Two wheeler riding – for beginners!

Millions of two wheelers abound in India. Every other day, thousands of two wheelers get added to the road. Do you feel like riding one but have not been able to just because you need a push? This post is for people, particularly ladies, who desire to ride an ungeared two wheeler but are prevented from doing so due to doubts plaguing their head – can they or can they not? Read on....

As against a four wheeler, a two wheeler is a vehicle that makes you feel independent. The reasons are that you are not boxed in – hence you don’t feel claustrophobic; you experience the wind when it blows; you are able to feel as if you are cutting through the air when you ride along; the area required for navigation is much less when compared to a four wheeler.

 

So what do you do to start with?

According to me the best motorised two wheelers to start with for a lady are the TVS XL moped (MoPed incidentally stands for ‘Motorised Pedalling’) or the TVS Scooty. Simple reason – nimble and light weight. When a vehicle is nimble and light weight, while learning, you need not worry much about the balancing the weight. You can ride heavier two wheelers later. The TVS XL moped is just 70 cc and the Scooty is 88 cc. The Scooty Streak is also 88 cc. My advice is – choose one of the three.

Just sit on the seat and feel the handlebars and brakes. Get a view. If you know how to ride a cycle, riding a motorised two wheeler becomes that much easier, since you know how to balance the vehicle. But fret not, if you haven’t learnt that. It is still easy to ride a motorised two wheeler.

Rev the engine. By revving, one refers to giving the throttle and releasing it. Slowly, else the vehicle will move forward. When learning, it is advisable to not go beyond 25-30 kmph, so that you are familiar with the process. It also teaches you to balance. When you balance, use one leg first and then the other.

Usage of brakes is an area which needs attention. Always apply both brakes. It gives a better braking result and avoids skidding. At turns, anticipate the turn and reduce the speed beforehand.

I have a thumb rule – for two wheelers, ride on the left side of the road, unless you have to turn right and for four wheelers, ride on the right side of the road, unless you have to turn left. This is one of the thumb rules of driving safe and also helps in orderly traffic.

Never ride at high speed while learning. Even otherwise, unless the road is broad and all clear, I never go beyond 40 kmph even today.

If the vehicle stops, don’t panic. Push it to the side of the road and start again. Nowadays, all vehicles, except the TVS XL moped, are equipped with electric button starts and hence the kick start problems are eliminated completely.

After practicing for a week or so, go ahead and buy your own. Of the three vehicles mentioned above, I would recommend the TVS Scooty Streak because it has a better build and tubeless tyres. There are other manufacturers with equally good 110 cc scooters too. Funky colours, attractive to the modern woman and man, are the order of the day. And, no gears! Go ahead and take your pick.

Always ride with a helmet on. And no, no earphones while riding!

Happy riding! Enjoy the independence, you will love it!