Advice for a new rider at age 54
#21
Start slow. My first ride was down my street about 10 times. Then I ventured out to a nearby gas station and back. Then a nearby university with an empty parking lot to try to do some of the things I learned in the MSF course on my own bike which was different than the one provided by them. I spent a good 30 minutes just doing 8s, uturns, stopping and going and getting used to the clutch. No pressure, no one around. Then for the next 2 months I kept it street only and then went on the highway for the first time. It was a bit scary but nothing to be alarmed about. Take it nice and easy, it is a blast!
The following 2 users liked this post by J3TVETTE:
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TheMufflinMan (07-09-2018)
#22
One more suggestion (may have been mentioned)...... Gravel and front brakes do not play well together. Avoid gravel in general or be very aware when you around it. Over 30 years of two wheel experience here and yet just last month I dropped her as I was about to put my feet down pulling over to a shade tree on county road. Barely tapped my front brake, wheel slightly turned and down she went. Really goes back to letting my guard down for that split second.
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dwebstert (07-09-2018)
#23
Join Date: Oct 2010
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dwebstert (07-09-2018)
#24
Practice emergency Counter steer so it is a reflex.
Practice emergency stops.
Never ever presume they will do the right thing be disappointed when they do.
Example -Never ever trust a turn signal!
You at the intersection, car coming from left, with Left blinker on,
You presume he is turning into the intersection.
You pull out and get promptly run over as he had the gas station in mind just after the intersection.
You have to develop a 6th sense to live.
Practice emergency stops.
Never ever presume they will do the right thing be disappointed when they do.
Example -Never ever trust a turn signal!
You at the intersection, car coming from left, with Left blinker on,
You presume he is turning into the intersection.
You pull out and get promptly run over as he had the gas station in mind just after the intersection.
You have to develop a 6th sense to live.
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dwebstert (07-09-2018)
#25
Join Date: Aug 2014
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#27
Dress for the slide, not for the ride
For the first year or two, wear All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT). Some on here will swear you will spontaneously combust if you forget a glove, others will say it takes away from the experience. For now, you don't know enough to make that call. Don't cheap out either - get the good stuff.
Ride your ride
Never play keep up with buddies or anyone else. If you're nervous coming up on a turn, then SLOW DOWN, but DON'T PANIC! No matter what you buy, it can probably take more than you think.
Practice
Get into a big open parking lot. With all your gear on, get to know your bike and it's limitations. Turn both directions hard enough to start dragging pegs; you don't want that startling you in a turn, and the only way to get used to it is to drag pegs in a controlled environment.
Head on a Swivel
Ride like you're invisible, like they're all out kill you, etc. Learn to use all of your vision (don't get tunnel vision). Dangers are everywhere.
No Drinking and Driving!
This should be a no-brainer, but I've seen more than a couple newbs decide a motorcycle is the best vehicle for bar hopping. It never is, but even worse when you're a newb.
Have fun!
If you find you're not able to enjoy it a little, maybe it's not for you.
For the first year or two, wear All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT). Some on here will swear you will spontaneously combust if you forget a glove, others will say it takes away from the experience. For now, you don't know enough to make that call. Don't cheap out either - get the good stuff.
Ride your ride
Never play keep up with buddies or anyone else. If you're nervous coming up on a turn, then SLOW DOWN, but DON'T PANIC! No matter what you buy, it can probably take more than you think.
Practice
Get into a big open parking lot. With all your gear on, get to know your bike and it's limitations. Turn both directions hard enough to start dragging pegs; you don't want that startling you in a turn, and the only way to get used to it is to drag pegs in a controlled environment.
Head on a Swivel
Ride like you're invisible, like they're all out kill you, etc. Learn to use all of your vision (don't get tunnel vision). Dangers are everywhere.
No Drinking and Driving!
This should be a no-brainer, but I've seen more than a couple newbs decide a motorcycle is the best vehicle for bar hopping. It never is, but even worse when you're a newb.
Have fun!
If you find you're not able to enjoy it a little, maybe it's not for you.
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dwebstert (07-09-2018)
#28
I still think the best way to learn to ride is on a light weight dirt bike, off road. It's like going from a bicycle to powered, and learning all the new controls, balance, when to put feet down, and falling, all without the car and pavement danger. Then you'll know when you have the right size cruiser or street bike for your size and skills.
I rarely get into tight spots but when I do, controlling it is second nature, and I use the gas much more often than the brakes. That said I still don't consider myself an expert; gave up trying to do a proper wheelie.
Another point though never brought up, is don't ride if you're sick, drunk, sleepy, or otherwise not at the top of your game.
I rarely get into tight spots but when I do, controlling it is second nature, and I use the gas much more often than the brakes. That said I still don't consider myself an expert; gave up trying to do a proper wheelie.
Another point though never brought up, is don't ride if you're sick, drunk, sleepy, or otherwise not at the top of your game.
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#29
The following 2 users liked this post by Hey Man:
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#30