Beginner’s Guide to Learning How to Ride a Motorcycle & Get Licensed in Iowa

Introduction

What’s up Rider Elite? I’m Steve, the Director of Marketing for The Biker Lawyers and I just learned how to ride a motorcycle. The first thing you need to know about the team is that every person who works at The Biker Lawyers rides.

The legal team is full of motorcycle enthusiasts who love nothing more than enjoying the freedom of the open road. These guys live the Biker life. They love to ride, go to rallies, bike nights, the whole 9 yards. So when they say “Injured? Ride with us.” they mean it.

That’s right, everyone in the firm rides…

…except me. I’d never ridden a motorcycle. Hell, I’d never driven ANYTHING with a clutch. Don’t get me wrong, I am an Iowa boy through-and-through, but even my John Deere riding mower is an automatic.

Even though I didn’t ride, the guys at the firm have welcomed me into the community with open arms. They even got me a cut to wear, but when Pete found out I don’t actually ride, but would love to- he set out to rectify the situation.

Here’s the thing: motorcycling does run in my blood. There’s a picture of my dad on his wedding day where he showed up riding a motorcycle, so deep down I knew it was destined to happen eventually.

Why had I never ridden a motorcycle before? Maybe I just never made the time or had the opportunity to learn. I always wanted to, but, if I’m being honesty withmyself, maybe I was held back by fear and needed to figure out how to overcome a fear of riding a motorcycle.

Regardless, It was time to learn to ride. There was just one problem. I didn’t even know where to start. What I did know is that other new riders could probably use a guide so I figured I would document my process from being a complete novice to hitting the road and make sure to share everything I learned along the way.

After an intense week, I’m finally a licensed rider and I’m ready to share the lessons I’ve learned as a beginner. Here is a quick navigation of the key takeaways you can expect from this article:
How to Acquire a Motorcycle License in Iowa
What to Expect From a Motorcycle Basic Rider Course: Gain confidence and learn the basics. Though these aren’t required in the State of Iowa to get a motorcycle license, they’re a great idea.
The Motorcycle Rider Skills Test: What to expect and what is expected.
How the BRC Helps You Pass the Skill Test
The Value of a Mentor When Learning, Then Ride with a Friend: Gain support and advice from experienced riders.
Know Your Motorcycle – Shifting Gears and More : Understanding how your bike functions is crucial to safety.
Motorcycle Parking Lot Practice Guide: Everythign you need to know to practice safely in a public parking lot.
How to Park a Motorcycle
Beginner’s Guide to Safety Gear and ATGATT: A guide to safety gear.
Practice Tips: Begin with smaller, manageable rides. Spend time understanding and controlling your bike. Parking lots are your best friend.

My bike, a Black Smoke colored 2022 Indian Bobber Chief Black Horse that weighs 670 lbs, boasts a peak torque of 2900 rpm, is just waiting to be taken on an open highway adventure.

This thing is an intimidating and untamable beast. I needed a license and to get one, I needed to learn to ride.

What does it take to get a motorcycle license in Iowa?

I knew about the motorcycle classes and training that I would probably have to take, including the Basic Rider Course (BRC) and that I would need to get a motorcycle endorsement for my license.

This meant I had to take the following steps to get my motorcycle license:
Taking a 3-5 hour online course and passing an interactive quiz
Attending a 2-day BRC and passing a skills and written test
Taking (and passing) another written test at the Iowa DOT
Paying a fee to the DOT

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What to Expect When Taking the Basic Rider Course (BRC)

My first question may have been yours too: “Is taking the BRC required for a motorcycle license?”

For me the answer was yes… because my boss said so. I figure a personal injury lawyer with 40+ years specializing in motorcycle accidents knows a thing or two about staying safe so I was happy to sign up and take it. Truth be told, now that I have experienced it first hand, I highly recommend it to anyone regardless of experience.

For anyone else, it’s a different story. Every state has their own requirements so you will want to check with your state’s Department of Transportation to find out. If you do live in Iowa, and are under 18 years old, it’s mandatory. If you are over the age of 18, it’s not required – but I can’t recommend it enough.

Here are a few key takeaways and tips for what you can expect at the Basic Rider Course:
Sign up early
The waiting list in Iowa can be up to a few months long, especially if you try to sign up mid-riding season, so make sure to sign up early. The classes are small with only six students for one instructor, 12 students for two instructors, and no more than 12 students per class. I had to sign up two months in advance.
Take your time with the online course
You’ll be required to take an online course that takes an average of 3-5 hours to complete.
Through a long series of interactive videos and quizzes, you’ll be introduced to pretty universal functions of motorcycles (throttle, clutch, braking, etc.), rules of the road, and provided many helpful anagrams to remember tips.
The online course was a bit grueling, but completely worth it as it made sure I didn’t go into the classroom and hit the course knowing nothing.
You have to complete the course within 30-days prior to taking your class. At the end you will be given a custom certificate you will be required to print out or email to the instructor.
Bring proper gear
You will be provided a bike, and they may provide a helmet but you should check with your instructor to be sure. You will be required to wear ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time) while riding. In other words, a helmet, riding gloves, jeans or riding pants, boots that cover your ankles, and a long-sleeve shirt. If it is expected to be a bright day, I also recommend sunglasses.
I highly recommend a moisture-wicking long sleeve shirt as these athletic shirts pull moisture from your skin as you sweat, cooling you off faster.
Be ready to ride, rain or shine
My class took place over the course of two days. Days where the temp happened to be 91-95 degrees and the heat index reached 110 degrees. It was hot. Fortunately, I knew how to stay cool while riding a motorcycle.
Stay Hydrated
Though I tried to stay hydrated day one, the shirt I wore was way too thick and I kept forgetting to take water breaks. Needless to say, I was wiped after 8 hours of riding. This is when I found out about a drink called Electrolit. It’s a flavored water with tons of electrolytes and vitamins that really recharged my batteries and made me feel human again.
I’m also a big fan of the Owala water bottle. It has a built-in straw and tends to keep ice mostly frozen for up to 8 hours, even on the hottest days. I filled mine with ice and water and have since decided it will be a constant companion whenever I ride.
Practice, Practice, Practice
I will go deeper on this in a second, but the class gives you plenty of opportunity to practice the skills you are learning, while you learn them. Take advantage of this before you need to demonstrate them on the skills test. You will be very glad you did!
“Don’t psych yourself out, just focus on the ride.”
These are the immortal words of Rick “Shiny” Elsberry, the instructor of my course. He was right. I found that taking corners was very tough for me at first but when I realized that my entire upper body was tense, I took a breath, reset my shoulders and breathed through. Sure enough, Everything became much easier after that. Pay attention to your body and the machine. They’ll work together and keep you safe as long as you stay focused.

What does the Iowa Motorcycle Skills Test consist of?

Motorcycle Rider Skill Test Overview

One of the perks of taking the BRC is that at the end of the last day, you take the Iowa Motorcycle Skills Test. The reason I call it a perk is that it means you won’t have to do it at the DMV on your own motorcycle with some state employee judging you. Instead, you will be riding the bike you learned on under the watchful eye of your instructor. I’m not sure why, but knowing that my instructor wanted me to pass as much as I did, eased my nerves a bit when taking the skills test.

The skills test consists of four riding exercises, but it feels like much more because the first two have two parts.
These exercises are designed to measure your motorcycle control and how well you respond to hazards in an emergency situation.
If you mess up, you accumulate points. If you get more than 16 points, game over – you fail.

You get points for time and distance standards, riding out of the set path, putting a foot down at any time other than when stopped, and letting your engine stall out. You have to complete the entire test to pass it.

I mentioned engine stalling because unfortunately, it happened to me. Twice. I will get more into this a bit later when I get into the technical aspects of riding, but if you accidentally let out your clutch too far while in first gear without applying any throttle, your engine will stall. If it stalls four times during the test, you automatically fail the test.

Here’s a pro tip to avoid engine stalling: slowly let out the clutch when starting any riding exercise, especially after coming to a stop. This way you can feel the friction zone and power walk while adding throttle and avoid stalling out. Seriously, folks. Practice this one a lot.

One more thing: you can also automatically fail the test if you drop the bike at any time during testing.

Skills Test Exercise 1: Cone Weave, Normal Stop

Your first skills exercise has two parts. It’s designed to test how well you control the bike at slower speeds and when making an average stop.

First, you will find yourself standing in front of a row of small cones. You will be asked to weave to the right of the first cone, left of the second, right of the third, and continue like this through at least five cones. You get points if you skip a cone, touch one, or put a foot down. From there, you’ll ride into the second part, the normal stop. You’ll be instructed to ride toward a pre-indicated stop box and make a smooth stop with your front tire inside it. You’ll get points if you skid here, and when stopped your tire can’t touch the painted lines.

Skills Test Exercise 2: Turn from a Stop, U-Turn

The second skills exercise is to test how well you handle two common types of turns. The first simulates turning at an intersection, and the second simulates making wide turns.

From your previous stop you will be tasked with making a 90 degree turn to the right, between two painted boundary lines. Points are given if you touch either of the two lines. The second part of this exercise has you continuing diagonally across the opposite side of the range, making a left u-turn inside a large painted box. Again, you can’t touch the box’s lines or you points.

Personal Experience Tip: This is one of the easiest places to accidentally get two points unintentionally. Though it didn’t happen to me, others in my class weren’t so lucky. Basically, when performing the u-turn do your very best to stay in the box. If you go outside the box, it’s okay- you will get a point, just do everything in your power not to put your foot down. The same is true the other way around. If you accidentally put your foot down in the turn from a stop, try extra hard to stay in the box as not to get another point.

Skills Test Exercise 3: Quick Stop

This skills exercise is arguably the most fun, but also vitally important. Imagine crusing down the road and a deer jumps in front of you or the car you are following slams their brakes. That’s what this exercise is all about. It’s meant to test how well you respond and maintain control in an emergency stop situation. You will see a T for your starting point, a painted line a bit down the path (or a line indicated with cones), and a second painted line. The lines are very important.

The instructor will start you on a “T” painted on the ground. When given a signal, you will quickly accelerate and get your speed somewhere between 12-18 mph before you hit the first line. I recommend shifting into second gear as soon as safely possible to help with this. You’ll keep that speed for a second until you cross the second line. The moment you cross the second line, stop as fast as you can – don’t worry about skidding on this one, you won’t lose points if you lay a bit of rubber on the stop.

On this one, you have to make sure you keep your bike still after the skid when you come to a stop until told you can continue. This is because they are testing how long it took to come to a complete stop. Our course actually had white dots painted along the skid lines that the instructor could count to make sure you were within the required stopping distance.

Personal Experience Tip: I recommend letting off the throttle, then immediately pulling in the clutch and front brake as you slam on both foot pedals. This will shift you into first while firmly and quickly applying both brakes. It’s normal to feel a fleeting sense of panic, I know I did. You should get quite a bit of time to practice this one before you take the skills test, so make sure to do so until you are comfortable maintaining control of the motorcycle in an emergency stop situation.

Skills Test Exercise 4: Obstacle Swerve

The final skills test exercise is designed to simulate adapting to a sudden change in traffic. For example, imagine a car swerving in front of you on a highway.

Here, you start similarly to how you did in the previous exercise. Beginning on a painted T, you again have a few feet to get up to 12-18 mph before hitting a line. You then have to maintain that speed until you make it to a second line, but this time instead of a quick stop, you have to swerve to the right or left while avoiding the obstacle line and staying inside the sidelines before coming to a smooth and complete stop.

This was another exercise we had the luxury of practicing quite a bit before the skills test.

Once we all passed the skills test, we headed inside for a written exam. All of what was covered in the exam were things we had either learned over the previous two days or from the online class. The exam was pretty easy for the most part.

How does the BRC help with the Motorcycle Rider Skill test?

As I understand it, typical skills testing at the DOT has the last two exercises performed in the same space and you have to swerve outside the two lines. I suppose this would mean you kind of have to mentally reset your brain so you don’t accidentally just do the quick stop exercise twice.

Our course was big enough that each exercise had its own allocated space. The obstacles and lines were all marked out with cones as well as painted lines. I feel like having multiple visual references made it easier overall. Honestly, that’s just one example of why it’s a good idea to take the class.

In the class, they teach you all of the skills you will need to pass the test. You get plenty of time to really practice before the skills test, then they test you on them while they’re fresh. I got used to asking questions of my instructor while I was learning the skills. Believe me, being familiar with the person who is “judging” you comes in handy later when you’re given a chance to ask questions before each part of the skills test.

How the Basic Rider Course has Something for Everyone

Suffice to say, it’s a smart idea to take the class. In my class there was a guy who had been on about 30 rides, a 17 year old (who was only taking the class because it was required to get the license) and a few others of us who had never really ridden before.

The “veteran rider” of the group who had been on a few group rides said it was really impressive how quickly those of us who had no experience picked everything up. He also said he was glad he took the course because even the required online part of the class taught him things he hadn’t known, so it seems the course had something for riders of all ages and skill levels.

In this article I’ve included images from the official Motorcycle Rider Skill Test Instructions so you can visualize the exercises and maybe even find a parking lot and some cones to practice on your own a bit. I honestly wish I had these images before taking the class.

My boss, Pete Leehey said it best, “You don’t want the first time you ever ride a bike to be at the BRC. You need a basic understanding of how it functions,” but then he asked an interesting question: “Do you live near a parking lot?”

What a weird question, right? Turns out a parking lot offers the perfect place to practice riding a motorcycle safely.

Spoiler Alert: I’ll come back to just how valuable an open parking lot is for a new rider a bit later when I go over my Motorcycle Parking Lot Practice Guide.

What to Expect on the Written Motorcycle License Test(s)

When you take the BRC you end it with a multiple choice test. This test is not the exact same as the one you’ll need to take at the DOT, though they may share some of the same questions.

The test I took at the BRC was a paper test that was hand graded by the instructor. When I completed it and passed, I was given a small card and a sheet of paper, both signed by the instructor showing I passed the class. I had to give the paper to the DOT to prove that I passed the skills test at the BRC so I wouldn’t have to re-test. I was told that the card could be shown to my insurance company for a potential discount on my premiums.

When you take the test at the DOT, you will be asked 25 questions. You must get at least 20 question right and when you do, the test ends. This means you can miss up to 5 questions and pass. That said, on the sixth, the test ends, you fail, and can schedule a time the next day to come back and re-test.

You can study for the exam with the Iowa Motorcycle Operator Manual here.

A Quick Recap for Getting a Motorcycle License
Know Your State’s Laws: Requirements vary by state. Here’s a helpful tip: research your local regulations before starting the process. You may be glad you did.
Understand the Age Requirement: Check the minimum age for a motorcycle license in your state, typically 16 or 18. I’m in my early 40’s so no worries there for me.
Get a Learner’s Permit: Many states require a learner’s permit first, allowing practice under restrictions. In Iowa, you must be at least 14 years old.
Take a Safety Course: Complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course, which often includes classroom and riding instruction. Some states waive the riding test if you complete this course. I also had to take a 3 hour online course before the in person one. ABATE of Iowa offers some great classes, including the one I took.
Take a Written Test (or two): Take the written knowledge test covering traffic laws and safety practices at your local DMV. As mentioned, some states waive this if you do the course. Iowa is one of those states.
Take a Skills Test: Pass a practical skills test demonstrating your ability to ride safely, including maneuvers like turning, stopping, and navigating obstacles. This is why the Motorcycle Safety Course was so helpful and important.
Take a Vision Test: Some states require a vision test to ensure adequate eyesight for riding.
Pay the Fees: This is America, baby. You gotta pay Uncle Sam, so pay the required fees for your license or endorsement.
Receive Your License: Once you meet all requirements and pass the tests, you’ll receive your motorcycle license or an endorsement on your existing driver’s license. They’ll take your picture and give you a paper temp license which will be replaced by one you get later in the mail.

Learning to Ride a Motorcycle

Before I took the class, I knew I would need help. Let me take you back in time a bit to a few days before I took the class – my first time riding a motorcycle. The problem was that my bike wasn’t quite ready for me yet and needed a new battery.

The good news is that my friend, co-worker, and personal injury lawyer Jon Jansen was there to help. He’d agreed to be my mentor and is the proud owner of a 2017 Harley Davidson Heritage Classic.

Now, I feel like I should mention that over the course of six days I learned to ride a motorcycle across 3 bikes, all different sizes. Jon’s bike is a 700 lb monster of a machine. My bike is slightly smaller than his, about 650 lbs. The bike I learned to ride on in the safety course was a Yamaha Star 250cc weighing in at 324 lbs.

The Star was great for learning to ride, but as I said, it wasn’t the first that I rode.

It turns out that a bike weighing 700 lbs is a bit tougher to turn than one half its size. Yes I dropped the bike, but both it and I were fine. I just assumed that it was like turning a bicycle. Even going about a mile per hour, it’s not, and the front of the bike is heavy. Good to know.

How to Shift Gears on a Motorcycle

We met up on a sunny day in a parking lot near his house. We both agreed that my lack of experience with manual transmissions was important, so we should tackle the basics first.

Learning to (Power) Walk Before You Ride

I’m not even going to try to play it cool here.

I struggled to master the perfect ratio of clutch to throttle to move the bike while in first gear without killing it – especially on Jon’s bike. As I said before, when you are in first gear, let off the break, and ease off the clutch a little, you will start to slowly move forward. It happens when you find the “Friction Zone” and your bike knows it is supposed to go. With your feet down, you can slowly move the bike forward a bit. This is known as “power walking” the bike.

How to (Accidentally) Stall Your Motorcycle’s Engine

Here’s the thing: if you let go of the clutch too much without applying a little bit of throttle, the bike stalls and the engine dies. So, what you’re supposed to do is find the friction zone, start to apply the throttle, and slowly let off the brake the rest of the way to start to move forward. What I did was completely release the clutch, apply way too much throttle and kill the engine. Over and over again.

Poor Jon, I must have stalled his bike about six times before I figured it out but once I did, it was like dancing. Smooth.

Finding Neutral and Shifting to Other Gears

Finding neutral on a motorcycle means locating the position on the gear shift where the bike’s transmission is disengaged. This is crucial because it allows the engine to run without propelling the bike forward and is used when walking the bike or backing into a parking space. Here’s how you do it:

Release the throttle and apply the clutch all the way: Your bike won’t shift if you’re not holding the clutch.
Shift Pattern: Most motorcycles have a 1-down, 5-up shift pattern. When you turn on your bike, it will either be in neutral or first. Neutral is located between the first and second gears. So, if you have it in first, do a “half-click” up for neutral, then once more for second, again for third, and so on.
Left Hand and Foot: Use your left hand to pull in the clutch and your left foot to tap the shift lever up gently from the first gear. You’ll know you’re in neutral when the green neutral light on the dashboard lights up or the bike rolls freely without engaging the engine.

Clearly, there is a reason that there are so many memes and jokes about “finally finding neutral” or second. Understanding shifting is essential for starting the bike, stopping, and maneuvering safely.

I found that first gear is kind of your slow cruising speed for moving around under 15 mph. It’s the only gear that requires clutch control as you fully release the clutch in gears two and up. While in first, especially while turning, you will find yourself constantly working the clutch to find and keep that sweet-spot between throttle and clutch.

Ok, so now that I have a pretty decent understanding of all that, I’ve heard about motorcycles having some kind of a kill switch and wanted to know more. I had questions. Lots of Questions…

What is the “Kill Switch” and what does it do?

Jon explained that the kill switch is also known as the “Emergency Cut Off” switch and is located on the right handlebar of the bike.

Turns out it’s not that complicated. To put it simply, it’s an emergency off switch. To over complicate it, in the event of an emergency, a killswitch serves as a crucial safety feature, allowing the rider to swiftly power down the motorcycle.

With a simple click, this single switch deactivates all active systems, preventing potential harm to the bike’s components.

How does the kill switch work?

You don’t have to be a bonafide gear-head to understand this one and you really don’t have to know it. All the kill switch does is cut off the contact from the ignition coil so the engine shuts down.

Will using a kill switch to shut down my motorcycle hurt my bike?

Nope. Although it’s probably not a good idea to use the kill switch while the bike is going fast down a highway, you can safely use the switch as much as you want to turn the engine off. It won’t hurt the engine.

That said, I was warned that if I mess with the button too much when the bike is already off, it will hurt the bike.

Is the kill switch on a motorcycle just a regular on/off switch?

Short answer: No.

Longer answer, it’s meant to be a way to shut down the motor without turning the key- in the event of an emergency. The fact that it’s located within thumb distance means you can trigger the kill switch without taking your hands off the controls, so it’s easier and safer to use than turning the key.

Do all motorcycles have a kill switch?

Yes, all motorcycles in the United States are required to have a kill switch by the US Department of Transportation.

Now that I understood how bikes functioned, I was ready to learn about the everyday stuff. What about practicing and basic stuff like how to park a motorcycle?

Practicing Riding a Motorcycle

They say that practice is the best teacher. There are some things you can only learn by rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty, or in this case, gassing up the bike, pulling down your sleeves, and hitting the road.

It turns out that before you can hit the road, you may want to visit a parking lot. The reason that the guys asked me about how close I was to a parking lot is because once you’re comfortable with your bike’s basic controls, a parking lot is an excellent place to practice. Sure, rolling around the block a few times is great for practicing starting, stopping, and turning, but for more advanced practice, a parking lot is the place to go.

I learned this first hand at Jon’s. His parking lot had a great little “island” green space with a few bushes and a tree or two. I was able to cruise a few laps around it in first gear to get the hang of working the throttle and clutch and started to really get a feel for braking.

In the class, the course was in the parking lot of a college and was pre-marked with the various exercises we would be learning. Unfortunately, not many parking lots come with pre-marked courses so you may want a guide.

Parking Lot Practice Guide

Here’s my step-by-step guide of how to use a parking lot as your ultimate practice course:

Find an Empty Lot: Choose a parking lot that’s spacious and free from traffic. Sometimes, this means waiting to practice until after 5:00 pm when shops close. An empty lot allows you to focus on learning without distractions or hazards.
Set Up a Practice Course: Use cones or markers to create a course. This can include straight lines for practicing balance, wide turns, and figure-eights for handling. These don’t have to be traffic cones. You can usually find soccer practice cones in the sports section of a Walmart that work just as well. If you can’t find markers or cones, just try to visualize a course using parking spaces as guidelines. This is where those images from the skills test section would come in handy.
Start With Basic Maneuvers: Start with basic maneuvers like starting, stopping, and slow-speed handling. Practice riding in a straight line at a walking pace, focusing on keeping your balance. Remember learning to ride a bicycle? It’s a lot like that, only heavier, faster, and much more fun to ride. Mastering basic maneuvers will help to build confidence.

Turning Practice: Practice both wide and tight turns. Remember to look where you want to go, not at the ground or the front wheel. Use countersteering (pushing the handlebar in the opposite direction of the turn) for smoother, controlled turns.
Braking: Practice emergency braking and slow stops. Use both brakes to understand how they affect the bike’s stopping power. Getting a sense of how touchy your brakes are now is extremely important for later when dealing with traffic. It’s also a good idea to practice quick stops (but try not to leave too much rubber out of respect for the parking lot owner).
Shifting Gears: Get comfortable with shifting gears smoothly. Practice finding neutral, especially when coming to a stop. It’s going to feel clunky at first, but with enough practice it will begin to feel natural.
Obstacle Avoidance: Set up obstacles to practice swerving and quick lane changes. This helps develop your reaction time and handling skills. Be very careful here.

Emergency Situations: Know what to do if something goes wrong during practice. If you feel like you’re losing control, try to stay calm and gradually slow down. If your bike tips over, make sure you’re safe before attempting to lift it. Remember, practice is about building skills, not pushing limits.
Maintenance Checks: Before each practice session, do a quick maintenance check on your bike. Ensure the tire pressure is correct, the fuel tank is filled, and all lights are working. This not only ensures your safety but also keeps your bike in good condition. This is actually a great tip for any time you want to ride.

Parking Techniques: Learning to park correctly is just as important as learning to ride. When parking on an incline, always angle your bike with the rear tire facing uphill and leave it in first gear to prevent rolling. Use your kickstand to stabilize the bike, ensuring it’s on solid ground. I’ll go deeper into some questions I had about parking in the next section

Practice may not make you perfect in this case because there is no such thing as the perfect motorcycle rider. However, practice makes you prepared. Remember, the more you practice in a controlled environment, the more confident and safe you’ll feel on the open road.

How to Park a Motorcycle

Parking your motorcycle might seem straightforward, but doing it right is crucial for your bike’s safety and yours. Here are some essential tips:

What is the proper way to park a motorcycle?

Rather than running you through a full, long, drawn out play-by-play of what I learned through trial and error, here are the key things to remember about parking a motorcycle.

Try To Find a Flat Surface: Always try to park on a flat surface to prevent your bike from tipping over.
Use The Kickstand: Yeah, I know. This should be common sense. Don’t ask. Just make sure you deploy the kickstand fully and ensure it’s stable. Many riders carry a kickstand puck (a small plate) to place under the kickstand to prevent it from sinking into soft ground. The Biker Lawyers actually hand them out for free at the biker events across the midwest we attend so if you are ever at one and see us, stop by and ask for one!

Why do bikers park backwards?

I noticed that many bikers tend to back their bike into their parking spot and wondered why. Jon tells me that bikers often park their motorcycles backward (backing into the spot) for several reasons:

Control: It gives better control while maneuvering in tight spaces.
Quick Exit: It’s easier and safer to ride out of a parking spot facing forward, especially in busy or congested areas.
Stability: Backing into a spot ensures that the kickstand is more stable, particularly on an incline.

How do you park a motorcycle on an incline driveway?

All those tips are great, but unfortunately, I realized that I will not always be parking on a flat surface. I soon learned that parking on an incline can be tricky, but here are the steps:

Angle: Always park your bike at an angle to the incline with the rear tire facing uphill. This helps prevent the bike from rolling forward.
First Gear: Leave the bike in first gear to keep it from rolling.
Kickstand: Ensure the kickstand is stable and positioned in a way that the bike leans slightly uphill.

Is it wrong to parallel park your motorcycle next to a curb?

Parallel parking next to a curb is generally acceptable, but here are a few pointers:

Space: Ensure there’s enough space for your bike to avoid getting hit by passing vehicles.
Orientation: Park with the front wheel facing outwards, towards the street. This orientation makes it easier to pull out and improves visibility.
Kickstand: Again, ensure your kickstand is stable, especially if the curb is sloped.

A Beginners Guide to Motorcycle Safety Gear

If you are not familiar with the acronym ATGATT, you will be now. It stands for All The Gear, All The Time. For many riders, this is kind of a mantra used to remind themselves to wear protective gear every time they ride.

After working for a personal injury law firm in Iowa that specializes in motorcycle injury cases, I can attest to the importance of wearing proper safety gear.

You can read all about the kind of gear you’ll need in depth in this article about the Importance of Motorcycle Safety Gear, but at the minimum, riders will need the following.

7 Pieces Basic Motorcycle Personal Protective Gear

1. Helmets

Protects against traumatic brain injuries and severe head trauma. It’s not enough to get just any helmet. Make sure you check out the free National Highway Traffic Administration’s Helmet Safety guide.

2. Jeans

Jeans are important because they offer abrasion resistance, reducing the risk of road rash. Regular denim jeans are better than nothing, but what you really want if you are serious about riding protection is textile pants made from nylon fabric and include Kevlar panels. Leathers are good too. Sure you can ride in shorts, but don’t. Just don’t do that.

3. Heavy Leathers

They don’t just make you look cool. They serve the important purpose of providing protection from cuts, bruises, and severe abrasions. From riding pants and jackets to chaps, leathers offer great protection

4. Gloves

Gloves are what shields your hands from abrasions, fractures, and severe injuries. Jon recommends getting two pairs: one fingerless for riding in the summer and another full-fingered for those colder rides.

5. Boots

Motorcycles are heavy. You have to hold them up when you stop. Boots give more traction than regular shoes but it goes beyond that. A good pair of riding boots protects feet and ankles from fractures and severe injuries.

What constitutes a good pair of riding boots?

Look for a pair that offers non-slip, oil-resistant soles, and good ankle support One of the quickest ways to not be taken seriously by the riding community is to ride a motorcycle in flip-flops. Can you ride with flip-flops? Sure, but much like shorts, don’t.

6. Visibility Gear

The right visibility gear enhances rider visibility to prevent accidents. Some people, like Pete, tend prefer goggles. Others like a helmet with a visor (like me). Either way, no one wants to catch a nasty bug in the eye while riding down a long Iowa highway. The right visibility gear can help with that.

7. Seasonal Gear

Make sure whatever you wear ensures comfort and safety in varying weather conditions. Dress for the ride.

Is it safe to ride a motorcycle without gear?

We did a full blog post about the dangers of riding a motorcycle without proper riding safety gear a while back, but ultimately, the answer is no.

Now with all that down, I should be good to ride, right? Wrong. It’s against the law in Iowa to ride without a motorcycle license.

Final Reflections and Safety Tips for Learning to Ride a Motorcycle

This blog has been pretty comprehensive. I had a feeling it would be, so I took tons of notes after my first session with Jon and a few extra notes both nights after class. I put down bullet points so I wouldn’t forget to share some really important thoughts. So, as I bring it to a close, here are a few things I wanted to make sure to mention.

Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I know my personal road is just starting but I can already tell that riding a motorcycle is a powerful and unique, almost meditative experience. My wife has said she has noticed that I am much more attentive while driving our car, and seem to take any time I am on the road much more seriously.

That said, I know too well that beginners often make some common mistakes. One typical mistake is over-revving the engine, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Sure, it sounds cool, but you know what’s not cool? A huge repair bill. My advice? Always aim to shift gears smoothly and avoid keeping the engine at high RPMs for too long.

Another common issue is not checking blind spots. This one I know from my time working with The Biker Lawyers. You have to ride like you’re invisible, with your head on a swivel. Make it a habit to always look over your shoulder before changing lanes.

Another tip I learned the hard way, practicing braking is no joke. Proper braking is crucial; use both brakes evenly to avoid skidding.

Remember to do Pre-Ride Safety Checks
Before you hit the road, it’s smart to perform a quick safety check on your bike. You may not think you have time, but I highly encourage you to make time.
Here’s a simple pre-ride checklist:
Tire Pressure: Ensure both tires are properly inflated.
Oil Levels: Check the engine oil and top it up if necessary.
Lights: Test all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Brakes: Make sure the brakes are responsive and not too loose.
Chain: Check the chain tension and lubrication.
Ensuring your bike is in proper working order will save you from some unpleasant surprises if something goes wrong on the road.

The Importance Mental Preparation and Focus

Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation when riding a motorcycle. Stay focused and avoid distractions. Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Riding defensively can help you stay safe.

As fun and good for the soul as motorcycling is, it’s not a bad thing to ride paranoid, especially when riding around other motorists.

Road Awareness and Defensive Riding

Being aware of the road and riding defensively are crucial skills for any rider. Pay attention to road signs and weather conditions. In urban areas, watch out for pedestrians and parked cars. In rural areas, be mindful of wildlife and changing road surfaces. Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and be prepared for sudden stops.

Two Advanced Riding Techniques
Look, I know. Noob here. Who am I to talk about advanced motorcycle riding techniques? Hear me out. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to learn more advanced riding techniques. I know I plan to.
1. Cornering
I’ve quickly learned that cornering is an essential skill for any rider. Remember to look through the turn and lean with your bike. The faster your bike is going, the more it will want to go straight and upright.
When it comes to taking a corner, different terrains require different techniques. For gravel roads, keep your speed steady and avoid sudden movements.
2. Group Riding
Group riding (or Team Riding) can be enjoyable but requires coordination. Communicate clearly with hand signals and maintain a safe distance from other riders. Riding with more experienced riders gives you a chance to have multiple mentors and get feedback. The only thing as valuable as learning from your own mistakes and life lessons is learning from others and group riding gives you a chance to do just that.

Speaking fo learning from others. That brings me to my final takeaway.

Be Active in the Community

Working with Jon as my mentor in this process was a great experience. It taught me that riding is about so much more than being a lone wolf riding a beast down a highway.

The riding community is a vast brotherhood and sisterhood filled with incredible, kind people and experiences to enjoy. It’s a great idea to join organizations like ABATE of Iowa, or attend great motorcycle events to really get a feel for what the community is all about.

Check out our Events Page to find out where The Biker Lawyers will be next.

So there you have it, my journey from a complete novice to someone who’s ready to hit the open road with confidence. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that riding a motorcycle isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about preparation, understanding, and community.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first ride or brushing up on the basics, remember this: everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. The guys at The Biker Lawyers have shown me that the road is a lot less intimidating when you’ve got friends who have your back. So gear up, find your mentor, and don’t be afraid to take those first wobbly steps. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the ride. And trust me, there’s nothing like the freedom you feel when you’re out there, just you and your bike against the world.

So, see you on the road, Riders. Ride Safe and Ride Smart. Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We’re all in this together.

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My Tips for Learning Ride a Motorcycle and Get Licensed