Background
I am a beginner to bike riding. I asked for suggestions on learning to ride a bike before, and was suggested trying Onemoto which is run by a BHPian.
I sent them a message, and the very next day I started training. We decided on 5 sessions, two hours each. Comfortably priced.
The trainer, picked me up at a nearby metro station for the training sessions, and the location for training was quite near. It was preemptively occupied with learners for the most part.
Overview - Trainer is extremely professional, calm, helpful, friendly, and accommodating.
- Possibly the best way to learn riding motorcycles in Delhi in a safe and convenient way.
- Day 1 is basics. You get a rider’s manual with very helpful information.
- Day 2 is practicing gear shifts, braking and u-turns.
- Day 3 is more practicing, counter steering, swerving etc.
- Day 4 and 5 are practicing in real traffic conditions, incrementally going from low traffic to high traffic.
- The Motorcycle Coaching also includes a Riders Manual (theory counterpart of this training). In this book, the bulk of Road Sense and Defensive Riding knowledge is present.
- The emphasis is on Active Safety.
Day 1
I was introduced to basics of motorcycling, and the various parts of a motorcycle. Engine, clutch, gears, brakes, etc., followed by the basic process of starting the bike, gear shifting, and halting.
We practiced some, and I was able to ride to some distance already. I did U-turns manually, and only focused on steering at idle speeds to gain better control of the bike. It was a bit overwhelming but trainer has just the right balance between being polite and strict, so it was quite comfortable.
Day 2
We recalled what we did the day before. Followed by practicing gear shifts, braking, and U-turns (in the same lane). We kept at very safe speeds and I was able to clearly understand the process. Only my reflexes were lacking. I failed a lot at pickup, but instructor was calm and encouraging.
Day 3
We recalled the previous stuff as usual, and then did more U-turns, counter steering, braking while turning, riding to make a figure of 8 on the track, and just more practice in general. We also expanded the street coverage to practice on slightly more occupied locations.
Let me just tell you this - I freaking love counter steering. Best part of riding a motorcycle.
Day 4
This is when we were to go in some real traffic conditions. We practiced braking and pickup first. At this point, I was much better at pickup. Then we proceeded to a normally trafficked road. We did U-turns in road traffic, practiced giving the correct indicator hint, horns, more braking, using the rear view mirrors to keep track of traffic behind us etc. in 2 different locations.
The session ended with me riding back to the metro station (quite short distance, though)
Day 5
On the last day, we drove more in real traffic. Practiced at corners, blind corners, U-turns etc. near traffic lights, an inclined slope etc. I asked a bunch of questions about bike handling. We drove back, and by this point I was pretty confident at starting to ride a bike in traffic by myself.
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