7 Common Beginner Motorcycle Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Motorcycling is an incredible experience, but for beginner riders, it often comes with its fair share of mistakes. Many of these are tell-tale signs of inexperience, but the good news is that they are all correctable. In this guide, we’ll cover seven common beginner motorcycle mistakes and provide actionable tips to help you avoid them.

1. Awkward Mounting or Dismounting

The Mistake: Beginners often struggle to mount or dismount their bikes, especially if the bike is tall or equipped with a top case.

How to Fix It:

• Use the footpeg mount technique:
  • Turn the handlebars away from you and apply the front brake.
  • Place your foot on the footpeg and keep your body weight above the bike.
  • Stand on the peg and swing your leg over.
• This method provides more clearance for your leg and works even for tall bikes or slippery conditions.

Pro Tip: Practice this technique on both sides of the bike to build confidence.

2. The “Landing Gear” Habit

The Mistake: Riding with feet dangling or putting feet down too early when stopping signals a lack of confidence in the bike’s stability.

How to Fix It:

• Understand that motorcycles stabilize themselves as they start moving.
• Keep your feet on the footpegs while riding; they don’t assist balance during motion.
• Practice slow-speed maneuvers like the “slow race” to build confidence in throttle, clutch, and rear brake control.

Pro Tip: Spending time practicing in a parking lot can eliminate this habit entirely.

3. Bicycle Rider Posture

The Mistake: Riding with straight arms and weight on the handlebars mimics a bicycle posture and reduces the bike’s handling efficiency.

How to Fix It:

• Relax your arms: Keep them bent and loose. Avoid putting weight on the handlebars.
• Sit closer to the tank if needed, and use a light grip to ensure smooth, natural steering.

Why It Matters: Proper arm positioning improves self-steering and reduces vibrations, preventing numb hands.

4. Fear of Leaning

The Mistake: New riders sometimes ride with their feet sticking out or avoid leaning due to fear of scraping boots or instability.

How to Fix It:

• Trust the bike’s engineering—motorcycles are designed to lean safely in corners.
• Keep your toes pointed inward and heels tucked closer to the bike to avoid catching the ground.

Pro Tip: Gradually practice leaning into turns to build confidence without overstepping your comfort zone.

5. Avoiding the Front Brake

The Mistake: Fear of using the front brake often stems from dropping the bike after grabbing too much brake too quickly.

How to Fix It:

• Practice progressive braking: Apply the front brake gradually to prevent abrupt stops.
• Use both brakes for balanced stopping power, with more emphasis on the front brake, which provides up to 70-80% of stopping force.

Pro Tip: Regular emergency braking practice in a controlled environment will improve your confidence and technique.

6. Poor Lane Positioning

The Mistake: Riding in the middle of the lane directly behind a vehicle reduces visibility and limits reaction options.

How to Fix It:

• Ride slightly to the left or right wheel track of the car ahead for better visibility and to avoid debris.
• Always position yourself to see further down the road and anticipate hazards.

Why It Matters: Proper lane positioning increases safety by reducing surprises from both vehicles and road debris.

7. “Fifty-Pencing” Through Turns

The Mistake: Erratic turning (commonly called fifty-pencing) occurs when riders constantly adjust their lean angle through a corner.

How to Fix It:

• Learn countersteering: Push the handlebar on the side you want to lean into the turn.
• Focus on vision: Look as far ahead into the turn as possible to maintain a steady line.

Pro Tip: Practice countersteering and vision techniques together for smoother cornering.

Conclusion

Mistakes are a natural part of learning to ride a motorcycle, but recognizing and correcting them will make you a safer and more confident rider. By focusing on these seven common errors, you can drastically improve your riding experience and skills.

FAQs About Beginner Motorcycle Mistakes

Q1: How can I mount a tall bike without struggling?

Use the footpeg mounting technique to create more clearance for your leg.

Q2: Why is it bad to ride with my feet dangling?

It’s unsafe, reduces control, and exposes your feet to potential injuries.

Q3: How do I improve my cornering technique?

Practice countersteering and maintain proper vision by looking deep into the turn.

Q4: What’s the best way to practice braking?

Focus on smooth, progressive front braking in a safe environment to build confidence.

Q5: Why is lane positioning important?

Good lane positioning improves visibility and helps you anticipate road hazards.