Rider's Edge - New Rider: Range

When you’re finished in the classroom, you’re ready for the range; a controlled environment designed to deliver a real-road experience. You’ll start slowly, getting familiar with the motorcycle. And then you’ll kick into gear and learn basic skills like braking and turning, plus other maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting obstacles.

Finding the friction zone
trains you to gradually release the clutch while rolling on the throttle for smooth starts.

Turning drills teach you to keep your eyes up, lean with the motorcycle and turn your head to look through turns.

Braking exercises help you understand the power of the front and rear brakes and how to combine them effectively.




		The New Rider Course includes two days of riding on the "range," an asphalt course built to increase your confidence with every turn. Take a look at some things you will be practicing.




		1) Checking the bike Before every ride, you should inspect your motorcycle. Be sure to check the tires and wheels, controls, lights, oil and fuel levels, chassis, suspension and sidestand.




		2) Shifting Squeeze the clutch as you roll off the throttle. With the throttle closed and the clutch in, use your left foot to operate the shifter peg. Then ease out the clutch while rolling on the throttle.




		3) Swerving On the road, you may have to swerve to avoid obstacles. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go and resist the urge to brake.




		4) Stopping on a Curve Because turning reduces the traction available for stopping, you want to square the handlebars while gradually applying both brakes.




		5) Surmounting Obstacles Approach smaller obstacles at a 90-degree angle (ideally). Stand up on your footpegs with knees bent, and roll on the throttle until your front tire touches the obstacle.