Sure you want to ride a motorcycle, but take a couple of minutes off before you take the plunge. Go through the following steps before you ready yourself for your first ride:

1. Motorcycling involves more risk than driving a car, and new riders are more prone to risks than experienced riders. Make sure you have the correct safety gear in place before you even think of riding the motorcycle. It protects you from big injuries so make sure you invest in the right helmet, gloves and riding suit. The cost of these will add up so include them in your biking budget. Keep in mind that the gear you choose has to be functional, not merely stylish.

2. You may have learnt motorcycling in your street but it is best to seek training and guidance from professional trainers. This step will make you a competent rider and provide you with skills and pointers that will help you every minute on the road. You learn details about how a bike works, how to balance a bike without the engine running, how the brakes work, how your riding posture is improved upon and how you get to work on numerous things that your friend could not have taught you. For example, you know that most of your stopping power is in your front wheel but your right foot does not co-ordinate. A professional might be able to fix this way better than your friend can. They can turn your riding style to virtually instinctive and this may go a long way in the future.

3. Choose your bike carefully. Whether you are buying a bike or renting it, ready yourself for it by going through a checklist to ascertain that the bike is really meant for you. People come in different shapes and sizes and with different capabilities, and so do bikes. Make sure you weigh all options before choosing a motorcycle that is most suited to you. Your friends chopper or your cousins dirt bike may have stolen your sleep away but all options weighed, you may be more suited to a cruiser which has a less extreme fork rake and may add to your laid back riding style. The dirt bikers long suspension travel or the chopper’s raked forks and reclined seats may be completely unsuited to you.

4. Before you venture out with your bike make sure you test the bike to see if everything is ok with it--which is more involved than just checking that your saddlebag brackets are still attached! Inspect your tire pressure and do not risk riding on tires that are running low on pressure or need replacement. Make sure your clutch and brake cables are intact and in working conditions. Check to ensure your headlights for low and high beams, indicators and taillights are working fine. Is there sufficient engine oil, coolant and brake fluid? Inspect that the chain, fasteners, frame and suspension are all secure. The center and side stands should not be bent and the springs should hold the assembly away from the road when stowed.

5. Do not go too fast. It is best to remember that you are new to the world of motorcyclists and take every step carefully. Start slow, do not give in to temptation to rev the bike, and remember all the lessons taught to you by the pros while you ride.

6. Learn traffic rules. Make sure you know the motorcycling traffic rules for the state where you will be riding your motorcycle. This will minimize the chances of getting yourself as well as others into an accident or traffic issues.

7. Try to ride with other experienced riders. It will add to the sense of thrill as motorcycling is usually associated with riding in a group as a social activity, but on a personal level it will also hone your own skills to ride beside the people who have already spent a few years riding their machines.

8. Remember that if you take it seriously you need to ride it legally. So ensure that you get your motorcycle-riding license after the test and before you venture out with your motorcycle.

Once you have readied yourself for your first bike ride with these tips go out and have safe fun ride ahead.