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I am a new rider I have dropped the bike a couple of times doing stupid things but nothing serious and am fairly comfortable on the bike. Really I only have three problems one I don't like high ways I like to stick to back roads I don't know if thats normal or not, I have a problem down shifting on hills when I do the bike jerks a lot not sure why again, and the last thing is the bike is a little to tall this is the thing I am most uncomfortable about because I learned on a shorter bike and there is a big difference when sitting on the bike I can only touch the ground with my tip toes. Anyways thanks for what help that can be provided.

You need to be smoooth with the clutch on a downshift.

Basically

Pull in the clutch
Close the throttle
Press down on gearshift lever
Open throttle to higher rpm then it was at before
Slowly and smoothly release the clutch

Takes a lot of practise, but if done correctly you won't jerk at all.




Seats can be shaved, lowering links can be added, and special forks or shocks can be fitted to lower the bike.

indianshaft wrote: I don't like high ways I like to stick to back roads I don't know if thats normal or not

This depends on your experience, which will grow in time, so don't worry about that.

But it also depends on your bike. I hated the freeway on my v star 650 (a typical, entry level cruiser). Wasn't even remotely fun and even felt unsafe to me.

On my Ninja 650, the freeway is great. I have no problems at all. It's even a pleasure.

This is my first year riding, and I absolutely hated the highway on my first few trips. The speed didn't bother me, it was the crosswinds blowing me around. Once I got over the instinct to tense up everytime I hit a crosswind, things became much easier. I still have to force myself to loosen up sometimes, but i found that letting up on the throttle and dropping back 10kph can make a huge difference when things get a bit rough.

indianshaft wrote: I have a problem down shifting on hills when I do the bike jerks a lot not sure why again,

Are you going slow enough for the downshift? Check the next time to see if your speed is still too high for the gear you want to shift down to.

Engine drag really caught me by surprise when I first started to ride ... I drive a standard shift and never experience engine drag as pronounced as on the bike ... so I really had to learn how to blip the throttle everytime I shifted.

Just try and remember to match the engine speed with the road speed... takes practice.

definitely try and lower that bike some.

what kind of bike is it anyway? i'm a new rider too. about 2 months now. rode the 250s in the MSF last summer and felt they were a bit small for me, but great to learn on. i'm 6'2". when i got my Shadow Spirit 2 months ago i was really attracted to it overall size. I could sit on it with both feet FLAT on the ground no problem. It's a 750cc bike, but very comfortable to ride and therefore after even the first month I feel fine riding on all type of roads.

I think the fact that the bike is too big for you is why you've dropped it and are likely a bit nervous/tense when you ride. So if you can lower it some that would be really great. if not can you trade it in for somethign a bit smaller?

best of luck

indianshaft wrote:I am a new rider I have dropped the bike a couple of times doing stupid things but nothing serious and am fairly comfortable on the bike. Really I only have three problems one I don't like high ways I like to stick to back roads I don't know if thats normal or not, I have a problem down shifting on hills when I do the bike jerks a lot not sure why again, and the last thing is the bike is a little to tall this is the thing I am most uncomfortable about because I learned on a shorter bike and there is a big difference when sitting on the bike I can only touch the ground with my tip toes. Anyways thanks for what help that can be provided.

Eww, all my nervous, ill feelings come back reading this post I was the same way when I started riding my bike. It was just a tad tall for me. Once I got the seat shaved down I had better footing, it did a lot for my confidence and comfort with the bike.

One of my big concerns and struggle I had was staying steady coming to a stop. What helped me get comfortable and better when I stopped was keep my bike rolling at a good speed until it was time to quit moving. The faster you're rolling, the more steady the bike is. So, keep the bike rolling steady for as long as you can before you must stop. If you slow for too long, then you must start the balancing act, slightly turning the handlebars and getting wiggly with your body. That will make one really unsteady for the stop - and can set you up for one of those drops. So, keep rolling and stop sure.


Think about lowering your bike and/or shaving the seat to get a better flatfoot to the ground.

What kind of bike are you on?

On the downshifting, give your bike a little gas before letting the clutch out. If not try a bit more gas.

Interstates, wind is a curse of many riders. Getting use to the speed in a staight line just take time to get use to. Curves at 55/65 takes proper leaning and trust that with tires broken in (>100 miles) that the tire will hold you to the road and not slide out. Now you need to work up to that, do not just go for it. Work on it at 45, when comfortable then 50/55 and so on.

As long as you receieved proper training, it just takes time and practice. There's no way to short cut the time aspect.

BTW only practice on roads that you have already ridden and looked for gravel, potholes, sharp turns, general traffic type and load, etc...

I would definetly NOT feel safe on a bike, if I could barely touch the ground!!! I can very easily flat foot on my bike, and could pretty easily on a Ninja250. I would see if it can be adjusted...if not, look into something else!