HELP: Accidental throttle
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
I know I'll get pooh poohed for this but here goes. Can you borrow somebody's old dirt bike to practice the basics on. Like clutch, brake, clutch friction point, braking and what you have already discovered turning without grabbing the throttle. If you can do this in a field that would be even better.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Waynesboro, Va
I agree on the rider training course, it sounds to me that you need to get some bars that fit you better and place them closer to you for a better fit. You need to feel comfortable when riding and not having to "reach" too far is one way to get there.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Well, I knew sooner or later there had to be a least 1.....
thanks guys, all good info that i will certainly heed...
You too Klap, thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to respond as it is certainly good advice also.
thanks guys, all good info that i will certainly heed...
You too Klap, thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to respond as it is certainly good advice also.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
You almost had to be rolling your hand back to accentuate the brake. Could be the fit, could just be lack of knowledge or more appropriately "muscle memory" which does come with practice.
Your hand should be flat on the grip and your fingers pulling back on the lever. Hand should not be moving at all.
Your hand should be flat on the grip and your fingers pulling back on the lever. Hand should not be moving at all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Don't worry so much about covering the front brake, you don't want to use it in slow speed turns anyway.
When you do use the front brake you don't need to wrap your whole hand around it, just your finger tips (actually the tips of two or three fingers is enough). Try just resting them on the top of the lever.
If you're like most of the new riders I've ridden with you can loosen your grip on the throttle as well.
Relax and have fun, don't ride above your skill level.
When you do use the front brake you don't need to wrap your whole hand around it, just your finger tips (actually the tips of two or three fingers is enough). Try just resting them on the top of the lever.
If you're like most of the new riders I've ridden with you can loosen your grip on the throttle as well.
Relax and have fun, don't ride above your skill level.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Sounds like you need more pullback than new risers are going to give you. Take your time, do the research and pick out the right bars for you.
But the first thing you need to work on is clutch/throttle control. Just like when you first learned to drive a stick shift car that is only going to come from practice and more practice. In a safe environment which imo is a long straight and lonely stretch of road. Not a parking lot.
I just taught my son how to drive a stick and what I kept drilling in his head is that when the clutch is pushed in the car steers and brakes just like the automatic he was used to. If the clutch is in it doesn't matter if you have a brain fart and twist the throttle wide open when you actually want to stop.
But the first thing you need to work on is clutch/throttle control. Just like when you first learned to drive a stick shift car that is only going to come from practice and more practice. In a safe environment which imo is a long straight and lonely stretch of road. Not a parking lot.
I just taught my son how to drive a stick and what I kept drilling in his head is that when the clutch is pushed in the car steers and brakes just like the automatic he was used to. If the clutch is in it doesn't matter if you have a brain fart and twist the throttle wide open when you actually want to stop.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
before your class, get the ride like a pro dvds and watch them, that will help you to not feel like a total noob when you get to class. also, might help to keep you from learning 'bad habits' early on that your class will be making you unlearn.
you might think about a seat that moves you up forward some as well as handlebars with more pull back.
also, adjust your switch housings so that when you have your fingers extended over the brake and clutch levers, everything is in a straight line.
the way bikes come from the factory, or even previous owners, is not necessarily the way that will fit the new owner. adjustments have to be made.
you might think about a seat that moves you up forward some as well as handlebars with more pull back.
also, adjust your switch housings so that when you have your fingers extended over the brake and clutch levers, everything is in a straight line.
the way bikes come from the factory, or even previous owners, is not necessarily the way that will fit the new owner. adjustments have to be made.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
You almost had to be rolling your hand back to accentuate the brake. Could be the fit, could just be lack of knowledge or more appropriately "muscle memory" which does come with practice.
Your hand should be flat on the grip and your fingers pulling back on the lever. Hand should not be moving at all.
Your hand should be flat on the grip and your fingers pulling back on the lever. Hand should not be moving at all.
thanks again.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Don't worry so much about covering the front brake, you don't want to use it in slow speed turns anyway.
When you do use the front brake you don't need to wrap your whole hand around it, just your finger tips (actually the tips of two or three fingers is enough). Try just resting them on the top of the lever.
If you're like most of the new riders I've ridden with you can loosen your grip on the throttle as well.
Relax and have fun, don't ride above your skill level.
When you do use the front brake you don't need to wrap your whole hand around it, just your finger tips (actually the tips of two or three fingers is enough). Try just resting them on the top of the lever.
If you're like most of the new riders I've ridden with you can loosen your grip on the throttle as well.
Relax and have fun, don't ride above your skill level.