Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Riding Motorcycles

October 14, 2025

For many of us – perhaps most of us – who’ve taken to the two-wheeled life, the inspiration for initiation wasn’t a whole lot deeper than, ‘looks cool, looks fun, let’s go!’

While that may simplify things just a bit, few can boast about their perfectly rational and well considered decision to join the tribe of motorcyclists.

But most of us can now step back and imagine any number of things we’d wished we had known before diving in. If you’re one of those in the minority who are actually doing their homework before making the transition from four wheels to two, consider the following some free advice:

1. It’s a Commitment

Motorcycling is a commitment across multiple spectrums. There’s a very real monetary component – beyond just the bike itself, you’re on the hook for gear, insurance, license, etc.

And this doesn’t end with the initial investment. You’ll need to pay for your equipment’s maintenance and upkeep. Even if you don’t run into any unforeseen issues, you’ll need to be prepared to pay for new tires and precautionary checks and tune-ups.

Of course, you can save some money and regular headaches by learning some basic maintenance yourself. And you’re going to want to, although, admittedly, that’s a commitment in itself.

Motorcycling is also an ongoing exercise in skill acquisition. You need to train properly to be able to ride safely and competently, and you’ll need to continue to practice to keep those skills sharp, let alone improve along the way.

Motorcycling is also an addictive hobby. So expect up front that all of the above will very likely need to be applied across multiple bikes.

2. Style, Sure, But Substance is Where it’s At

It’s easy to get sucked in by style for style’s sake when you have nothing else to go on. And unfortunately, some of this is nearly impossible to learn until you really begin to follow your own path. But that’s why say this is the sort of thing we wish we knew in advance.

You need to find the right motorcycle for you – one that matches up to your size, style, skill, and resources.

Way too many new riders jump straight on to a full-blown expert machine – even though it’s more expensive, harder to ride, less fun, and more dangerous, particularly in untrained hands.

There’s no excuse to make that mistake these days with such a wide range of stylish and capable smaller displacement motorcycles across riding disciplines.

Work your way in and up the displacement range as you go… although you may find you don’t actually need to.

3. This Goes for Your Gear Too

Purchasing what’s right for you goes beyond your wheels. It’s not smart to skimp on your gear. You’ll need a quality helmet, gloves, and jacket, bare minimum, and you should probably go further than that.

That doesn’t mean you necessarily have to buy the most expensive gear on the market – there can be some logo inflation involved – but you do need to do your homework to make sure the quality and safety is up to snuff. I realize this is not the first time we mentioned ‘homework’ – which likely was not high on your personal reasons for getting into motorcycling. But assessing quality at the right price requires some education.

And once you have the gear – wear it.

4. Be Prepared

The open road beckons, but it’s also patient. It’s not going anywhere. Have at least a general gameplan for your ride. Stay hydrated, check the weather, have cash and a means of communication with you. This one might sound pretty basic but jumping on your bike and going too far before you realize what you’re in for is a pretty common mistake.

5. There’s Inherent Risk

There’s no way around this fact – it just is. Technological advancements may continue to help make motorcycling safer in the future, but as it stands today, drivers and riders are more distracted – and therefore dangerous – than ever.

You need to take every precaution to keep yourself safe – many of them linked to what’s already been covered – having the right bike, the right gear, the right training, etc.

You also need to the right mindset. You need to learn the finer aspects of defensive riding and then live it on the roads. If you expect drivers to make the worst mistakes at the worst times, you’ll be better prepared to take evasive action when you do.

6. Random Tips from Riders

Wear earplugs.

Light weight is more fun than big power on public roads.

Stay within yourself – don’t ride to impress others.

Continue to learn.

And finally, if it helps, you were right to begin with: it’s cool, it’s fun, let’s go!

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