What is the most common mistake made by beginner motorcyclists?

Over braking in corners is often the most common mistake made by beginner motorcyclists because it can lead to a loss of control and potentially cause the rider to lose balance. When inexperienced riders brake too hard while leaning into a corner, they can shift the weight of the motorcycle in an unfavorable way. This can result in skidding, tipping over, or even crashing, as the natural forces at work in a turn require a delicate balance of acceleration and braking.

Understanding the dynamics of cornering is crucial for safety and performance. Proper cornering technique involves maintaining a steady throttle and using gradual braking to help control the speed without upsetting the bike's stability. As beginners learn to navigate turns more smoothly, they can enhance their overall riding skills and confidence.

While using turn signals, accelerating too quickly, and underestimating traffic are also important to consider, they do not typically lead to the immediate loss of control that over braking can cause during critical moments in a ride.