Dirtbikes to streetbikes

[Maverick33]

Hello, hello...I haven't gotten a streetbike bike yet...I'm still looking around. It will be a sportbike though (I'm stubborn). Nevertheless, I will be taking the MSF course when I get my bike. (By this time I will officially be in the military, so it's free.) I've ridden dirtbikes for about 7-8 years now and I love it (250cc and 400cc). I've done some stupid things, but believe me, I've learned from those mistakes. I know when to back off, but I also know how to ride (on the dirt), so I ride hard often. Will the skills I've developed on the dirt assist me in riding on the street? If so, how much? Does this still mean I qualify as a "beginner" as far as streetbike status goes? I'm not saying I'm going to ride 150mph wherever I go (because I definately won't), I just want to know if experienced street/sportbike riders, or people in my situation think I can handle a street bike in the 600cc-1000cc range at this point. I'd appreciate opinions and advice. Thanks.

[Sev]

To be honest with your background you could probably go out and buy any bike that you wanted. There are a couple of things to consider. A sportsbike will weigh a lot more then any dirtbike you've ever ridden, it makes power at higher RPM's and can make a LOT more of it. You're going to be out there with everyone else on the road, and to be honest, most MSF courses don't teach you road safety. You've got to be super aware of what's going on around you, and a supersport takes a lot of attention once you first start.

But like I said, if you've been riding a lot over the last 7 to 8 years you have a good foundation to work from. Just remember streets are a lot different then dirt paths.

[iwannadie]

from what ive seen from people dirt to street isnt the best cross over. i posted in another thread about this. during my MSF course a bunch of people were long time dirt riders and had alot of troubles getting the hang of doing basic stuff, or following the proper technique for things.

one guy dropped his bike doing a quick stop. i think its bad habbits, wrong techniques and most of all over confidence. you cant get ont he bike thinking your an expert. take the msf as if you were a total new rider might be the best way to go. listen and learn how they teach you to ride. dont just blow them off thinking you been riding for 8 years and know what you need to know. be ready to relearn and loose bad habbits.

a 250 or even 400cc dirt bike is a world apart from a 1000(or even 600) street bike. try to imagine driving a very small car and relating that experince to learning to drive a semi truck and thats how close theyd compare.

[Maverick33]

Thanks for the advice. I understand that there is a difference and needless to say, I would take it easy starting off on a streetbike. All my life my old man has preached to me, "Be aware of your surroundings!" So, I think I would be alright in that department. I don't need to go killin' myself because I did something stupid (at least not yet anway ). A couple of my buddies (who aren't the brightest of the bunch) who had never ridden a bike before (accept ones with training wheels ) started out with Yamaha R6's and to my amazement, they are still kickin'. I figured they'd wipe out within the 1st couple of weeks, but I was somewhat shocked when I finally saw them riding and also heard them say they were taking it easy. They were actually pretty responsible...and hey, if they can do it, I know I can do it... Thanks again for the input.

[iwannadie]

you should watch this video
http://www.rsportscars.com/Acentral/vid ... kimpg.mpeg

im sure the guy Knew the tree was there, but that didnt stop him

Thanks for the advice. I understand that there is a difference and needless to say, I would take it easy starting off on a streetbike. All my life my old man has preached to me, "Be aware of your surroundings!" So, I think I would be alright in that department. I don't need to go killin' myself because I did something stupid (at least not yet anway ). A couple of my buddies (who aren't the brightest of the bunch) who had never ridden a bike before (accept ones with training wheels ) started out with Yamaha R6's and to my amazement, they are still kickin'. I figured they'd wipe out within the 1st couple of weeks, but I was somewhat shocked when I finally saw them riding and also heard them say they were taking it easy. They were actually pretty responsible...and hey, if they can do it, I know I can do it... Thanks again for the input.

[Maverick33]

Wow...nice, nice. Ya' know, I really just can't see myself doin' that, but I guess that's because that's strikingly similar to one of those mistakes I've learned from. It hasn't happened since I was about 11...and the first time was more than enough to keep it from happening again!

[ronboskz650sr]

The hardest thing for me was the weight of the bike and the traction on pavement. I tried to throw it around like a dirt bike on dirt, and it didn't do much in response. Low speed maneuvering is a little different, and probably more important than it was on dirt (I never did much of that on dirt, but you might have). You definitely don't want to put your foot down in the turns, either. After a short adjustment period, many of the old skills were usable....just can't slide around under power with your foot draggin' on the road. Also, cars are always around the bend, and frequently on your side of the road heading for you. You'll be fine, just keep an open mind.

[spiritusnoctem]

Hello, hello...I haven't gotten a streetbike bike yet...I'm still looking around. ..Will the skills I've developed on the dirt assist me in riding on the street? If so, how much? Does this still mean I qualify as a "beginner" as far as streetbike status goes? ... I'd appreciate opinions and advice. Thanks.

Hey, Arizona! Good to hear from you.

I happen to be a graduate of "The Dirt School" of riding, and it has absolutely helped me become a strong street rider! 24 years of riding now, and all of my crashing has been done in the dirt, not on the street.

1) Here's how dirt riding will serve you:
a. you understand about traction, pushing your front tire, and straightening out when your rear end tries to pass you.
b. you diligently read the surface in front of you, making decisions moment by moment.
c. you know what it's like to crash a bike, and still walk away.
d. you know about weight shift for slow-speed balancing and riding.

2) Here are the big differences for the street:
a. Street riding is more two-dimensional... and you will usually NOT get a progressive feel of when you front or rear tire is about to break loose. (i.e. wet painted lines at crosswalks, leaves with moisture underneath them, patches of spilled rad fluid at the corner).
b. Your bike will be 450 to 650 lbs now... you can't just blip the throttle to lift the wheel. You won't be able to slide up onto your tank or slide back into your passenger's lap for weight shifts anymore. You also need to plan every stop carefully so you can keep the heavy bike upright at the red light (especially if you ride two-up).
c. Hundreds of external variables will try to kill you, and most of them start at 3000lbs each.
e. YOU MUST RIDE LIKE YOU ARE INVISIBLE.
f. YOU MUST RIDE FOR EVERYONE ELSE AROUND YOU.
g. And one more thing: we always keep our feet on the pegs for street riding.


I hope the transition goes well for you!


Best of luck,

[Maverick33]

Those are some really lagitimate points...I will especially have to get used to keeping my feet off of the ground! The bikes I'm looking at are actually 350-380 lbs...but like ya' said...it is quite a difference. I think traction will also be pretty weird for me at first. I've ridden on the street with the ole' dirtbikes, but it's no streetbike. Also, my old man had a few motorcycles growing up and he stresses how you have to be wary of the people around you...it really only takes 1 oblivious idiot to cause a disaster. But overall, I'm pleased to hear that you guys believe my previous experience will benefit me...I know I can handle it...I have a pretty good head on my shoulders, but I really appreciate the pointers and the advice. Where I live in Arizona, there are so many places to ride without the hassles of constant traffic, so i'll have that benefit while I'm getting used to my new ride...I can hardly wait.

[poppygene]

If I could add some points to the valid ones made so far, one would be that taking the MSF course first, before buying a bike, would be really smart. The knowledge you gain there is simply invaluable for street riding.

Then, I think I should also mention that 100+ horsepower in a lightweight bike provides acceleration rates that you probably haven't experienced. Curves or road hazards in the distance can be in your face before you know it, so be careful when you begin exploring the capabilities of your bike.

Now the big one: Don't let bravado get you in over your head. This is without a doubt the most difficult thing to suppress, especially for younger riders who are trying to keep up with their more experienced and better-skilled buddies. Your pride will heal a lot quicker than your body will, so let pride take the hit instead. Ride within your capabilities and live to ride another day.