Most Important Things to Know For a Motorcycling n00b.

[LittleRedToyota]

Originally Posted by woolsocks

I'm going to have to be fast one day right?

do not try to be fast. try to be smooth. speed will then come naturally.

slow is smooth. smooth is fast.

looking ahead is key. you have to learn to do that before worrying about going fast. once you get good at it, you'll find that your perceived field of vision widens so you can still see stuff closer to you even though you are looking further ahead.

for now, slow down and concentrate on looking ahead and riding smoothly. then speed will gradually come naturally.

I guess do you guys think about sand and road debris while riding and consciously avoid it?

not really. i ride well within my limits, so i have a margin for error if i hit road debris. also, i ride dirt a lot, so road debris is not a big deal to me...i don't really care if my bike slides a bit--i'm used to it. it also helps that i ride a lightweight dual sport, though.

consider getting a dirt bike and learning to ride in dirt. it makes road debris much less of an issue. (and it's more fun that you can imagine.)

[duck]

Originally Posted by littleredtoyota

do not try to be fast. Try to be smooth.

+1,000

[RevBill]

Originally Posted by woolsocks

Dakez and RevBill- What you guys wrote makes sense, I'll store it in my mental computer and be aware of it while I'm riding. I plan on taking a course in about a month or so that addresses the issues I asked about, it's like a "track day learners course" that addresses cornering and braking. I think I'm not fully comfortable, or aware of my bike's turning and traction capabilities so any amount of road debris sends me into a "noob panic" when I probably have a lot more traction and lean angle to complete the turn.

Noobs...

.. actually .. sounds like you got your brain and attitude dialed in pretty well .. Ride Blessed ..

.. and I am a tad envious of the opportunity to get in on a course like that .. I learn something every time .. have fun ..

[superslomo]

To quote Alain Prost:
"When I look fast, I'm not smooth and I am going slowly. And when I look slow, I am smooth and going fast."

[Coma]

Wow! Way cool thread.

Bike purchase next spring. $1500 budget for gear

Returning rider. Things I am learning/relearning.

MSF Beginner course in Spring.

Just like Jets, don't take your bike someplace your head hasn't already been.

ATGATT

Dirt is good. I think that is why I am drawn to the GS. Well, gravel roads at first.

Like drawing a pistol, smooth is fast. Although I'm too old to care about really fast, I do find smooth good for the soul.

Hmm, this trail baking thing has me puzzled, David Hough on order.

I've been practicing slow on my bicycle, perhaps some will transfer?

From Face Plants, How many actually wear a Collar?

I was a full face helmet guy, Anyone have thoughts about the convertible type where the chin guard raises?

So much to absorb.

[DAKEZ]

Originally Posted by Coma

I was a full face helmet guy, Anyone have thoughts about the convertible type where the chin guard raises?

Different helmets for different riding. FF dual sport helmet for off road, Modulars for on road, Scorpion EXO 900, Nolan N43E.

The N43E is my favorite helmet I have owned in the last 40 years. My Captain America helmet from back in the day still holds the #1 spot.

[orangebear]

Originally Posted by Coma

Wow! Way cool thread.

Bike purchase next spring. $1500 budget for gear

Returning rider. Things I am learning/relearning.

MSF Beginner course in Spring.

Just like Jets, don't take your bike someplace your head hasn't already been.

ATGATT

Dirt is good. I think that is why I am drawn to the GS. Well, gravel roads at first.

Like drawing a pistol, smooth is fast. Although I'm too old to care about really fast, I do find smooth good for the soul.

Hmm, this trail baking thing has me puzzled, David Hough on order.

I've been practicing slow on my bicycle, perhaps some will transfer?

From Face Plants, How many actually wear a Collar?

I was a full face helmet guy, Anyone have thoughts about the convertible type where the chin guard raises?

So much to absorb.

as long as you are over 5.10 tall you will fit the gs ok but the 1200gs and the 1200gs adv are huge bike that weigh a hell of a lot and have a very high seat.


i would look at the ktm 990 adv as its a fair bit lighter thas a lower seat and is better offroad and is great to up in the bends.

[Coma]

Originally Posted by DAKEZ

Different helmets for different riding. FF dual sport helmet for off road, Modulars for on road, Scorpion EXO 900, Nolan N43E.

The N43E is my favorite helmet I have owned in the last 40 years. My Captain America helmet from back in the day still holds the #1 spot.

Uh oh, larger gear budget, Yikes!

[Coma]

Originally Posted by orangebear

as long as you are over 5.10 tall you will fit the gs ok but the 1200gs and the 1200gs adv are huge bike that weigh a hell of a lot and have a very high seat.


i would look at the ktm 990 adv as its a fair bit lighter thas a lower seat and is better offroad and is great to up in the bends.

6.0, so that helps. I see the KTM mentioned a lot, I will do the diligence, I must admit long lust/love for the boxer.

[RevBill]

Originally Posted by Coma

Uh oh, larger gear budget, Yikes!

.. good point .. ATGATT don't come cheap .. well .. if you buy retail it don't ..

.. shop the flea market here at ADV .. or fleaBay on the internet .. I have gotten some GREAT deals on GOOD (sometimes nearly-new) gear and saved a chunk of money for Farkles .. I think about the only thing I wear that I paid retail for are my gloves ..

.. that's something like five jackets .. about six helmets .. three pairs of riding pants .. boots .. everything "name brand" quality gear fit for a big guy .. you normal-sized guys and gals should do even better than I have .. and I'm still somewhere around a grand (US $$) for everything ..

.. great point Coma ..

[DAKEZ]

Originally Posted by RevBill

.. good point .. ATGATT don't come cheap .. well .. if you buy retail it don't ..

.. shop the flea market here at ADV .. or fleaBay on the internet .. I have gotten some GREAT deals on GOOD (sometimes nearly-new) gear and saved a chunk of money for Farkles .. I think about the only thing I wear that I paid retail for are my gloves ..

.. that's something like five jackets .. about six helmets .. three pairs of riding pants .. boots .. everything "name brand" quality gear fit for a big guy .. you normal-sized guys and gals should do even better than I have .. and I'm still somewhere around a grand (US $$) for everything ..

.. great point Coma ..

+1

I ride every day so I need a large selection of gear to combat whatever the elements may bring. Like Bill I have purchased much of it used.
I personally would never buy a used helmet but... Jackets. Pants, Boots.. You bet!

[Coma]

Originally Posted by RevBill

.. shop the flea market here at ADV .. or fleaBay on the internet .. I have gotten some GREAT deals on GOOD (sometimes nearly-new) gear and saved a chunk of money for Farkles .. I think about the only thing I wear that I paid retail for are my gloves ..

.. that's something like five jackets .. about six helmets .. three pairs of riding pants .. boots .. everything "name brand" quality gear fit for a big guy .. you normal-sized guys and gals should do even better than I have .. and I'm still somewhere around a grand (US $$) for everything ..

Thanks for the Tip!

[woolsocks]

Thanks for the advice guys. I like to do my own maintenance on the bike (currently doing chain cleaning, lube, tire condition and pressure checks and oil changes) and would like to take the MSF maintenance course. Has anyone taken it? Is it worthwhile? Does anyone happen to have suggestions of where to get some knowledge of bike maintenance in a class room, hands-on setting other than the MSF?

[slide]

I didn't know the MSF does a maintenance class. If you take it, why not post your results? I'm sure I'm not alone in not knowing that the MSF offers this.

My guess is most folks just figure things out along the way based on their otherwise knowing or add to it by buying a manual. If you can find a Clymer or Haynes manual for your bike model, buy it. These manuals make things MUCH easier because they do not assume you are certified like the factory ones do.

[woolsocks]

Originally Posted by slide

I didn't know the MSF does a maintenance class. If you take it, why not post your results? I'm sure I'm not alone in not knowing that the MSF offers this.

My guess is most folks just figure things out along the way based on their otherwise knowing or add to it by buying a manual. If you can find a Clymer or Haynes manual for your bike model, buy it. These manuals make things MUCH easier because they do not assume you are certified like the factory ones do.

Whoops, it appears to be with the MN DOT. Not sure if other states have this program, but you can check it out here. In my MSF course two years ago they recommended that beginners take this one during their first year of riding (which I'm in).

Check it out:

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/mms...intenance.aspx