Everyone has bad habits. Whether it’s biting your nails, leaving the toilet seat up, or doom-scrolling social media, we’re all guilty of some. But as motorcyclists, recognizing and actively working to break bad habits is crucial—not just for improving your riding skills, but for your safety. When you’re riding a bike, a bad habit can mean the difference between a joyous ride and one that ends in disaster.

Having good riding habits forms the foundation of your skills and growth as a rider. So today, let’s talk about 7 beginner motorcycle habits that you need to break to improve your riding experience and safety.

1. Improper Use of the Rear Brake

Some riders rely too heavily on the rear brake, while others forget it even exists. The rear brake is often misunderstood. While it’s true that the front brake accounts for about 70% of your stopping power due to weight transfer, the rear brake plays an essential role in balancing your bike, particularly in slow-speed situations and during emergency braking. Neglecting or overusing it can be dangerous.

Common mistakes:

• Over-reliance: Some riders, especially those coming from a car-driving background, tend to stomp on the rear brake pedal as their primary method of stopping. This can lead to skidding and loss of control, especially on gravel or wet roads.

• Underuse: On the other hand, some riders ignore the rear brake completely. While you can ride using just the front brake, you’re missing out on extra stopping power and stability that the rear brake provides.

Tip: Focus on using the front brake primarily on the road, but practice incorporating the rear brake at low speeds, like when maneuvering through parking lots or tight turns. In emergencies, using both brakes together in harmony can significantly reduce your stopping distance. Try practicing hard stops in a safe environment to see the benefits firsthand. Start braking hard with the front, then gradually press the rear brake for balance.

However, over-relying on the rear brake in general riding situations robs you of the more powerful stopping capabilities of the front brake. Many cruiser riders, for instance, fall into the trap of using just the rear, which can also increase the risk of locking up the rear wheel.

Key takeaway: The front brake is your best friend, especially in emergency situations. Learn to use both brakes appropriately for better control and efficiency.

2. Poor Throttle Control

Poor throttle control is often the bane of beginner riders. Erratic or choppy throttle inputs can make the bike lurch forward unpredictably, unsettling the rider and the bike itself. The throttle is not just an on/off switch; it’s a finely tuned control mechanism that requires a smooth, steady hand.

Common issues:

• Jerky acceleration: Beginners often twist the throttle too hard or too suddenly, which can lead to the infamous “whiskey throttle,” where the rider accidentally gives the bike too much gas, leading to unintended acceleration.

• Hesitation: Conversely, some new riders hesitate, afraid to twist the throttle enough. This can lead to stalling at stop lights or during low-speed maneuvers, which is embarrassing and potentially dangerous in traffic.

Solution:

• Practice smooth inputs: Ride in a parking lot or quiet street to practice smoothly rolling on and off the throttle. Learn how much wrist movement is needed to maintain a constant speed and how to manage acceleration smoothly out of a turn.

• Get to know your bike: Different motorcycles have different throttle sensitivities, especially fuel-injected bikes, which can feel snappier than carbureted models. If you’re new to a particular bike, take time to adjust to its throttle response in a safe, low-traffic area.

Once you’ve developed smooth throttle control, you’ll find that your riding becomes much more fluid and predictable, which is essential for safe riding.

3. Bad Clutch Usage

Using the clutch improperly can lead to jerky shifts, stalling, and unnecessary wear on your bike’s transmission. Mastering the clutch is key to smooth shifts, maintaining control at low speeds, and preventing your bike from lurching.

Common clutch issues:

• Riding the clutch: Holding the clutch halfway in while riding (called “riding the clutch”) can cause premature wear and tear. This habit often stems from a lack of confidence in low-speed maneuvers.
• Popping the clutch: Some riders, eager to get going, release the clutch too quickly. This can cause the bike to lurch forward abruptly and even stall, especially in first gear.

• Not understanding the friction zone: The friction zone is the point at which the clutch begins to engage and transfer power to the rear wheel. Not mastering this zone makes low-speed control difficult, leading to stalls, especially when starting on an incline or making tight turns.

Tips for improvement:

• Friction zone mastery: Slipping the clutch in the friction zone allows you to apply minimal power to the rear wheel, making low-speed maneuvers easier, especially in parking lots or during U-turns. This can be life-saving in congested traffic where slow-speed control is critical.

• Proper shifting: Fully engage the clutch when shifting gears to avoid grinding or damaging your transmission. After shifting, release the clutch smoothly to prevent a jerky transition of power. This not only preserves your transmission but also makes for a much smoother and controlled ride.

4. Target Fixation

Target fixation is a phenomenon where you subconsciously steer toward whatever you’re focused on. It’s an almost instinctual reaction, but on a motorcycle, it can be dangerous. If you stare at an obstacle like a pothole or curb, you’re more likely to hit it, even though your intention is to avoid it.

Real-life examples:

• Avoiding a hazard: Picture this: you’re riding down the road and spot a large rock in your path. Instinctively, your eyes lock onto it. Even though you’re trying to steer away, you might end up heading right for it because your focus controls your movement.
• Cornering errors: Many beginners struggle with target fixation when cornering. Instead of looking through the turn, they focus on the guardrail or the outside edge of the road, which can cause them to drift wide.

How to break this habit:

• Train your eyes: Always look where you want to go, not where you want to avoid. In turns, keep your eyes on the exit, not on the curve itself or any potential hazards in the corner. As you approach obstacles, look for the best escape route rather than fixating on the hazard itself.

5. Failing to Understand Countersteering

Countersteering can seem counterintuitive at first, but it’s a fundamental skill for riding at speed. Many new riders mistakenly try to turn the handlebars in the direction they want to go at higher speeds, which results in less control and wider, slower turns.

How it works:

• At low speeds (under about 15 mph), you steer the bike by turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go, much like a bicycle. But as speeds increase, you must countersteer.

• At higher speeds (above 15 mph), pushing the handlebar on the side you want to turn into is the most efficient way to initiate a lean. For example, if you want to turn left, push the left handlebar forward. The bike will lean left, and you’ll navigate the turn smoothly.

Pro tip: Practice counter steering at different speeds in an open area. This will help you get used to the sensation and build muscle memory, making it second nature during spirited riding or emergency maneuvers.

6. Over-Reliance on Rider Aids

Modern motorcycles come equipped with an array of rider aids, including ABS (anti-lock braking system), traction control, and ride modes like rain, sport, and touring. These technologies are designed to enhance safety, but relying too much on them can prevent you from developing essential riding skills.

Examples of over-reliance:

• ABS dependency: ABS can prevent wheel lockups during hard braking, but beginners should still practice braking without relying on ABS to engage. Learning to modulate the front and rear brakes properly will make you a more skilled rider in all conditions.
• Traction control complacency: Traction control is great for preventing wheel spin, especially in slippery conditions, but it can mask poor throttle control. Focus on smooth throttle inputs so that you’re less dependent on the electronic safety net.

A word of caution: While ride modes and traction control help in tricky conditions like rain or gravel, don’t let them substitute for skill development. Use these aids as a safety layer, but always strive to improve your core riding techniques.

7. Not Wearing Proper Gear

One of the most common bad habits among beginner riders is neglecting proper gear. Many think they can get by with just a helmet and gloves, especially on short rides. But the reality is that proper gear can be the difference between a minor spill and a life-threatening injury.

Why proper gear is essential:

• Helmets: Not all helmets are created equal. You should always wear a full-face helmet that meets DOT and ECE safety standards, as open-face helmets don’t provide adequate protection for your face.
• Jackets: A good motorcycle jacket with armor on the elbows, shoulders, and back is crucial. Even at low speeds, road rash can cause serious injury, and impact protection is essential for your joints.
• Gloves, boots, and pants: Riding-specific gloves and boots offer protection from abrasion and