Joined the Club

[Pete]

Sorry, I'm not quite up to a group ride yet. I just got in from my very first ride! I'm still trying to learn to start off...I'll stall it occasionally (occasionally meaning about half the time). I'll probably get back on and ride around the neighborhood a little more this afternoon.

I figured that. I thought I would offer to go for a lesurely ride. When you are ready let me know.

Group rides are tough, maintaining space/lane AND watching out for cars.

 

[ylexot]

Just got back in from ride number two...getting better. Only stalled twice and one of those was because my neighbor's dog came out and attacked me. I hit the brakes (stops on a dime, BTW), but forgot to pull the clutch. The second time it came out to attack me, I started closer to it and swerved around to avoid. The third time, it was waiting for me. No avoiding so I stopped (and clutched this time). Of course, I did rev pretty high when the f'er bit me on the leg.

Excuse me while I go "take care of" the neighbor's dog.

BTW, BS Gal...here's something I came up with that you might want to do as well. I realized on my first ride that in a car, the emergency reaction is to take your foot off the gas and put it on the brake...can't do that with a bike and you may even end up revving higher making things worse. So, I thought to start with my right hand down pretty far so that I physically can't open the throttle a whole lot. Also, in an emergency, the natural reaction will probably be to straighten your wrist which will close the throttle. It is more strenuous on your wrist, but I think it's worth it for me at the moment for the added safety.

Pete/Bob/slotted/BS Gal (maybe?)/anyone else, hopefully I'll be able to get enough riding in and get comfortable enough to go for a ride before it gets too cold. If not, definitely in the spring.

 

[dustin]

Just got back in from ride number two...getting better. Only stalled twice and one of those was because my neighbor's dog came out and attacked me. I hit the brakes (stops on a dime, BTW), but forgot to pull the clutch. The second time it came out to attack me, I started closer to it and swerved around to avoid. The third time, it was waiting for me. No avoiding so I stopped (and clutched this time). Of course, I did rev pretty high when the f'er bit me on the leg.

Excuse me while I go "take care of" the neighbor's dog.

BTW, BS Gal...here's something I came up with that you might want to do as well. I realized on my first ride that in a car, the emergency reaction is to take your foot off the gas and put it on the brake...can't do that with a bike and you may even end up revving higher making things worse. So, I thought to start with my right hand down pretty far so that I physically can't open the throttle a whole lot. Also, in an emergency, the natural reaction will probably be to straighten your wrist which will close the throttle. It is more strenuous on your wrist, but I think it's worth it for me at the moment for the added safety.

Pete/Bob/slotted/BS Gal (maybe?)/anyone else, hopefully I'll be able to get enough riding in and get comfortable enough to go for a ride before it gets too cold. If not, definitely in the spring.

Dude sounds like you are doing good by riding around the neighborhood first. Just take your time...

BS Gal, your bike is a fantastic starter bike. It'l light, agile, and doesnt have an abrupt power delivery. If you find yourself getting frustrated with your hubby playing instructor (and trust me on this) just tell him you need to take a break and you'll do some more later. It's hard to tell someone you love what and how they are supposed to do something without sounding bossy (for him). It's a lot of information to soak up at once for you. Just take your time and don't get discouraged...

 

[itsbob]

Just got back from a VERY cold ride.. LONG day and luckily a SHORT ride home.. it's only 42 friggin degrees out there.. thinkin the electric riding gear my NOT be too expensive..

 

[BS Gal]

Dude sounds like you are doing good by riding around the neighborhood first. Just take your time...

BS Gal, your bike is a fantastic starter bike. It'l light, agile, and doesnt have an abrupt power delivery. If you find yourself getting frustrated with your hubby playing instructor (and trust me on this) just tell him you need to take a break and you'll do some more later. It's hard to tell someone you love what and how they are supposed to do something without sounding bossy (for him). It's a lot of information to soak up at once for you. Just take your time and don't get discouraged...

OMG, it's a nightmare. He and son were standing in the driveway today ( It' circular and we had two cars parked in it and when I came through it, they both ran and hid behind the truck. Now, granted, I'm HORRIBLE with the throttle, but they both ran.....I get the clutch and brake so I can stop. Here is the funny thing. Yesterday, I was using the neighbor's driveway to go through so I didn't have to make a small turn. She came out, my second time through, and asked me not to do that any more because she didn't want the neighbor kids doing it on thier bikes (non motorized). So today, I went to turn around and hit the thottle and ended up going through the grass in another neighbor's yard. I don't know if I will ever get the hang of this, especially with hubby giving me advice. Like he forgot to tell me that when you are shifting into a higher gear, you need to let off the clutch. I am bound and determined to learn, though. Defintely going to take the class. This bike is soooooooooo cute. 2002 with 1500 miles on it and all sorts of stuff she added to it.

 

[Nickel]

Just take your time and don't get discouraged...

This brings back memories.

 

[BS Gal]

This brings back memories.

I am sooooo discouraged. I thought I could just jump on it and be gone. I'm a tard. My son is thinking I'll never be able to ride, but then his dog peed on his leg, so all is okay with the world. I just thought I'd be on 235 by the end of the weekend. I'll be lucky if I ever get out of the neighborhood. I'm just not getting it.

 

[itsbob]

OMG, it's a nightmare. He and son were standing in the driveway today ( It' circular and we had two cars parked in it and when I came through it, they both ran and hid behind the truck. Now, granted, I'm HORRIBLE with the throttle, but they both ran.....I get the clutch and brake so I can stop. Here is the funny thing. Yesterday, I was using the neighbor's driveway to go through so I didn't have to make a small turn. She came out, my second time through, and asked me not to do that any more because she didn't want the neighbor kids doing it on thier bikes (non motorized). So today, I went to turn around and hit the thottle and ended up going through the grass in another neighbor's yard. I don't know if I will ever get the hang of this, especially with hubby giving me advice. Like he forgot to tell me that when you are shifting into a higher gear, you need to let off the clutch. I am bound and determined to learn, though. Defintely going to take the class. This bike is soooooooooo cute. 2002 with 1500 miles on it and all sorts of stuff she added to it.

Take the class before you tear up your bike.. tear up one of theirs!!

 

[Pete]

I may be wrong but you need to be able to do the basics before you can take the class. If you can't start/stop/shift can you take the class?

 

[Nickel]

I am sooooo discouraged.

I know the feeling. Dustin tried to teach me how to ride his dirtbike last year around this time. Of course I crashed, in the gravel, no less. I fell on my leg, scraped my knee, and horribly bruised my thigh...the bruise was there for months. It was horrible. I've had no interest ever since.

 

[Pete]

I am sooooo discouraged. I thought I could just jump on it and be gone. I'm a tard. My son is thinking I'll never be able to ride, but then his dog peed on his leg, so all is okay with the world. I just thought I'd be on 235 by the end of the weekend. I'll be lucky if I ever get out of the neighborhood. I'm just not getting it.

Can you ride a bicycle? What is it you can't do?

 

[BS Gal]

Can you ride a bicycle? What is it you can't do?

I have no problem with balancing. I have a problem with the throttle. I have learned to change gears, but once in a while, I just over-do the throttle and go too fast.

 

[Pete]

I have no problem with balancing. I have a problem with the throttle. I have learned to change gears, but once in a while, I just over-do the throttle and go too fast.

Is the throtle sticky or hard to move?

 

[BS Gal]

Take the class before you tear up your bike.. tear up one of theirs!!

Defintely signing up for the class. Maybe I won't be as nervous as when dad (hubby) is trying to teach me. He said he had no idea how hard it would be to teach somebody that had no skills. He really worries, also. I was gone for all of 5 minutes yesterday and he came looking for me.....

 

[BS Gal]

Is the throtle sticky or hard to move?[/QUOT

No. It responds very quickly, but I have never ridden a motorcycle, so I am a little heavy on the throttle. I guess I will learn at some point. Right now, I am just frustrated. I look like an idiot. The neighbors are all enjoying the show. I want to go to a big empty parking lot and practice there, but have to get the tags first, and, I guess, my learners permit.

 

[BS Gal]

And I am scared to death on it.

 

[itsbob]

I may be wrong but you need to be able to do the basics before you can take the class. If you can't start/stop/shift can you take the class?

I don't think so, that's why they provide the bikes, not only have no experience, have not even bought your first bike yet..

 

[BS Gal]

I don't think so, that's why they provide the bikes, not only have no experience, have not even bought your first bike yet..

You can take the course without ever having been on a bike before. My friend did it and then graduated to her very own harley, which she won't ride. She is now turning it into a trike.

 

[dustin]

I may be wrong but you need to be able to do the basics before you can take the class. If you can't start/stop/shift can you take the class?

It's best if one has some basic knowledge before taking the course. If you don't know the basics all you end up doing is holding the class up for everyone else and they'll just fail you in the end cause youre too worried about how to use the dang clutch, shift, and whatnot than performing the skills they want you to do.

From what I'm hearing BS Gal needs more saddle time before taking the course.

 

[dustin]

You can take the course without ever having been on a bike before. My friend did it and then graduated to her very own harley, which she won't ride. She is now turning it into a trike.

Just stick with it. Eventually you will get it. Don't give up!

Long practice sessions are probably not the best for you. Try less than five minute sessions (after the bike is warm) a couple times a day. In between those times think about ONE thing you want to improve on, and focus on that thing. Work at it till you get it down pat. Then move on to another thing you are having trouble with. Don't try to tackle everything at once.

Also, if you want some practice shifting, and keeping the throttle steady, tell your hubby to put the rear of the bike up. Not sure if your bike has a centerstand but that would be best. Either that or a swingarm stand or some type of jack or crate which is HIGHLY stable. Hubby can help you with this.

Once you got the rear of the bike off the ground just enough to clear the ground, get on the bike and let it warm up (if you havent done so already), and sit on it like you are going to ride it. Now all you have to worry about here is shifting, using the clutch, and throttle.

During this exercise don't keep the RPM's too high. As you could suffer engine overheating, but since the weather is cooler now, as long as you don't do this for an extensive amount of time the bike should be ok.

Just act like you are riding now, clutch in, shift into 1st, gas it, hold the throttle steady, practice holding the throttle in a certain position, listen to the RPM's, don't watch the tach, keep shifting up, and shift down as well. When shifting down, use the rear brake to slow the rear wheel down if need be. Practice shifting up, anand down, and using the throttle.

NOTE*...DON'T GET OFF THE BIKE WHILE THE REAR WHEEL IS STILL SPINNING!!!! you could hurt yourself or knock the bike off the stand....