First actual ride.

[kilgh]

Well got the bike lowered and am able to walk it around now and hold it up fine.

So, decided to get some real riding practice in.

Geared up fully. Backed it successfully out of the garage. Pulled out of the driveway nicely. Got to the end of my cul-de-sac. Came to a safe stop and prepared for the first turn.

Stalled the bike taking off. :doh: Took a deep breath. Restarted...stalled.:doh::doh:

Got impatient...took off jerky, started the turn. Mastered the noobie death grip and dropped the bike.:facepalm:

Decided good chance to try that "back walking" pick up technique. Couldn't master it. Hauled it up instead. :niceone:

Realised that it is VERY hot out here today and am overheating in a bad way. Jacket vents only work when going at speed, huh?

Took a short rest sitting on the bike trying to cool down.

Right, start off again a bit too jerky trying to control. Stop to reset my brain into that calm place I began in. Start off again, notice my elderly neighbour has come out to watch me, lose concentration and prove the "you go where you look" rule and head toward the neighbour occupied footpath. Re-master the noobie death grip. Brake too hard and....drop the bike!:crybaby:

Haul it up again. Neighbour impressed and gains the attention of two more elderly neighbours who are now watching me. Have lost all composure at this point and am sweating like a pig from the extreme heat and hauling up the bike twice in short order. But I'm game...so!

Start off again with full audience...get going, death grip due to surprise I'm actually going, stall, drop bike. :facepalm:

Call it a day. Put bike away. :no:

Get cheered up when middle aged next door neighbour comes home with four stitches in her head after being smacked in the head with a virtual table tennis bat while playing Wii with her husband.:killingme

[Rosie]

Sounds like an eventful ride. Good on you for persevering. :niceone:
Slow speed clutch and throttle control can take a while to learn. Some days I swore I would never learn to take off without stalling.
Being really smooth with the clutch helps. Even once the bike is underway, ease the lever all the way out, pause for a couple of seconds, then take your fingers off the lever.

If you haven't done so already - installing a set of hand guards (like barkbusters, or Zeta armour guards) will protect your clutch and brake levers when you drop the bike.

[kilgh]

Thanks Rosie.

Must say I hate sucking at anything! Argghhh! Have momentarily lost my happy place today. But it's why I started...new year, new challenge.

Need to find a Zen zone. I blame video gaming. When everything goes wrong on the PS3 you just mash all the buttons together frantically. Not good training for motorcycling.

I will have to get some hand guards! Bit late for the brake lever however....

[Grubber]

Hi Kilgh.
Not even gonna ask what that means.
so another couple of months of the start stop thing and you won't know yourself.
Kidding! It won't take you that long to get the hang of it.
Just reeellaaaxxx and it will all come together slowly. No rush is there??
I shudder when i look back at when i started. In comparison, you're doing great really.
Have a wee rest and go out there and have another go. If you fancy a bit of help, if you don't already have some, just pm me and will give a hand.
Good on you all the same!!:niceone:

[kilgh]

Thanks Grubber. Appreciate it. Might take you up on the offer.

Relax. Yes. :weird: I'm learning that this is a skill I need to practise. This is my biggest issue.

[wysper]

Sounds like at the moment you are doing all this on your own.

Bloody well done you!

And good that you kept having a crack even under the pressure of being watched.
Don't be shy to take up the offers of help, most on here are really good, even the dodgy ones online are often ok in person :eek:

Good luck!

[kilgh]

Thanks, Wysper.

I am my friends' experiment in biking. Not many bikers in my circle. I'm the first.

Certainly am doing this the hard way!

[Grubber]

Nothing wrong with the hard way....means a whole lot more when you beat the jitters.
Riding is very much done with the head...so when you get that bit sorted you should be good to go.
I would lay a bet that once you get out there riding you may find some of your friends follow along behind. It can get quite addictive once you get on your way.:msn-wink:

[nomnomnom]

Top effort :) Good to hear you kept up your efforts in the sweltering heat AND after dropping the bike! That might sound sarcastic but im actually serious.First ride, I dropped my bike after taking off too quick, swerving hard to avoid hittin my mates ute, in the gravel this is not a good idea. and I had to get 2 people to help me pick the bike up again! fail on my behalf....

keep at it! :)

[kilgh]

Thanks,

Yeah, well the thing my audience was most impressed with were my quick reflexes. The bike went down, but not me with it!

Must conquer my unhelpful reflexes however.

But getting a good workout. :apumpin:

[DEATH_INC.]

Good on ya for giving it a go :niceone:
As already offered, if you want some assistance/ advice, don't be shy to ask.
What part of auckland are you in?

[PrincessBandit]

Good on you for persevering - it can be easy to get disheartened, but it sounds like you really put 110% into it!

I remember the first thing we got taught at the BHS course (after we had to push the bikes to the area we learnt in - our first lesson as to the many disadvantages of running out of gas): it was simply sitting with feet flat on ground and barely getting the bike to move a few centimetres before having to pull the clutch back in. Did it over and over!

The main thing is to know when to call it quits for the time being and go back later when you've had a cool down. It sounds like you have a good handle on that.

Maybe going out on the bike in the cooler evening might be a bit more attractive, in that the heat of the day can be a bi-atch to ride in! (Let alone if you have to manhandle your lovely beastie).

Sounds like you will have plenty of offers of help. Im in South Auckland if you want to get in touch - happy to help if you'd like.

[varminter]

As the Pricess said, play with the clutch, just ease it out until you find it bite, feell the bike start to pull, then in with the clutch again. Keep doing this until you know wher the clutch starts to engage. Morning or evening when it's not so hot, and even better if you know of a flat paddock you could get someone to take it to. Good luck and dont get despondent.

[maggot]

Yeah, if you can, grab the local sports field and go from there, stops bits falling off when you crash.
Just work on the clutch control, like said above, feeling the clutch bite and pulling it, getting used to where it engages etc.
Once you're there work on going forward and stopping, about a billion times, until it comes naturally. You'd be surprised at how quickly it'll come to you.
Just take baby steps, and keep at it, don't get too discouraged, you'll get there in no time :niceone:

And there're plenty of us in the AKL area that'd be more than willing to help out, so flick some PMs around

[davebullet]

I second a school or otherwise unused carpark.

I rode the VTR to the car park then Mrs B practised without anyone watching (well except me).

Just start by learning to start off in first gear then stop. turn by waddling if you need to - then repeat.

Only try to learn one thing at a time. Limit you time to 20 mins for the early sessions.

The above helps build confidence and slows down the "too many things to learn".

Don't be too hard on yourself. We've all been there. Persevere. It really is a wonderful thing and I wish I had got back into motorcycling sooner.

don't worry if you tense up in the early stages. It is quite natural. The key thing is to learn to keep your eyes up at all times. Never look at the ground. I put this in importance above having a relaxed grip. Relaxing will come with confidence and practice.

[superman]

I would shoot myself if I ever dropped my bike! Thank goodness it never eventuated... yet :bleh:

[Smifffy]

I would shoot myself if I ever dropped my bike! Thank goodness it never eventuated... yet :bleh:

Why do you wait?

Good on you Kligh, for sticking at it, and also for posting up here. Some good advice above, and the odd idiot as well - not unusual for here.

Clutch control is a good skill to master, and they even teach it on some of the more advanced riding courses too.

[Latte]

As above, if you can find somewhere off the road to practise that will give you less things to concentrate on, even up and down the drive or lawn would be ok (until you get to the point of moving away from standstill being 2nd nature).

When I was a whipper dad taught me to ride along the "frontage" (verge?) next to the footpath. Quiet Street and all that.

[hellokitty]

I would shoot myself if I ever dropped my bike! Thank goodness it never eventuated... yet :bleh:

You are tempting fate saying that........

[kilgh]

Good on ya for giving it a go :niceone:
As already offered, if you want some assistance/ advice, don't be shy to ask.
What part of auckland are you in?

I'm a North Shorean. Any assistance welcome.

A paddock is a brilliant idea! Half my problem yesterday was being overly aware of the lack of space I was operating in with cars scattered everywhere including in the cul-de-sac turning circle. And the distracting (but sweetly supportive) audience. So trying too hard to control the exact speed.

I slightly bent the brake lever so should be getting some guards today.

Superman, I bought a dirt bike. I intend to have some fun off-road with it. Need the practice picking it up. :rockon:

[hellokitty]

I'm a North Shorean. Any assistance welcome.

A paddock is a brilliant idea! Half my problem yesterday was being overly aware of the lack of space I was operating in with cars scattered everywhere including in the cul-de-sac turning circle. And the distracting (but sweetly supportive) audience. So trying too hard to control the exact speed.

I slightly bent the brake lever so should be getting some guards today.

Superman, I bought a dirt bike. I intend to have some fun off-road with it. Need the practice picking it up. :rockon:

Hello fellow North Shorean. Do you know Houten Park in Albany? In Oteha Valley Road. There are 2 car park areas, behind one, there is a playground, and behind that there is a large grassy area and gravel road area, which is behind some trees. This is not accessable for cars as there is a gate there, but you can get through on bikes. We use to ride our dirt bikes there as there are good corners as well as straights.
We always rode considerately and never ripped the grass up, and there was never a problem. There is plenty of room on grass and gravel to practise everything. Just be aware that other people use that area for motorbike, bicycles and walking their dogs.

[kilgh]

Thanks for the tip!

[nutjob]

I would shoot myself if I ever dropped my bike! Thank goodness it never eventuated... yet :bleh:

Dickhead :oi-grr:
Awesome attitude Kilgh, keep at it until you get it sussed. We all had to start somewhere :niceone:

[Reckless]

I'm a North Shorean. Any assistance welcome.

Superman, I bought a dirt bike. I intend to have some fun off-road with it. Need the practice picking it up. :rockon:

Kligh sounds like this post should be on the Off Road forum!!
There are quite a number of good riding areas that the nice girls from over there go to! And there is quire a few of them.
Sounds like you need to find some dirt riding buddies and learn from there. No embarrassment having a fall around dirt bikers if we are not crashing we are not trying hard enough LOL!!
Drop me a PM?

[hellokitty]

Kligh sounds like this post should be on the Off Road forum!!
There are quite a number of good riding areas that the nice girls from over there go to! And there is quire a few of them.
Sounds like you need to find some dirt riding buddies and learn from there. No embarrassment having a fall around dirt bikers if we are not crashing we are not trying hard enough LOL!!
Drop me a PM?

Hahahaha yes I think I dropped my dirt bike at least 5 times at Woodhill :weird: what can I say? I am awesome :msn-wink:

[vifferman]

Hello fellow North Shorean. Do you know Houten Park in Albany? In Oteha Valley Road. There are 2 car park areas, behind one, there is a playground, and behind that there is a large grassy area and gravel road area, which is behind some trees. This is not accessable for cars as there is a gate there, but you can get through on bikes. We use to ride our dirt bikes there as there are good corners as well as straights.
There's another small park in Albany which is used occasionally by dirt bikes - it's off Arrenway drive, just past the top of Triton Drive, on the other side of the road.
Another option for you for on-road practice would be to go to one of the big carparks after hours and ride around. If you're not happy about riding to get there, I'm sure some friendly North Shorean wouldn't mind meeting you and pillioning you there.:msn-wink:
228842

[kilgh]

Why, thank you Vifferman!

[Latte]

Search on here for NASS as well, will definitely help pick up skills and confidence. It's based in the megacentre on wednesday nights.

[superman]

Superman, I bought a dirt bike. I intend to have some fun off-road with it. Need the practice picking it up. :rockon:

Oh I get ya! Excuse my noobness with knowing different motorcycles. Keep at it, :msn-wink:. Chick dirt biker, reminds me of charlies angels, reow :p

[Crisis management]

Oh I get ya! Excuse my noobness with knowing different motorcycles. Keep at it, :msn-wink:. Chick dirt biker, reminds me of charlies angels, reow :p

Time to stop digging a hole Superman, you run the risk of appearing to be a dick head. :msn-wink:

Kilgh, NASS is good value but it sounds like some real basic help is needed first. Reckless is right, the dirt forum may be of use to you as long as you have car & trailer.....failing that, pick one of the volunteers offering their time and make use of it, there is nothing more soul destroying than struggling on by yourself, I've been riding 38 years yet still go to get coaching on new skills, so there is nothing to be ashamed of there.

Like so many others here, PM me if you want a hand.

[wysper]

Kilgh - I have met crisis management- he would be a great person to help you get started.

Drop him a PM if you haven't already enlisted some help. Even just a friendly bod to talk to about what you are going through would be good.

Many years ago, I learnt alone too, none of my friends rode, it would have been nice to have some one to bounce ideas off and just learn with. Sure, embarrassing at times but all good fun, and it is nice to share your successes too.

[kilgh]

Thanks guys.

Work is about to get in the way of life for a few days and then I'll get back to it. Am currently awaiting an email back from a local high school who has a very large and rarely used rugby field close by. Sent them a polite query emphasisng my mature respectful safety consciousness...

I'll forgive you Superman. :msn-wink:

[Hellzie]

Hey,

I'm very much a learner at the moment too but I luckily have a mentor!!! I found I was stalling a lot as well at first, and it ended up being the fact that I was focussing all my energy into releasing the clutch out smoothly. .. turns out no matter how smooth you are with the clutch, you need to have enough throttle to not stall. I sort of forgot about that part! So yea, don't be scared about giving it quite a bit of gas, it won't go anywhere until you let the clutch out. Bit of a balancing act!

Good luck.

[kilgh]

Thanks Hellzie! Lucky you got a mentor. I think I have the same issue. Not enough throttle. Well throttle control. :msn-wink:

Got a day off tomorrow so will attempt to get a bit more practise in.

[orsem]

I applaud another learner. I had never ridden a two wheel motorbike before I turned up for a training session prior to attempting my basic handlers. The look on the instructors face when he asked me how much I knew about bikes was priceless when I asked where the key went :gob:

After 2 hours of training, I passed my handlers cert, sat my learners, then set about obtaining a motorbike and teaching myself to ride.........:scooter: I now have my restricted licence, and hope to attend a few skills courses to get my skill up to scratch for my full test later this year.

The freedom a motorbike provides is just unreal. I'd have given up riding horses years ago if I had known motorbikes were so great :woohoo:

[Reckless]

Hey,

I'm very much a learner at the moment too but I luckily have a mentor!!! I found I was stalling a lot as well at first, and it ended up being the fact that I was focussing all my energy into releasing the clutch out smoothly. .. turns out no matter how smooth you are with the clutch, you need to have enough throttle to not stall. I sort of forgot about that part! So yea, don't be scared about giving it quite a bit of gas, it won't go anywhere until you let the clutch out. Bit of a balancing act!

Good luck.



Thanks Hellzie! Lucky you got a mentor. I think I have the same issue. Not enough throttle. Well throttle control. :msn-wink:

Got a day off tomorrow so will attempt to get a bit more practise in.

OK you sorta got it right? But most of us probably could get our bike rolling at Idle with no throttle. Can do this easily on my SV1000 road bike. Anyway you do need enough throttle to get moving but I think it still comes down to Clutch control.

OK most common mistake for a newbie is to let the clutch out till it starts to engage then release it - then bike stalls!!
Thing to practice
sit at a fast idle
let the clutch out till you feel it pulling
let it out another 1mm (or so) till its starting to move the bike
then another mm till its moving you but the engine is starting to labour
pull it in that mm(or so) , letting the bike run at its own rate but freeing up the engine again
Don't accelerate keep this constant and low, just feel and get used to moving the bike with the clutch
then out again that mm(or so) coaxing the bike to keep going a bit faster
then out a bit more and a bit more pulling it in a mm each time the engine starts to labour you will find yourself moving along with the clutch fully engaged and the engine has never gone over 1000 revs
at sometime about here you will be going fast enough to get your feet up or sooner if you feel comfortable about it!
then its time to twist the throttle and get on your way and get into 2nd.

You need to ride the clutch or coax the bike to move you don't need a lot of revs to do this! If you don't have a lot of revs(throttle on) and get it wrong the bike will only stall it wont take off on you so its safe and not so scary!

You need to get the feel of the clutch through its engagement action not just till its starts to engage.

Once you have the mastered this, try the same thing on a hill!

Shit that is much easier in the flesh! Internet lessons suck LOL!!!

Best I can explain over the net?? Good luck!

[kilgh]

Thanks orsem, that gives me hope! I am determined to conquer this machine. Me being the machine. The bike knows what it's doing.

Reckless, nice tips. My biggest problem (other than the newbie death grip) is I'm impatient. I get that clutch engaging and then I'm "Right! Let's go!". This will be a good life lesson for me...slow down. I've only spent 2 hrs 20 mins on a bike in my life...not gonna be doing wheelies on day one. Well intentional ones anyway.:laugh:

[Reckless]

Your doing awesome and once learned you will never ever forget even after 10 years off its like riding a push bike becomes natural.

You go girl!!

[Hawkeye]

Take up any one of the offers for help in getting started.
I used to windsurf and as a newbie, spent more time in the water or pulling up the sail than I did windsurfing. Tried to do it myself and thought I could master it. No doubt I would eventually.
A guy sat watching me (no doubt having a good laugh at my expense) for almost 2 hours. He eventually came over and spent 10 mins with me explaining the basic of set-up etc and within 30 mins, I was blasting back and forward across the water.
I can now see the mistakes that beginners make and am able to correct and get them sailing within 15 mins.

Riding a bike for the first time is exactly the same. 10 mins with someone who can break the issue down into each component and explain why things are done a certain way, and you will be sweet.

There are a lot of genuine people on here who will be more than happy to help a newbie and get yet another rider out on the road.

Good on you for percivering but take up an offer. You won't regret it.

[kilgh]

Thanks Hawkeye.

[Bass]

If at first you don't succeed......................skydiving is not for you.

[Dutchee]

Kligh - you out riding last night round the ferguson area? Husband spotted a KLX250 (or similar) and BMW and commented to me about it as we were leaving. I thought it must be you (hoped, in any case). Just being nosey :)

[kilgh]

Nup, not me. Still learning. See new thread for an update.