How To Ride A Motorcycle: Part 01 - Controls & Startup

Learn HOW to ride a motorcycle! In Part 01, we go over controls and startup, motorcycle basics.

If the video was helpful, be sure to Subscribe!

STARTUP NOTE!: When starting the bike, you should always hold in your clutch lever, regardless of if the neutral light is on (see pinned user comments below.) In the video, I confirm the bike is in neutral by walking it and then start it, but regarding best practices, you should always hold the clutch in for safe measure!
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Ever wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle? So does Ms. Blockhead (my lady!) We've got her signed up for an incoming MSF course, but she wants to get a head start and is eager to learn! If you're wanting to learn and get your certification, you definitely should sign up for an MSF course as well! Checkout the link below for more info on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

So Ms. Blockhead's been YouTubing 'How to Ride a Motorcycle' and hasn't been able to find a vid that 'thoroughly' goes over a few of the things she's trying to learn. Watching through a few with her, there's some stuff that's left out here n' there, so I told her that I'd make one for her and try to be thorough!

Alas, the Blockhead "How To Ride A Motorcycle" series was born!* In Part 01, we go over controls on the bike, as well as starting er' up. I bring along my trusty MSF Rider Handbook for some guidance, but kinda 'cliffs notes' it up.

The vids might seem a bit lengthy, but I know that's how I learn best, so maybe there's some of you out there that are the same (I'd be willing to bet there are!)

As an NRA certified firearms instructor, I've instructed and taught students before, so I hope that it comes across in the vid (fingers crossed!) However, I never have nor will I claim to be a 'motorcycle instructor.' When it comes to motorcycles, I'm just a dude that enjoys the ride!

Hope the videos help! As always, thanks for watching, ride safe out there, and stay vigilant!

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BIKES:
2013 Harley-Davidson Iron 883
2014 Yamaha YZF-R6

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► SOCIAL:

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► Mailing Address!

Blockhead Moto
PO Box 18
Windermere, FL 34786

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*DISCLAIMER: These videos are meant to be informative, but are not a substitute for a proper certified motorcycle course. You should be going to an accredited training program if you are looking to receive your motorcycle license endorsement (see MSF site link above.) I am not responsible for your actions and you assume all responsibilities and risks when operating a motorcycle.

[pwnedlife]

I will never forget this video. Helped me a lot when I first started riding. 1 year and 3 months later i currently own 3 cycles and work for a reputable dealer in Miami. Thank you Blockhead!

[juancontreras]

If he was my professor for all my classes i would pass with flying colors. Such a good teacher

[jshda]

did not even own a motorcycle before watching this video
after the video, I am already popping wheelies

[thebostonteaparty]

This video actually taught me how to ride a motorcycle. I am now a year into riding my iron 883 because of this video.

[SmaxyMiguel]

How to ride a motorcycle?

Step 1: ride motorcycle to parking lot.

[melissawooley]

I’m a mom of 3 wonderful young men, 2 of which love to ride motorcycles. I want to ride with them but feel silly saying “ok go over everything step by step, don’t skip a thing.” This video was great and I look forward to watching more! Thanks for making it straightforward and easy to understand!

[stephysands]

Just got my permit, out of all the videos I've watched yours was most clear and helpful. Thanks a bunch!

[IisAtomik]

I took the MSF course and learned an incredible amount, unfortunately some financial struggles came up and I was not able to afford a bike. This series is a great re-fresher to help remind me what I learned.

[donbriggs]

I agree with others here. You should always hold the clutch in while starting the bike. There is a lot of bikes out there that you cannot start unless the clutch is in.

[finkelsteinyablonsky]

*My first thought: "That's a great lot to slide around in!"*
_Immediately see skid marks all over_

[fortpilleddrainer]

You’re the only biker on YouTube who’s beginner friendly

[roninsoul]

Good video Blockhead.
On the start up section though, as others have mentioned, my MSF instructors always taught us to never trust the dummy lights. You should always physically check that the bike is in neutral first by making sure it can move back and forth freely. Then upon starting the bike always hold in your clutch lever, just to be on the safe side.

Keep up the good work!

As always ride safe my friend!

[dalilabanuelos]

I have been teaching for 25 years, and I can say that he has great patience and awesome teaching skills.

[nickcave]

Sometimes I just watch this video to relax, it is so good.

[jimhurst]

Just had a 99 Honda Shadow delivered to my house, never rode in my life. Couldn't wait for my buddy to take it to a parking lot for me and decided to go around the block. Needless to say, I went up a hill cause I was too nervous to turn, got stuck on a hill for 15mins and stalled a few times. Luckily came across an older guy who's been riding forever and he rode it back to my house for me 2 blocks away...I'll wait for my buddy.

[tanichiro]

i used to ride when i was younger and was looking for a refresher... honestly, nothing as straight forward as this, this is awesome

[tsubarider]

About 6 months ago I was interested in learning how to ride but had as much knowledge about motorcycles as a 2 hour-old baby. This video taught me a lot. Now I already know how to ride and will be taking my riding test in 10 days to get the license. Already bought a bike and it's waiting for me to go on my first ride.

Thank you so much @Blockhead :)

[haidengeary]

Some call the methods "basic", but "basic" is usually the best way to learn. After all, if you cannot explain something simply, you know nothing about it to begin with. Very impressed by the depth in which he teaches. Arrogance serves none but those using it.

[blacbeanfitness]

I like how he took his time to explain everything.

[isareen]

I am definitely getting into motorcycle riding, I have been checking instructions for almost 3 months and this is the best so far. Currently on scooter in Yokohama Japan. Want to get MT 09 as a starter, been driving stick since 14 years, this is an awesome video blockhead.