledge to safely hold one up, and move it around.

If your friends all ride big motorcycles, you'll probably want a comparable size to be able to ride with them. Why does size matter, you winder? Well yes, smaller ones will get out there and go too, but if all of your friends cruise for miles down the interstate, a larger motorcycle is going to offer you a lot more comfort and performance.

Some people just aren't very comfortable sitting astride a motorcycle, cruising through traffic with hardly any protection around them. Cars and trucks surround you with a lot of metal. On a motorcycle, some feel like an open target. If this bothers you, you're probably not ready to ride a motorcycle.

Many people think they are ready to ride a motorcycle and jump on to one to soon. This can get you, and possibly others, hurt. Make sure you understand how the motorcycle operates, and all of the safety issues that come with being on two wheels.

For some insane reason, drivers claim that it is hard to see a motorcycle coming down the road. You'll have to be prepared to be a target for some careless driver, and take immediate evasive action to avoid being ran over. You will also have to be watching the road much more carefully for debris, slick spots and (ugh) dead animals.

The best way to test your readiness is to take a motorcycle safety course. These instructors will put you through some pretty drastic courses. They may fail you, even if you think you are ready. The might even pass you, and you will decide it's not for you, after all. At least you will be in a controlled environment, while you try it out.

You'll also need to decide if bad weather is going to bother you. You will inevitably be caught out in a rainstorm at some point. This can be miserable. You will be wet and cold, yet you will still have to push on, at least until you get to a place you can safely stop.

If any of this makes you nervous or gives you second thoughts, that would be a good sign that you are not ready to ride a motorcycle. Yes, it is great to be out there with your friends, enjoying the beautiful weather and scenic rides. It certainly is a lot of fun when you are absolutely certain you are ready. If you aren't sure and do it anyway, it can lead to disaster. Many accidents are the result of inexperienced, nervous riders.

Don't put yourself, or others in harm's way, by making a rash decision. Consider everything that is involved in operating a motorcycle. If you truly feel that you are ready, you and only you, will know.

by Donna Thacker