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Well, I've gotten through most of the steps to be an amateur biker.

I purchased Brackstone's 2007 Ninja 250 today. It looks great and it feels big, even though I know it is a smaller bike.

I've taken the MSF Basic RiderCourse - which was really enjoyable.

I've actually got an "M" endorsement on my license.

I've read the book "Motorcycling Excellence" from the MSF, and I've got a copy of the new version of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough, which I'm about halfway through.

All that remains: Registering the bike (Hopefully tomorrow night on the late DMV close night at Rahway) and lots and lots of practical practice.

All the book knowledge in the world is great, but let me tell you - knowing that I need throttle control and clutch control is not as strong as the muscle memory of actually doing it.

Fortunately, I should have some calm quiet roads to work on this with.

And who knew, test riding Brackstone's bike, that almost the first thing I did on it was a friggin' u-turn. I bitched it up too, but I did two important things:

1) I didn't lay the bike down
2) I didn't put my foot down

But I'll tell you that throttle is sensitive. Maybe I'll try learning to do the u-turns in second gear. First gear seems wayyyy too twitchy.

RhadamYgg

Congratulations, we've been moving at about the same pace (MSF course same weekend, et cetera), but you've actually gotten the bike! I won't be getting a bike anytime soon, or so it looks, so enjoy it for me!

Happy Riding!

Brackstone wrote:Happy Riding!

Thanks! I wanted to take it out tonight for a quick ride around the block, but got vetoed by my wife because it won't have a plate until tomorrow night!

Ahhh probably for the best I shouldn't be riding this soon at night anyway.

You just reminded me - I have to change my sig!

RhadamYgg

Kuhnfyoozed wrote:Congratulations, we've been moving at about the same pace (MSF course same weekend, et cetera), but you've actually gotten the bike! I won't be getting a bike anytime soon, or so it looks, so enjoy it for me!

For me, getting the bike right away wasn't really much of an option. I've worked for years in IT and I know that if I go to school for something - I have to follow up on it. If I don't then the knowledge atrophies and gradually, the learning curve returns to its original position.

Some things I really want to practice until I'm confident - U-turns. Hopefully, it'll teach me two things 1) Smooth throttle control and 2) To understand the slow-turning limits of the bike.

RhadamYgg

Congratulations!!!

What will Brackstone be riding now?

Dragon on Wheels wrote:Congratulations!!!

What will Brackstone be riding now?

As soon as I know everyone here will be the second to know! (My fiance` is the first )

Grats! on both counts (the sale for Brack and the purchase for you!)

P.S. U turns are all about clutch control rather than throttle control, do NOT try U turns in second gear. Good luck and enjoy the journey! Take care.

Flesher wrote:P.S. U turns are all about clutch control

I agree totally.

Flesher wrote:do NOT try U turns in second gear.

I don't agree with this. It depends on the individual bike, gear ratios, etc. In my MSF BRC instructors recommended we experiment with 2nd gear for the figure 8; it worked better for some folks. I took the course on a TW200, those things are geared low, and I think I used 2nd.

Brackstone wrote:

Dragon on Wheels wrote:What will Brackstone be riding now?

As soon as I know everyone here will be the second to know! (My fiance` is the first )

Thought you were gung-ho for the Aprilia Shiver?

Congrats!
Now, when do we get to see pictures?
Without pictures, there is no bike..