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Tips for First-Time Motorcycle Owners

Jul. 6 2022 Ownership Tips By Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson®

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Congratulations on purchasing your very first motorcycle! You’ve opened up a world of commuting possibilities and you’re about to experience life on two wheels. But being a motorcycle owner comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why we here at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® have provided you some essential tips for owning your first motorcycle.

Take a Riding Class

One of the best things a first-time motorcycle owner can do is take a riding class. This will teach you the basics of operating a motorcycle, including how to start it, how to shift gears, and how to stop safely. You'll also learn some essential tips for riding in traffic and avoiding accidents. Even if you have some experience riding, it’s always a good idea to get a refresher on some of the basics.

Practice Makes Perfect

As you’re learning to ride, you’ll need a safe space to practice your skills before hitting the open road. Look for a large, empty parking lot you can practice some basic skills in, and some roads that aren’t too busy. From there you can challenge yourself more and more until you can comfortably ride anywhere under any road conditions. But the key is to practice, practice, practice!

Pick Up Some Gear

You’ll also need some essential safety gear before you start riding. This should include:

  • A helmet
  • Riding clothes
  • Riding boots
  • Gloves
  • Goggles (if your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield)

If you don’t already have these pieces of safety gear, make sure to pick some up before your first ride.

Over time, you’ll become a more confident motorcycle owner and pick up some of your own skills to suggest to other beginners. Still need your first motorcycle? Stop by Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson and we’ll help you find the perfect set of wheels for you! You’ll find us in Eugene, OR, serving Corvallis and Albany.