A Beginner's Guide To Motorcycle Etiquette

Motorcycle etiquette is an important part of the riding lifestyle. It goes beyond the logistics of "how to ride" and enters the world of "how to ride with respect and class." No one wants to accidentally offend a fellow rider, after all! 

We've gathered up the following motorcycle etiquette tips that every rider should know. If you have questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to S&N MotorSports. We are located in Port Charlotte, Florida, and also serve those in Fort Myers.

Don't Touch Another's Motorcycle

Many newbies make this well-meaning mistake. They spot a stunning motorcycle and, in a spirit of admiring the beauty, reach out to touch it. But it's important to resist the urge! A motorcycle is still someone's personal property. Most people don't enjoy random strangers grabbing their stuff (and may even interpret the gesture as an attempt to steal or damage the item). 

It's important to always ask permission first before interacting with another’s motorcycle. Many riders would be happy to let you test out their upgraded hand grips, try out sitting on a model with an added backrest, or simply touch the glistening paint job. Just always give them the chance to say yes (or no) first by making a polite request.

Don't Ask For A Test Ride

This is another common mistake new riders make. Yes, it's exciting to ride a motorcycle that's different than yours. Maybe it's a higher powered model, a different style of bike, or an upgraded one. Maybe you've even been thinking about getting that exact model and it'd be a convenient way to test it out. But someone's personal motorcycle isn't the best avenue for that. Instead, head over to a motorcycle dealership and test drive one of their models.

Remember, if someone feels comfortable letting you ride their motorcycle, they will be upfront about it. If you haven't received an explicit invitation, then you know where they stand.

Know What A Helmet Tap Means

You may spot other motorcycle riders tapping their helmet. This simple gesture means, "there is a police officer up ahead." It's a friendly reminder to check your speed and avoid getting a ticket.

Position Correctly At A Stop

Most of the time, you will reach a stop sign or stoplight alone. But sometimes, you pull up around the same time as another motorcyclist. New riders may pull up parallel to the other rider. The thought process is usually to be friendly to the other rider or leave more space for cars.

But this isn't a good approach. First, it's awkward to be so close to a stranger - especially when you both are in open vehicles. Second, it creates confusion about who leads when the light turns green. Maybe you both wait for the other to go, creating a delay in traffic. Maybe you both try to go at the same time, which creates a risk of a crash. That's why it's best to pull up behind other motorcycle riders. Treat them the same as you would if they were driving a car.

"Right Of Way" Isn't Always “Go Ahead”

Yes, every motorist should follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, not every motorist does. Car drivers may be driving distracted, fail to see you, or even decide to plow ahead despite knowing that you have the right of way. That's why it's crucial to ALWAYS check before making a move, even if you technically have the right of way. You may be legally allowed to go first, but that doesn't mean it's safe to go first.

Leave Space When Parking

Motorcycles can fit into tight spaces much easier than cars can. But that doesn't mean they need to be parked like sardines! If you park next to other motorcycles, always leave enough space for the other riders (and yourself) to mount up.

Acknowledge Other Riders

When you ride your motorcycle, it's common to spot fellow riders. Give them a friendly wave! It's great to acknowledge your brothers and sisters on the road.

Don't Join Riding Groups Without Permission

You may run into a group of motorcycle riders at a rest area, restaurant, or other resting point. You may discover that you are all heading in the same direction - or even to the same spot. It may seem ideal to join their group, but it's not.

First of all, it's a glaring social faux pas. It's similar to plopping down at a stranger's table at a restaurant. Awkward! Second of all, riding groups need to assign everyone a riding position. This helps keep everyone organized and safe. Adding a member can throw this off and cause an issue for the whole group.

We hope you found this guide to motorcycle etiquette helpful! For more information on riding or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit S&N MotorSports. Our dealership is based in Port Charlotte, Florida, and we proudly serve those in Fort Myers as well.