Motorcycle Riding Tips for Beginners: What to Do When the Asphalt Ends

On International Women’s Day, the WIMA Estonia Women’s Motorcycle Club organized a special training session. The guest coach was Artur Kim, a BMW-certified riding instructor. His knowledge and experience were invaluable — and the advice he shared applies to anyone learning how to ride safely beyond paved roads.

Riding Position: Stay Active, Not Static

“Elbows out, one or two fingers always on the levers, chin up, eyes where you want to go — and don’t forget to smile!” Kim reminded the riders.

He emphasized that posture on a motorcycle is never static. The faster you ride, the more you need to move with the bike:

• Accelerating: lean forward, otherwise you might slip back.
• Braking: squeeze your knees into the tank and keep your hands light on the handlebars.
• Important reminder: “It’s a handlebar, not a hanging bar!” The bar is for steering, braking, and clutch control — not for holding your full body weight.

Standing vs. Sitting: When to Do What

On uneven terrain, it’s best to ride standing up, with your feet firmly on the pegs and your knees gripping the tank. This keeps the bike balanced and gives you more control.

Even sportbike riders benefit from lifting their weight slightly off the saddle on rough roads. Chopper riders, with their feet-forward position, have fewer options — which is why Kim stresses adjusting speed and riding style according to conditions.

When sitting, always grip the tank with your knees. For example, on freshly milled asphalt with deep grooves, let the handlebars move naturally while your legs stabilize the bike.

Cornering on Gravel and Loose Surfaces

Gravel and loose surfaces often cause fear among beginners. Kim explained the basics clearly:

• Keep your shoulders parallel with the handlebars.
• Shift your weight to the outside footpeg in a curve.
• Don’t just lean and wait — without throttle or clutch, the bike will collapse inward.

Balance, he said, is all about playing with pressure on the footpegs. Standing up is the best way to maintain control through tricky sections.

Braking on Dirt Roads

Stopping quickly on gravel or dirt is very different from asphalt. Kim advised:

Start with the rear brake to stabilize the bike.

If you need to stop urgently, bring the bike upright, then press the clutch and both brakes firmly.

On gravel, smoothness is everything: every movement should be calm and controlled.

“Many riders are surprised how much front brake they can use when the motorcycle is straight and upright,” Kim noted.

Common Beginner Questions

Do I always have to stand when riding off-road?
“No,” Kim answered. “On a long, straight gravel road, you can sit and rest. But when the terrain gets rough, stand up. It’s much easier to control the bike at slow speed when standing.”

What about sportbikes and choppers?
“Yes, even on a sportbike you should lift your weight when the road gets bad. With a chopper it’s trickier, since the position is more relaxed, so the best strategy is to reduce speed and ride smoothly.”

How to handle loose gravel at roadworks?
“Never enter in first gear — it’s too abrupt. Maintain steady throttle. If you enter at 30 km/h, keep that speed until you’re through. Don’t roll off and then accelerate again. Smooth, consistent motion is the key.”

The Golden Rule: Look Where You Want to Go

Kim repeated his most important lesson: your motorcycle goes where your eyes go.

• Focus far ahead, not on obstacles.
• If you stare at a pothole, you’ll hit it.
• Take a quick glance, then lift your eyes to the road ahead.

“Watch how racers ride,” he said. “The bike may be pointed one way, but the rider’s eyes are already scanning where they want to go next.”

Final Thoughts

For women riders and beginners alike, the message was clear: stay loose, stay balanced, and trust your motorcycle. Grip the tank with your knees, keep your hands light, and let the bike work beneath you.

Riding on gravel or rough surfaces doesn’t have to be scary — with the right mindset and a few simple techniques, you can stay in control, confident, and safe when the asphalt ends.

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