Have never drove any car nor bike before. Working with a clutch was hell. Been able to start only after 5th try, and stalled a lot. But overall was fun, eager to get license.
Helmet ✅
Jacket ✅
Gloves ✅
Pads ✅
Rubber side down ✅
Looks like you're ready to me.
Looking safe Amigo! Keep that up - that's the most important part!
I did the same thing about half a year ago. No manual experience and had never operated a motorcycle or anything like it. I also stalled a bunch - so much so that I almost failed my class because of it.
But now, even though it hasn't been that long, shit's baby food. I've accidentally taken off in third gear without initially realizing it because my clutch/throttle coordination has just gotten that much better. You'll get a feel for it for sure!
Hell yea
Yay!!! I got my license last summer. The clutch is the hardest part. The course bikes all have terrible and abused clutches so they'll be even harder to use than your motorcycle you eventually buy.
At a certain point, it's just going to click for you and you'll rarely stall again. Keep at it! And remember to point your chin where you want to go. Your bike will go with you. You got this!
Congrats! I fondly recall getting my motorcycle license (M1; California) many years ago, back when I didn't even have experience with a manual transmission automobile yet. But years of prior experience with bicycles meant only the clutch had to be tamed.
It's quite fun! And the motorbike still brings me joy even after using an ebike around town.
That said, for all prospective riders anywhere, be aware that while there are money savings (fuel, parking, maintenance) compared to an automobile, there's also new costs (safety gear) and new risks that require you to be at the top of your game.
For Americans in particular, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) works with all 50 States to offer a comprehensive intro course that can be taken in-lieu of a DMV practical exam. At least in California, this is typically a two-day classroom+riding endeavor that covers far more real-world info than what the DMV is testing for. Nobody is doing 32-ft (10 meter) U-turns regularly, but riding defensively is a daily activity. I strongly recommend this route: it's makes for better riders, skips the DMV examiners, and they provide the bikes.
Motorcycles are great. I've got a little Ninja 500 that I've kept alive far longer than it wants to. My best advice is just practice. Every clutch is different. I have to keep relearning my clutch every time I do maintenance on it. Oh, and carry a spare clutch cable. They're pretty easy to swap out with the motorcycle's included tool bag. I got stranded at work one evening because the cable snapped on my way to work.
I suggest you read the finding from the Hurt report and Proficient Motorcycling
Ride safe!
Motorcycles are too interesting.
I struggled my first time with a dirt bike too, not knowing anything about them and having about zero explanation about shifting. Plus I was drunk. Fun though.
Watch this and treat it as church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy1AIAc76Qo
Enjoy it! What really helps is reving a bit. The clutch catches on way easier then
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