Skip to main content

Riding tips to get started

Starting out on two wheels? These are the must-know tips from experienced riders who’ve been there. No fluff, just the stuff that keeps you sharp, safe, and ready for the road.

Countryside road

Cornering & curves

Every curve’s a thrill, if you ride it right.
No two corners are the same, and that’s what makes them magic. Learn the art of counter-steering with a qualified trainer. Slow down before the corner so you’ve got time to spot sneaky hazards and react smoothly.

Cornering tips from VicRoads
Close-up of a hand wearing a glove while holding a motorcycle handle

Braking

Brakes are your best mates. Get to know them.
Practice braking on your bike with a qualified trainer. The more you brake, the better you get. Always keep a 3-second gap between you and the vehicle ahead. It’s your buffer when the unexpected hits.

Find a trainer to help teach you how to brake
Chris Vermeulen riding his motorbike in the wet

ABS

Anti-lock braking system (ABS): When things don’t go right, stopping safely can be tough. ABS helps you maintain traction so you can gain control. Check out our blog post on everything you need to know about ABS, how it works and why it matters.

Learn more about ABS on motorbikes

Group rides

Ride with others, learn from the best.
Group rides with trainers and clubs are an excellent way of getting feedback and advancing your skills. Stick to speeds you’re comfortable with and always ride within your ability.

Feature 5 - Lane filtering

Lane filtering

On your Ls? Lane filtering’s illegal.
If you’ve got your full licence, you can filter between moving vehicles under 30km/h if it’s safe. Not sure? Don’t risk it. Filtering takes sharp judgement, not guesswork.

Read up on Transport Victoria's lane filtering guidelines

Be seen. Stay safe.

Pick a smart lane position.
On single-lane roads, the right hand wheel track is your best bet. It puts you where drivers expect to see traffic. Watch wheels, mirrors, body language. And that shoulder check? It's your lifesaver glance for a reason. Never skip it.

Woman standing next to motorcycle in a garage

Stay sharp

Tired? Don’t ride. Riding takes full focus. If your mind or body isn’t up for it, park it. Plan breaks every two hours on long rides to reset.

Download The Right Line (PDF)
Motorcycle helmets

Pillion passenger guide

Gear up and clue in.
Once you have your full motorcycle licence, you can bring someone along, but only if they’re geared up and clued in. Teach them how to get on, where to hold, and how to ride. No shortcuts. Their gear needs to be as protective as yours.

Read up on the rules and regulations for pillion passengers

Pro Riders Share Their Tips

We asked four of MotoGP’s heavy hitters to share what they’ve learned, so you can sharpen your skills and ride like you mean it.

Hear it from the pros

Sign up and we’ll send you the latest

Join our mailing list and we’ll keep you riding safe - and looking sharp - with the freshest gear updates.