Top tips for returning riders

Returning to motorcycling after an extended break can be a complex, even downright bewildering process. What bike should I get? What gear do I need? And how do I choose the right motorcycle for me, and stay safe while I get back up to speed?

If the lure of motorcycling is calling once more, here are some tips to help bring you back into the fold…

Spend some time researching your motorcycle options, but also think about your motivation. You remember how to ride, but getting back on two wheels takes some commitment, not to mention a sizeable cash investment. So don’t buy a bike on a whim and expect to be leading the weekend warriors from the outset – it takes time and effort to get back into the swing of things, even though it’s also a heap of fun.

If you never got your full licence the first time around, the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme can differ a little from state to state, but basically lets you hone your craft on a far wider range of bikes than the old 250cc limit ever allowed, provided the bike meets engine capacity and power-to-weight ratio requirements.

If you have a full licence you can choose whatever bike you want – but that doesn’t mean the most powerful, hardest-charging bike is right for you.

Fortunately, when it comes to research, you’ve already come to the right place. Here at bikesales we have an archive of advice articles to help you with everything from buying a bike, to riding technique, maintenance tips, and more.

Unless you cashed out before Bitcoin crashed, chances are you’re only going to have so much to spend on your return to two wheels. And whether you’re buying new or used, that figure will heavily influence how closely the bike you buy meets your expectations. Five grand is a tight budget in biking these days, but 10 broadens the net substantially and with 20 to 30, well, the world is your oyster.

But don't forget the servicing and running costs. Generally speaking, the bigger and more powerful the bike, the more you'll spend on servicing and consumables (think tyres, brake pads, chain and sprockets etc).

It goes without saying, the more you can spend, the more features a bike is likely to have, and the lower the mileage will be on a used machine. We’d recommend buying a bike with modern safety features – antilock brakes (ABS) at a minimum, but preferably traction control too and cornering ABS/cornering traction control if you can. Those last two tailor braking and acceleration input to take the bike’s lean angle into account.

Oh, and we can’t talk about budget without mentioning protective gear. Buy the best gear you can afford and don’t skimp. We’d also strongly recommend buying the gear first, before the bike – so you won’t be tempted to spend more on the latter, and less on the former.

What protective motorcycle gear do you need? For riding on the road, you’ll want a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots at a minimum. Want to focus purely on sports riding? Two-piece leathers (a jacket and pants that zip together) are the go, while one-piece leathers are a better choice for racers and track days.

Look for quality brands with CE-approved armour (the European standard). You can’t beat good ol’ leather for abrasion resistance, but quality textile gear works well for general riding and is often more practical (think waterproof/breathable membranes, zip-out thermal liners and ventilation zips to regulate temperature, and lots of pockets).

A new helmet should be a firm, snug fit and should stay in place when you shake your head from side to side – but not be so tight that it’s immediately uncomfortable or gives you a headache. Buy from a shop and get the sales staff to help you.

To stay dry and comfortable, you can’t beat gear with genuine Gore-Tex liners (that’s the waterproof/breathable bit) but you’ll pay for the privilege. Other brands are effective to varying degrees but again, you get what you pay for.

And a note on trousers. Regular jeans just don't cut it if you come off. Get some decent Kevlar-lined jeans and opt for knee and hip armour if you can. And a proper back protector is also a worthwhile investment – far better than the thin foam pad found in many jackets.

Where you live will inform your choices too – a rider based in southern Australia needs gear to suit a wide range of temperatures, those in northern parts of the country less so.

We get it – buying a bike is exciting! But don’t – we repeat, don’t – go buying the first bike you throw a leg over. New Bike Fever is a medically documented condition (isn’t it?), and it has forced many a prospective rider to repent at their leisure, with a bike that doesn’t meet their needs. Visit new motorcycle showrooms, speak to sales staff, speak to anyone you know who already rides. Sit on a heap of bikes and check the ride position suits your frame. The more info you glean, the better.

Determine what style of bike really appeals first – ie touring, sportstouring, commuter, sportsbike, naked bike, cruiser etc – and work back from there. To that that end, bikesales can be a great resource. If you find a model that appeals in our New Bike Showroom or in our many thousands of classifieds, head to our News & Reviews section and search for the latest articles on that model.

And remember, treat this bike as an intermediate stepping stone on the journey to your dream bike. After a year or so on this bike you’ll be back up to speed and you’ll have a far better idea of where you really want to take your riding.

And don’t be tempted onto the latest light-speed missile if you have a full licence. We strongly recommend returning riders opt for a middleweight machine – say, up to 750cc or thereabouts – so you can build your skills safely.

We can’t stress the benefits of professional rider training enough. So buy the bike, take it easy until you’ve acclimatised, and then book yourself in for a course.

There are numerous rider training courses available, but we’d recommend going for an intermediate road course to begin with – something that focuses on eye direction, throttle control, and braking.

These courses are a lot of fun, and you’ll come out of them a better, smoother, safer rider. The more you put into your riding, the more you’ll get out. And it takes a trained professional instructor to pick up all the little bad habits that have crept in. Then, down the track, look at the advanced courses and track days – which are about as much fun as you can have with your leathers on!

It's great to have you back. Now get out there, and get amongst it!

• Do your homework (ask around, visit showrooms, head to bikesales news and reviews)
• Set your budget (how much have you got to spend? Buy your riding gear first)
• Gear up (don’t skimp, get stuff properly fitted, select gear to suit your preferred riding and climate)
• Shop around (beware the New Bike Fever! Treat this bike as a stepping stone to what you really want)
• Follow up with rider training (a little professional training goes a long way – it’s well worth the expense)

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This article was originally published on June 29, 2022.