In my 20+ years of training, I’ve seen countless new riders arrive with stories of frustration, fear, and sometimes damaged motorcycles. One common thread is that many new riders began their journey under the guidance of a well-meaning partner, friend, or family member. Every drop chips away at confidence, and when that instruction is coming from a loved one, emotions can run high.
Recently, I received an email from a new rider that captures the reality many beginners face:
“I bought a 300 as my first bike. I’m short, I can’t even tiptoe, and I have absolutely no experience. My husband helps me. I can already pull away and go into 2nd gear; it’s my 2nd day now. The problem is that I fell 3 times today, it feels like it comes naturally to men or maybe other women too, but for me, who is small built and maybe lacks a few brain cells when it comes to bikes, it’s terribly difficult. It feels like it’s just me who struggles so much. Every little thing is difficult for me.”
Her words are raw, honest, and deeply familiar. She’s not alone. Starting on the wrong motorcycle, one that’s too tall, too heavy, or too powerful, creates unnecessary psychological and physical barriers.
Why Friends and Family aren’t always the Best Teachers
- Emotional Dynamics: It’s difficult to separate learning stress from personal relationships. Frustration or fear can quickly turn into tension.
- Lack of Structure: Friends often teach based on their habits, not proven step-by-step techniques. What “works for them” might not work for you.
- Wrong Bike, Wrong Start: Many new riders begin on motorcycles that don’t suit their height, strength, or experience level. Without alternatives to train on, the struggle multiplies.
- Psychological Pressure: When you’re constantly falling or stalling in front of someone close to you, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing them, not just yourself.
The Professional Difference
Learning with a qualified or MSI-Certified Instructor makes all the difference. Here’s why:
- Training Bikes Provided: You start on smaller, manageable bikes designed for beginners. You can focus on skills, not balance battles.
- Safe Environment: Training takes place in a controlled environment, not in traffic, where mistakes carry heavy consequences.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: From clutch control to smooth gear changes, you’re taught proven methods in a logical order.
- Confidence Building: Each session is designed to grow your skills without overwhelming you, preventing the negativity spiral that often ends a rider’s journey before it starts.
Protecting your Confidence and your Bike
New motorcycles are expensive, and dropping them repeatedly not only hurts financially but also emotionally, like the rider mentioned above who feels her “heart hurts.” Professional training allows beginners to master the basics on a suitable training bike, resulting in a less intimidating learning experience.
I therefore suggest you attend two to three sessions with a professional or MSI-endorsed Riding School or Academy, and the final session on your own motorcycle (not ridden there by you but trailered or ridden there by an experienced rider). This will help you with the safe transition from a smaller training motorcycle to your own, all under the expert guidance of an instructor.
A Better Way Forward
Learning to ride is not something that “just comes naturally”; for some, it may have been the case.
Professional instruction is not just about preventing crashes; it’s about building the right foundation, developing good habits, and discovering the joy of riding without unnecessary fear or setbacks.
If you’re new to riding, or helping someone who is, I encourage you to invest in professional training. It could be the difference between giving up in frustration and enjoying a safe, confident, lifelong passion for motorcycling.
