So, what got you away from riding motorcycles?
- The kids came along
- The wife got a little nervous with you riding
- Work got busy
- You had an accident on the bike and got scared off
- The house had to be paid off
You know what the reasons are, however you are here at this page because you’re thinking, wouldn’t it be great riding a motorcycle again!
Your situation is a little different to new riders and experienced riders as you have some mental experience and memories of riding however you will have lost your technique and currency. Here are the steps you need to be taking.
1. Ask yourself the question, why do I want to ride a motorcycle again?
Let’s face it; there is usually a deep seated reason for motorcycle riding again.
It could be influenced by:
- A coming of age – you’ve hit 40, 50, 60??
- A straight decision to ride again
- You were given some money
- The death of a loved one
- The break-up of a relationship
- You wanted to conquer some past fears
Whatever the reason, make sure your motives are honest.
The reason being if your motives are not honest, it could reap some negative consequences.
2. Get a health check to see if you’re up to the task
A medical check will ensure you are up to the task.
If you haven’t been riding for a while then your eye site may not be as good as it used to be, and your hearing may have deteriorated as well.
So are you as fit as you used to be? What about your reflexes, how are they?
The only honest assessment you can get for your health is an external assessment from a health professional. As much as your friends may say yeah, “you’re cool, go for it”, the bottom line is that they are not experts in looking at your own health.
3. Check to see if your motorcycle license is current
Some countries allow you to keep your license from day one. Others may take it away if it is not being used.
Check to see if it is current, if it’s not you may need to have it re-initialized.
4. Determine the type of riding you’ll be doing this time. Will it be:
- Commuting
- Touring
- Trail riding
- Motocross, etc
Whatever, be sure of the type of riding you’ll be doing. This will help in the next step.
5. Find a motorcycle that you fit on comfortably, purchase it and all the kit needed for riding
Buying a motorcycle is crucial at this point. Become a student of motorcycle magazines, current models and manufacturer’s internet sites. Check out motorcycle shops, and ask questions. Don’t rush into a purchase. Make sure that what you buy fits and will adequately do the job you want.
Make sure you purchase all the safety kit as well. Your old stuff may be out of date and needs renewing.
6. Enroll for a re-training course
It’s time to get trained again. If you’re looking at road riding or a dirt riding, it will be important to get some instruction.
You will be surprised how much you’ve learnt and forgotten and how many bad habits you developed prior to leaving riding before. The re-training course will give you skills such as:
- Revisiting techniques
- What to do if… situations when they occur
- Improved braking techniques
- Improving your cornering skills
- Looking at your current style of riding
- Observing your riding skills and what you’ve learnt already
- Skills assessment
7. Get connected with other riders
Find some more experienced riders and riders of equal experience and share in the experience. Speaking to some peers is a really great way of building on your experience.
One great way of doing this by joining a motorcycle club. If you trust them, get them to check out your riding, don’t be afraid to listen to their advice, it could save you time.
So, there you have it. Re-engaging as a rider is important and how you do is doubly important.