Motorcycles are one of the most exciting forms of transportation. While some might view them as less practical than cars, there is no doubt that motorcycles are a much more engaging way to travel. People considering purchasing their first motorcycle might be wondering, is it hard to ride a motorcycle?
It is not hard to ride a motorcycle. That being said, it will take some considerable practice and adapting to get used to the controls. You should have at least six weeks of practice riding your motorcycle before attempting to ride on any significant motorway.
This guide will cover some of the basic things you should know when starting out with your first motorcycle. You can also use the motorcycle suggestions contained in this guide to help you pick the bike that is right for you.
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Is It Hard To Ride A Motorcycle In The Rain?
It is much more difficult to ride a motorcycle in the rain. Due to the reduced traction and lowered visibility, riders are in a much more significant amount of danger. It is not recommended that new riders attempt to ride their motorcycle in the rain.
If you have to drive in the rain, there are some safety precautions that it is vital that you follow. These include keeping your visor visibility clear of obstructions, wearing the proper rainproof gear, and having the proper visibility indicators on your bike so other drivers can see you clearly.
The table below contains some of the best motorcycles for riding in the rain. These bikes have been designed for use during snow and rainstorms.
| Make and Model | Engine Power | Miles Per Gallon | Price | Fuel Capacity | Weight |
| Triumph Tiger 800 | 800cc | 45 | $13,800 | 3.5 gallons | 460 pounds |
| Honda Blackbird | 1137cc | 43 | $10,600 | 6 gallons | 536 pounds |
| Suzuki GSXR 1000 | 999cc | 40 | $15,799 | 4.8 gallons | 443 pounds |
| BMW R1200GS | 1170cc | 52 | $15,000 | 4.5 gallons | 556 pounds |
| Kawasaki GTR1400 | 1400cc | 48 | $15,600 | 5.8 gallons | 670 pounds |
Is It Hard To Ride A Motorcycle On The Freeway?
It is not hard to ride a motorcycle on the freeway. In fact, it is generally safer on the freeway for motorcyclists than it is on standard roadways in towns and cities. Since all of the cars are traveling in the same direction at a steady speed, you will not have as many risks of cross-traffic accidents as you would on a standard road.
That being said, you should exercise extreme caution when riding on the freeway. It is generally not advised for new riders to attempt to travel on the freeway without significant riding experience.
If you are riding on the freeway, you should make sure that you keep plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles, as well as make yourself as visible as possible at all times. This can help ensure your safety on the freeway.
The table below contains some of the best motorcycles for riding on the freeway. These bikes have been designed and optimized for use on freeways and other long stretches of the open road.
| Make and Model | Engine Power | Miles Per Gallon | Price | Fuel Capacity | Weight |
| KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | 1301cc | 40 | $20,599 | 3.5 gallons | 234 pounds |
| Ducati Multistrada 1260 | 1262cc | 40.5 | $26,095 | 7.9 gallons | 496 pounds |
| Indian Roadmaster | 1890cc | 50 | $29,999 | 5.5 gallons | 908 pounds |
| Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS | 1037cc | 58 | $13,000 | 4.5 gallons | 520 pounds |
| Triumph Tiger Explorer | 1160cc | 55 | $19,100 | 4.5 gallons | 562 pounds |
Is It Hard To Ride A Motorcycle With A Passenger?
It is much harder to ride a motorcycle with a passenger. Due to the additional weight on the bike, you will need to be able to adjust the way you control your bike to compensate. Your braking times will be longer, you will have less precision turning control, and you will not accelerate as quickly when accompanied by a passenger.
It is not advised for new riders to drive with passengers on their motorcycle until they have a significant amount of riding experience. This will ensure your safety on the roads.
If you wish to ride with a passenger, there are some bikes that are specifically designed with passengers in mind. Some of the most popular passenger bikes have been included in the table below.
| Make and Model | Engine Power | Miles Per Gallon | Price | Fuel Capacity | Weight |
| Suzuki V-Strom | 645cc | 78 | $8904 | 5.8 gallons | 470 pounds |
| Honda NC750X | 745cc | 53 | $8199 | 3.8 gallons | 493 pounds |
| BMW R1200GS | 1170cc | 41 | $15,000 | 4.5 gallons | 556 pounds |
| Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX | 998cc | 58 | $27,500 | 5 gallons | 476 pounds |
| Vespa GTS300 | 300 | 65 | $7099 | 2.25 gallons | 348 pounds |
Is Driving A Motorcycle Harder Than A Car?
Riding a motorcycle is considerably more difficult than riding a car. When riding a motorcycle you must be much more engaged when driving. Cars generally only have the drivers control the main functions of steering, braking, and accelerating.
Motorcycles must execute all of these tasks while also maintaining proper balance and gear shifts. They are also tasked with maintaining proper visibility and distancing between other vehicles.
It will take some considerable practice before most new riders feel comfortable on the road. You should have at least six weeks of practice before riding on any significant roadways.
What To Expect When Riding A Motorcycle For The First Time
It is normal to be unsure the first time you take your motorcycle out for a drive. The difference in controls and mobility compared to a car can be daunting at first. You will likely notice the acceleration much more than you did when driving a car.
Because of the uncertainty in their skills that most new riders experience, you should practice riding on some roadways that are not busy. Once you get comfortable with the way your bike feels and controls, you can start graduating to busier roadways.
Best Beginner Motorcycles
The best beginner motorcycle is the Royal Enfield Himalayan. It has enough power for riders to enjoy the experience of motorcycle riding while not being powerful enough to overpower new riders.
The list below contains five of the best beginner motorcycles that you can currently purchase. The list is in descending order, with the Royal Enfield Himalayan at the number one spot. Tables containing spec information have also been included.
1.Royal Enfield Himalayan
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a single-cylinder 411cc motorcycle that is great for new riders. With a top speed of 80 miles per hour, it is a great starting point for riders who do not wish to have some of the more powerful motorcycles on the market.
The table below contains some spec information on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. This can help you better determine if this bike is right for you.
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | |
| Price | $4749 |
| Miles Per Gallon | 28 |
| Engine Power | 411cc |
| Weight | 438 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 3 gallons |
2.BMW G310 GS
The BMW G310 GS is another great beginner bike to consider. BMW is known for having some of the most advanced safety features of any motorcycle manufacturer. These safety features can help new riders feel more secure while learning to ride more confidently.
The BMW G310 features a 313cc single-cylinder engine with a top speed of 88 miles per hour. This makes it a great choice for new riders who are not interested in some of the more powerful bikes on the market.
The table below contains some spec information on the BMW G310 GS. This can help you better determine if this bike is right for you.
| BMW G310 GS | |
| Price | $5945 |
| Miles Per Gallon | 32 |
| Engine Power | 313cc |
| Weight | 386pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 4 gallons |
3.KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure features advanced crash protection and long-travel suspension capabilities. This makes it a great choice for new riders and can also transition into a great starter racing bike.
The KTM 390 features a top speed of 93 miles per hour and a 373 liquid-cooled engine. This ensures that new riders can enjoy the power of their new bike, while still remaining relatively low on the speed scale.
The table below contains some spec information on the KTM 390 Adventure. This can help you better determine if this bike is right for you.
| KTM 390 Adventure | |
| Price | $6399 |
| Miles Per Gallon | 25 |
| Engine Power | 372cc |
| Weight | 379 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gallons |
4.Cleveland Cyclewerks Heist
The Cleveland Cyclewerks Heist is a great choice for beginner riders due to its unique look and affordable price. It is also one of the most easily customizable bikes on the market.
This means that riders can get more comfortable riding their motorcycle using the Cleveland Cyclewerks Heist and eventually upgrade it to reflect their riding experience. The air-cooled 229cc engine delivers just enough power to not overwhelm new users.
The table below contains some spec information on the Cleveland Cyclewerks Heist. This can help you better determine if this bike is right for you.
| Cleveland Cyclewerks Heist | |
| Price | $4000 |
| Miles Per Gallon | 30 |
| Engine Power | 229cc |
| Weight | 291 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gallons |
5.Yamaha V-Star 250
The Yamaha V-Star 250 is a common starter bike. It features one of the best miles per gallon rates of any touring model bike. It also has enough power in its 249cc engine to deliver an exhilarating riding experience while not being too overwhelming for new users.
The table below contains some spec information on the Yamaha V-Star 250. This can help you better determine if this bike is right for you.
| Yamaha V-Star 250 | |
| Price | $4499 |
| Miles Per Gallon | 78 |
| Engine Power | 249cc |
| Weight | 324 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 6 gallons |
Final Thoughts
This guide has broken down many of the common questions that new motorcycle riders have concerning the difficulty of motorcycle riding. Use this guide to help you pick the right beginner motorcycle for you.
I’m Anthony King, a systems integration, automobile technician & automotive expert who earned his bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I worked on pioneering technologies from the beginning of his career.