3 Things New Riders Often Get Wrong
Being one of the new riders on a motorbike can be exciting, especially when you’re learning to ride in a busy city like Ho Chi Minh City.
At the same time, your first few rides can feel challenging. You are learning how the bike responds while also trying to understand traffic around you.
Many new riders make similar mistakes. They are usually not caused by a lack of intelligence or ability. They simply come from not having enough riding experience yet.
Here are three common habits to watch out for.
1. Looking Too Close to the Front Wheel
One of the most common mistakes new riders make is looking only at the road immediately in front of the motorbike.
When you focus too close to the front wheel, you have less time to notice what is happening farther ahead.
Instead, try to look further down the road.
Pay attention to:
- Cars slowing down
- Motorbikes changing direction
- Traffic lights
- Pedestrians
- Road obstacles
Looking farther ahead gives you more time to understand a developing situation and react smoothly.
This doesn’t mean ignoring the road directly in front of you. You should continue scanning your surroundings while keeping your attention on what may happen next.
2. Braking Too Late
Another common mistake among new riders is waiting too long before slowing down.
For example, you may see a vehicle slowing down ahead but continue at the same speed until you are very close. This can force you to brake suddenly.
A better habit is to recognize the situation early.
Try this sequence:
See the situation → release the throttle → slow down early → brake smoothly
Both the front and rear brakes have important roles, and you should become familiar with how your particular motorbike responds.
This is one reason a test ride can be useful before entering busy traffic. It gives new riders an opportunity to understand the bike’s controls and braking response in a suitable environment.
3. Making Sudden Movements
Sudden movements can make riding more difficult for both you and the people around you.
A new rider might suddenly:
- Change direction
- Accelerate
- Move around another vehicle
- Change position on the road
Other road users may not expect these movements, which can create unnecessary risk.
Instead, try to make your riding:
Smooth → gradual → predictable
Before changing direction or position, check your surroundings and use your turn signals when appropriate.
Being predictable is especially important when riding in busy traffic.
Don’t Let Traffic Pressure You
There is one more lesson that can help new riders: don’t rush.
When riding in Vietnam for the first time, you may feel pressure from the traffic around you.
Someone behind you may want to pass. Another motorbike may move faster than you. Traffic may appear to be moving more quickly than you expected.
Don’t let that pressure make you ride beyond your comfort level.
Take your time and build your confidence gradually.
You don’t have to match the speed of every other rider on the road. Your priority should be maintaining control and making safe, predictable decisions.
Comfort Is More Important Than Speed
For new riders, the first goal shouldn’t be riding fast.
The first goal should be becoming comfortable with the motorbike.
Spend time learning:
- How the brakes feel
- How the throttle responds
- How the steering feels
- How the motorbike balances
- How it behaves at low speed
- How to stop smoothly
Once these basic skills become more familiar, you can gradually become more confident in different traffic situations.
Renting Your First Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City?
If you’re one of the new riders looking for a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City, JAN’S MOTORBIKE offers a free test ride before you decide.
Use the test ride to become familiar with the motorcycle’s:
- Brakes
- Throttle
- Steering
- Controls
- Balance and handling
You can take your time getting comfortable with the bike before deciding whether it is right for you.
During your rental, you’ll also have a personal support group chat with our team. You can contact us about maintenance, questions about the motorcycle, or other rental-related problems.
Our rental service includes:
- Excellent-condition motorbikes ready to ride
- Complimentary helmet and phone holder
- Free test ride before you decide
- Personal group chat support throughout your rental
Final Thoughts
Being a new rider doesn’t mean you need to know everything immediately.
Look farther ahead, brake early, avoid sudden movements, and don’t allow traffic pressure to make you ride beyond your ability.
The more experience you gain, the more natural these habits will become.
Your first goal isn’t to ride fast.
Your first goal is to ride comfortably, predictably, and confidently.
Contact JAN’S MOTORBIKE: +84909 29 0078 (WhatsApp,Zalo)
Find Us: 5, 5th Street An Phu Ward, District 2
Check for full available motorbike HERE.
