learning how to ride - lesson 1 - no engine

In order to ride a motorcycle well you first need good balance. Follow the below points to ensure you have good control over the bike:

posture

Sit so you can use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up. Your arms should be slightly bent when you grip the handlebars. You should be able to do the chicken dance like Mick Jagger at any point when you are on the bike.

hands

Place your palms onto the handlegrips first, then wrap your fingers around the rest of the grip, holding firmly but not too tight. Check that your hands are parallel with or below your elbows. This allows you to use the proper muscles when steering.

knees

Keep your knees against the gas tank to help you keep your balance when the motorcycle turns.

feet

Keep your feet firmly on the foot pegs to maintain balance. Do not drag your feet. If your foot catches on something, you can be injured and it could affect your control of the motorcycle. Point your toes upwards and forwards. This helps with positioning when shifting gears and using your rear brake.

head

Keep your head vertical as much as you can and your eyes level with the horizon. This helps you keep your view of the road consistent, without your view constantly swinging from one angle to another. If your sight is consistent, you will find it easier to be aware of where you are and you will not be distracted by changing viewpoints.

Practice without the engine on by learning where all the controls are and what they do. Practice as if you were riding and needed to use them. Do this picturing in your mind the scenarios that would cause you to use your controls. For example, picture yourself stopped at an intersection, you decide to turn left, so you would then reach towards your left signal and initiate it. See yourself making the turn and lean on the bike to feel the sensation. Straighten the bike out and reach out to turn off your signal.

Use a slight decline, or have a friend push you around a course with the pylons you brought to get the hang of steering the motorcycle, stopping the bike, leaning with it, using the horn, turn signals, engine kill switch, front and rear brakes etc. Practice this way for at least a few hours - consider it an investment towards your riding skills.

Once you have mastered the bike in it's motor less state you can then move onto lesson 2 - Practicing with the engine ON.