Learning to Ride a Motorcycle on the Freeway: Highway Riding Tips

Riding a motorcycle on a highway is intimidating for most riders, especially those who have just started their riding career. There are also many riders, usually skilled ones, who claim that riding a motorcycle on freeways is safer than on city roads.

On highways, the traffic moves in the same direction at a particular speed. They also keep a safe distance from each other. No one suddenly comes in front of you by switching lanes. Everyone on the highway goes at similar speeds. These are some advantages that make riding a motorbike on the freeway good for developing skills as a novice rider.

Nonetheless, riding on the freeway is not as sweet as it sounds. There are dangers to it as well, and they are big, too. The secret is that you have to begin with small steps. As a beginner rider, you must develop your skills and confidence step by step, gradually. You must learn the right moves so that you ride on highways safely. Take your time on the highway. There is no rush.

Once you know the skills and safety tips, you will be able to ride safely on the freeways. One thing that you must know, highway cruising is one of the most rewarding motorcycle riding experiences. You will love it once you become a pro. Continue reading this article to learn in detail about learning to ride a motorcycle on the freeway.

As a beginner, you should ensure that your bike is in its best condition before you take it on the highway. This is the most important step. A poorly-maintained motorbike is itself a danger on the highway and not suitable at all.

If you plan to start riding on the freeway, check your tires, brakes, engine health, oil levels, lights, and gas. Make sure nothing leaks. Your bike must be functioning properly because this is what you need the most while riding on the highway.

Next, wear the right gear for highway cruising. A good DOT-approved helmet is a must. Wear a thick leather jacket, pants, riding gloves, and motorcycle boots. Bright colors enable other vehicles on the highway to see you. When riders dress properly for the ride, they are safer.

The highway riding is characterized by smooth throttle control.

• You can learn this skill at an empty parking lot.

• Test the movement of your bike and the push the engine gives it as you turn the throttle.

• Learn to ride in straight lines.

• Make slow turns.

• Speed up and slow down gently.

• Avoid jerking the throttle.

• Learn to ride smoothly.

• Smooth moves keep you safe.

• Take time to ride at slow speeds to the point where it becomes natural.

• It will make you feel comfortable while riding on the freeway.

• You will be able to cope with high speeds on highways when you are smooth at low speeds.

Your best friend while learning to ride on a highway is your motorcycle's brakes. Know how to use your rear and front brakes. Practicing braking safely should be done in a safe space. Only with practice can you determine your bike's stopping distance. Be aware of the way your bike reacts when you are braking hard.

Practice hard in an empty parking lot. Become familiar with both the rear brake pedal and the front brake lever. Only with practice will you know what to do when you have to pull over on the freeway or stop in no time.

Riding on the highway and matching up with the pace of the highway traffic requires skills, focus, and practice. You have to lean both your motorcycle and your body. Usually, turning corners on a highway is done at high speeds. It is because you can’t slow down below a certain limit. Therefore, counter-steering comes into play.

Gently push the left side of the handlebars while softly pulling the right side of the bar to turn the bike to the left. Similarly, you will need to gently push the right side of the bar and softly pull the left side of the bar to turn the bike to the right. This is called counter-steering.

Also, you will learn how to lean the bike while turning corners confidently. Always remember where you are heading. Do not look down. Look far ahead. You will not be ready to ride on highways until you are used to leaning the bike confidently.

To safely ride on the highway, your lane positioning is essential. Place yourself on the right side of your lane. It not only assists you to see better, but also helps others see you properly. Avoid riding in other vehicles' blind spots.

As things change around you, make sure to change your lane position accordingly. When a car passes by your motorcycle, pull to the left in your lane. Similarly, if a truck is approaching you from the left side, move to the right in your lane. The position you have in the lane can be considered as your shield.

Always keep a safe distance from cars and other large vehicles while riding on the highway. A fast-moving vehicle passing you can make you lose control. Your bike can pull to one side if this happens. Also, do not ride in fast lanes while cruising on highways. Don’t go there even for overtaking if you are not used to it.

Getting to ride on the freeway for the first time should be safe and easy for you. Pick a time with less traffic. Usually, highways are less busy early in the morning or late in the day. Avoid rush hours. If it is the first time you are riding on the freeway, it must be calm for you.

Pick a day when the wind is not blowing too fast. New riders have a tough time in the rain and wind. Wait until the weather is good and pleasant.

The first time you ride on the highway, you cannot go too far. Pick a short stretch. Go from one exit to the next. This allows you to have the experience of riding on the highway without having to take much stress.

After you have completed a few short trips on highways, you are ready to make them longer. Build your experience, skills, and confidence step by step. Do not rush. Your mind and your body require time to get used to and execute perfectly.

One of the most challenging parts of riding on the highway is getting on it. Use the ramp to pick up the pace. Keep up with cars and other heavy traffic on the highway. As a beginner, do not go too slow or too fast. Go with the flow.

Also, make sure to check your side mirrors while merging on a highway. Use your turn signals. Stay alert to what is coming from behind your back. Lean in slowly and smoothly. Slow down in your lane when required.

Exiting the highway is easier. Move to the right lane. Check your side mirrors for any approaching vehicles. Give an indication to the riders behind you for your next move. Exit the highway slowly and smoothly.

Your eyes are the best tool to scan and stay aware of your surroundings while riding on the highway.

• Don’t stare right in front of your bike.

• Look far ahead on the highway.

• See what is coming.

• Do not simply stare at the car in front of you.

• Look even ahead of them.

• Check your side mirrors often.

• Stay aware of approaching vehicles from both the left and right.

• In case you have to change lanes on the highway, have a look back.

• Awareness keeps you safe.

• Learn to spot danger.

• Stay alert to objects on the road.

• Stay aware of distracted drivers and swerving cars.

• Spot rocks and oil spills on the highway.

• The greater the visibility, the more time you will have to respond.

Your safety net while riding on the highway is the two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you are riding at 60 mph on the highway, this distance is about 175 feet. This ensures space in case you need to break fast. 

You may not be able to count or measure the distance. It's all about the judgment and the right idea. Your instinct will tell you whether you are too close to the vehicle in front of you or far from it.

When the weather is bad, make sure to keep a bigger distance. Also, keep more space when you feel tired. Also, increase the following distance if the vehicle in front of you is a large truck. Stay away from these trucks while riding on the highways.

Drivers, especially on highways, do not always notice bikes.

• So, make sure your headlight works fine.

• Your tail/brake light must be sufficiently bright to signal to approaching vehicles when you are slowing down.

• Wear bright colored motorcycle riding gear.

• Wear a reflective vest while riding on the highway.

• Use a reflective tape to make yourself more visible.

• Use Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) to stay visible in the daytime.

• Your engine sound also helps make you more noticeable on the road.

• Your motorcycle exhaust should make an adequate sound to make you noticeable while riding on the highway.

Even though you may be a beginner rider, you may need to ride at high speed on the freeway. So, you must be used to picking up the pace on a motorbike. Nonetheless, high speeds are tricky. Your eyes must be sharp, and your mind must be quick. To avoid fatigue, take regular breaks whenever you can.

Do not ride faster than what your skill level can’t handle. Go with the flow safely. Whether going fast or staying agile while riding a motorcycle requires time and practice.

Do not ride on the highway in the crosswind. It can be your enemy, especially if you are new to highway rides. As a beginner, you will likely have a beginner-friendly bike. These bikes are small and lightweight and cannot handle heavy or crosswinds effectively.

Also, big trucks create wind. Be ready for a push if a large vehicle passes by on the highway. Remain vigilant and alert when this happens.

• Choose the route that you are familiar with and that you can handle.

• Familiarity with the road makes you feel calmer.

• It is much safer and better if you know the road features, curves, and exits.

• Avoid high-traffic roads.

• Do not use roads that are too curvy while learning to ride a bike on the highway.

• Avoid roads with steep hills.

• Choose a flat, straight, and smooth road as a beginner.

• Sit in a position where you can hold your bike with your thighs.

• This helps you stay connected to the bike

•  Do not squeeze the bike too tightly, as you will get tired soon.

• Relax your arms and hands. Let the ebike move under you.

• Sit straight and upright so you have a better view ahead.

• Keep your weight centered. 

• Dehydration can make you tired fast.

• Tired riders make bad decisions.

• Stop every hour to drink water.

• Rest your legs.

• Stretch when you can.

• Highways have many risks.

• Stay on the lookout for gravel and loose sand.

• Watch for oil spots.

• Watch for other things and obstacles on the road.

• Slow down if you spot these things.

• However, avoid breaking suddenly on the highway.

• Do not swerve too hard.

• Watch out for animals crossing the road suddenly.

• Deer may jump on the road.

• Be ready to slow down or swerve.

• Scan the sides of the road.

• Be aware of the stupid actions made by other drivers and riders while riding on the highway.

• Do not trust other drivers.

• Ride as if no one sees you.

It takes time for a beginner to learn how to ride a motorcycle on the highway. You do not learn it all at once. Each ride makes you better.

Keep a record of your rides. Note what was hard. Note what went well. Work on the challenging parts. In a short time, you will be a professional.

It's best to take a riding class. Highway riding is taught in many motorcycle safety schools. A professional instructor can notice in detail and pinpoint where you go wrong. They can help you fix it fast.

Ride with friends who are good motorcyclists. Watch what they do. Ask them for tips. Learn from real professionals.

Riding on the freeways is a big step for a novice rider. It looks scary at first. You can do it, though, with the proper preparation, ability, and attitude. Riding on the highway is not the same as riding on city roads. It can be learned and executed.

Highway riding requires a set of techniques and skills that can be learned. Take your time. Build your nerve, focus, and strength as a rider. Start small, and you will find it at home while riding on the highway.