New bike, dropped 3x so far!
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From:
New bike, dropped 3x so far!
[:@] 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]
[sm=forgetit.gif]
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
Damn that sucks!! I would recommend you taking the MSF course with a smaller metric cruiser, get you license, practice awhile until you get more comfortable with slow speed, counter balancing maneuvering and then take the ERC course, where you use your own bike and you will be a pro!! Hey don't feel bad, my better half dropped my Night Train 1/2 dozen times, then took the MSF course and got her own bike and there is no problems!!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 844
Likes: 2
From: Tampa, FL
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
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
Just my $.02
v/r
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 901
Likes: 1
From: Toms River, NJ
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
around here, you can rent scooters, like vespas and stuff, and take the test on them.
check around, see if anyone rents bikes, or even go to the stealer and rent an 883 for the day, just something smaller
check around, see if anyone rents bikes, or even go to the stealer and rent an 883 for the day, just something smaller
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
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!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
I still think that the MSF course is the way to go... Ours here has 125cc and 250cc bikes and you learn a lot from the course.
BRIDGERLAND APPLIED TECH CENTER LOGAN 84321 CACHE (888) 743-3881
MSF Basic Rider Course Link
BRIDGERLAND APPLIED TECH CENTER LOGAN 84321 CACHE (888) 743-3881
MSF Basic Rider Course Link
Trending Topics
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
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.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From:
RE: New bike, dropped 3x so far!
ORIGINAL: SMSgt B
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 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
If you can't do the MSF course, which I recommend also. Keep your head up. If you are making a u-turn to the right, turn your head and look over your right shoulder back in the direction you want to go. Keep power to the rear wheel, if you suck in the clutch in a turn you will drop the bike. Practice in a parking lot with cones in the same formation but wider and slowly move them in till you get it. Also a little pressure on the rear brake balanced against the throttle will stabilize the bike in the turn. Good luck.
