How should you mount a motorcycle?

Standard mounting procedure: approach the motorcycle from the left side (the kickstand is on the left and the bike leans that way, making mounting from the left more stable); grasp the left handlebar and either apply the front brake or hold the right handgrip; swing your right leg over the seat (over the back of the seat, not over the gas tank); settle onto the seat with both feet on the ground at first; retract the kickstand; balance with both feet down until ready to ride. Dismounting is the reverse. Most motorcycle handling habits — left-side mounting, brake-on dismounting, kickstand operation — become automatic with practice. Practice these basics in a parking lot before riding on the road.