Photo TR: Riding a Motorcycle for the very first time

[spaceace12]

Background.

 

About 2 years ago I had decided I wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Work and other things put that on a back burner. With gas prices hitting (I think) four dollars a gallon, I decided it was time to bring it to the for front.

 

In July, I called the local college that offers a class for people to learn how to ride a bike and it was full for the year (ran through last weekend). I was put on a waiting list. In August, they called me and said they had a couple openings and I immediately signed up. Fifty dollars for class, 40 for boots, and 20 for gloves and I was ready.

 

The basic class teaches you like you have never ridden before. Good thing since I had never ridden before or even drove a car with a manual transmission. First day is spent all day in the classroom learning things like pedal, lever, and buttons for each function.

 

Second day starts out at the driving range, for cars not golf, with you getting assigned a bike. My location has two bikes. A Kawasiki Eliminator, a 125cc cruiser. Or a Suzuki GS-250, a 250cc cruiser. I got there last and so I got the Eliminator. Perhaps a omen of the class?

 

They start out with you learning about how to start bikes, the friction zone, turning, and all aspects fo riding. Turning sounds simple, and it is, but it is rather confusing. Instead of turning the handle bars, you press in the direction you want to turn to make the bike lean. In tight slow turns, you actually turn the bike and shift your weight to make the bike turn sharper. They run you through many excercises like weaves, swurves, turns, shifting, and a few more things.

 

Me personally, I killed the bike so many times by letting the clutch out too fast. By the second day, I only did a few times. Some of the other things they teach you is stopping in a curve (not as simple as it sounds), quick stopping, and the box (more on this later).

 

Long story short....I missed one on the written test and passed the riding test. I still have to get my permit to ride, but after 30 days I can get my M license and not have to take the riding test (good thing since I don't actually have a bike yet).

 

Here is a link to the Motorcycle Safety Foundations website to find a class in your area. In Indiana, you can take this class at age 15. There was a 60 year old in my class who had never ridden before he bought his current bike this year.

 

http://www.msf-usa.org/

 

Enough talk, lets post some pictures.

One more time because I look bad to the bone....not.

 

Anyway, can't wait to actually own a bike. I wish I could afford one right now, even though winter is only a couple months away.

The box and a sharp turn. Sorry for the bad quality....had to use M$ live local for a overhead map.

 

Anyway, start out on bottom on black line. Do "the box" (black line that looks like a figure 8). Box is only about 8 feet by 20 feet long. Then do shapr turn on red line and repeat.

The hogs...I mean piglets....are being put away, that means the riding test is done....did I pass, guess you should have read the text part above if you haven't already.

I should have stopped faster, but I did pass this part of the test on the actual testing.

Stupid box

quick stopping.

 

Accerate up into 2nd gear and once you hit the que cones.

 

1. pull in clutch and downshift to first

2. while doing that press down on rear brake and pull on the front brakes without locking them up.

Swerving.

 

Going fast and making a quick lane change to avoid a obstacle.

Still working on the box.

 

I did pass the box, but I did cross the boundry once.

Me working on "the box"

The class

The instructors setting up some obstacles.

my piglet

the driving range

The hogs, or piglets since they weren't very big.

[thomas2]

Awesome.

 

Haha you look funny in that last pic

[spaceace12]

I look funny in all the pictures of me. I had a full faced helmet on the first day but it got hot after a while. So I switched to a 1/2 helmet and safety glasses, but the sun was bad the second day so I was wearing my sun glasses.

[thomas2]

Yeah that's true.

 

Do you already know what bike you plan to buy? Or what type?

[spaceace12]

Somewhere around 250-650cc engine, cruiser or dual sport. No crotch rocket for me.

 

Anywhere around the 400 and below means I have to get a new bike once I am ready to hit the highway.

 

5-650cc, means faster and a bit heavier (not by much), but once I am ready to hit the highway, I got a bike that will carry my big butt to highway speeds.

[thomas2]

Somewhere around 250-650cc engine, cruiser or dual sport. No crotch rocket for me.

 

Nice.

 

I wish I could get my license right now but we don't have a motorcyle in our family and I still study so finance-wise it would not work out lol.

[mrceagle]

Cool report. just think of the park trips you can afford with the savings on gas.

[raptorcrew2002]

Somewhere around 250-650cc engine, cruiser or dual sport. No crotch rocket for me.

 

Anywhere around the 400 and below means I have to get a new bike once I am ready to hit the highway.

 

5-650cc, means faster and a bit heavier (not by much), but once I am ready to hit the highway, I got a bike that will carry my big butt to highway speeds.

 

Ok. What I am hearing is what inexperienced riders tell their friends, etc. Even some instructors unfortunately say 500 -650’s.

 

If someone has under 10 years riding experience do NOT listen to them.

 

Example for you. During your course I am sure somewhere you rolled the throttle a little more then expected right? Imagine, place yourself going down the road your riding you go over a small dip and slightly roll the throttle. 500+ cc’s you will hopefully only end up in a ditch or on the ground. Response and inexperience is what kills new riders.

 

Not to mention your clutch issues. Bigger cc’s bad clutch control = ground or death in traffic. Remember your class gives you the skills to ride in your driveway not city traffic.

 

 

I will plead for you to not think about what you might have to do in the future rather tell you how to enjoy this in the future. Hence future.

 

Great if not the BEST learning bike, and truly just a blast to ride.

 

250R Ninja. Honest! I’m even getting a 09 once my color comes in. 249cc top speed 109mph. It’s a very forgiving bike, and actually about the best for new riders. The 08-09’s are beautiful and fun to ride. 0-60 5.4 seconds. 1/4 mile 14.8.

 

The Ninja is more then fast enough, will hold it’s value for upgrading down the road (unlike the larger bikes) and increase your chances for becoming a good, safe rider. The 250R is not a sport bike, in looks yes, but really it is more of a dual sport in rider position. I would strongly suggest sitting on one.

 

If your looking for more of a cruiser.

 

Johnny Pag Spyder 300 (Son of the legendary Pag custom builder)

*Chopper, harder to ride with longer folks. 4,295 (Looks like a 15-19,000 chopper)

 

Rhino Motorcycles: about same price.

V twin, 250 cc. Sexy bike.

 

Both the Rhino and Pag will run highway speeds all day long.

 

500 cc Vulcan. Using the Ninja 500 engine but in a cruiser frame. This is the max engine you even want to EVER come close to thinking about.

 

Dual sports 500+ are to fast for a new rider. Not saying your dumb, etc. But while learning you WILL make mistakes and I would like to see another rider enjoying this down the road.

 

Heck I still even make mistakes and grew up racing four wheelers and playing on dirt bikes around the age of 12.

 

 

Now safety.

Newenough.com located in Tx. Great prices, people. 300-400 vs. road rash or death, small price for a full face helmet mesh jacket gloves, boots. *Use full face, 1, just 1 pebble, bug, or tossed out cigarette and you will know why.

 

 

No excuses. 2 hot, mesh jacket. I live in FL and wear mine and it's great! My jacket = http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/alpinestars/acr_air_flo_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

 

 

Sorry for the father lecture, seen a couple people kill themselves by thinking about the future and not today. Be safe either way!

 

Another good site for your research is: http://www.beginnerbikers.org/

Johnny Pag Spyder 300

My bike soon. 09 250R

Rhino

[thomas2]

Funny how I plan to buy a 250R as first bike in the future. It looks like the ideal start bike to get experience on before getting on a heavier bike. At first I thought about the CBR125R but that's a bit too small and I imagine you would get tired of it fast.

 

But anyway study first

[spaceace12]

I plan on getting a full faced helmet, in fact, might be getting a HJC c14 this weekend (friend is selling it for 50 since he got a new one). Or I might get a modular helmet so I can have the face up during riding in the city during hot weather.

[raptorcrew2002]

Funny how I plan to buy a 250R as first bike in the future. It looks like the ideal start bike to get experience on before getting on a heavier bike. At first I thought about the CBR125R but that's a bit too small and I imagine you would get tired of it fast.

 

But anyway study first

 

I’m actually downgrading funny enough.

 

Last bike I had was a 500 Ninja about 3 years ago, been getting the itch to get back on one.

 

A friend of mine had bought an 08 250R after me giving him a hard time (he usually was more of a high end sport rider been riding for a while that’s why I gave him a hard time) I jumped on and took it for a ride, when I came back he just looked at me with a smile, I bowed my head and said you were right oh great one.

 

Ninja 250’s were always known for being the best beginner bikes, I even had ridden one years back thought it was ok but ride wasn’t exciting and I sure did not get off it with a grin like the new version.

 

I think I would avoid the 125 also though, unless you were using it more like a scooter, even geared right that’s just not enough to get out and around a situation. Key for the new rider, enough to avoid, not enough to get hurt to easily.

 

*Wrebbit:

Check out http://www.alternativecruisers.com/index.php

Great resource for import bikes and reviews. Cheap first timers. Smaller engine 250-300’s etc.

 

I actually took a MSF couse in July since I hadn’t ridden in so long, it was fun. They kept calling me Mario although.. hmmm. It was fun and good, also got to help some struggling people which was great. Some how with bad habits and all I still scored 100% on both parts which was cool.

 

The box is a confidence/control task nothing more.

Advance rider sport bike box is half that size

 

Also sorry forgot to say congratulations before to spaceace12!

 

 

Now here’s a test, what is he doing wrong in this picture? This is actually important. (I bet spaceace12 knows))

What is wrong in this picture?

[raptorcrew2002]

I plan on getting a full faced helmet, in fact, might be getting a HJC c14 this weekend (friend is selling it for 50 since he got a new one). Or I might get a modular helmet so I can have the face up during riding in the city during hot weather.

 

If that doesn't work out.

Also check out HJC-CL's

http://www.newenough.com/helmets_eyewear/closed_face/hjc/cl_15_crypt_motorcycle_helmet.html

 

103.00 visor lock with vent, full air vents, blue tooth, earphone pocketed, etc, add on for form fitting, etc. snell, dot rated.

 

Thats actually the helmet I have, the Crypt one, great in heat!! Easy visor switch.

 

Congrats again..

Doesn't matter what you ride, just that you ride!

 

**I forgot to also warn. Used helmets. The pads inside adjust to the form of a riders face. Using a friends, or buying used is not good. Helmets should be snug. Just an fyi. New Helmet VERY suggested for best head protection.

Same reason you do not let someone else wear your helmet, etc.

[spaceace12]

In that picture, it looks like I was leaning forward. That was practice and my first attempt at the small box. I got more comfortable with riding after that picture was taken.

 

As for the helmet, yeah, if it isn't sold, I am trying it on first, then if it fits, buying it.

[miniviews]

^^^ I believe you are looking at the ground and not turning your head.

 

Another suggestion is the "Ride Like a Pro" videos.

 

Mike "250CC rider going on 3 years"

[spaceace12]

Well, that was my second time trying the box, I mean really really trying. I actually did most things right on the box during the test. I did pass over the line once, but it was way better than I would have expected on Friday when I had never ridden a bike in my lifetime.

[thomas2]

I have no idea what he did wrong lol. I don't have any experience yet because I don't want to get my license when I haven't got the money to actually buy/maintain a motorcycle.

 

And thanks for the link but I'm already a member of a dutch motorcycle site. It's easier since English isn't my main language

[ebl]

 

I'd have sworn that was some sort of crop circle.

 

In my lifetime, I've ridden a motorcycle twice---and both rides ended in a crash. Thankfully, the only damage was to my ego (and a little to the bikes).

 

Nowadays, I keep to four wheels. But I'm glad to see that you gave it a go and are enjoying it.

 

Eric

[raptorcrew2002]

Well, that was my second time trying the box, I mean really really trying. I actually did most things right on the box during the test. I did pass over the line once, but it was way better than I would have expected on Friday when I had never ridden a bike in my lifetime.

 

Spaceace12, dude you did great.

 

But its actually kind of good you have these photos to look at and see the if’s and what’s.

 

Problem in the picture are. Tire alignment in relation to head position, and body language. Especially in the box type maneuver. Keep your head up, and also “cannot stress the important of all good habits to keep” look to your exit. Bike will go where your head is pointed. (Nothing wrong with leaning forward, at times you will need to) Head position is vital!

 

Hard corners, box..

For that movement, it’s easy once you build confidence which is no fault to someone learning at all. I saw 2 people go down when I took my class, you did great. Just have to believe in that unnatural feeling come in straight brake, shift your weight and turn your head to the exit of your radius, (bike doesn’t feel like its turning enough turn your head more into the corner and you will be surprised (in a very good way) then reshift turn head for the counter 180 and throttle out at exit. If you feel wobbly balance it out and keep your head looking, when you straighten your head the bike will become unbalanced in that corner.

 

Body language. The picture tells me you were making the bike turn, not turning with the bike. I think you will know what I mean by that. That’s another habit you do not want and would be hard to break. Look right, the bike goes right! Never stare at anything while riding you will end up in it! Bad way to pick up that hot chick on the side walk…

 

On thing you will find in riding (people like me) will always have too much to say but it really is for looking after other riders, kind of a cool partnership riders build with each other or even family like. Even usually the grumpy Harley riders will come around and have a beer with us sport, or foreign cruiser riders.

 

 

 

 

This is a great video I found on you tube. Honest I think it’s brilliant for a newer rider to watch and study. The driver uses a helmet cam, but notice “what” he does in his 9 min ride to work.

 

Look once (dead)

- or

Look twice (alive)

 

I made that up years ago for someone I once taught to ride and an easy reminder. Nothing wrong with triple checks either.

 

 

His head is always panning to his corners exit, you can see his checks at cross roads, etc. Really a great video for you tube and what your ride on a bike in traffic will look like.

 

 

Ok doom and gloom over Get us some picture of your bike when you get it, and good job again!

[spaceace12]

Heres an update.......rode my first bike on a public road today.

 

 

2006 HD Sportster 1200c. only had one instance of someone not paying attention and pulling out in front of me, I locked the rear up, but let on the rear brake and let it get back in line. I loved it, it rode so nice.

[spaceace12]

It had to happen, didn't it. After coming to the end of the road, the road I was turning onto a road that was in the middle of the curve. I didn't look at the turn and was looking at the the side of the road becuase it had a little hole and what did I do, went right into that hole. Laid the bike down on the left side. Luckily, the only damage to me was a skinned knee. To the bike was a bent shift lever and bent brake lever. The brake lever makes me wonder how it happened as it is on the opposite side I laid it down on. I hope this is my only time laying down a bike, especially since I didn't even own this one. After I did this, I rode it for about 40 more minutes and waited for my friend to show up at the dragstrip. Then after having the local HD dealership check it out for any additional damage (to which there was none), I was heading home and ended up riding up some country roads to a small town with a co workers riding group (Christian Motorcycle Association). I will ride with them again, it was nice to ride with a group of riders (about 10 bikes).

Shift lever, doesn't look bad, but I was wearing steel toe boots and before, it was a tight squeeze to get my boot between the the foot peg and the shift lever. After, it worked really good with my boots. If I owned the bike, I wouldn't even fix this as it works great for me now.

Bent brake lever.