1st ride, lessons learned, questions

[hordak]

So I took my ninja 500 out for the first time the other day. All and all it was a semi successful trip.
My clutch control was great which surprised me because normally when driving a stick I pop the clutch and chirp the tires in first to keep from stalling.All I had to do with the bike was baby the clutch out until it stated to roll, no gas necessary. When I did give it just a hairs worth of throttle it took off pretty fast.(probably not real world fast but fast for a newbie in a tiny parking lot filled with cars.)Later I found out from the previous owner that she had the throttle adjusted to be more sensitive.
As I approached the parked cars I tried to consciously counter steer and then muscle the bike away with little results. Then a slight head turn to the right caused the bike to magically go were I wanted it to. I made a short trip down a few dead side streets and had no problem with the dreaded right hand turns.(maybe because I'm a south paw?)
The problem I did have was stopping.Not so much stopping but dropping the bike as I stopped. I dropped the bike twice

(that why I got it used) and in my defense both times were on hills. What I discovered was both times I dropped it I was trying to concentrate on using both brakes instead of just getting my feet down. I definitely feel more secure on the balls of 2 feet then 1 foot planted firmly. This made me wonder how important is the rear brake? I know it is good for slow speed parking lot maneuvers but is it really necessary to use?(Assuming I have good control of my front and don't pull any endos)
In Proficient motorcycling it talks about sports bike rear brakes being too sensitive and ignoring them all together to avoid rear slides just wanted to hear some more opinions.
The other problem I had was fitting my size 7 1/2 under the shifter without looking. I don't how you people with adult sized feet do it.Any advice?

[Lion_Lady]

Try to get yourself in the habit of leaning the bike EVER SO SLIGHTLY to the left as you stop, so you can hold the bike up. It is something I drop in the ears of my new students when I teach the BRC.

Learning this little tidbit early, makes it a really easy habit and it makes 'which foot down?' one less choice to make as you come to a stop sign or signal. What about the times when there really is NO place to put your other foot? Grease, sand, or a hole in the lane? It happens, and keeping your "needs" small will make life easier in the future. Once the bike is at a standstill, or almost, then release the front lever and hold the bike in place with the rear brake.

This is especially important on a hill because it can be REALLY tough to hold the bike in place with the hand lever WHILE you throttle on.

The foot lever(s) can be adjusted to allow more room for your foot.

P

[blackmouth]

The method of leaning a little to the left so that you can keep your right foot on the rear brake pedal while stopping is just what you need.

I do this myself and never have had a problem.

I don't hold the bike with the rear brake as mentioned above, however. Or I should say, I only keep the bike still using the rear brake on hills. On a level street while at a stop I usually lower my right foot (release the rear brake) once stopped and hold the bike still with the front brake.

Except for when on a hill....it really is all preference. No real right or wrong. But, experience/habit has me doing just as the above posted mentioned regarding hills and the left foot down first method.

[storysunfolding]

In Proficient motorcycling it talks about sports bike rear brakes being too sensitive and ignoring them all together to avoid rear slides just wanted to hear some more opinions.

He wasn't talking about your bike

Get used to using both brakes and practice your quick stops to where they are fast, efficient and don't lock up the rear wheel. If you do lock up the rear wheel- keep it locked, look at the horizon and ride it to a stop. Next time use less pressure on the rear.

You want to get in the practice of using both brakes because we're creatures of habit. When the poop hits the fan, you'll be more likely to use both brakes which "surprisingly" will stop you faster.

[Patrick]

In Proficient motorcycling it talks about sports bike rear brakes being too sensitive and ignoring them all together to avoid rear slides just wanted to hear some more opinions.

He wasn't talking about your bike

Get used to using both brakes and practice your quick stops to where they are fast, efficient and don't lock up the rear wheel. If you do lock up the rear wheel- keep it locked, look at the horizon and ride it to a stop. Next time use less pressure on the rear.

You want to get in the practice of using both brakes because we're creatures of habit. When the poop hits the fan, you'll be more likely to use both brakes which "surprisingly" will stop you faster.

Man do I agree, two nights ago I had to really hit both hard and had I not used both I would have gone on into the intersection. I at first did hit the rear and start a skid, but I then let off a tad and hit harder on the front. I did get a little out of shape but I was so surprised that I pulled it off that when my buddy came next to me I was laughing. Whew wee that was fun but a change of underware was in order.

Patrick

[hordak]

In Proficient motorcycling it talks about sports bike rear brakes being too sensitive and ignoring them all together to avoid rear slides just wanted to hear some more opinions.

He wasn't talking about your bike

I know that. I just figured if he advise people riding on a 520 lb gsxrs or zzrs to only use the front brakes then it should be ok to do it on a 380 lb ninja.

[storysunfolding]

Ah. I see where the confusion lays. First, he said to only ignore the rear brake if when using minimal pressure, you continually lock up your rear tire. Your bike isn't a performance machine and while you may think it's lighter than a GSXR, the 2007 gsxr 600 has a dry weight of 360 lbs.

That GSXR also has a much more powerful rear braking system than your ninja and even then, it's not going to lock up under the slightest of pressure.

You have a great starter bike, but for now, keep using both brakes. The brakes on your bike are much easier to modulate so learn to use them both effectively without locking up either wheel and you'll be in a much better place to judge Mr. Houges tip on the day you do encounter an applicable bike.

[hordak]

Ah. I see where the confusion lays. First, he said to only ignore the rear brake if when using minimal pressure, you continually lock up your rear tire. Your bike isn't a performance machine and while you may think it's lighter than a GSXR, the 2007 gsxr 600 has a dry weight of 360 lbs.

That GSXR also has a much more powerful rear braking system than your ninja and even then, it's not going to lock up under the slightest of pressure.

You have a great starter bike, but for now, keep using both brakes. The brakes on your bike are much easier to modulate so learn to use them both effectively without locking up either wheel and you'll be in a much better place to judge Mr. Houges tip on the day you do encounter an applicable bike.

I was referring to the gsxr 1300(hyabusa) weight wise. Oh I'm not worried about locking the brakes up. I ride my bike slow and gentle.
I was talking about ignoring the rear brake for slow controlled stops. In town 25 mph streets etc. But your probably right and I should developed the habit of using both so when I do need them I'll be ready. Now I just need to work on getting that right leg down faster.

[shane-o]

I dont and cant use rear brake (battle injuries to right leg) to set in my ways now to put a thumb brake on.

Using only front is now all i know (been doing it for years now)

Its something that took me a while to get the hang of.


Front is by far your best option for stopping power, especially combined with engine braking.

However;

If the surface is;

wet
loose
oily
metalic (man hole covers, train/tram tracks etc.)
White lines (casue they are full of recycled glass)

You can have your hands full if you grab alot of front, smooth squeezing input is required.

Be careful.


Also, although front braking can be done while cornering, for the novice it can potentially make matters alot worse, by standing the bike up, practice.



In an Emergency Id rather grab a fist full of front and run the risk of dropping it, than hit a lot of rear and slide into what ever it is I dont want to hit.


Practice braking is the key, quiet car park....little bit of speed...then try to stop as quickly as possible using front...it will give you the feel of what to expect if you need to do it in the real world...Practice

[Shorts]

When you're stopping, keep your knees tight to the tank. It helps the balance. As for the brakes, keep using them both, just learn how to regulate them. And that just comes from practice and doing it over and over again in various scenarios.


For the gear shift lever, adjust it up so your boot has room.