motorcycle 101 guides

How Do You "Test Drive" If You Have Never Ridden a Motorcycle

How-Do-You-Test-Drive-If-You-Have-Never-Ridden-a-Motorcycle

The question: “How Do You "Test Drive" If You Have Never Ridden a Motorcycle?” may sound silly, but it is a fact. Many people out there recently got attracted to motorcycling and want to buy a new motorcycle.


They may have previously ridden a bicycle or mountain bike or driven a car. However, they are completely unsure about how to operate a motorcycle.


We recently found this concern on the internet, so we thought we would answer this for everyone who wants to test drive a motorcycle, even if they have never ridden one.

1. Can You "Test Drive" If You Have Never Ridden a Motorcycle?

The question is whether you can “Test Drive” a motorcycle if you have never ridden a bike before. The answer is “No.”


The dealership stores or salesmen will probably not let you test drive a motorcycle if you have never ridden one before.


If they happen not to ask you whether you know how to ride a motorcycle or not, you should not take the bike for a test ride. It is your responsibility as well to stay safe and not damage the bike and other property in the showroom.

2. You Need to Have a License to Test Ride a Motorcycle

They often ask you for your license before they let you test drive a motorcycle you want to buy.


Not every dealership store or motorcycle showrooms allow test riding a motorcycle. However, in case they don’t let you test ride the bike and you don’t even have a license, you can still sit on the motorbike and check if it fits you.

3. You Can Still Sit on the Motorcycle and Check If It Fits You

You Can Still Sit on the Motorcycle and Check If It Fits You

You must check the below things if you intend to buy a motorcycle at the dealership and they don’t let you test ride it:

  • Check if you can flat-foot on your motorcycle while removing the center or kickstand. The attached article can help you understand why motorcycle seat height is important.

  • You should check whether the reach to the handlebar is comfortable or not.

  • If you have to completely extend your arms to grab the bars, this bike is not the right fit for you.

  • It is also not a safe option if you have to bend your arms too much to grab the bars.

  • You must check how good the legroom is.

  • The legroom should be spacious if you are looking for a motorcycle for long-haul journeys and cross-country rides in the cruiser or touring bike category.

  • The legroom shouldn’t be excessively limited to make riding very uncomfortable and painful. Read the attached article to better understand the different types of motorcycle riding positions.

  • You can check whether the seat is comfortable or not.

  • You can check if you can comfortably engage the brake pedal, clutch, brake lever, and hand controls.

  • You must also check the quality of the parts.


For those with prior experience riding a motorcycle and having a license, there is a detailed process of testing a motorcycle before buying. Click on the article link to learn more details and find the best motorcycle that fits you perfectly.

4. Get a License First If You Want to Test Drive a Motorcycle Before Buying It

Get a License First If You Want to Test Drive a Motorcycle Before Buying It

As we have established, the license is essential and a fundamental requirement if you want to test-ride a motorcycle before buying it. Having a license means you know how to ride a bike and can also legally take the bike out on the road.


However, to get a license, it is important that you have learned to ride a bike and you can operate it safely. So, to get the license, you must take a motorcycle riding course.


Getting a license is not a very tough job if you are a good learner and passionate about motorcycling. Learn how to pass your motorcycle road test on the first try by clicking on this link.

5. Take a Motorcycle Training Course Before Getting a License

Take a Motorcycle Training Course Before Getting a License

The first thing you should do if you are interested in motorcycling is to enroll yourself in a motorcycle riding course. It can help you get a license.


The purpose of taking the safety riding course is to get trained and learn essential motorcycling skills. There are multiple motorcycle riding courses designed to match riders’ skill levels and expertise.


There are also motorcycle training courses for beginners, intermediate-level riders, and expert motorcyclists. There are also specialized motorcycle training courses designed to help new riders get their licenses.

6. Skills to Learn in a Motorcycle Training Course

However, the focus should be to learn basic motorcycle riding skills, including:

  • Shifting gears.

  • Engage and disengage the clutch.

  • Throttle control.

  • Clutch control.

  • Safe braking.

  • Emergency braking.

  • Taking a turn on a bike.

  • Leaning a bike.

  • Countersteering.


After learning the basic riding skills and motorcycling techniques, you are ready to apply for a license. You will also have adequate knowledge about motorcycles to pass the written test. If you have passed the motorcycle training course, you will have no issue passing the skills test for a license.

7. Should I Get My Bike Before Taking Classes for My License or After?

You must get a motorcycle after taking motorcycle riding classes and a license. Your perception of your first motorcycle may change after you complete the training and get your license.


Before the training and license, you may consider buying something cool and powerful. After taking the course and getting your license, you may realize you should choose a safer option that suits your skills better.


Do not forget that safety is the most important factor when riding a motorcycle. Always prioritize your safety if you plan to ride a motorcycle.

8. Last Words

You cannot test drive a motorcycle if you have never ridden one before. Riding a motorcycle without knowing anything about it is not a safe option.


Are you completely new to motorcycling and wondering where to start? This article can help you make up your mind and take the right steps.


Get yourself enrolled in a motorcycle training course first, and then get a license. Only then should you test-ride a motorcycle you want to buy. You will also have a better idea about what motorcycle suits you best.


Alongside motorcycle training courses, you can learn about motorcycling through online tutorials and blogs.

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