Ducky wrote:Your instructor told you not to practice figure 8s and U-turns on the bike, but thinks it's OK for you to ride on the highway
Ever riden a sportbike? The only one ive riden is a 2000 Ducati 748. I'm no expert..but I can tell you that the turning arc on the steering is NOWHERE close to that of the 250cc we learned on. I think he made an EXCELLENT point. As he said, my bike is a trackbike and set up to lean through turns.
You brought up highway riding ...as if that represent a serious difficulty to riders...Highway riding is one of the EASIER things to master, as long as you're vigilant. Its the slow, throttle/brake dependent maneuvers that are tough. Its where the bike's weight plays against the rider. Just my view on it taken from my 6 weeks of riding. I think you're dead wrong on both points. Dont think he'll be losing his job anytime soon sir.
Ducky
WHAAAAAT? He told you not to practice a u-turn or figure 8 because you might drop it!!???? That is the stupidest thing I have EVER heard. Ever... ever ever ever... I'm almost stuck saying that word for the rest of my post.
Now, before you accuse me of not riding sportbikes, I've owned a ducati. I've also ridden an R6, triumph daytona, among other smaller supersports. I also owned 2 VFRs, a 79 KZ650, currently own a 03 Z1000, and I started on a 250cc cruiser. I could u-turn and figure 8 all of them within the MSF course required box.
U-turns and figure 8s should be able to be done on ANY bike. That should be a requirement before you take your bike on the road. I could turn my Ducati in a 1 lane u-turn. Hell, I can u-turn my dad's 900 lb cruiser without a problem (and it is like 8 feet long). You should have stayed in a parking lot on your bike until you are able to do all of those things. I think the advice he gave you is absolutely terrible.
Granted, your bike is a "track bike", I don't see what that has to do with being able to do slow speed maneuvers.. sure, it puts more strain on your wrist than an upright bike, but those are critical situations. When you are at intersections, in parkinglots, in neighborhoods, etc. You need to be able to avoid accidents and not drop your bike in an intersection.
I've ridden track bikes, you want to know the difference between a track bike and a normal bike? You ride it at the track (and tape up the glass bits). There is no excuse for that gross lack of skills while riding on the road.
And no shiat "Its the slow, throttle/brake dependent maneuvers that are tough", that is why you start on a smaller, lighter bike. So you can get those skills! Any moron can go fast in a straight line. Some morons can even go fast in only a semi-straight line.
Holy crap that is the most idiotic thing I've ever heard...
