New Rider

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waylander · Wed Sep 02, 2009 11:20 am

+1 to everything that has been said so far.

The only thing I can add (and can't stress too much) is practice your emergency stops and swerves. Just like riding in a straight line is new on a different bike so to are the emergency skills. I had a b***h of a time moving from the 125's at the course to my 550 nighthawk. lots of practice in a safe empty parking lot helped my confidence greatly, and did save me from a rather dangerous situation on my first trip home from work.

Good luck, remember your training and remember that there is a great community here to answer all of your "stupid" questions without judgement.

Waylander

RhadamYgg · Wed Sep 02, 2009 12:08 pm

Hmmm 125's? I thought that was just the Eliminator.

In either case - I loved riding the 125 - and I wish I could afford a second bike - well that would probably be the newer ninja 250 - I wish I could afford a third bike and that would be the Eliminator.

Changing bikes is not the easies thing in the world. Like everyone else said - take it slow and you'll be ok. Practice.

Welcome to motorcycling! I'm about 1 year ahead of you and I can say - it is a great experience!

RhadamYgg

CYNWAGON · #13 Unread post by **CYNWAGON** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 5:54 pm

+1 on the emergency stops!

I've only been riding for a year and had the same issues going up to a bigger bike.

After tonight, TRUST ME, get to know what your bike can do.
I did an awesome emergency stop while moving over to the side of the highway so the moron coming straight for me could pass 3 cars!

koji52 · #14 Unread post by **koji52** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 1:00 am

Welcome!!! Where abouts in NJ are you?

zeligman · #15 Unread post by **zeligman** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:24 pm

CYNWAGON wrote:+1 on the emergency stops!

I've only been riding for a year and had the same issues going up to a bigger bike.

After tonight, TRUST ME, get to know what your bike can do.
I did an awesome emergency stop while moving over to the side of the highway so the moron coming straight for me could pass 3 cars!

cyn, you inspired me to hit the parking lot again tonight - my riding has improved 1000 percent in the past 2 weeks, as has my comfort level. My butt has been glued to my bike every day for those two weeks!

i practiced emer (quick) stops from 30 and 35 mph tonight - was surprised how long it took for the bike to stop... ended up stomping on the rear brake to increase stopping power and discovered where my rear wheel starts to skid.

REALLY good to know... had a better squeeze technique - getting much better at avoiding my simultaneous braking/accelerating issue.

CYNWAGON · #16 Unread post by **CYNWAGON** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 5:55 pm

Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:24 pm Post subject:
CYNWAGON wrote:
+1 on the emergency stops!

I've only been riding for a year and had the same issues going up to a bigger bike.

After tonight, TRUST ME, get to know what your bike can do.
I did an awesome emergency stop while moving over to the side of the highway so the moron coming straight for me could pass 3 cars!

cyn, you inspired me to hit the parking lot again tonight - my riding has improved 1000 percent in the past 2 weeks, as has my comfort level. My butt has been glued to my bike every day for those two weeks!

i practiced emer (quick) stops from 30 and 35 mph tonight - was surprised how long it took for the bike to stop... ended up stomping on the rear brake to increase stopping power and discovered where my rear wheel starts to skid.

REALLY good to know... had a better squeeze technique - getting much better at avoiding my simultaneous braking/accelerating issue.

Glad I could help

I was doing about 70 mph when he pulled out and I really have no idea how long it actually took to stop - you know the whole slow motion thing.

I did have the presence of mind to flip him the bird as he passed!

Then I had to remind myself to breathe.

By the way zeligman, your sig rocks, best movie ever!

CountryBiker · Thu Sep 03, 2009 11:10 pm

koji52 wrote:Welcome!!! Where abouts in NJ are you?

Hi koji52,

Thanks for the Welcome.

I live in Northern NJ, Wantage, Near High Point State Park,
Sussex County.

CountryBiker

jstark47 · #18 Unread post by **jstark47** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 3:39 am

CountryBiker wrote:
koji52 wrote:Welcome!!! Where abouts in NJ are you?
Hi koji52,

Thanks for the Welcome.

I live in Northern NJ, Wantage, Near High Point State Park,
Sussex County.

CountryBiker

Beautiful country up there. We south Jersey-ians come up and ride your roads occasionally.

Greg . · #19 Unread post by **Greg .** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:54 pm

Welcome CountryBiker,

I'm a noob too. I took the course in July, and bought my new (used) bike in August and have ridden whenever I could since.

We learned on 250 cc Nighthawks and Rebels, and I was faced with the same situation -- smaller, less power, and the drum brakes on the bike I rode were marginal at best. It's a big difference from my 650 Ninja. The big deal for me is that the brakes are SO much better on my bike, and are taking a bit to get used to. The size of the bike and power are no problem.

I am doing the same as you -- taking it slow. I'm lucky in that I can travel roads with very little traffic. Just keep doing what you're doing, and hit an abandoned parking lot whenever you can and practice, practice, practice. I also like going through our small town to mix things up.

CountryBiker · Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:38 pm

Thanks again for all the help and advise. I am improving but, with the cooler weather coming I won't be riding very much and I feel I will need to start all over this spring.
I have also been looking for a bike for my husband. He sold his bike 3 years ago to buy a boat the whole family can use. Now, because I got into biking I want him to get a bike again. I have to ride by myself and I think it would help if I rode with someone who could give me pointers.