Preparing to Ride - Get Famililar With Your Motorcycle

Make sure you are completely familiar with the motorcycle before you take it out on the street. If you are going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:

Make all the checks you would on your own cycle.
Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn, headlight switch, fuel control valve, and engine cut-off switch. Make sure you can find and operate them without having to look for them.
Check the controls. Make sure you know the gear pattern. Work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times before you start riding. All controls react a little differently.
Ride very cautiously until you are used to the way the motorcycle handles. For instance, accelerate gently, take turns more slowly, and leave yourself extra room for stopping.

Schematic of Motorcycle