How many drops/crashes while learning?

[kainthedragoonx]

I rode for the first time last night, and was curious how many times everyone crashed and/or dropped their bike while learning.

I was at a T-bone intersection with a hill and a stop sign. I was turning left and took the turn too wide. I freaked because of a parked car and attempted to correct my turn, and the bike fell on me. It was funny because some little kid was riding his peddle bike and watched me fall. He jumped off his bike, and pushed it back to his mom. I was laughing my "O Ring" off while I picked the bike off me.

I was 35 minutes into my motorcycle learning and I removed some skin, the left rear-view mirror, and scuffed the pipes. I was laughing at myself as I got back on the bike and continued to ride and learn. So I ended up riding for about 90 minutes yesterday. I was a lot better after the drop then before. I freaked my parents out when I had to wipe the blood of the helmet!

[stock28]

Things happen, but have you taken the MSF? You may also want to practice a little more on an open lot before venturing out on the road. Could have been expensive had you hit that parked car.

[Nibblet99]

6000 miles on 125cc bikes, and none yet

[d2mini]

Things happen, but have you taken the MSF? You may also want to practice a little more on an open lot before venturing out on the road.

Ya, i was thinking the same thing. If you haven't taken the MSF....

1. First ride and you were on the streets, and on a hill to boot?
2. Exposed skin? That means you didn't have the right gear.
3. You really need to take the class.

If you did take the class, then I assume you meant this was your first real ride. I would still spend more time in parking lots working on your slow speed skills and getting used to the bike.

[kainthedragoonx]

I have not taken the class yet as most of the courses are full until September, and I do not have gloves yet.

I figured I should take the dive instead of hitting the parked car, so I did.

So you think a parking lot would be the best place to start? I figured a low to no traffic street would be just as good.

[d2mini]

I have not taken the class yet as most of the courses are full until September, and I do not have gloves yet.

I figured I should take the dive instead of hitting the parked car, so I did.

So you think a parking lot would be the best place to start? I figured a low to no traffic street would be just as good.

If you want my honest opinion (I'm gonna give it you you anyway ) put the bike away until you take the class.
It's great that you want to, but the more you fool around on your own, the harder the class will be because you will have to un-learn all the bad habits you picked up trying to teach yourself. Spend the next few months reading about the different techniques and you will put yourself ahead of others in the class. And if you really want to take it soon (I would) search around in other cities and travel to one that has sooner openings.
As far as gloves go, anything will work. Leather work/garden gloves, full fingered cycling gloves, anything is better than nothing.

But until you learn how to handle a bike, you are just a danger to yourself and others out on the streets. What if you freaked out with that kid much closer???

[Lion_Lady]

PARKING LOT PRACTICE, before street riding. Get a copy of David Hough's "Proficient Motorcycling" and read it. It has some good excercises and other stuff.

What sort of license do you have?

Get good boots, gloves, pants and a jacket to go along with that helmet.

Check into your state's MSF rules... in MD, becuase so many folks want to take the class but can't get in, everybody it told OVER AND OVER AND OVER that if they want to keep their spot, they abosolutely, no excuses, MUST be there on time (actually at least 5 mintues early) for the start of every class - the first session most of all.

What happens is folks who want to take the class (but didn't get in) can just show up for a scheduled class. They take a roll call. The 'vacant' spaces are lotteried off to those on stand by.

So, show up with checkbook in hand and the correct gear and you could get into an earlier class space.

Sign up now, regardless.

Pam

[stock28]

I would put the bike away until the class. As was already said, try getting in as a walk in. Four people failed to show in my class. They were filled by walk ins. Laying the bike down is seldom a good option to a crash. It IS a crash! The class would have helped you avoid the situation to begin with. Don't think people here are comming down on you. Nobody wants to see you get hurt or hurt someone else. If you still insist on riding, at least stay on a lot away from others and their property.

[JustJames]

I agreed with Lion_lady, parking lost pratice is best suit you for now. You have to learn how to control bike at low speed and also sharp turn, u-turn quick stop. Get that book which also mention buy Lion Lady, I've read it and love it, still learning myself (I took MSF class, btw).

If possible get a friends who have more experiences since you might not know how to ride safely. It is not really recommended to learn all by yourself or from friends but at least you learn how to control bike.

You don't have to really put the bike away even thou it sounds resonable, but you have to know at least basic of riding before go out on street. And the most important buy all the gears needed, motorcycle jacket, good gloves, boot, pants if possible etc....

[PurpleRose]

Well, I so agree with the practicing. I took the msf school a few weeks ago. Did really well in the class. Bought my motorcycle and wrecked into a car. Turning too wide. My handlebars hit the car and sent me sliding under. I slid right behind "Rosie". I know what I did wrong. I didn't look into my turn. I looked down then saw the car and panicked. I had a few bruises but poor Rosie. I have to fix her up now. Can't ride.

To tell the truth, I was afraid at first, but now I'm ready to fix her and ride again. Learn from my mistake. Practice where there's no traffic. Even my chiropractor told me to practice the first 400 miles in neighborhood. Well, he said "I told you so". LOL As the bruises disappear, my fear is disappearing. I have wanted to ride for so long and I do love it and the feeling I get when I do it right.

So please, let me hear your comments.