Most Important Things to Know For a Motorcycling n00b.

[BykMyk]

Counter Steering....it's a miracle.

[JML]

as a noob myself... practice, but also read. I found in another thread the recommendation for "Proficient Motorcycling - The ultimate guide to riding well. By David L Hough"... (also available in iBook format). It's amazing, and you feel you are not starting from scratch.

In my case, with the basic, intermediate course and the book, I feel confident to start getting out, and practicing all learned skills to turn them into reflexes is my goal right now...

[FlyingDutchman]

Originally Posted by gomad

+1 above

After all you read here beware of the "know it all's"........... If you start with a group and don't end with a group. chances are YOU put yourself in with the wrong people. most groups will never leave you behind unless you put yourself way above other people and play unsafely with others.

Curious first post and only post, gomad! Why don't you post up your profile?

And my best advice for a noob:

You twist your own throttle.

[Kürbczech]

I like this thread. It's nice to hear a "Go get 'em, kid!" every now and then, rather than the typical patronizing dick-measuring.

Great advice; this n00b salutes you.

[Gasser]

Originally Posted by MotoMusicMark

I'm doing some research on what would be more helpful to know at a person’s start in motorcycling versus learning it over years in the "school of hard knocks".

Things like..."Don't transport a bike on the centerstand. It might break the frame". or "Standing up on the pegs or at least putting more pressure on them makes the bike less top heavy and better to control at low speed".

Could you help my research by answering the following question...”What did you wish someone told you about motorcycling when you first started out?”

Thanks. Mark Tillack
Brinkhaven, OH(USA)

1. Go faster than the crash!
2. Go fast take chances.
3. When in doubt gas the snot out of it.
4. Never stop if someone is trying to wave you down on privet property.
5. Ride out the injury to gain back strength.
6. Learn to ride a dirt bike at pro level before you buy a 1000cc crotch rocket.
7. Don't smoke pot if you race/stunt on the street.
8. Glue short windshield wiper blades on both gloves.
9. Always ware ear plugs dirt or street.
10. Pull a filter skin over your head with eye peep holes when racing in dusty conditions.
11. Perfect suspension setup on a slug bike will win races more than a improperly sprung fast bike.
12. Do all your braking/gear selection before the turn.
13. Mix nut & bolt antiseize with Duralub for a extra long lasting bullet proof chain.
14. Lastly...don't get married if you want to race/ride full time.

[ULY-RPG]

Originally Posted by Gasser

1. Go faster than the crash!
14. Lastly...don't get married if you want to race/ride full time.

So true

[®êšïš†ø®]

Originally Posted by BykMyk

Counter Steering....it's a miracle.

+1000... I read about it over and over and thought I understood it till one day when I was putting around, stuck behind an RV.. it just clicked.

'wait a sec.. when I turn the bars left, the bike goes right, completely on its own!' Total epiphany. Riding has been infinitely easier since then.

[steveO-Ray]

Question about dual-sport bikes and leaning.

I've got a DRZ400S with death wings currently. As a nOOb I don't have any doubt that I can't push the bike to the point that the tires would lose traction in a lean because of the angle. Yet how much of a difference do knobbies or dual-sport tires make in leaning capability?

[Thinc2]

Originally Posted by steveO-Ray

Question about dual-sport bikes and leaning.

I've got a DRZ400S with death wings currently. As a nOOb I don't have any doubt that I can't push the bike to the point that the tires would lose traction in a lean because of the angle. Yet how much of a difference do knobbies or dual-sport tires make in leaning capability?

Ever see some of the pictures of how far some riders can lean these big dual sport bikes - even fully loaded - modern tires are amazing. But the reason these guys get so much lean angle is that they are super smooth. Any incorrect input on the throttle at heavy lean angles will make you break traction. The fast guys are the smooth guys.

My skill level will never exceed the tire traction on the street. My lack of skill will easily exceed the tire traction.

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by Thinc2

.............. But the reason these guys get so much lean angle is that they are super smooth. ................................... The fast guys are the smooth guys...

YUP!! Never try to be fast, always work on smooth, because smooth IS fast.

[steveO-Ray]

Originally Posted by Thinc2

Ever see some of the pictures of how far some riders can lean these big dual sport bikes - even fully loaded - modern tires are amazing. But the reason these guys get so much lean angle is that they are super smooth. Any incorrect input on the throttle at heavy lean angles will make you break traction. The fast guys are the smooth guys.

My skill level will never exceed the tire traction on the street. My lack of skill will easily exceed the tire traction.

That makes sense, I need to go out and find a place to practice. I have no doubt it will be a long time before I can even get close to achieving such lean angles. Certainly can be a bit nerve racking since it's not really the natural thing to do.

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by steveO-Ray

That makes sense, I need to go out and find a place to practice. I have no doubt it will be a long time before I can even get close to achieving such lean angles. Certainly can be a bit nerve racking since it's not really the natural thing to do.

TRACK DAYS!!!!! The only safe place (relatively ) to learn the art. The local riders I run with have nicknamed me Mr Smooth. Even on the track, I have been told by strangers I look so smooth that they like to go out behind me.

Last year in Europe I rented a F800 GS and at the first roundabout, I was scraping the center stand. that was five minutes after getting on one for the first time.

In Italy this past October, was on a R12GS, 2 up and at least once a day was scraping the stand in turns, hadn't ridden one in 3 years.

[dwoodward]

Originally Posted by PFFOG

TRACK DAYS!!!!! The only safe place (relatively ) to learn the art.

Some day, TRACK DAYS!!!!! people will come to realize not everyone rides a bike suitable for that environment.

Certainly, I wouldn't take a DRZ400S out to play with squids on R1s.

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by dwoodward

Some day, TRACK DAYS!!!!! people will come to realize not everyone rides a bike suitable for that environment.

Certainly, I wouldn't take a DRZ400S out to play with squids on R1s.

Spoken like someone that has never been to one. A DRZS with dual sport tires is a very capable bike to hit track days, yes it may not help you explore the art of feeling traction in dirt and gravel, but if you ride the street at all, it is a safe way to rapidly improve your skills.

All track day organizations cater to ALL skills and types of bikes, I have seen tons of dual sport's, Gold Wings, and Ninja 250's. All had a great time and learned how to be smoother and better control their bikes.

And even with dual sport tires, a good rider on that DRZ, could outrun half the kids on R1's in the intermediate and beginner classes, especially on a tight technical track.

If you don't want to embarrass those R1 riders, then go find a motard track.

[bcdaum]

As said in a seminar by "Helen Two Wheels". You will run out of nerve long before your tires run out of grip.