I have a bicycle, and both brake levers are used to stop the wheels. Why do the motorcycles behave differently ???
I'd think that taking a rider education course should be your first step. They'll also tell you what's the best way to continue learning when it's over. You'll probably get a lot of stupid answers on here, so go with the teachers in your class.
Because unlike a bicycle, you need a clutch to shift a motorcycle transmission. The front brake is operated with the right hand and the right foot operates the rear brake.
Some older Harley's (pre-1960, don't know the exact model years) had something known as a suicide shifter. On those the clutch was a foot pedal on the left side with a handle on the left (similar to a shift handle on a car). You could probably get a custom bike made with a suicide shifter. Shifting one of those going at high speed through a corner was a challenge, hence the name. At one time the Yamaha FJR was available with what was known as thumb shifters, as I recall it worked like an automatic (no clutch). I don't know what the position of other controls were. None of these non-traditional setups have enjoyed commercial success. Some bikes come with what is known as a linked braking system, with those you only need to apply one braking lever (hand or foot) and the bike applies both brakes. BMW w/ABS brakes are an example of these. Get yourself a scooter not a motorcycle.
Clutch at the foot pedal is really awkward in the sense that once I drove an old Royal Enfield and it was very difficult even to get used to it. You can't stop at red lights in the first gear, with the clutch in, because, balancing such a heavy motorcycle with just one leg is hardly possible, as well as a bit risky. Then, turning at the corners, you need to hold the clutch in slightly, (to prevent the engine from stalling and release it once you've completed the turn and have taken a straight line). At the same time, your foot does a lot of work to balance the bike. If the clutch is at the foot, think of the difficulty. Rear brakes are not cable based most of the time. It isn't as easy to switch them. Rear brakes (foot Pedal) are usually lever based. Switching is not that easy without completely modifying the crankcase as well, because, the shifting and clutch-dog mechanism are equipped to work with the lever mechanism only. You can't just wire something and Voila! Sir Philip P: it would be like trying to accellerate a car by putting the throttle between your teeth. This made my day. Thank you!
Have you priced insurance?? Do this BEFORE buying ANY motorcycle. Once on a motorcycle, keep this in mind. The ONLY person looking out for YOUR safety is YOU!! DO NOT TRUST ANY OTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD!! It is a bit of a paranoid mindset, but it will keep you alive. Good Luck
