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The Allure of Freedom, and the Ecstasy of the Open Road.
The Allure of Freedom, and the Ecstasy of the Open Road.
There is something about a motorcycle that is difficult to explain until you have experienced it for yourself. The road feels different when there is nothing between you and the world around you. Mountains become more than scenery through a windshield, the smell of the forest changes as you climb, and roads you have traveled a hundred times can suddenly feel new again. A motorcycle can take you across the state or simply give you a reason to take the long way home.
But becoming a biker is about more than learning to balance a machine on two wheels. There are skills to learn, motorcycles to discover, gear to figure out, and an entire riding community waiting beyond your own driveway. There are group rides and bike nights, rallies and charity runs, backroads and mountain passes, old traditions and new friendships. Every rider eventually finds their own place in it.
Maybe you have dreamed about riding for years and don't know where to begin. Maybe there is already a motorcycle sitting in your garage and you are still figuring out what comes next. That's okay. Nobody was born knowing how to do this.
This section is here to help you take those next steps — to learn to ride, understand the different kinds of motorcycles, choose the gear that works for you, and discover the people, places and experiences that make motorcycling much more than simply getting from one place to another.
Welcome to that road.
Ready to turn the idea of riding into the real thing? Our Learn to Ride a Motorcycle guide explains why professional training is the best place to start and introduces Washington's DOL-approved motorcycle training schools, including what they offer, where they teach, and whether training motorcycles are available. You'll also find our statewide interactive training map to help you find a school and get started near you.
Everybody starts somewhere. This is a pretty good place to begin.
Choosing Your Armor
Choosing Your Armor
The right riding gear should protect you, fit the way you ride and still let you look and feel like yourself. Choosing Your Armor walks through helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, eye protection and useful riding accessories, explaining the different styles, what each is designed to do, and the advantages and tradeoffs of each. You don't need to buy everything at once—but understanding your options will help you make better choices as you build your own riding gear.
Finding your first motorcycle should be exciting—not overwhelming. Learn how to match a motorcycle to your riding style, experience, body, and budget, understand the major types of bikes, decide how much motorcycle is right for you, and weigh the advantages of buying new or used. We’ll also show you how to shop smarter, avoid expensive mistakes, and find a first motorcycle you’ll be excited to call your own.
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