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So I rode a motorcycle for the first time..
- Thread starter ayeying
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I started taking the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) class. Today was day 2, the first day in riding. I kinda screwed up many times, especially the turning.. oh man, I was so scared on the turning because I have to lean to turn, I feel like I'm going to fall off. Not to mention I have never rode a bicycle since I was 8.. and that was like 11 years ago.
We played around with the 250cc Kawasaki bikes, looked like dual purpose bikes. I'm still so jerky on the throttle and the clutch. I can easily release the clutch and launch the bike without any problems. Shifting's good too. Afterwards, I can turn much easier by turning my damned head..
For some reason, I easily swerved and cornered also braking. But the instructors kept yelling at me because I didn't downshift during the braking, I dunno why, I just kept forgetting that part. I brake and pull in the clutch but I don't downshift.
Anyways, I'm still kinda shaking and jerky to get back on a bike. Just a little rant to get my mind cleared up
For those things we don't know how to do, we learn by doing them.
Keep on going, keep your wits about you but don't psych yourself out of the game. You'll learn.
Since you sounds quite new at it, when you have a chance you may want to check out the concept of counter steering. We all do it whenever we ride motorcycles but many riders never think about it because it becomes second nature.
Best regards.
I don't have a deathwish, so ya'all can relax on that. I don't plan on racing on a bike either, at least for a year or so since I'm pretty much starting out new. Even though I can ride a bike on the street and not fall or whatnot, I don't consider myself pro or even experienced.
Ninja 250 is probably the only bike that i'd consider beyond the CBR600RR and R6 just because it doesn't look that ugly and kinda matches what I'm looking for.. so I'm seriously considering it
I'm not that kind of guy who rides a harley or cruiser/dual purpose type bikes.
I understand the concept, I've read about it, but to be honest, thinking about it and having it process in my head seems counter productive for me. I missed several swerves during the class at 20 mph because I was thinking "I push left, the wheel turns right" and completely rode through to the other side of the cones before I realized, wait, I didn't do any swerving.
Maybe I'm a tad whierd - but I don't think the Blast is that bad looking. (I mainly dig the clever engineering, and simplicity of the bike - makes for a good commuter) I still might grab myself one, should I get the chance. (currently out of $)
To be honest - I think a 250 will be a tad too small (unless you're a very light / small framed person) - and they tend to feel "wound-out" on the highway compared to a 400+. In terms of fuel economy - you won't be taking nearly a big of a hit as most people believe. A 250cc running 3/4-full throttle to achieve 65-75 can even consume more than a 500cc running 1/2 throttle at the same speeds.
To be honest - I think a 250 will be a tad too small (unless you're a very light / small framed person) - and they tend to feel "wound-out" on the highway compared to a 400+. In terms of fuel economy - you won't be taking nearly a big of a hit as most people believe. A 250cc running 3/4-full throttle to achieve 65-75 can even consume more than a 500cc running 1/2 throttle at the same speeds.
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The head knowledge may keep you from going the wrong way someday. I know this may seem to be a bit much to keep in mind when you are learning but there are documented cases of new riders riding towards a crash rather than away from it.
Obviously you are already doing it but a big concern over new riders is the lack of how it works. Go riding in a vacant parking lot and experiment with it. When you go slow it's turn left, go left but as you pick up speed it turns into turn left, go right. It WILL become second nature to you.
I had a street accident when traffic was routed to an area undergoing construction. A piece of debris flew up from somewhere and lodged between my fairing and a upper fork tube. I then accelerated through a left turn but when I picked up more speed I could not straighten the bars. At that point the bike quickly flipped over to the right, it trying to complete a super tight right turn.
okay so I bought the Honda CBR600RR. And before anyone says "OMG YOURE GONNA KILL YOURSELF", please don't. I understand my choice and I'm frankly happy with my decision.
I've been doing a lot of clutch/throttle in our backyard (not too big but i can ride wthout having the foot down) and I even brought it out front and rode on our street. Since the street is completely empty most of the times, it seems like a great place to go up and down just to practice.
I seriously do not understand anyone who can screw up on this bike. Its so nimble at low speeds and yet its fast on acceleration. (I only took it upto 6k since its still breaking in).
I feel like riders (new or old) should have a good mindset and be mature enough and they can start on any type of bike they'd want.
Anyways, back to riding more laps on the street.
P.S. I got pulled over too. lol
I've been doing a lot of clutch/throttle in our backyard (not too big but i can ride wthout having the foot down) and I even brought it out front and rode on our street. Since the street is completely empty most of the times, it seems like a great place to go up and down just to practice.
I seriously do not understand anyone who can screw up on this bike. Its so nimble at low speeds and yet its fast on acceleration. (I only took it upto 6k since its still breaking in).
I feel like riders (new or old) should have a good mindset and be mature enough and they can start on any type of bike they'd want.
Anyways, back to riding more laps on the street.
P.S. I got pulled over too. lol
You got pulled over already? I have been riding on the road for 3 years or so now and never been pulled over
I'm not going to lecture you on getting a cbr600rr but I really don't think it's a great choice for a learner no matter how much control you think you have. It's that you are un-experienced not that you don't have the self control that makes the power and acceleration dangerous.
Down here in Australia you can't even consider something with that kind of power until you have had your bike license for however long you are on your learners + 12 months. It's up to 660CC with a power to weight of 150kw per tonne which the cbr600rr has way more. Anyway I said I wouldn't lecture you so I'll stop that now.
I hope you take it careful and don't make any serious mistakes before you build your experience up. Be especially careful of other idiots. A guy died the other day near my house because a truck was doing a 3 point turn around a blind corner on a hill.
Good riding, If I'm ever up in the states I'll go for a cruise with you
I'd have to say that MOST crashes aren't from screwing up with the clutch, or shifting/cornering, ect.... Most crashes come from poor decisions, or getting into bad situations.
I think that is the major problem with most riders - they think because they can handle the bike - then they're fine. Problem is - it's knowing what kinds of obstacles, roadways, debris, and driving habits of OTHER drivers - that is actually the most important. And that takes a lot longer to build up.
Safe riding.
I think that is the major problem with most riders - they think because they can handle the bike - then they're fine. Problem is - it's knowing what kinds of obstacles, roadways, debris, and driving habits of OTHER drivers - that is actually the most important. And that takes a lot longer to build up.
Safe riding.
the thing with getting a 250cc bike, after a few months you will want something more, alot of people say that it's bad to start off on a 600cc bike if you've never had a bike before. But I started on a 600cc, now I have a 07 cbr 600rr. Just know your limits and don't push yourself.
here's my bike
here's my bike
There is a lot more to motorcycling then basic operation methods.
There are skills to learn that you are, at this stage, unaware of.
For instance, you are in a corner, the wheel starts a power slide, you are drifting towards the centre line on the road, if you brake the bike will stand up and run across centre line, if you release the throttle the rear wheel grips again and you high side (catapulted off bike), What do you do?
My only motive here is to help you stay riding for the next 30/40 or more years. A bike like you have can make you lose interest very quickly.
I recommend this to get your skill level closer to what you are riding
There are skills to learn that you are, at this stage, unaware of.
For instance, you are in a corner, the wheel starts a power slide, you are drifting towards the centre line on the road, if you brake the bike will stand up and run across centre line, if you release the throttle the rear wheel grips again and you high side (catapulted off bike), What do you do?
My only motive here is to help you stay riding for the next 30/40 or more years. A bike like you have can make you lose interest very quickly.
I recommend this to get your skill level closer to what you are riding
I understand risks, and honestly, I've had many incidents where it could've ended very badly (in everything... car, even walking) I understand my limits, which is one of the main reasons I haven't rode the bike anywhere else but my street. I still have many things to learn, but if I don't learn them, i'm gonna be crap regardless what bike im on.
And ya, the pulled over part. Apparently, the neighbors said I was riding recklessly, which I wasn't. I was not even close to hitting a car, a curb, or the invisible ppl on the street. The cop was cool, he had no problems with me riding up and down the street, infact, he said he did the same when he started riding and now he currently owns a R1. He even chuckled on how stupid some of my neighbors are if they have to call the cops for someone not even riding recklessly (he watched me when he pulled on my street, I didn't notice him until I made a U-Turn to go the other way)
And ya, the pulled over part. Apparently, the neighbors said I was riding recklessly, which I wasn't. I was not even close to hitting a car, a curb, or the invisible ppl on the street. The cop was cool, he had no problems with me riding up and down the street, infact, he said he did the same when he started riding and now he currently owns a R1. He even chuckled on how stupid some of my neighbors are if they have to call the cops for someone not even riding recklessly (he watched me when he pulled on my street, I didn't notice him until I made a U-Turn to go the other way)
ayeying, nice choice, but I agree with 748s about the experience thing. If there's anywhere in your area that organises track days they are a great way to learn new techniques and sharpen your responses without the worry of other drivers being nearby. They're also a lot of fun. Well worth a look.
Gorgeous bike. Personally I'd save something like that for a second bike, as it's likely you'll drop it, but that's me, not you, and I couldn't really afford to drop my first bike, having spent all my money buying the thing.
I dropped mine putting it on the sidestand, slight slope and it was in neutral, live and learn. Get some crash bobbins, they can save your bike from stupid mistakes, to someone reversing into it and tipping it, to a full on crash.
Congrats! Be careful out there, us folks on two wheels are often invisible to the idiots who drive while talking on the cell phones, texting, putting on makeup, etc. Try to be aware of the vehicles around you. Also, for some strange reason many bikers tend to have minor spills at a very slow speed or even a stop. I've even seen folks pull to a stop and forget to put the kickstand down! Try to keep your head engaged at all times.
Here are a couple of pics, the purple bike is my old 2001 Fatboy, sold it and bought the red Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic Electraglide a couple years ago.
Here are a couple of pics, the purple bike is my old 2001 Fatboy, sold it and bought the red Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic Electraglide a couple years ago.
I had never ridden a cycle before, but wanted to get one. My buddy finally found a Ninja 250 for me in great shape at a good price. So he rode it home for me. I just played how everything worked in my head for a few days, then I would just take it out at night in my quiet neighborhood when no cars were around.
At first, I thought the 250 was all the power in the world. 30 mph was fast. Before long, you have everything down pat and feel very comfortable. Soon, you have the bike pegged topping out near 100, and you'll be wanting that 600. As long as you are careful, don't do anything crazy and be proactive on the road anticipating somebody else doing something stupid, you should be fine.
I sold the bike 5 years later for $200 less than I had paid for it.
At first, I thought the 250 was all the power in the world. 30 mph was fast. Before long, you have everything down pat and feel very comfortable. Soon, you have the bike pegged topping out near 100, and you'll be wanting that 600. As long as you are careful, don't do anything crazy and be proactive on the road anticipating somebody else doing something stupid, you should be fine.
I sold the bike 5 years later for $200 less than I had paid for it.
I really wish I could find a deal like that! No such luck I'm afraid. My son just took a motorcycle course in Savannah and is looking for a bike. His girlfriend has a Buell Blast as her first bike and loves it; her whole family is really into motorcycles. If he could find a Bast for $1900 it would be a no-brainer! Most that I have seen are several years (3-7) old and they still want $2800 or more.
I only agree with this in part (the supersport part
) the thing is, it's perfectly possible to get hurt riding a small bike ... most accidents are caused by cars, not the power on the bike.Now, if you decide to get a 250cc you won't get much of a bike. smaller brakes, a lighter machine, less fairing, not so great when you need to go on a longer trip... if you go for a 600cc it will be a completely different kind of machine, with better components all around. the price? probably won't be double what you would spend on a 250cc.
So my advice would be: pick a 500/600cc and enjoy responsibly
that includes picking the right "big" bike. There are options out these. Honda Transalp, Yamaha XT 600, Kawasaki ER600, Suzuki Bandit, Yamaha Fazer, megascooters from various brands, etc... Just don't do anything stupid or drunk and find time to learn just what these bikes can do. Whatever power they have in bhp, it's always quite a lot for pulling about 300Kg ...
You are doing the right thing by taking the MSF course first. That's a must. I agree with Phas3, starting off on a 600cc bike is doable. My first bike was a 2006 CBR 600RR. It was a great bike until someone ran a red line and t-boned me. I was wearing all my gear and luckly only blacked out for a few minutes, but other than that and a couple of scratches, I was fine. I too now have a 2007 CBR 600RR and I've had it for over a year now......though, it still scares the crap out of me sometimes with how quick it can be on the street.
Best of luck man.
Here's my 07 600RR: I had to replace, paint, and powder coat some bits to get it to where I wanted.........
Best of luck man.
Here's my 07 600RR: I had to replace, paint, and powder coat some bits to get it to where I wanted.........