Your first motorcycle riding lesson: what really awaits you

The first driving lesson is built for a complete fresh start – you neither need to know how to change gears nor balance, nor even be safe on a bicycle (though it helps). Motorcycle instructors constantly start with people from scratch and know: shaky knees are standard procedure. There is nothing to pass in this lesson – only getting to know each other.

• Protective clothing: Helmet, gloves, jacket, sturdy ankle-high boots – for the start you can borrow equipment from us. What exactly is required is stated in the Protective Clothing Guide.
• Comfortable, durable clothing underneath and sufficient sleep.
• No prior theoretical knowledge required: Driving lessons can run parallel to theory classes – you can start straight after registering.

• 1. Quiet environment: The first lesson takes place where there is space and quiet – with us on the quiet streets around Kalbach, where there is little traffic to disturb you.
• 2. Getting to know the bike: Controls, clutch, brakes, twist grip, side stand – first of all everything while stationary, without the engine running.
• 3. Balance and push: You push and balance the machine, getting to know its weight – it sounds mundane, but it takes away most of the apprehension.
• 4. Finding the clutch biting point and rolling for the first time: Pulling away at a walking pace, braking gently, feet ready – the first few metres under your own steam. This is the moment that makes all the nervous excitement worthwhile.
• 5. First laps with radio: Your riding instructor is with you over the Funk Constantly connected with you, calling out every exercise and providing a spot. You are never working out alone.

After 45 or 90 minutes you do slow laps and wonder why you were nervous – the standard course of events.

Then you are in good company: Topplers at walking pace are part of motorcycle training and are factored in. Our training machines have Crash bars – if a motorcycle falls over at practice speed, as a rule, nothing happens to it at all. You won't be asked to pay for normal beginner mistakes, and dropping a bike says precisely nothing about your later riding aptitude. By the way, you learn to pick it up using leg technique instead of arm strength – that's also part of the training.

• „Am I too small / too heavy / too weak?“ There are no body measurement requirements – balance beats strength, and the seat height can be sorted by choosing the right machine. More on this in Class Guide.
• „What if I shake?“ Tell your driving instructor – they'll adjust the pace and exercises. Nerves are normal for the first lesson and usually disappear after 20 minutes.
• „Everyone is watching.“ No – in the training area nobody cares about beginner drivers. And your driving instructor has seen everything a hundred times before.
• „What if I don't like it?“ You are allowed to find that out too – after two or three hours you honestly know whether motorcycling is for you. Early finish, small loss.

Does the theory test have to be passed beforehand? No – theory and practice run in parallel. You only need the passed theory for the exam.

What machine am I riding? Depending on your licence category, you will train on the appropriate training motorcycle – with us, a Honda CB125 (A1), CB500 (A2) or CB650 (A), all equipped with radio communication and crash bars.

Single or double lesson to start? Both work; many start with a double lesson, because otherwise the settling-in period eats up half the time.

How many lessons will I need after that? That depends on the individual – the honest figures are in the Apprenticeship guide.