How to Get On & Off Your Bike Safely

Mounting and dismounting your motorcycle is an essential skill that becomes almost second nature over time. There are many ways to hop on and off the bike, but some are better than others (depending on your situation).

In this article, I’m going over some of the more common and safe ways to mount/dismount your bike. By the end of this article, you will know how to get on and off your bike safely. Let’s get to it!

Moving A Motorcycle To Spot That It Can Be Mounted

Everyone, at some point in their riding career, will need to move their motorcycle by hand – whether it’s to pull out of a nook in the garage, bringing the bike to the driveway for washing, or because the motorcycle isn’t rideable for one reason or another.

I have heard many stories and have seen people drop their motorcycles, however; not to rub it in, I have never come close. This is largely due to always following these steps when handling a motorcycle.

Approach from the kickstand side, ideally.

Hands on both handlebar grips.

Correct hand & body position when walking a motorcycle

Make sure you have access to the front brake – Make sure to have your hands on the grips at all times unless actually using the brake.
Raise the kickstand.
Have the bike leaned towards you at all times. Bikes are extremely heavy and once they start tipping in the opposite direction, most people don’t have the strength to stop it.

An Exception to the Above Steps

Depending on how where the motorcycle is located you may need to approach the motorcycle from the non-kickstand side.

This is generally not a problem. You still follow the rules listed above but just need to be aware that the kickstand will be protruding still and can get in the way, especially if going over uneven ground. Ideally, move the motorcycle to a spot that you can switch sides and raise the kickstand and then proceed.

Mounting Motorcycles Normally

Believe it or not, there is more than one way to mount a motorcycle. Following the listed steps below, you will learn how MOST riders mount their motorcycles.

See the step-by-step instructions below, or skip to the video.

Step 1

Approach motorcycle from the kickstand side. Grab a hold of the left-hand grip and apply the front brake continuously.

Motorcyclist with raised leg mounting motorcycle front view

Step 2

Lean your body forward and raise your right leg. Use the handlebars as support. Turn handlebars as needed for better stability and leverage

Step 3

With your weight on your left leg. Swing your raised right leg over and past the seat.

Step 4

With your right leg past the seat, let yourself lean back into the seat.

Motorcyclist with leg raised past the seat. mounting motorcycle

Depending on what you are comfortable with place your foot either on the foot peg or directly to the ground.

Step 6

Raise bike into the upright position and raise kickstand.

Video (Normal Mounting)

Modified Mounting (Peg Mounting)

As mentioned, there are multiple ways to mount the motorcycle. The PEG Mounting method is a technique made for the vertically challenged, and for people with less mobility due to age or injury.

This mounting method can be a little challenging the first few times you attempt it as you will have to find balance while standing on the left peg. It is recommended to have someone else present the first few times you practice the listed steps below.

See the step by step instructions below, or skip to the video.