Learning to ride a motorbike can seem a bit daunting, but it is really quite easy as long as you have the correct instruction and take your time to build the skills required to stay safe on the road.

If you are thinking of learning to ride then you will probably have a list of questions. After all the training is just the beginning. Motorcycling may be just a way of getting from A to B when you start out, but it is so addictive that it very often ends up becoming a great hobby. The most fun you can have with your clothes on? Very probably!

Your first step should be to contact your local motorcycle training center. Most will offer you a free short session so that you can get a feel for the bike and see if it is right for you, and also so that they can see how you get on and tailor the training required to match your ability. This short session is really good fun. An easy going introduction to the bike, scooter or moped.

Your age and requirements will come into play as you learn to ride a motorbike, but no matter what you plan to ride at the end of your training you will need to start out by doing your CBT. Click here to find out more about the CBT .

The CBT (or Compulsory Basic Training) consists of five elements – the introduction, on site training, on site riding, on road training, road ride. It is a great day and you can really learn loads about the motorbike and great guidance to keep you safe on the road. Don’t forget that your motorcycle instructor will have vast riding experience so asking questions and listening carefully will really pay off.

Once you have your CBT it will last you for two years and means that you can ride on the road with L-Plates (and insurance and tax of course). It is well worth using these two years to work on your skills on a smaller motorbike, but if you meet the age requirements then there is nothing stopping you from training for your test.

If you want to continue leaning to ride and take your test then there are a few different options you can chose from. We have gone into more detail in our Bike Test article (click to view), but in short if you are over 21 you can chose a test which will enable you to ride any size of motorcycle.

Learning to ride doesn’t stop when you leave the training center, it is a skill which you work on every time you ride. I have not met a rider who claims to be perfect. in fact you often hear professional riders talking about different elements of their riding which have improved over the years. Keeping your mind open to learning is very important.

There are many benefits to learning to ride a motorbike and with the every increasing (and crazy!) prices of car insurance for younger drivers it is fast becoming the favored route to the road for younger people.

Motorcycles generally have much lower initial purchase and running costs than cars and even public transport. Couple that with the fact that every ride is great fun and a fully immersive experience and you have wheels that are more than just boring old transport.

Good luck with what ever route to learning you select, you are really going to enjoy the whole experience I am sure. Why not let us know how you get on so that others can hear about your experiences?

Picture credits:

Kymco Dash – http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrokwezi/3503332365/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Motorbike back wheel – http://www.flickr.com/photos/distillated/