New bike, dropped 3x so far!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 844
Likes: 2
From: Tampa, FL
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
ORIGINAL: 1941ratrod
The nextthing you know they will let over the road drivers take there test in a Toyota pickup w/ a lawn mower trailer on the hitch, none of us want that. Learn to handle the bike you intend to ride then take the test it will probably save your life or someone elses. I dont mean to sound like an *** but the truth sometimes stings but roadrash is worse.
The nextthing you know they will let over the road drivers take there test in a Toyota pickup w/ a lawn mower trailer on the hitch, none of us want that. Learn to handle the bike you intend to ride then take the test it will probably save your life or someone elses. I dont mean to sound like an *** but the truth sometimes stings but roadrash is worse.
v/r
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
ORIGINAL: 1941ratrod
The nextthing you know they will let over the road drivers take there test in a Toyota pickup w/ a lawn mower trailer on the hitch, none of us want that. Learn to handle the bike you intend to ride then take the test it will probably save your life or someone elses. I dont mean to sound like an *** but the truth sometimes stings but roadrash is worse.
The nextthing you know they will let over the road drivers take there test in a Toyota pickup w/ a lawn mower trailer on the hitch, none of us want that. Learn to handle the bike you intend to ride then take the test it will probably save your life or someone elses. I dont mean to sound like an *** but the truth sometimes stings but roadrash is worse.
or at least someone who thought they were buying some chrome parts on eBay and got what he deserved, some original take-offs...
[sm=laughat.gif][sm=laughat.gif][sm=laughat.gif][sm=laughat.gif][sm=laughat.gif][sm=laughat.gif][sm=laughat.gif]
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 844
Likes: 2
From: Tampa, FL
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
ORIGINAL: eddybo69
Have you watched the ride like a pro videos? I bought the ride like a pro for ladies for my wife. Even if it was geared for ladies I still learned a lot.
Have you watched the ride like a pro videos? I bought the ride like a pro for ladies for my wife. Even if it was geared for ladies I still learned a lot.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
ORIGINAL: BluesJopo
One of our riding buddies said the same thing last night! Ryan, here you have to ride something bigger than a 90 cc to take the test or they won't license you for the big bikes 
I've got a mental block with this U turn now and it's very frustrating! It's not a pretty sight to see a girl cry over dropping her harley
Thank you for the great advice!
ORIGINAL: SMSgt B
A good thing I learned along time ago is that where ever you look, you go. I am guessing you are looking at the ground instead of looking at where you want to go. I worked with 2 MSF instructors and they have seen MANY people drop their bike while completing a tight U-turn or figure 8 in the box. All of them look at the ground...not keeping their head up and looking at where they want to go.
Just my $.02
v/r
A good thing I learned along time ago is that where ever you look, you go. I am guessing you are looking at the ground instead of looking at where you want to go. I worked with 2 MSF instructors and they have seen MANY people drop their bike while completing a tight U-turn or figure 8 in the box. All of them look at the ground...not keeping their head up and looking at where they want to go.
Just my $.02
v/r
I've got a mental block with this U turn now and it's very frustrating! It's not a pretty sight to see a girl cry over dropping her harleyThank you for the great advice!
If you insist on taking the riding test and you only need 90cc then I would definately go with a scooter if you can find one to rent...remember you don't have to take the test at your local DMV so you can schedule one close to where you find the scooter. That's how I got my first license when I was 18, it was a cake walk...no shifting or clutch! In Calif. it has to be a bike 250 cc or bigger so it's harder to find a scooter.
On the other hand it sounds like taking the MSF course might be a good deal for you, you'll really learn a lot. I also agree with eddybo69....get a riding like a pro video (does not have to be the one for ladies) you'll be suprised at what you learn. Last but not least keep practicing....the more you do the better you will get.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa, Ok
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
Not being there watching you I can not definitely tell you what you are doing wrong, I can only surmise. There are three key ingredients to riding and especially making a u turn. Keep a constant throttle, use the friction zone of the clutch, look where you intend to go. Jerry does a great job showing you how to do the u turn. I will do my best to help you along.
First, if you are making a right hand u turn, proceed slowly (but not to slowly as you need some speed to carry you through the turn) to the designated cone as far over to the left as possible, as you approach identify a pivot point. (This is where you will begin to make your u turn).
Once you get to the pivot point, start your turn and snap your head all of the way around to where your exit point is. (Your hands will follow where your head and eyes are pointed. It is VERY important to NOT look at the ground or touch the front brake at this time or you will set yourself up for a fall.)
As you are turning keep a CONSTANT throttle and use the FRICTION ZONE to adjust your speed while lightly feathering your REAR brake.
Practice, Practice, and Practice.
Ride like a Pro IV give a nice explanation on how to pass the state test on any size bike.
Good Luck.
First, if you are making a right hand u turn, proceed slowly (but not to slowly as you need some speed to carry you through the turn) to the designated cone as far over to the left as possible, as you approach identify a pivot point. (This is where you will begin to make your u turn).
Once you get to the pivot point, start your turn and snap your head all of the way around to where your exit point is. (Your hands will follow where your head and eyes are pointed. It is VERY important to NOT look at the ground or touch the front brake at this time or you will set yourself up for a fall.)
As you are turning keep a CONSTANT throttle and use the FRICTION ZONE to adjust your speed while lightly feathering your REAR brake.
Practice, Practice, and Practice.
Ride like a Pro IV give a nice explanation on how to pass the state test on any size bike.
Good Luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area 41510 To Vegas!!!
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
If you can get a hold of a smaller cc bike or scooter,then by all means take the test on that.Even tho your rarely do some of the slow box turns outside the course its good practice for future situations!Just keep in mine that you still need to fine tune your skills and learn evasive maneuvers.Take the riders course at HD,it's pretty good,but even still,the course shows you how to ride in a parking lot,not in real traffic situations!practice on their buel's instead of your bike.
Good luck and dont get discouraged!!!!
Good luck and dont get discouraged!!!!
ORIGINAL: BluesJopo
[:@] I cannot for the life of me do the "J" turn on the exam at the DMV and have managed to drop the bike in the exact same spot 3 freaking times! No damage, just a scuff on the brake handle that hubby rubbed out. Damn if it doesn't make me more intimidated! The section of asphalt isn't wide enough to turn my bike around in and of course it's an automatic fail. The second two times I was out practicing after hours and did it but I quit. I can weave those damn cones like a pro but can't do a stupid U turn on the course! I think I'll either take the rider safety course and pass automatically or find a smaller bike to take the test with. Not woth damaging my bike[sm=forgetit.gif]
[:@] I cannot for the life of me do the "J" turn on the exam at the DMV and have managed to drop the bike in the exact same spot 3 freaking times! No damage, just a scuff on the brake handle that hubby rubbed out. Damn if it doesn't make me more intimidated! The section of asphalt isn't wide enough to turn my bike around in and of course it's an automatic fail. The second two times I was out practicing after hours and did it but I quit. I can weave those damn cones like a pro but can't do a stupid U turn on the course! I think I'll either take the rider safety course and pass automatically or find a smaller bike to take the test with. Not woth damaging my bike
[sm=forgetit.gif]
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
Scooters come in all sizes. I know you can get them at least as large as 500CC. I was at a metric dealership and they said whenever one of there employees needs to take the test the let them borrow a scooter for the day. See if you can rent a 150 cc for a day somewhere and you should have no problem passing the test. These big Softails are not the easiest bikes to make sharp turns with.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
Thank you all for the great advice, even the critisism 
I'll keep in mind that everyone was a new rider at one time 
I really do want to test on MY bike as that is what I ride. I don't have a problem anywhere on the road and have been on several trips through our winding canyon. It's mind over matter at this point. As I said earlier, I can weave the cones and do the skidding etc, it's the u turn and I'm sure now it's because I'm watching the yellow line on the course; not where I want to go for completing that turn. It is scarey making a tight turn like they require and it doesn't get any easier after dropping the bike. It was a bad day for me to begin with and I shouldn't have insisted on trying. Wanted to sell the bike right then and there!
The video sounds like a great idea as does the safety course. All of the female riders here in town have taken it and highly recommend I appreciate your comments and help.....Practice will be a big plus and I think waiting a month or so will help as well.
I'll keep in mind that everyone was a new rider at one time I really do want to test on MY bike as that is what I ride. I don't have a problem anywhere on the road and have been on several trips through our winding canyon. It's mind over matter at this point. As I said earlier, I can weave the cones and do the skidding etc, it's the u turn and I'm sure now it's because I'm watching the yellow line on the course; not where I want to go for completing that turn. It is scarey making a tight turn like they require and it doesn't get any easier after dropping the bike. It was a bad day for me to begin with and I shouldn't have insisted on trying. Wanted to sell the bike right then and there!
The video sounds like a great idea as does the safety course. All of the female riders here in town have taken it and highly recommend I appreciate your comments and help.....Practice will be a big plus and I think waiting a month or so will help as well.