How do I start learning?

[aimee]

Hi all

I'm a newbie rider based in Wellington, and I'm keen to get to grips with being able to ride offroad, because:
a) it'll improve my road riding
b) it looks like fun
c) the kinda trips i'm wanting to do in a year plus's time might well require my being able to ride on bad, third world country roads :P

SO! Where do I start? I've had a look and can't seem to see anyone in this region doing lessons or, if they might, one seems to need one's own bike. I was hoping to be able to give it a try for a time or two before buying (another) bike...

Thanks!



Have posted this question over in the adv section, too: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...start-learning

[Akzle]

SO! Where do I start?

go get some knobblies fitted to that GN. i'm sure i can find you some paddocks down there to ride in.

else wait. your local adv'ers will be along shortly with offers to ride you.. i mean. er. yeah, that is what i mean.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Best way to do it is simply get yourself a cheap dirt bike and get stuck into it. Plenty of other chickies and guys here on KB that will take you under their wings (geddit?!) and help you out.

[aimee]

lol. my partner's offered me the use of his KTM 500 exc, but I think I'd like to try something a bit...smaller...first :P

[Crasherfromwayback]

lol. my partner's offered me the use of his KTM 500 exc, but I think I'd like to try something a bit...smaller...first :P

Yeah good idea. Having said that...Rach had no trouble riding my RMZ450!

[J0rdan]

Easiest way to put it is practice, and lots of it aand you will learn the basics very quickly. I had no idea how to ride when i got my first bike, i pretty much taught myself as most of my family has no interest at all with bikes haha,

As for a good beginner bike, the TT-R series is quite nice the - TT-R125LE, or you could go the Honda CRF150 or 230F

hope i helped!

[motor_mayhem]

Hi Aimee,

One of my mates has a CRF150F and is pretty good at instruction. PM me if you want me to get in touch with them.

If you do go all out and get a bike then I highly recommend getting a lesson or 2 with Broxy Rider Coaching. It will undoubtedly be the best money you spend on biking.

[Mom]

Get yourself an old little RM125, and fill your boots

I am picking you will have to fork out for an off roader, either that or go hang out at your local MX course

My experience of that sort of thing is any one of the lads will offer you a ride...






On their bikes you rude lot

[FJRider]

Fit trials tyres on the GN.

But it may surprise you ... how far you can get on road tyres ...

[ktm84mxc]

Work out your budget for the trail bike first, stay clear of the 2 strokes MX bikes for a starter, get some proper boots and knee pads, gloves etc.
Get to know some people to help with your learning, the charmed comes to mind in welly.
A good first choice for a bikes is a DRZ125/XR200 soft power, ultra reliable and doesn't mind idling around slowly.

[Dent]

Have a look for some riding instruction dvds.
Shane Watts does Dirtwise, and he runs riding schools, so he is not bad at explaining what to do, why, and how to progress.
He is not the most natural/fluid speaking presenter when hes talking to the camera though, especially in the early videos

The are other learn to ride dvds also, ask around any dirt riding friends of friends.

You could do worse than a DRZ-250 or 125 big wheel, depending on how tall you are. Solid and inexpensive for a first bike.
Other than helmet and boots, mx style glove, knee and elbow pads will be a good idea (and can be under $40 a set). Low speed falls on dirt still hurt.

[aimee]

You could do worse than a DRZ-250 or 125 big wheel, depending on how tall you are. Solid and inexpensive for a first bike.
Other than helmet and boots, mx style glove, knee and elbow pads will be a good idea (and can be under $40 a set). Low speed falls on dirt still hurt.

I'm 172 cm tall (so tall for a girl)

And yep, will be padding myself. Don't mind hurting myself so much - years on horses taught me how to fall - but DO mind not being able to do stuff because I'm missing skin/something's broken or too badly bruised to use :P

[thecharmed01]

Hey Aimee,

We've a couple of bikes on the market right now which you could come and have a look at. But they are 2-strokes so I'm not sure if they are ideal for you. Depends how big your balls are really.
Honestly, if you already ride you may well be sweet as on a 2-stroke - most men start out riding them. It's all personal preference. IF you like adrenalin and power, then go for it, don't let people put you off!!
But if you feel more comfortable tootling along just enjoying it a 4-stroke might be more suitable.

We also have a really good group of people if you wanted to come along on rides. We do all the local trail rides up as far as Fielding and Masterton. As well as Tussock Buster, Desert Storm etc.
And we quite frequently head up to Brooklyn to the farm, and to Taikorea in Foxton.
We can help with transport as we have 3 trailers and 3 vans plus assorted towing vehicles between us and not enough bikes to fill them. So we can get someone to either pick you up or you can drop your stuff here and just turn up in the morning like some of the guys do. We're in Brooklyn so easy to find.

Motor_Mayhem is one of our lot, there's about 10-20 of us that turn up most rides and we're a really cruisy lot.
Wide range of skills, from slow to fast and everything in between.
I think he has Pottons CRF150F in his garage and it's an awesome little bike but it might be a bit small by the sounds of it. You'd be better to look at a CRF230 and I'm sure if you would like to have a look, Jo would be happy to show you hers! She loves her bike and it would give you a chance to see how the height is and weight.

Chuck me a message and you can come visit for a coffee and a chat!
I'm not moving much this week as I nailed myself in Foxton but you're welcome to come say hi and point and laugh at me!

[Akzle]

stay clear of the 2 strokes MX bikes for a starter,

this is bad advice. 2 strokes win every day. (they say more that two strokes is masturbation)

[ktm84mxc]

A 2 stroke MX 125 is not the easiest to learn on if your new to the whole off road scene, know of a young dude who bought a KX250 cause his mates said he could ride ok poor guy shits his pants every time he takes it out and he learnt on a AG100.
I love my two smokes and you have to try a big bore CR/KX before you die, esp an early model.