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new to riding

3.7K views 18 replies 12 participants last post by  Ramie  
#1 ·
I'm a 55 year old newbie. So I'm old enough to have a little common sense. I took an intensive 3-day riding academy. Got registered, licensed and insured. Bought what I consider a sweet 2005 white and gray Shadow 750 Aero with 22k miles.
What one piece of advice would you guys give a new rider?
thanks
 
#2 ·
Welcome to the forum, we love pictures here.
I am 72 and started riding again a few years ago. First thing I heard was the first 6 months and 500 miles is a critical zone for new riders. And learn low speed handling because it will be one of the greatest challenges as you ride more.
Here is a great video.

 
#3 ·
#4 ·
Welcome to the forum.

Look through the videos from Capt Crash, he used to be on this board once and while.

https://www.youtube.com/user/CaptCrashIdaho

Like @swifty2014 said learn low speed handling.
Always remember to put the kick stand down before getting off the bike (you would be surprised how many times over the years I've forgotten)
Remember as @smurfy71 said that you are invisible to everyone else out there
and lastly, ride it like you stole it and keep the shinny side up.
Enjoy
 
#5 ·
Always remember to put the kick stand down before getting off the bike (you would be surprised how many times over the years I've forgotten)
Interesting. I always (except in my garage on level ground) leave the bike in gear and thus use the kickstand to shut it off, then turn the key off. I guess this is a good habit. :wink2:
 
#6 · (Edited)
Welcome! I can't reiterate enough how important it is to get comfortable with low speed handling. Here in NJ there are lots of jug handles and traffic circles so it is very important. Keep your head up and ride like the other drivers don't see you. Ride as often as possible to hone your skills and increase your confidence. Enjoy the ride!
 

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#8 ·
Yep, great advice by CL_Michigan.....always know your surroundings and thinking of a way out....especially when ur stopped...have to be checking on those cars coming from behind.... Thus stay in gear in case you have to quickly move.
 
#9 ·
@Shadow1100NJ, could you explain '"jug handles" ?
Up here in the Seattle area I never heard of them, so I would like to be informed Thanks.
 
#10 ·
I think what everyone else is saying comes down to "PRACTICE! PRACTICE!! PRACTICE!!!" This includes "practicing" for "emergency" situations, like animals darting out into the road, or debris falling off the truck in front of you, that you need to avoid hitting, or stopping really quick because some idiot pulled out in front of you. The more you "practice", the more comfortable you will be with the bike and your riding skill. You can "practice" these things by waiting and trying to swerve around manhole covers in the road. AND, like everyone else has said, EXPECT people in cars to NOT "see" you, even if it seems like they "looked" directly AT you, and automatically prepare for when they do, whether that be moving to another lane, or slowing down so you can stop before hitting them, or weaving around them. I've even had people look me in the eye, smile at me, and then STILL turn into my lane right next to them. It happens. Just be PREPARED for when it does, and know what your "options" are BEFORE it does.

Another thing that some people tend to "forget" is "look where you WANT to go, instead of at where you ARE". It's especially true in corners, but applies pretty well for other riding.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Digging deep here since I've been out of it so long. But tidbits...


I always teach to ride as if every vehicle on the road is actively trying to kill you. Positions that are relatively safe when you're in a car are completely unsafe on a bike.

Just because someone 'sees' you, doesn't mean they see you. I had a guy in an extended cab long bed f250 pull up next to me (2 lanes each way), look at me, lock eyes with me, nod at me, and then immediately change lanes into mine. So either point 1 or point 2 was directly in effect. Don't trust anyone.

There are 2 types of riders. Those that have laid down their bike, and those that will lay down their bike. If you work hard you'll stay in the 2nd category and retire before you join the 1st. I quit riding before I joined, but I'm starting back up again and the drivers here in Florida are Fing insane so we'll see how it works out.

Statistically a new rider will be in wreck in the first 6 months of riding, and a majority of them will do it in the first 3. If you can safely make it past the 6 month mark while riding regularly you'll likely do ok for quite a while longer. Just not riding for 6 months doesn't count.

Your front brake provides almost all of your actual braking. If you're one of those that are too afraid to learn to use it you WILL end up parking your bike at speed in someones trunk. There's no odds there, it's going to happen.

Hot blacktop and kickstand don't mix well.

A trailered bike with just tie downs often results in a bike being drug alongside your trailer. Use bungee cords.

Depending on your skill and personal mobility, you can put a bike completely sideways at 60mph and also keep it on the rubber. You tend to learn if you can do this when a guy in an f250 changes lanes... or when a dipspit in a white honda civic turns directly in front of you. Or when a POS in an s10 intentionally tries to run you off the road. As a side note, if you pass an older s10 at speed and punch his passenger side mirror, you get a cool keepsake to hang in your garage.
 
#16 ·
Yeah Swifty, basically in Jersey you have to make a right to go left; there aren't many lefthand turns at busy intersections. So the jug handle loops you around to the intersecting street, where you then drive straight through the intersection. They aren't horrible.

What I think it funny about Jersey is that you can ride/drive into Jersey for free, but have to pay to leave Jersey. Fact! :grin2:
 
#14 ·
What everyone else has already mentioned, but there are a few more things to practice. One, avoid riding in the center of the lane. After the rainy season ends and the hot weather begins, fluids that have leaked from cars including oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and condensation from AC will all migrate and collect in the lane center. Also, when coming to a stop at an intersection or in traffic, staying off to either side of the lane will allow you a quicker exit path in case someone might hit you from behind. Also, when in traffic staying out of the center of the lane will help to prevent you from blending into the back of the vehicle in front of you.

Watch the drivers in your vicinity. Their head position often gives away their intention or lack of attention such as looking at their phone. Glance into their mirrors and you can see where they're looking. Also, watch their wheels. If the wheels are ****ed, they're probably intending to move in that direction. Here in California, we're allowed to "Whiteline" or better known as "Lane splitting, lane sharing". The California Highway Patrol actually recommended guidelines for safe lane splitting and they advocate it as a safer practice for cyclists, since cagers are usually unaware and unconcerned with Motorcyclists.

If you intend to carry a passenger, throw a bag of sand on the back and practice maneuvering at slow speeds. Practice slow speed maneuvering with or without the additional weight every chance you get. Learn to countersteer in the twisties. Don't overestimate your ability! Don't overestimate the equipment. Check the oil and air pressure before each ride. Inspect the brakes every tankful or two if you're a casual rider. Don't be a Squid! I hate helmets and always have. I've ridden a couple hundred thousand miles in my life without a helmet, but since they're required in my State for a few decades, I've become accustomed to them. I've grown to appreciate the lack of bugs in the face, but they're still uncomfortable in heat, and I hate not having peripheral vision and limited hearing. What's gained in protection in the case of an accident is perhaps lost in accident prevention. Wear armor or heavy denim/leather and boots. Watch out for shoelaces that can get hooked on the bike. Wear gloves always, whether it's hot or not. Make sure your lighting is operational and use your turn signals to alert cagers.

I've been rear ended 3 times while stopped, and I've been run into by a lane changer just like one of the other posters above. We made eye contact and while looking directly at me, changed lanes right into me. He was an elderly gentleman, and I was anticipating something so I was able to kick off and stay upright. I've had cars around my area at least once a day run through red lights.

Motorcycles aren't just fun, they're a way of life for most of us here. But with old age comes some wisdom, and though aggressive riding is really fun, I'm very defensive these days. I ride with extreme caution, and in fact, I don't really enjoy riding the highway much faster than 70-75. At 80, there's too much wind pressure.

Oh, and this is important. On extended rides, if you're getting tired and/or sore, take a break! What's the rush? When you get tired, you relax a bit, and aren't paying as much attention. Gravel, sand, leaves, paper or plastic bags, alligators (18 wheeler retreads), milk cartons are all waiting for you around the next turn.

All of this will become second nature, but it takes some time and patience.

Ride safe, my friend and enjoy the ride! And, as others mention, only bikers know why dogs hang their heads our of car windows.

Wayne
San Francisco
 

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#15 ·
twist of the wrist...grab a beer and enjoy...
 
#18 · (Edited)
What one piece of advice would you guys give a new rider?
thanks
There are more important ones, but the "one piece" advice I wish I had remembered (I just started riding again a few years ago after 30 year break) is never ever user your front brake alone at low speeds 0 - 5 if your front wheel is turned at all. Almost a guarateed spill for these high CG bikes.