Power Kite Forum

I'll take one crotch rocket a-thank-you!

chudalicious - 4-7-2011 at 04:50 PM

So, being the impatient one who can't stand to do nothing while the beaches here in RI are covered in tan-seeking tourists thus making it impossible to fly, I've come to the conclusion I need yet another hobby...

Motorcycles.

We've bought our helmets, gloves and boots for the mandatory RI class and signed up and now we wait to pass that and get our permits. Already know I want a Kawasaki Ninja 250r (no need to start on anything bigger)

So I ask, how many other pkF members out there have their motorcycle license and any tips u can pass along for the learning process? (other than ride defensively and have 1000 eyes for all the idiots out there!?)

Also, I figure should I not be able to handle a bike, I can always use the street style boots to fly as they have great ankle protection!

:crazy:

Bladerunner - 4-7-2011 at 04:58 PM

You go where you look . DON'T look at that telephone pole or you will hit it. You want to go around the corner, look around the corner.

Practice skidding to a stop.

Our insurance is setup so 50 - 400cc is a scooter and very cheap insurance. Around here staying small is very economical.

Feyd - 4-7-2011 at 05:01 PM

And lets be fair, there's no lack of two wheeled motorized (and non) idiots out there.

Kami is all about throttle twisting, I'm sure he'd have some good advice.:spin:

chudalicious - 4-7-2011 at 05:01 PM

Thanks BR... Definitely lends itself to snowboarding then I guess where the same thing is taught... ie. "dont look at the lift poles or you'll be drawn to them!"

:)

Kamikuza - 4-7-2011 at 05:25 PM

I've got a real strong right wrist you know it baby yeah!
And I'm trading in my Suzuki TL1000R for a KTM Duke 690 this month :D

Tips for riding? If you're on the road ...
"No you're not paranoid - they ARE trying to kill you!"

Learn to ride the bike without thinking so you can concentrate on the traffic around you. Get a copy of Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code and absorb it. Better yet, go to his California Superbike School and get some track time - seriously ... you'll learn so much you won't believe it.

Welcome to fold :thumbup: just don't start modding anything ... and you thought kites were expensive :lol:

chudalicious - 4-7-2011 at 06:04 PM

Thanks Kami - not really the "modding" type - cept I do want a xenon headlamp and a black windsheild (but that is it!) :)

It's crazy, really... 1/2 the people I tell we are going to learn and get bikes say "Good for you, you are going to LOVE it!"

The other half, well, they are telling me to up my insurance policy.

Love the confidence boost!

Honestly, I think/hope I'll take to it as I absolutely loved going to the islands around here and renting a scooter, slapping on the helmet and then pinning the sucker as fast as it would go (35mph). Only thing I have to mechanically learn is the shifting. Never driven a standard but get the idea and hope it's not too late to learn!

nocando - 4-7-2011 at 06:12 PM

Best bet is to watch for dumb assed cab drivers who think they are Fangio

The Bane of most motorcyclists

:Ange09:

chudalicious - 4-7-2011 at 06:25 PM

Thankfully... not many cabs in RI at all.
In fact, the thing I look forward to most is being able to ride with my man (he's getting a bike too!) down the coastal roads. So pretty!

flyjump - 4-7-2011 at 06:26 PM

It's wicked fun, I've been riding for the last two years.

Just remember that there are two types of riders: those who have crashes, and those who will crash.

Be careful because people are gonna pull out it front of you whole you are driving everyday

Bladerunner - 4-7-2011 at 06:31 PM

YES , this advice applies to many sports and MC is one of them.

My mistake was commuting every day. Even in bad weather.

Rain, a bad driver and not becoming familiar with how far my most recent motorcycle slid eventually got me. :rolleyes:

I have promised myself a carton of cigerettes and a motorcycle for my 70th Birthday. But if I want to see 70 these are 2 friends I can't visit for a while . ;-)


Quote:
Originally posted by chudalicious
Thanks BR... Definitely lends itself to snowboarding then I guess where the same thing is taught... ie. "dont look at the lift poles or you'll be drawn to them!"

:)

macboy - 4-7-2011 at 08:20 PM

I got my MC license before my car license and used to log about 25,000 km per season (up here our season runs mid-May through mid-October).

I find it's best for me to drive offensively defensive. I keep all cars away from me because I know I have no control over them. Get in front and stay in front. And no, you don't need to speed to get in front of them. I just like having as little four wheeled traffic in front of me as possible 'cuz they are all idiots. Too many distractions for them. Radio, A/C, rearview, sideview, glove box......

A wonderful thing happens when you slide the helmet over your head.....your brain will automatically turn off the outside world and you'll be plunged into this hyper-aware yet blissfully beautiful state. I went 4 seasons without a bike and will NEVER again be without. In fact there's now THREE in the garage. Just this past weekend I picked up a '98 GSX-R 750 with a blown motor which I'll be converting to electric over the next 2 years. My goal is to ride it no later than two years from this past weekend. It's the winter project.....when the wind isn't blowing ; )

My other steeds are my pride and joy, pearl white 1993 Honda VFR 750 - IMO the most beautiful one they ever made - and a super fun 1977 Honda CT70 (hopped up to a 125) which is far more than anyone REALLY needs on public roadways. Hell, I hardly have to leave 1st gear on the VFR....the CT I can hold wide open and I'll never be breaking the law :lol:

esxr.jpg - 97kB

macboy - 4-7-2011 at 08:28 PM

Oh - one killer crash saver? Don't even THINK about your front brake at low-low speeds (like sub-parking lot speeds) if your handlebars are turned. The weight will dive forward and down and that's where the bike will go. I speak from (embarrassingly) LOTS of experience. My first bike was particularly bad for it because it had a very high and forward centre of gravity.

My "friends" would give me a hard time for the dropsies......ironically it happened to each and every one of them when they tried my bike. Don't buy an '84 Suzuki GS550ES ; )

shaggs2riches - 4-7-2011 at 08:58 PM

I've wanted a license and bike since I was a child riding with my father. The drivers in my town are among the worst in the country (confirmed by many people not from here) I've had many people who ride bike swear they fear for their lives when riding here. This has left me not wanting one till I relocate. Either way I've never been much of a fan of the crotch rockets. This is the bike I fell in love with when our local dealer had one and let me sit on it Honda Rune. Its a real big and heavy bike, but looks amazing IMO



I've been thinking about a license a lot in the past couple months, and have had my eye on the BMW F650GS. But I'd more than likely get something from a local dealer.

Kamikuza - 4-7-2011 at 09:52 PM

If you're going to give up using a brake, make it your rear one. Learn to use the front properly ;) if you're dropping it in carparks, your balance needs work, not your braking :D

Forget the Rune - if you want a cruiser that'll actually be fun to ride, get a Triumph Rocket III ... what a hoot!

macboy - 4-7-2011 at 09:59 PM

Nah - the bike was cursed but I've since felt the "dive" in every bike I've put a leg over since....granted not to the same extent and yes - I've since learned a thing or two ; )

I forgot all about the Rune! I got all crazy over the big old Boulevards - especially the Vette yellow one with the pearl white stripe. I'm a sucker for pearl....

Jaymz - 4-7-2011 at 10:05 PM

Hey Chud,

After meeting you a few times, I'd say you have what it takes. You'll be hooked in no time.
Looks like your approach is right on with gear and instruction.
Always wear a good full face helmet, gloves, and jacket with armour.
The 250R is a great bike. They run forever and handle pretty good.
I've been riding dirt since '76 and have had my street license since '83 @ 17y.o.
I roadraced a Ducati 996 and Yamaha TZ250 though the 90's at Loudon N.H. and Pocono PA. I've come to realize that the smaller bikes are MORE FUN, teach a new rider faster, and instill good habits.
The streets have become a dangerous place these parts just south of NYC, and I gave up street riding a few years ago. Too many close calls no matter how careful you as a rider are. Supporting a family out weighed the risk on the asphalt jungle here.
So I turned to giving back.....teaching kids and adults the art of riding and racecraft with NJMiniGP. NJMiniGP Trackdays are a nice laid back family atmosphere with overnight camping @ the track. On race days we even have a powderpuff (womens) class.

http://www.njminigp.com/

Sign up for beginner group and you will have an instuctor ALL day.
You will learn SOOOO much on the minis in a SAFE environment. We work with each student one on one. This carries over to the street in all aspects.
Things to work on:
Leave plenty of space between you and whats in front, scan your mirrors (exp. when stopped or in traffic), look where you want to go, look far ahead through the turns, smooth on the throttle and brakes, your front brake should do 70-80% of your stopping, the bike will lean ALOT further then you think. Too many riders panic and ride off the road when going into a turn "too hot" or to swerve around an object. Trust the bike and tires, it's what they were made to do...well maybe not a big ol Harley ;)
For now, try to find a nice big empty parking lot and practice smooth shifting, low speed braking, start with large radius turns and get tighter as you progress, and latter on swerve menuevers. Check the bike before every ride (tires presure, chain, oil, leaks, loose parts, etc.)
Most of all Be safe out there.

shaggs2riches - 4-7-2011 at 10:42 PM

Saskatchewan is now making all new drivers take a two day course before getting a learners bike license as of two weeks ago. Before you could walk into the issuers pay $10 and answer a 100 question multiple choice test, get 80% and you had a learners. I think it will make a lot of more educated riders on the road. As a complete newb I was thinking about it before it was mandatory. Damn that looks like a sweet bike Kam:Di......

Kamikuza - 4-7-2011 at 11:55 PM

Yeah I remember the GS550 I rode without affection ... wrang its neck good and proper but no matter how hard I pushed it through the rev range, nothing happened :lol: my GS450 was better but still a heap of crap - Cheng Shin tyres didn't help and I threw it down the road at 150kph ... in nothing but jeans and a leather jacket and helmet (of course) ...

I think those GS bikes had rubber mounts for the handle bars? They made it hard to get good feedback from the steering but still ... :lol:

Rocket III was a total scream - scored a free track demo day at Suzuka Twin Ring a few years back and rode the Tiger, Speed Triple, Daytona and the Rocket. It handled ok for a such a big bus but the torque - holy mother of god!

Have a YouTube search for the "how to make a Rocket III" video - it IS all that :lol:

At the end of the day though ... nothing I rode there had the brutal kick in the pants of the TL - I know I'm going to miss that, but I'm not going to miss much else about it :(

bigkid - 5-7-2011 at 12:36 AM

interesting topic.
I have an 04, 1800 goldwing with a trailer. and the wife has a 09, honda 1000rr,(which i took to nabx this year as a put put). i ride all the time, lost track of how many times a 4 wheeler tried to take me out, scared the crap out of a driver once by trying to open his door while driving down the freeway after he took my lane. all he had to do was look, i was right next to him.
Been ridding since i was 11. it was said before, 2 types of bike riders, ones who have crashed and the others will. ride offensively and watch the eyes of the 4 wheelers. ride with a group if possible and take a defensive riding class.
the biggest thing is the crotch rocket is just that a rocket, and what do rockets do? crash.
Nothing like the feel of a 2 wheeler going down the road:wow:

nocando - 5-7-2011 at 01:29 AM

Yes very

Have been a licensed rider since 17. things have changed so much.
They now have a situation where all learner riders are restricted to a certain capacity
plus the number of cylinders the bike has.
This all came about because too many young guys were going out and buying Aprilla 125s
a right little rocket, and other bigger multis and wiping themselves and others out.

chudalicious - 5-7-2011 at 03:16 AM

Wow - lots of great stuff here.

I have to say the thought of donning the helmet and getting into my own (albeit very aware) world sounds very appealing. Granted they are very different, but I can't help comparing it to snowboarding... not only due to the "look where you want to go, not where you DON'T want to go" but because when I board, it's like all my attention goes into not catching the wrong edge or falling out of the trail and I forget about work, bosses, and bills... it truly is a whole differt type of meditation.

Why a crotch rocket? Well, since I was like 5 years old, I have wanted one. I used to just stare at them when I was a kid thinking "ah, someday!" Hell, I used to BEG for the Toys R Us plastic bike that had a top speed of 10mph till I was like 10! Plus, I am not the black leather kind of biker chick... more the sporty type.

Jaymz - that instructional class sounds amazing and thanks for the vote of confidence. However, I have to say that all my enthusiasm has gone a bit astray due to many folks (not just the PKF members) who used to ride selling their bike and gear stating they choose "life instead" - yes, you could say that worries me :puzzled:

Already got my full face scorpion helmet, leather gloves, icon textile jacket with CE approved pads and a pair of Kevlar jeans for some piece of mind but the more I think about it, the more the "you are gonna crash" comments swirl around. Yeah, not in it to die - just want to enjoy life and have no regrets. With a plan to only ride in nice weather (got a car for the crap days and the winter) and the learning period to include the 16 hour mandatory RI class (with lecture, test and field bikes to learn on) plus many a day in a parking lot getting used to the bike once i get one, PLUS not going out in rush hour traffic, I hope my fear subsides to the point where I can enjoy the thought once more.

Oh and Kami? My fiance is drooling over that bike (no crotch rocket for him)

Kamikuza - 5-7-2011 at 05:19 AM

Don't kid yourself - it's a crotch rocket ... think Saturn V rather than Sidewinder though :lol:

You GOTTA ride defensively and treat everyone like they ARE going to change lanes/pull out/suddenly stop right in front of you. No they haven't seen you. No they don't care if they have seen you, they're going anyway. No there's not enough space but they'll try anyway ...
And THEN there are the pedestrians :lol:

Make sure you cover yourself in insurance, every which way. Get your bike skills up to par ... it'll be all good. Yes you will crash, we've all done it - some of us several times.

Seriously, read Twist of the Wrist - all this is covered :)

chudalicious - 5-7-2011 at 05:42 AM

Crap... Kami. Guess I'm out...

Guess knitting and stamp collecting ain't so bad, right?

:megan:

Chad - 5-7-2011 at 05:55 AM


Here is my latest bike O' and my beautiful wife hehe. I have had a bike most of my life and all that has been said in the upper posts are very true. the one piece of advice i can give you is for your test! if you have to do the circle test(where you have to drive around the circle 2-3 times without putting your foot down) the trick is stand on your back break and rev the engine up and work the clutch to keep you upright through out the circle. your bike is a leaner so it turns as you lean! this does not make a circle a friendly test. Now i took my test at 15 on a CBR1000 and I was 140lbs soaking wet! I was the only crotch rocket that passed that day and I had the biggest bike.. take it out and practice and I know it will come in handy for other things as well. (it also works on the timed travel test)
Best of luck!

Chad - 5-7-2011 at 06:10 AM

O' by the way MOD the H#!! out of it. LOL

its only money and you cant take it with you!

Ducati. Production, 1999-2002 ... Top speed, 259 km/h (161 mph). Power, 122 hp (82.3 kW) @ 8500 rpm ... $22,000
the one you see ... Top speed 192 mph, 180 hp @8500rpm (no NOS) $29,500 BTW this was tested on the computer not on the street. Crazy like a fox but not Stupid!

chudalicious - 5-7-2011 at 06:32 AM

wondering if we should get a beater dirt bike and register it and drop that instead of ruining the farings or more on a new ninja?!?!? Just hate to blow $800-$1000 just to practice on something i dont care about.


Trainer kite much?! :)

Drewculous - 5-7-2011 at 07:15 AM

i have a honda vtx1300r... its fatty and low :spin:

i dont ride it often enough tho.... not enough kite storage lol

Jaymz - 5-7-2011 at 07:17 AM

A Yamaha TTR-125 or Honda CRF150F are both great dirt learners to throw around in the dirt. Why not take up trail riding as well? The sliding you do on the dirt, help your street skils as well.

Two other riding tips,
Watch the front tires of a driver waiting to make a turn in front of you. Are they turned yet?, or still straight. A car driver should never turn their wheels until they start moving. If they get rear ended with the wheels turned they will be pushed into oncoming traffic (you the M/C rider).
And keep your front brake covered with your hand in any sketchy situation like the one above. That second it takes to reach for the lever can mean stopping 10-100 feet sooner depending on your speed.
Don't let all this discourage you. Get out there and start having fun.

chudalicious - 5-7-2011 at 07:22 AM

what do you guys think of this to play around in the dirt on?
http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/2473405803.html

learn shifting... balance and stuff?? Play in the dirt before the class and have a jump on the shifting?

Or not worth the trouble?

Don't wanna spend more than 350ish

Jaymz - 5-7-2011 at 07:49 AM

...not worth the trouble and too small. You will be working on it more then riding it. Freinds have had these Chinese knockoffs and almost every time out something breaks. And they ride as well as those Chinese knockoff kites fly. Wheels whobble, chains break, bolts strip, etc.
Try to find something made by the Big 4, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki.
If you can find a Honda XR100 cheap that would work great. Anything under $500 may need a little tlc.

PHREERIDER - 5-7-2011 at 07:58 AM

donorcycles! be careful!

chudalicious - 5-7-2011 at 08:02 AM

found this one... http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/2475927357.html

ugh... already money flying out of my tailpipe.

Chad - 5-7-2011 at 08:20 AM

Sorry I can NOT agree...
Dirt bikes are not rice burners they do not handel the same or feel the same. So other then working out your wrist they will not do anything for you on the street. You sit to high and the "COG" is no where near the same as a leaner.

buy an old used rice burner and use it on the road, Parking lot, back road or something of the same.
I am coming from over 32 years of bike exp. I have never wrecked once (as due to my negligence)! however I have been hit by a drunk driver and was almost killed due to the negligence of someone else. So any way you look at it (have your house in order before you ride) Not to scare you just friendly advice (I have kids and a wife to cover). It is always the other people to look out for.
BTW you will never see me ride my wife... I would never put my kids in the position of loosing two parents at the same time.
My two cents..

Drewculous - 5-7-2011 at 08:25 AM

... Sorry man, I know what you were trying to say... But your second to last sentence is way funny!

Quote:
Originally posted by Chad

BTW you will never see me ride my wife...

chudalicious - 5-7-2011 at 08:29 AM

Have to say Drew... my mind went there too.

Uh, so confused - thought it was supposed to be fun?
this is no fun at all

Rather not die thanks.

indigo_wolf - 5-7-2011 at 08:32 AM

Don't know how tall you are but the problem with a beater dirt bike is that seat height may been an issue.

Looking around, a Yamaha TW200 (similar seat height to a Ninja 250) doesn't really depreciate that much. You'd be going back 10 years or so to get into the $800-$1,000 price range. TW200 rides like a standard or UJM.... a Ninja 250 will have more of a sportbike tuck.

If you are concerned about fairing/bodywork, you might just consider some frame/bar-end sliders.

If your baby sustains any damage, it can often be cheaper to get the repaired by a place that specializes in ABS welding than replacing factory fairing parts.

Take advantage of the ridership course. The RI class follows the MSF curriculum and it covers a lot of good material. The instructors are generally teaching because they love the sport and they're usually very cool/approachable ladies and gents.

You'll pick up the shifting fairly quickly. Counter-steering will take a little bit of a leap of faith because it's not immediately intuitive.

MSF class bikes are generally small to mid displacement bikes purchased through or donated from local dealerships. You might want to call ahead and find out what bikes that have in the stable. Getting on a bike you are comfortable with and that doesn't pose any height challanges will insure you get the most out of the class.

It's been a long time since I have ridden, but I'll toss out some random thoughts anyway. None of it is meant as doom and gloom, just meant to keep you safe.
I am sure there lots of stuff I have left off, but....

ATB,
Sam

Drewculous - 5-7-2011 at 08:41 AM

Bikes are fun... If you want a ricer, just buy one in your budget, take a lesson, and go... I bought my honda, and my test drive was the first time I had ever been on a bike... Not the smartest way to go, lol.... but just get what you'll want to ride, and ride it!

Its not that hard... I know plenty of dumba$$es that do tons of stupid things... And are, just fine... If they can do it you can.. Just try before u buy

chudalicious - 5-7-2011 at 08:43 AM

Thanks Sam - great tips indeed.

I am 5ft 7in and can stand flatfooted on the 250 ninja (which I was VERY excited about) when I sat on it at a local shop.

Thing is you can buy a NEW ninja 250r in black (what i want) for $3999 so I have a hard time finding anything used (they keep their value like crazy!) for less than $3000. That was why I was just going to take the course and get the ninja... should it drop, it would prob be less to fix than pay for another whole bike just to learn on.

Or am I thinking like a jack(_!_) ??

revpaul - 5-7-2011 at 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chad
Sorry I can NOT agree...
Dirt bikes are not rice burners they do not handel the same or feel the same. So other then working out your wrist they will not do anything for you on the street. You sit to high and the "COG" is no where near the same as a leaner.

My two cents..


disagree
i've been owner/rider of cruisers/c-rockets/off road bikes/quads/snow.
sure a dirt bike is different CoG but learning to flick it around and create a skill set that is important and easier/safer/cheaper to.
a dirt bike is very light and built to take a 100s drops/light crashes wich is what a rank newbie needs. a dirt bike will teach you clutch/brake/shifting technique in a safe (legal) area and give you confidence. confidence(peace of mind) is key. if one simply rides dirt bike on hard pack trails at slow speeds then the balance skills may not grow much at all. however if one is riding at speed and is flicking/throwing/braking the bike in and out of corners and climbing hills one is going to have an extraordinary balance/shifting/braking/throttle control/ skill set that will tranfer very well to street especially crotch-roketing (roadracing).
how many Pro roadracers in Pro levels across the board do you think train using moto-Xers? i know....lots and lots and lots.
also learn why and how one should consider using back brakes even on a street bike.

i "ALWAYS" found that from batches of new "crotch rocketeers" that turn up every spring the ones that excelled the quickest were raised on dirt bikes.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...do not assume that once you've made eye contact(you know they know you are there) with soccer-mom or granny May that they will not proceed to f-you up.
ALWAYS BE ON GUARD around traffic slow or fast.
never panic...
REMEMBER...unless you are a Pro riding at the limits that crotch rocket your riding will almost always be able to turn tighter(lean more) and stop faster than you think.

edit....
get proper(appropriate) safety gear...i rode cruiser years before i went to c-rocket. i just used my cordura riding gear and stuff for c-rocket at first. i was quickly riding with the "fast guys" but always had a little voice playing tricks with my mind...st uff like hope you don't lay it down here or your gonna be road pizza...
once I bought a proper (one piece) leather roadrace suit (GP armor built in and thick leather) the "voice" never bothered me again. super "piece of mind" and riding was pure fun.

Seanny - 5-7-2011 at 09:41 AM

There's lots of good info here. You picked a good bike, and the small ones are really a lot of fun. I don't really know what I can add, because it's hard to make you experience riding a motorcycle through a forum... you just have to do it. There's a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it you'll pick up quickly. Being back brake biased to start out with is fine, and probably the most safe... but learning to use the front brake properly is essential. The main thing to remember is EVERYONE IS OUT TO KILL YOU. You are sitting on an engine with two wheels. That is it. There are no air bags, no seat belts, no nothing. It is you versus soccer moms driving 3,000 pound death machines at 65 mph. I'm not trying to scare you away, but this is the harsh reality and you must be willing to face the consequences of your new hobby. City driving in many cases is even more dangerous than highway driving. A diversity of experience is your best friend. But you have a good head on your shoulders... you should do just fine. Just be careful...

Chad - 5-7-2011 at 09:44 AM

Drewculous I guess i should have worded that a little different! LOL
Sorry to disappoint
:spin:

Rev = I hear what you are saying and do agree to a point but I don't see most newbes that want to ride on the street (now) spending years on the dirt first (putting the road on hold). Thats all I am saying. If you come from the dirt No argument here with the rest.

revpaul - 5-7-2011 at 09:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chad
Drewculous I guess i should have worded that a little different! LOL
Sorry to disappoint
:spin:

Rev = I hear what you are saying and do agree to a point but I don't see most newbes that want to ride on the street (now) spending years on the dirt first (putting the road on hold). Thats all I am saying. If you come from the dirt No argument here with the rest.

yea..i wouldn't recommend a person spend years on dirt before they buy/ride the street machine they really want.
perhaps borrowing a dirt bike for a few sessions would be closer to it.
coolll...

indigo_wolf - 5-7-2011 at 10:17 AM

Rather than overthink it.... I would wait (oh no...not that... anything but that.... nooooooo ! :no: ) until after the class and see where your head is at after that.

While most of the MSF class is done at sedate speeds, there will be segments that are at "around town" speeds. If your comfort level is sufficient, after the course it could be that a "trainer" bike will be superfluous.

Sometimes, the first scratch/nick/blemish is the hardest one to face.... after that everything is just building character and commemorating your growth with the bike ("that scratch is where I just barely dodged the flying wombat that attacked me.").

ATB,
Sam

macboy - 5-7-2011 at 01:18 PM

And I don't think it's a matter of letting yourself be scared. We play with a wicked force in the wind and have all come to respect it. Respect motorcycling the same and all of it's inherent risks and you'll live a long happy life. Not saying you won't crash but crashes don't have to be all bad. My worst was not a ride-ender. Coming a little too hot into a 90 deg corner 'cuz dumbass me was admiring the lightning in the distance. Back of the bike broke loose on the spotty backroad loose surface, swung out and caught and edge. Bike flipped me off and launched me about 30 feet but I landed on the downslope of the ditch and it was pretty gentle. Granted like RevP said - full leathers with armor were there with me....just like the safety gear while kiting.

revpaul - 5-7-2011 at 02:03 PM

highest speed falloff/low-side was at apporx 120 kp/h. touching down from a wheelie that i should have stopped long before i did. had to get on brakes hard for a stop sign to major road and fortune threw in a 1 foot triangular patch of left-over gravel from spring clean up. tucked the front and went for a slide (and roll or two for me). picked up bike amazed that it looked still good. started 'er up and drove off. suffered some scrathes on leathers and a bruise on one hip. did nothing to repair/fix bike except for replace one signal light lens. friends had to look for the other scratches/evidence of crash...lucky.

dropped it like a goof once pulling out of parking lot in front of buddies. instead of getting on throttle hard to straighten bike up/out i feathered throttle/clutch like an old lady and it nearly stalled causing the bike to lose momentum midway through turn and it just fell over as i had both feet on pegs...:crazy::crazy::lol::lol::crazy::crazy:

Txshooter38 - 5-7-2011 at 03:59 PM

A book that is a must read. Do not think of it as a racing manual as much as a "do these things to be successful". It has saved my butt many times over. Read it. Practice it. Live it. BTW make sure you get the second "twist of the wrist"....it is much more useful than the first that deals more with racing theory.

http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Mo...

Jaymz - 5-7-2011 at 07:52 PM

Kieth Codes teachings are fine, but a bit unorthodox. He relies heavily on countersteering which gets confusing and is a science in itself. Too much physics for a new rider.
MSF classes are a good start for the newbie and returning rider.

I beg to differ that dirt riding won't help a street rider much. Time in the dirt will bring confidence, teach body positioning, teach smooth throttle/braking on loose terrain, peg weighting effects, sliding skills, etc. all help the street rider. You will learn more after a few days in the dirt, then months on the street. Has nothing to do with a crotch rocket having a differant cog or body position. Good example being we have been roadracing dirtbikes with slicks for years. Saved many a lowside with proper body postion, countersteer, and using the kneedown to regain traction.
Nicky shows it here.Love this video :thumbup::thumbup:.



The best School anyone can attended is Danny Walkers American Supercamp. Flat track based but their teachings work for all disaplines of riding. You will leave with plenty of new tools in your "mental toolbox", then anywhere else.
Many of the top American riders came from a Flat Track background, not SX/MX.
The Haydens, Bostroms, Kenny Roberts Sr./Jr. Colin Edwards, Gary MacCoy(Aussie) all raced at the top...MotoGP....all flat track backgrounds.

Here's American Supercamp school's teachings in 4 parts..Ride on!














Class in DE a few years ago. Fun times!



The infamous Chris Carr 360. Bike control at it's best.



Ride on!

Kamikuza - 5-7-2011 at 08:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chudalicious
Crap... Kami. Guess I'm out...

Guess knitting and stamp collecting ain't so bad, right?

:megan:


Don't be like that :lol: I'm just pointing out that you don't have the safety margin of a cage (car) around you and 4 wheels on the ground so you have to be SUPER attentive to your environment and all that's in it.
... it'll make you a better driver too ;)

Like revpaul said, just cos you think they've seen you, doesn't mean they won't pull out - there's a thing called the Looming Effect which dragonflies use to catch dinner - basically, anything coming directly at you reduces your ability to judge distance to almost nothing. Be paranoid.

My first bike was a dirt bike, TT350. Dropped it and myself every time I rode that bike (especially when the knobbies went bald :lol: ) and learnt a heap - good investment if you have a dirt track/area handy, not much if you have to travel to get to one.

Counter-steering - your bike isn't going to lean if you don't do it, and if you don't lean you're not turning. Unless you're natural-born Gary McCoy :lol: you probably do it naturally above a certain speed and don't even realize ;)

Crashes for me - on the road cos off-road are far too numerous to mention!
... first big one was losing the front wheel on a wet road beyond 100kph - I blame the Cheng Shin front tyre :lol: took all the skin off my knuckles and knees - no gloves and jeans - and slid into the curb, gouging a great chunk out of my helmet and mashing my elbow a bit. Rode home from that one - that GS450 was a tough bike :lol: wife freaked out when I plopped down on the sofa with bloody knees etc but it was pretty minor.
Low-sides a few times at low to medium speeds ... more damage to the bike than me.
Low-sided again on the TL about 3 weeks after back surgery :lol: old tyres, I was trying to save a few bucks by making them last longer ... cos me a mirror, rear brake lever, indicator, sticker for the body and a grazed knee.

What have I learned? Gear will save your hide and don't skimp on maintenance :o

Kamikuza - 5-7-2011 at 09:01 PM

Funny story ... maybe.

My buddy Simon ... wanted to be a biker so when we were about 25 he went and got his learners license and the same day, bought a full set of leathers, an RGV250 and hit the road! 250cc is the biggest bike you are (were?) allowed on a learners in NZ but yes that includes a GN250 and the RGV ... madness but anyway ...

Got a call from Simon that evening - he'd gone off the road and put the bike in a ditch. Broken his little finger but otherwise ok.

I didn't get to ride in a group with Simon until he had about a year under his belt. A year of crashing every time he went out, I was told. Didn't believe it ... so the day came when I got to ride with him. Long straight roads out of the city, I was riding behind him - the first good corner we come to, he rides straight off it into the dirt :o
"What the hell dude?!?!" says I.
"Don't like leaning the bike" says he.
"Erm ..." says I. "Oi Aaron I'm taking point, you watch the rear" and off I went. Stopped about 15 minutes down the road cos I'd lost them. Waited and waited and eventually went back - Simon'd ridden off the road again ...

Fast forward to about 2003 - I'm back in NZ for a holiday, Jeremy gets on the phone "Dude come out to the raceway, Simon is doing a track day on his CBR600"
I'm like "Erm ..."
"No no he's gotten really good"
True enough, he was laying down some good laptimes and riding real well.
"Yo Simon lend me your bike and leathers for a quick blast round the track" says I.
He says "No way you'll crash it"
:(

Next session he goes out, first lap, coming off the back straight into a top gear left hander - oh the irony - he crashes :lol: concussion, broken little finger, trip to hospital, wiped out bike ...

Admittedly though, it wasn't his fault - a seagull had flown out into his face at 260kph ...!

chudalicious - 6-7-2011 at 05:59 AM

Damn gulls...
:Ange09:

Good stuff Kami - everyone really, all great advice and guidance. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and expereince and most of all, stories!

Our course is scheduled for mid-August so we are trying to learn some basics by going to a good friend's house to get the scoop before the madness begins. In the meantime, we are still wanting to try out a dirtbike but they have pretty much been outlawed in RI with no where to ride and nosy neighbors with the local police on speed dial. Sucks...

Fingers, toes and eyes crossed that we'll figure it all out and I'll have a bike by Sept. and be back kiting (when the beaches close) shortly after.

:)

Txshooter38 - 6-7-2011 at 06:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jaymz
Kieth Codes teachings are fine, but a bit unorthodox. He relies heavily on countersteering which gets confusing and is a science in itself. Too much physics for a new rider.
Quote:


I try to keep things simple...push right go right....push left go left.

The concept may be confusing to beginners but it is the only way you can turn.

chudalicious - 10-8-2011 at 06:54 AM

MMMhmmm.... head to toe protection and getting my learnin' on.
We have the mandatory MSF lecture on Saturday and range tests Monday and Friday. Been riding around the neighborhood but the idea of a clutch still escapes me. Ugh, I see no need to fiddle with friction points when all i want to do is go and stop!

Getting it, but slowly...

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/gallery.php?action=viewimage&a...

Drewculous - 10-8-2011 at 07:21 AM

nice! That is a slick looking ride!

cheezycheese - 10-8-2011 at 07:46 AM

You go girl !!! :thumbup:

Kamikuza - 10-8-2011 at 07:47 AM

:wee: Wee beauty! See a few around here, they look like a great beginner bike!

Clutch is important :) friction point more so ... you should really get a feel for "feathering" the clutch - increased control is always good, and when you move onto bigger bikes or rude singles, you'll be able to avoid embarrassing stalls, damaging shaking etc etc ...

Draggin' Jeans? Otherwise, tsk tsk :lol:

PS. ... picked up my Duke the other night too - wish it wasn't so damned hot out and wouldn't you know it, the wind has been up since I got it :lol:

chudalicious - 10-8-2011 at 08:02 AM

Sartso jeans.... Largest bits of kevlar out there.

Yep, 250cc ninja... Love it!

Shift boots to look like sneakers too.

Still scared out if my mind - 25mph feels like 100

Kamikuza - 10-8-2011 at 07:05 PM

Good for you & your gear!
You get that ... just wait till you rail around your first corner, everything in balance ... I still remember my first time :lol:

indigo_wolf - 10-8-2011 at 07:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chudaliciousBeen riding around the neighborhood but the idea of a clutch still escapes me. Ugh, I see no need to fiddle with friction points when all i want to do is go and stop!


At some point, your left foot and left hand will start having conversations that you'll only be fractionally aware. At that point, you'll be shifting and feathering the clutch as second nature stuff.

If you haven't already done it as part of the MSF curriculum and assuming it hasn't changed, there will be two exercises that you will do that will help with speed/clutch control. One of them is to cover a stretch of distance (straight) in the longest time possible.... basically going as slow as you possible can without putting your foot down. The other will have you travelling with other riders in front and behind you in a figure 8. You'll have to work the timing and speed so that riders alternate through the intersection point without coming to a stop and (obviously) without hitting each other.

25 feels like 100 because you have a slightly different perspective on the road and there's kind of a "funnel effect" of all the visual input through the faceshield of your helmet.

The first time I took my friend for a ride we crested a hill and he could see an entire valley below us.... he said it was the most 3D he had ever seen the world. Your brain will catch up and start filtering out stuff as needed.

Eventually you will find yourself dropping from highway speeds to 35-45 and it will feel like your are crawling along at 5-10 mph.

It's a lot like transitioning from the kite flying you to you flying the kite.

The first time I drove my motorcycle home from the dealership it honsetly felt very surreal and like I was just going along for the ride.

Waaaaaaah..... now I miss not having a bike. :sniff:

ATB,
Sam

Kamikuza - 10-8-2011 at 08:07 PM

Get one!

John Holgate - 11-8-2011 at 05:33 AM

Quote:

Counter-steering - your bike isn't going to lean if you don't do it, and if you don't lean you're not turning.


My brother found out about this when he realised he was too close to the side of the road and gently tried to steer away. Of course, he got closer to the side of the road instead.

I also had a copy of 'Twist of the wrist' and after reading about counter steering had to go and pay careful attention to what I was doing....sure enough, when I 'leaned' the bike, I was actually pushing the 'bar in the opposite direction. When I deliberately changed to a very light grip on the bike - nothing. I could climb halfway down one side of the bike and it kept going in a straight line. And the opposite was true - I could stick myself on the tank and put the bike anywhere I wanted by using a bit of pressure - counter steering - on the bar. Very weird. I have no idea how this works or at what speed it becomes the mechanism for steering the bike.

I have also struck a couple of car drivers who turned in front of me (when coming from the opposite direction) - no idea why they couldn't see me. After that, I decided I'd basically ride like I was invisible. Haven't ridden a bike for a while now. Got this new, low, sleek and fast machine called a 'kite buggy'. :wee:

chudalicious - 11-8-2011 at 06:20 AM

Sam - I am with Kami - go get a bike!!

John - the cagers not seeing you is what I am really thinking about. I actually just switched out my helmet to a mostly white one to help and my jacket is white as well. Bought some Xenon lights for as many lumens as possible too so I hope every little bit helps.

Been practicing as much as I can and forcing myself to stop on hills and get going again. The MSF stuff that I am not looking foward to is the E stop (as I have no idea how one would remember to shift back to 1st before coming to a stop and only removing your left foot from the peg) and the last-minute swerve (where the instructor stays behind cones and at the last second directs you which way to go)

Fingers crossed!

Kamikuza - 11-8-2011 at 08:13 AM

Short of flashing lights, they probably still won't see you :( there's a thing dragonflies do called "looming" - they fly directly at their prey, so they don't seem to change in size ie. move. Same effect applies to motorbikes vs car drivers. You're actually better off weeving from one side of the lane to the other while you ride ... so long as people don't think you drunk :D

Make sure you have your headlight on is about as much as you can do and - again! - treat everyone like they're out to kill you ...

Do NOT used your gear box as a brake! Pull the clutch and use the front brake. 80% of the braking power of a bike is in the front brake. You lose 1/2 that if you lock the wheel (and can keep the bike upright) and locking the rear wheel is all too easy ... even though modern tyres will let you get away with a hell of a lot!
Hate to say it but, the only way to get a feel for brakes is to use them - go into some place with good surface, no dirt or shingle etc, and practice applying the brakes as hard as you can - smoothly. You do not want the forks to slam to the bottom of their travel by grabbing the lever - smooth and steady, let the forks compress and the weight transfer to the front wheel BUT be ready to let go the brake if the wheel locks ... hold the tank with your knees and try not to put your weight on your wrists ... it's the difference between pulling a gun's trigger and squeezing ;) start at like, 30kph and brake hard to an almost stop then increase either the braking force until you scare yourself or the wheel locks, then increase the speed.

That's what the e-brake test is erm testing - your ability to brake hard without locking up the wheel. If you get an emergency situation in the wild, you gotta be able to react - HARD - without sliding headfirst into something cos you've lost the front wheel.

chudalicious - 11-8-2011 at 10:56 AM

Thanks Kami... the thing that is getting me is thinking about braking and then while doing and it making sure not to lock the wheel up, that you have to shift down to first by the time you are stopped.

Not for nothing, but if I needed to suddenly stop, I highly doubt I would be worried about being in first - unless, of course, it is followed by a roadrunner take-off!

Too bad you don't live any closer... or at least in the same timezone - would love to ride!

chudalicious - 11-8-2011 at 11:20 AM

Got a pic of the Duke? I wanna seeeeeeeeeee :singing:

Kamikuza - 11-8-2011 at 04:41 PM

As part of the test? That's retarded. So pull the clutch and bang away on the gear lever and forget about that side of your body :lol: just concentrate on your brake ... when I did my test here, I didn't even use the rear brake. In NZ there was a riding test - cop followed me around the city - but none of the silly thing we had to do here.

Too right! I might be able to keep up with you too :lol: all my riding buddies here have like Blackbirds, Busas etc ...!

Been kiting every day since I got it :o but I'll get one soon :D

Kamikuza - 4-9-2011 at 10:21 PM

Finally took some pics ... crappy freakin' phone forces a resize when you export the pics off the phone so this is as big as they get :(

Kamikuza - 4-9-2011 at 10:23 PM

Oh this'll burn your buns too - on the TL forum, one of the guys won a Ninja 250 in a some raffle thing in the US ... he doesn't know what to do with the bike :lol:

Jaymz - 6-9-2011 at 08:28 PM

There is a new "stepping stone" race class here in the states for 13/15 year old kids using spec Ninja 250's. They're in demand and anyone looking to sell one should post on the race boards.

Hope your having fun on the bike Chud :thumbup: