Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycling: Appendix 2

Total Motorcycle Mike’s Story

What I Was Looking For (May 26, 2001)

This was one of my very early posts asking for advice on what to get. I didn’t know at the time that only three weeks later I’d own a bike!
Could turning 30 on May 15th have had something to do with it? Maybe…

Years ago, I owned a Honda Magna 500cc V4 but didn’t have the skill or experience to ride it properly. It was too heavy and powerful for me,
and I dropped it going around a corner. It scared me enough that I sold it before I hurt myself or someone else. Since then, I hadn’t ridden,
but I was ready again. I wanted to start fresh, properly this time, with a smaller bike.

What I was looking for:

• 125cc–250cc bike that’s light, fun, easy to handle, and reliable (up to 350cc if light enough).
• Available in good condition for $1500 or less.
• Comfortable for my height (6’4”).
• Standard or dual-sport chassis.

I was considering the Kawasaki GPZ 305, Yamaha XT225 Serow, and Suzuki GN125/GN250.
The original reason I bought the Magna 500 was that I could fit on it, though a little more room wouldn’t have hurt.

Hey, I Got One! (June 14, 2001)

I picked up the classifieds and saw: “1980 Honda Hawk 400, low kms, new paint, runs great, $800 obo.”
I called, arranged to see it before others, and it was mine for $700. The bike had 20k on the tach, but a rebuilt engine with less than 10k.
It looked great, and I felt I got a solid deal.

Any opinions on this bike? Anything to look for? Comments welcome.

Mike – Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Chapter One: My First Two Days of Riding

I thought posting a review of my first two days riding would be of interest to new riders and maybe bring back memories for experienced ones.

My bike: a 1980 Honda CB400T Hawk, 400cc standard. Excellent shape, freshly polished, with 20,980 km total and a newer engine.
It’s even been mistaken for a 750cc Nighthawk.

Pre-Riding

While waiting five days for my helmet, I started it up, got comfortable with the controls, and practiced moving it manually to feel the weight (400 lbs).
I also cleaned and polished it up beautifully.

First Day of Riding

Our garage opens into a gravel alley, so I pushed it out manually. I was cautious, remembering my last crash on a similar surface.
Once on the street, I stalled about five times before getting going, trying to recall my MSF course from six years earlier.
I had someone follow me in a car for safety.

I stalled repeatedly at stop signs but managed short rides at 20–40 km/h. I did a manual U-turn to head back, stalling again,
but felt more confident by the end. That night, I couldn’t wait to ride again.

My mistake? I was drop-shifting into 1st gear at 5,000–6,000 rpm. At that rev range, I’d launch from 0–20 km/h in a second,
or stall if under 5k. I only realized this after asking a car driver about it later.

Total distance traveled: 2.1 km (you’ve got to start somewhere!).

Second Day of Riding

This time, I planned a longer residential route with little traffic. Again, I had a car follow me. I stalled about five times finding the clutch’s sweet spot,
but once I did, it was smooth. I practiced starts, shifts, and even corners. Upshifting was easier than downshifting, but I was learning quickly.

At 40–45 km/h, it felt much faster than in a car! I practiced shifting patterns (1st: 0–20 km, 2nd: 21–40 km, 3rd: 41–60 km, 4th: 61+ km).
By the end, I even rode part of the gravel alley back. I was ecstatic when I parked the bike, it was becoming more fun every ride.

Day #3

I couldn’t wait to get out there, feel the wind in my face, and learn more. Still sticking to residential streets,
but aiming for more distance.

Things to Work On

• Turning off my turn signals sooner.
• Not slowing down way too early and creeping up at 10–20 km/h to a stop sign.

Thanks for reading, I know it’s a long one! If you have any tips or advice, please let me know.

Happy riding! – Mike LePard, 1980 Honda CB400T Hawk

Chapter Two: My 3rd Day of Riding

I took a break yesterday because of a BBQ (and a few beers, I won’t ride under the influence). Today was my 3rd day of riding,
and I focused on:

• Turning off my turn signals sooner.
• Not braking so far in advance of stop signs.
• Smoother clutch action.
• Smoother up and down shifting.

I mapped a residential circuit using MapQuest, had my roommate drive me around it first to scout stop signs, hills, and school zones,
then set out on my own for the first time. Nervous but excited, I even powered through the gravel alley, another big goal down!

The ride went great: fewer stalls, smoother shifts, and more confidence. The circuit included 13 stop signs, 4 yield signs,
8 school zones, 5 park zones, lots of intersections, and even a tight 30 km/h curve. Weather was cool, windy, with sunny breaks.

I rode the circuit 2.5 times, covering 36.5 km in just over an hour. I practiced uphill starts, swerves (once for a car door,
once for a minivan cutting in), and handled them well. I even managed a stall at a stop sign with a Volvo behind me,
restarted calmly and carried on.

Lessons learned: compensate for headwinds with throttle and lean, don’t hold handlebars loosely while accelerating,
and don’t try to use the clutch and turn signals at the same time. I also realized my hiking boots weren’t cutting it,
proper riding boots would help with shifting comfort.

Overall, it was my best riding yet. Confidence is growing, and I’m loving every minute.

Happy, Fun & Safe Riding! – Mike LePard, 1980 Honda Hawk CB400T

Chapter Four: Hitting the Main Roads, Traffic Lights, and 100 km Traveled

By day 4, I was ready for the next step: main roads, traffic lights, and more distance. The weather in Calgary wasn’t great
(10–11°C, rain every other day), but I set out early to beat the rain. My big goal: ride 100 km.

After warming up on my residential circuit, I missed a turn and ended up on a main road, exactly what I had planned to try.
I handled traffic, lane changes, and endless red lights. In 100 km of riding, I only stalled twice! I even stopped relying
on the RPM gauge for starts.

I had to deal with a fire truck, a car passing illegally in a school zone, and another car squeezing into my lane at a light.
I kept my cool, adjusted, and stayed safe. My circuit now included four main roads in a rectangle, mostly right turns.
Next time, I’ll add left-turn lanes.

The only downside: cold weather gear. At 11°C, 60 km/h winds cut through my jacket. I need warmer gear and rain protection.
Suggestions welcome!

Total distance: 100 km. Confidence: way up. Fun: off the charts.

– Mike LePard, 1980 Honda Hawk CB400T, Total Motorcycle Website

New Rider: My 5th Day on My Honda Hawk

Does riding ever get boring? I sure hope not, I’m having a blast! I set out around 10am and rode for hours,
taking new main roads to sharpen my skills. A few stories from today’s ride:

Running Out of Gas

At a red light, my bike stalled and wouldn’t restart. Remembering tips I’d read about running out of gas,
I suspected the tank was empty. I pushed the bike onto the sidewalk, checked the tank, switched to reserve,
and it fired right up. Thanks to those shared stories, I looked like I knew exactly what I was doing!

I filled up with 8.5 liters of premium for $5.60 CDN (71.6¢/L). My bike averages about 329 km per 13 liters, not bad.

Encounters on the Road

• A Harley rider behind me didn’t acknowledge my wave, then blasted past me after I stalled at a light. Disappointing, but one bad apple doesn’t spoil the bunch.
• I gave and received my first waves from other bikers, felt great to be part of the community!
• A custom chopper rider joined me for a stretch. He built his own bike, and we chatted at lights. Great guy, lots of character.

Bike Care

Only stalled a few times today, clutch control is improving. I heard my chain squeaking, so I’ll get it lubed and
pick up oil (10w-40) for an oil change. I’ll also have a mechanic give the bike a once-over. Nothing seems wrong,
but better safe than sorry.

I bought a PVC rainsuit ($6) that folds small, but it doesn’t fit under the seat. I bungied it to the passenger seat in a sealed bag.
Might need saddlebags soon.

Challenged myself with longer circuits, more main roads, and my first gas stop. Felt a real sense of community out there.

Ride safe and have fun! – Mike LePard, 1980 Honda Hawk CB400T

Days 6–9: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Three weeks after buying my bike, I did my first oil change. I didn’t know when it was last done, and oil is the lifeblood of an engine.
With a Clymer manual in hand, I bought supplies at Canadian Tire: oil pan, 10w-40 motorcycle oil, and a filter.
After some trial and error (and help from a backyard mechanic with a stuck bolt), I drained the black oil, replaced the filter and gaskets,
and refilled with fresh oil. Success, no leaks, smoother running.

The manual says to replace oil every 1000 km. That seems short, any suggestions?

Brake Fluid Surprise

While checking things over, I noticed the brake fluid window looked empty. Opening the reservoir, I found it completely dry, scary!
I bought a brake bleed kit, DOT 3 fluid, and gloves. Following the manual, I bled the brakes and refilled the system.
Now I know my brakes are safe.

These maintenance lessons gave me confidence not just in riding, but in caring for my machine.

– Mike LePard, 1980 Honda Hawk CB400T

Brake Fluid Fix & Confidence Growing

With more confidence, I set up to bleed my brakes. I was right, there really wasn’t much brake fluid left at all,
maybe 6 inches in the line, dark and dirty. Lucky I changed it when I did. After pumping the lever and flushing the old fluid,
I could see the new fluid replacing it. It took about 8 refills to clear the air bubbles, and even then there were tiny micro-bubbles
in the drain hose. I decided it was good enough, sealed it up, and tested the brakes. Success, much better braking!

That’s what I’d been doing for the past three days, taking care of my Honda Hawk CB400T, aka “Jazmine.”

– Mike LePard

Chapters 10–12: New Challenges

Day 10: Trip Downtown

I followed my girlfriend’s car into downtown Calgary for the first time. Busy traffic, stop-and-go, and distractions everywhere.
It was stressful but a great learning experience. After 5 hours of riding, I only stalled once (leaving a parking lot).
Downtown riding taught me to stay extra alert, half the drivers seemed glued to their phones.

Day 11: Riding at Dusk

At 9:25pm, I had the urge to ride. Riding at dusk felt different, less visibility, dashboard lights glowing,
and a sense that cars didn’t see me as well. Nothing bad happened, but I didn’t feel as comfortable.
At least I wasn’t wearing black.

Day 12: Riding the “Little” Highway

My girlfriend encouraged me to try the highway. Nervous but excited, I merged at 80 km/h and cruised at 85–95 km/h.
It was the fastest I’d ever gone, but it felt natural and safe. The bike handled beautifully, smooth and powerful.
I rode about 66 blocks on the highway before exiting, proud and confident.

Back home, the bike stalled a few times at idle. I suspected overheating in the 34°C heat. After cooling down, it ran fine again.
I’ll check the spark plugs soon. Suggestions welcome!

From my first 2 km ride to over 5,000 km in one season, I can say: WHAT A BLAST!

– Mike LePard, 1980 Honda Hawk CB400T

Zoe Wolf – 1996 Suzuki Savage LS650 “Helios”

Zoe was another rider who started out at the same time I did. Her stories really boosted my confidence,
and I hope you enjoy them too. Zoe, if you’re reading this, let us know what’s happened since!

My New Bike!

Yes, mine is the same color! (1996 Suzuki Savage LS650, “Helios”). Should be riding some time next week
after DMV/NYS inspection. I can hardly wait!

My First Day on My First Bike

Following Mike’s example, here’s my report on my first ride on my first bike. I took the CSC MS course in May,
passed my road test on 5/30, and hadn’t ridden since then or before May.

Zoe Wolf – First Rides on the Suzuki LS650 Savage “Helios”

Day 1: First Ride

Around 7:30 PM, I decided to go riding. The traffic had died down and it had cooled off a little.
Hot and muggy weather (80s), but I wore my JR pants, jacket, gloves, and full-face helmet. Nervous and sweaty,
I practiced the clutch in the driveway before heading out. The 650 felt much more powerful than the 250s I rode in MS class,
a bigger difference than expected. I stalled several times, something I never did in class!

I rode a few quiet residential blocks with lots of stop signs and corners. Only about 2 miles, but it was enough for the night.
Nothing bad happened.

Good points: Got into 3rd gear a couple of times, improved at canceling turn signals, cornered tighter, and rode on my own.

Things to work on: Smoother shifting, throttle control, and remembering to downshift to 1st at stops.

Lesson: Riding on the road is very different from remembering lessons at the computer, practice makes it real.

Day 2: Finding My Feet

This evening I rode about 10 miles in an hour. Much better than the first time, and nothing bad happened.
I rode to the post office, parked, mailed bills, and continued around quiet side streets. Got up to 3rd gear,
practiced downshifting, and worked on canceling turn signals. Still found neutral instead of 2nd a couple of times,
but less than before.

I practiced big circles and figure 8s in a church parking lot. Cornering improved, braking was smoother,
and I felt less fear and more fun. Kids on bicycles even raced me, I beeped and passed them, laughing.
By the end, I was hot but happy, and grateful for my full gear.

Lesson: Confidence grows quickly with practice. Mistakes happen, but progress is real.

Ride safe and have fun! – Zoe, Suzuki LS650 Savage “Helios”

Day 3: Canal Ride & First Wave

Evening ride, 22 miles total. Rode along the Erie Canal, stopped for gas, and even got a compliment on my bike’s color.
A stranger asked if I was in a local MC club, I proudly said no, just a new rider on a 650.

I relaxed more, even got my first wave from another rider (awkwardly returned while downshifting).
Rode mostly in the middle or left wheel track, up to 45 mph, and got used to the thumper vibrations in 5th gear.
My Arai helmet and JR gear worked great, comfortable, ventilated, and protective.

Encountered some careless drivers and kids on bikes, but handled it safely. Saw baby ducks crossing the road,
a reminder of the beauty around me. Riding felt more like fun and less like work, and I was grinning ear to ear.

Lesson: Relax, trust your gear, and enjoy the ride.

– Zoe

Day 4: Morning Ride & Evening Practice

Morning ride: 17 miles on the canal loop, up to 50 mph (fastest yet). Lost focus once, missed a turn,
but recovered safely. Another lapse had me put a foot down mid-turn, a reminder to always look where I want to go.
Lesson of the day: focus, focus, focus.

Evening ride: practiced starts, stops, and cornering in a parking lot. Stalled once making a right turn,
caught the bike before it fell. Felt tense and less confident, but chalked it up to a mental dip.
Some days are better than others, that’s part of learning.

Lesson: Progress isn’t linear. Stay patient, practice, and keep riding.

– Zoe

Zoe Wolf – Suzuki LS650 Savage “Helios” (Continued)

Day 1: First Ride

Around 7:30 PM, I set out for my very first ride. Hot and muggy weather, but I wore full gear: JR pants, jacket, gloves, and full-face helmet.
Nervous and sweaty, I practiced the clutch in the driveway before heading out. The 650’s power was a big jump from the 250s in MS class.
I stalled several times, something I never did in class, but managed a few blocks of quiet residential riding.
Only about 2 miles, but it was a start.

Good points: Reached 3rd gear, improved cornering, canceled signals more consistently, and rode on my own.

Things to work on: Smoother shifting, throttle control, remembering to downshift to 1st at stops.

Lesson: Riding on the road is very different from classroom memory, practice makes it real.

Day 2: Building Confidence

Rode 10 miles in about an hour, mostly quiet side streets with stop signs. Rode to the post office, parked, and mailed bills.
Practiced shifting (up to 3rd gear), downshifting, and cornering. Still occasionally found neutral instead of 2nd,
but less than before. Practiced figure 8s in a church parking lot, improving cornering and braking.
Kids on bicycles even raced me, I beeped and passed them, laughing.

Hot in full gear, but much more comfortable than Day 1. By the end, I felt less fear and more fun.

Ride safe and have fun! – Zoe, Suzuki LS650 Savage “Helios”

Day 3: Canal Ride & First Wave

Evening ride, 22 miles total. Rode along the Erie Canal, stopped for gas, and even got a compliment on my bike’s color.
Relaxed more, got my first wave from another rider, and returned it (awkwardly while downshifting).
Rode mostly in the middle or left wheel track, up to 45 mph, and got used to the thumper vibrations in 5th gear.

Encountered careless drivers and kids on bikes, but handled it safely. Saw baby ducks crossing the road,
a reminder of the beauty around me. Riding felt more like fun and less like work, and I was grinning ear to ear.

Lesson: Relax, trust your gear, and enjoy the ride.

– Zoe

Day 4: Morning Ride & Evening Practice

Morning ride: 17 miles on the canal loop, up to 50 mph (fastest yet). Lost focus once, missed a turn,
but recovered safely. Another lapse had me put a foot down mid-turn, a reminder to always look where I want to go.
Lesson of the day: focus, focus, focus.

Evening ride: practiced starts, stops, and cornering in a parking lot. Stalled once making a right turn,
caught the bike before it fell. Felt tense and less confident, but chalked it up to a mental dip.
Some days are better than others, that’s part of learning.

Lesson: Progress isn’t linear. Stay patient, practice, and keep riding.

– Zoe

Days 6 & 7: Growing Skills

By Day 6, I had logged about 1850–1853 miles on Helios. Evening rides focused on smoother shifting,
better throttle control, and more confidence in traffic. Each ride felt less like a struggle and more like freedom.
I was still learning, but the joy of riding was becoming second nature.

Lesson: Every ride adds a layer of skill and confidence. Celebrate the small wins.

– Zoe

New Rider, Year 1: 1000+ Miles!

Hi everyone. I’ve been doing a little lurking here lately, not much writing. I just want to let you know that as my first season as a new rider
I’ve logged 1035 miles on my yellow Savage. I just got back from a short ride and realize the season here in WNY is coming to a close.

Thanks to those who gave me good advice about gear and my first bike back in May, and who read my detailed accounts of nervousness,
cramping feet, moving vans, umbrellas and squirrels, and forks in the road, not to mention beeping!, and encouraged me to overcome that initial trepidation.

Lessons I’ve learned:
Relax your grip and breathe.
You can lean further than you think you can.
Look where you want to go.
Keep on the throttle.

I hope to get a little riding in yet this fall before putting Helios to bed for the winter, and I look forward to putting lots more miles on next season.

Thanks again,

~~ > Zoe Wolf
’96 Suzuki LS650 Savage, “Helios”
Megarider No. 663