Go Back   Two Wheel Fix > Riding > Beginner's End

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-12-2009, 09:34 AM   #1
i2iSTUDIOS
Photog
 
i2iSTUDIOS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Cincinnati
Moto: 03 CBR600 F4i
Posts: 19
Default So I've been riding for a week now

Things are going well, I think i've gone around 75 miles remembering all of the things from the MSF class. I want to practice that slow stupid box u turns maneuver so i'll try and find time this week to do that.

I picked up a few things and shoved them in the underseat storage area, a can of fix-a-flat inflation can, some FI concentrate additive, a couple bungee cords, and a towel.
i2iSTUDIOS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 10:24 AM   #2
NeonspeedRT
At Large
 
NeonspeedRT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Jax, FL
Moto: 2005 R1
Posts: 678
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by i2iSTUDIOS View Post
Things are going well, I think i've gone around 75 miles remembering all of the things from the MSF class. I want to practice that slow stupid box u turns maneuver so i'll try and find time this week to do that.

I picked up a few things and shoved them in the underseat storage area, a can of fix-a-flat inflation can, some FI concentrate additive, a couple bungee cords, and a towel.
Don't worry about the slow stupid u turn. That is nothing but parking lot cool skills. It won't help you avoid an accident or save your life in an emergency situation.

The three things we teach in class that are usefull street survival skills are correct braking, correct cornering, and swerving. If you want to practice anything, I strongly encourage you to work on those three things.

If you want to practice the u turn, that's fine. But it's nothing more then "cool parking lot skills". Practice the things you will use often and that can save your life.

Good luck and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Chris
__________________
MSF Rider Coach
Motorcycle Training Institue Inc

"Riding a motorcycle is like playing chess. Anyone can learn the moves, but it takes a lifetime to master the game."
NeonspeedRT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 10:41 AM   #3
i2iSTUDIOS
Photog
 
i2iSTUDIOS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Cincinnati
Moto: 03 CBR600 F4i
Posts: 19
Default

Thx.

I haven't done any swerving yet, maybe I should do that. On corning, how do I know how leaned over I can be, getting on the highway onramp I tuck into the bike and lean with the bike, but I know that I can only do that so far until knee dragging in going to be required so the bike isn't leaned over too far. For normal riding will I ever be leaned over that far?
i2iSTUDIOS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 11:17 AM   #4
tached1000rr
WERA White Plate
 
tached1000rr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NC
Moto: 2009 GSXR 1300
Posts: 2,448
Default

congrats, just continue to ease into things, it would be great if you had a mature riding partner to join you for some miles.
tached1000rr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 11:57 AM   #5
marko138
DefenderOfTheBuelliverse
 
marko138's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Parts Unknown
Moto: Buell XB12R
Posts: 18,585
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tached1000rr View Post
congrats, just continue to ease into things, it would be great if you had a mature riding partner to join you for some miles.
Yep, just put the miles in. Go easy. Don't force things. Concentrate on being smooth with your inputs and controls. And the leaning and speed will follow.
__________________


Quote:
Grandma said she doesn't want you here when she gets back because you've been ruining everybody's lives and eating all our steak.
marko138 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 04:58 PM   #6
the chi
Forum Coach
 
the chi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: GA
Moto: 2006 GSXR 600
Posts: 7,419
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by i2iSTUDIOS View Post
Thx.

I haven't done any swerving yet, maybe I should do that. On corning, how do I know how leaned over I can be, getting on the highway onramp I tuck into the bike and lean with the bike, but I know that I can only do that so far until knee dragging in going to be required so the bike isn't leaned over too far. For normal riding will I ever be leaned over that far?
Swerving can be fun, even after years of riding I still like to do a little bit when Im out. Practice doing it not so much with your handlebars but with your weight shifting or lower body. Hard to describe, but when you do it, you know it. Its effortless whereas moving the wheels manually with your arms can lead to loss of control and jerkiness.

As for getting that knee down:

1) You're never as close to the ground as you think you are.
2) In typical street commuting and riding you should never be aggressive enough to really consider street riding. Its dangerous, regardless of what all the "street racers" will tell you.

After you've been riding for awhile and have all your basics mastered, then worry about it. I think most of us are guilty of having a lil fun on the streets, but until you are further along in your riding, play it safe so you make it that long.

U turns are always good practice too for turning.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cutty72 View Post
The Chi hath spoken...
and let it be known that what The Chi hath spoketh, will henceforth be done.
the chi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 05:04 PM   #7
HokieDNA01
WERA White Plate
 
HokieDNA01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Moto: 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750
Posts: 1,404
Default

I would work on swerving as well, and emergency braking. Try to keep from locking up your rear wheel (most breaking with the front). Also be very contious when swerving of "counter steering". I'm sure they went over that in the class. Make a contious progressive push on the bar that you want to turn towards. I consider counter steering and braking the two most important skills to keep you on the road....rubber side down. Good luck and yes I would also keep fresh on your tight u-turns. I didn't practice those and now 40,000 miles later I am horrible and insecure about them. Wish I had practiced.
__________________
XX>XY

2014 Honda NC700X
2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750
2000 Yamaha XT225
2004 Kawasaki EX250 (sold)
HokieDNA01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 05:14 PM   #8
azoomm
moderator chick

 
azoomm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hill Country TX
Moto: Pasta Rockets
Posts: 8,917
Default



Y'all are funny. "I'd practice this, or practice that... "



My first thought - Congratulations on riding for a week... now go ride some more and forget about SPECIFICALLY practicing anything. Meaning, the movements will only get instilled into your brain by actually doing them rather than trolling around parking lots. Get out there and actually ride.
__________________
We have enough youth. How about a fountain of "smart"?

Come Play at the Track!!

http://www.elitetrackdays.com
azoomm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 05:30 PM   #9
HokieDNA01
WERA White Plate
 
HokieDNA01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Moto: 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750
Posts: 1,404
Default

Azoomm I agree however I dont advise emergency stopping or swerving while out on the roads and both those skills do come in handy when you need them.

I rode all the time on my 250 but had a "swerve and stop incident" at an intersection and wish I had worked on not slamming the rear brake. I slid through the intersection and could have stopped the bike MUCH faster had I worked on braking technique. Packing on the miles will definitely make you a much safer better rider, but so will deticated practice on emergency maneuvers.
__________________
XX>XY

2014 Honda NC700X
2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750
2000 Yamaha XT225
2004 Kawasaki EX250 (sold)
HokieDNA01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2009, 05:49 PM   #10
the chi
Forum Coach
 
the chi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: GA
Moto: 2006 GSXR 600
Posts: 7,419
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HokieDNA01 View Post
Azoomm I agree however I dont advise emergency stopping or swerving while out on the roads and both those skills do come in handy when you need them.

I rode all the time on my 250 but had a "swerve and stop incident" at an intersection and wish I had worked on not slamming the rear brake. I slid through the intersection and could have stopped the bike MUCH faster had I worked on braking technique. Packing on the miles will definitely make you a much safer better rider, but so will deticated practice on emergency maneuvers.
What she said. There is no better practice than to just do it, however some skills, as Neon stated, are much more practical for actual riding and come in handy so a lil extra practice can never hurt!
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cutty72 View Post
The Chi hath spoken...
and let it be known that what The Chi hath spoketh, will henceforth be done.
the chi is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:09 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.