Unwritten Rules of Motorcycle Riding

Sure, you know the logistical rules of motorcycle riding. But that's only half of the story! Motorcycle riding is its own world full of subtitles, social contracts, and unwritten rules. It can be hard to navigate this complex world, which is why we created the following guide for you! For all your motorcycle needs, visit Tracy Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Tracy, Stockton, and Modesto, California.

Look, But Don't Touch

Never touch someone's motorcycle without getting explicit permission first. You wouldn't go up to a stranger's car and run your hand over the paint job or hop into the driver's seat. Some people think the rules are different for motorcycles. They're not. Yes, you may be curious about how someone else’s motorcycle feels compared to your model. Yes, you may have overwhelming enthusiasm for that beauty of a machine. But none of these excuse touching it without permission. It's rude and it can also be interpreted as an attempt to steal the bike!

Don't Ask to Ride

Asking to ride someone's motorcycle is a great example of speaking out of turn. If someone feels comfortable letting you ride their precious bike, they'll make it known and tell you up front. If they haven't extended the invitation, it's because they don’t want others to ride their bike.

“Right of Way” Doesn’t Always Mean “Go”

There's a difference between the rules of the road and what goes down on the road. Yes, you may legally have the right of way. But that's no guarantee that the other motorist is paying attention. Always give a thorough check before you change lanes, turn, or head out in an intersection. Just because you can legally go doesn’t mean it’s safe to go.

Helmet Taps

As you ride your motorcycle, you may notice an odd hand gesture from another rider coming from the opposite direction: they tap their helmet. Don't worry—this isn't code for, "I need help." It actually means, "There's a police officer up ahead."

Positioning at a Stop

Sometimes you may find yourself reaching a stop sign or stoplight at the same time as another motorcyclist. Some newbies think it's good to pull up next to them (so that your front wheels are lined up). It helps leave more space for other cars and allows you to give a friendly wave, right? Wrong. First of all, it can be awkward to be so close to a stranger in an open vehicle. But more importantly, it can be difficult to know who goes first when the light turns green. This can create confusion that could lead to an accident. Instead, you'll want to pull up behind them like you would if they were in a car.

Parking Next to Other Motorcycles

One advantage of motorcycles is that they can fit compactly into parking spots. Several bikes can take up the space of one car. But don't get carried away with the space-saving! Always be sure to leave plenty of room for the other riders next to you to mount up.

Don't Join Groups Uninvited

You'd be surprised how many new riders join a motorcycle group on the road without asking, which is why we felt the need to dedicate a few lines to this. Just because you are all going in the same direction doesn't mean you have an open invitation to join. It's actually a bad idea! First, it's the same kind of social faux pas as sitting down at someone's table in a restaurant or bar and joining their conversation. Second, motorcycle groups often need to coordinate riding positions to ensure everyone stays safe on the road. Adding an uninvited additional rider can throw this out of line.

Don't Ride Compromised

Yes, you know you should never hit the road under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But other things can impair your focus as well. Never ride when you feel rushed, upset, tired, and so on. These all make it harder to stay focused and stay safe on the road. Take a nap, vent to a friend, take a few deep breaths, do what you need to do to clear your mind before you get on your bike.

Wave to Other Riders

You'll see plenty of other riders on the road. Be an active member of the motorcycle community and acknowledge other riders as you pass with a friendly wave. It's fun to be noticed!

We hope you found this guide helpful! For all your motorcycle needs, visit Tracy Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Tracy, Stockton, and Modesto, California.