So I went out for a ride tonight...

[bosslady]

don't worry, it was still light out! For those who have read my other thread http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/154923-This-is-for-the-not-so-newbies I'm starting to feel a bit better and got brave and went out in the traffic w00t w00t :woohoo: then I got confused at an intersection (confuzzles me when I'm driving my car too) and went towards the town centre with twice as much traffic and corners haha uh oh. Anyway I'm still alive, albeit a little bit gross and sweaty, probably nerves. No mishaps except stalling after I'd stopped to give way to a car when I was turning right into my street, the couple of cars behind me probably weren't impressed but hey that's what the big yellow L is for eh... Other then that the hardest thing I am finding is changing down gears, I just don't "get" it! Any advice?

[actungbaby]

don't worry, it was still light out! For those who have read my other thread http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/154923-This-is-for-the-not-so-newbies I'm starting to feel a bit better and got brave and went out in the traffic w00t w00t :woohoo: then I got confused at an intersection (confuzzles me when I'm driving my car too) and went towards the town centre with twice as much traffic and corners haha uh oh. Anyway I'm still alive, albeit a little bit gross and sweaty, probably nerves. No mishaps except stalling after I'd stopped to give way to a car when I was turning right into my street, the couple of cars behind me probably weren't impressed but hey that's what the big yellow L is for eh... Other then that the hardest thing I am finding is changing down gears, I just don't "get" it! Any advice?

I must admit am not the smootest down shifter either, just take your time u dont have to go through all the gears, in fact i be more just try look ahead and just relax, and give yourself plenty of space to slow down well before you have to stop. and use your brakes u dont have to slow with the gears, the gn should have nice engine breaking if you change down to 3rd and then just pull in the clutch few feet away from stoped and just use you front back brake togther.

In fact cancell all that and just ride and practice one thing at time even if u stay in one gear and just take your time rome wasint built in one day buddy

[bosslady]

I must admit am not the smootest down shifter either, just take your time u dont have to go through all the gears, in fact i be more just try look ahead and just relax, and give yourself plenty of space to slow down well before you have to stop. and use your brakes u dont have to slow with the gears, the gn should have nice engine breaking if you change down to 3rd and then just pull in the clutch few feet away from stoped and just use you front back brake togther.

In fact cancell all that and just ride and practice one thing at time even if u stay in one gear and just take your time rome wasint built in one day buddy

the problem is, and I don't know why, I'm getting confused as hell... like... changing up no problem ok... changing down? off the throttle, clutch in, gear down, uhh then what? and shouldn't there be some braking in there? and how do you know if you're going too fast to change down to a certain gear? I didn't mention but I can't drive a manual car which I would presume would make my understanding of the process a lot easier...

[FJRider]

the problem is, and I don't know why, I'm getting confused as hell... like... changing up no problem ok... changing down? off the throttle, clutch in, gear down, uhh then what? and shouldn't there be some braking in there? and how do you know if you're going too fast to change down to a certain gear? I didn't mention but I can't drive a manual car which I would presume would make my understanding of the process a lot easier...

Look at YOUR L plate ... it explains it all. You have it for a reason.

Keep getting out on the road. It WILL come to you in time. (practice)

Try a quick blip on the throttle before you stomp it down.

Apart from that ... GO GIRL ...

[Maakz]

Good on ya for venturing out and confuzzles aside, which is the norm when starting out, ya got back safe and relatively sound - even if you stepped momentarily out of your comfort zone. Can totally identify-i'm relatively new-ish being that i've only been riding for 3 years now. Still get my kicks everytime i jump on my lady mover and pootle machine. Relax and practice practice practice...baby steps. Just learn how to take ur lines correct if ur not a natural, cos i wasn't, stick to familiar stretches of road if ur still ironing out the confuzzles...and develop a self preservation attitude geared towards both your machine and other road users, add in a smidge of confidence - which increases as you cultivate comptency and voila. Trust me, unless ur totally un-co, kinetically dyslexic or are a nut muffin - one day it all just clicks and ur up off and away. Addictive way to unwind and costly too when ya get all too serious about bikes. Am not a 'smoothe operator', well not as smoothe as i'd like to be, but i used to get anxious about messing up the shift and phased about cars behind me giving me 'raspberries' or playing games - its a mental thing - stop fretting and cringing...maybe sort out the exact method you are using to shift down and stop...throttle off, clutch in, down shift, progressive braking until arriving at a stop...when you venture off. from a stop..clutch easing out with a touch of throttle..analyse yourself, your style, technique and what works for you. Good luck...i'll watch your progress via posts...

[Zamiam]

To understand when to change down / when you may be going too fast for the lower gear get used to hearing what your engine is doing. If its reving hard then changing down isn't likely to be a good idea, if its quiet and sluggish then you need to change down. BUT the best answer is practice practice practice as experience will turn it into second nature.

[hayd3n]

the problem is, and I don't know why, I'm getting confused as hell... like... changing up no problem ok... changing down? off the throttle, clutch in, gear down, uhh then what? and shouldn't there be some braking in there? and how do you know if you're going too fast to change down to a certain gear? I didn't mention but I can't drive a manual car which I would presume would make my understanding of the process a lot easier...

when changing down, clutch in blip the throttle slightly it helps to smooth out the gear change

[TheTengTheory]

I practiced my downshifting by starting to slow down quite a distance away...more than enough with only little input form brakes. I'd downshift, release the clutch, let it slow down till it was low enough for the next gear. After I got use to downshifting, I added blipping the throttle to smooth the transition. Still taking a big distance to slow down but that was the point. Once I had that I start adding the brakes inbetween gear changes and slowly reducing my length taken to stop. So far, I'm okay till first gear and I start to mistime the blipping and end up releasing the clutch off time.

Now I'm practising it with the brakes applied progressively. Getting better each time I ride. Don't have to think or be so deliberate about it as much as before.

[Subike]

Find yourself a quiet straight section of road over the xmass holidays. somewhere . Where you can start off from stationary, comfortably accelerate to 50kph, then practice coming to a stop using the gears and your brakes. Experiment with how the bike feels, the sound of the engine relative to the speed, the ""Pull"" of the motor as it slows you down. By going up and down in the gears this way, you will develop a reflex action quickly, and find your gear changing confidence improve. Going up and down on an industrial access road, away from traffic, allows you to make errors without risking an incident, which could happen riding on busy roads. An afternoon, say 3 hrs, with a few stops to think about whats the bike is doing, what you are doing , and to relax you mind and body, will soon see a big improvement in your gear changing abilities.


Once you confidence improves, and you will know when, combine more aggressive use of the brakes and gears together, to see how quickly you can stop. Again you want to develop this to a reflex action. With practice ,this will happen. and your confidence on busy roads will leap forward .

Most of all relax and enjoy what you are doing, like any learnt thing in life, practice makes it more fun, Good riding skills come with time and practice. :2thumbsup

[bosslady]

All very good advice thanks everybody :)


Find yourself a quiet straight section of road over the xmass holidays. somewhere . Where you can start off from stationary, comfortably accelerate to 50kph, then practice coming to a stop using the gears and your brakes. Experiment with how the bike feels, the sound of the engine relative to the speed, the ""Pull"" of the motor as it slows you down. By going up and down in the gears this way, you will develop a reflex action quickly, and find your gear changing confidence improve. Going up and down on an industrial access road, away from traffic, allows you to make errors without risking an incident, which could happen riding on busy roads. An afternoon, say 3 hrs, with a few stops to think about whats the bike is doing, what you are doing , and to relax you mind and body, will soon see a big improvement in your gear changing abilities.


Once you confidence improves, and you will know when, combine more aggressive use of the brakes and gears together, to see how quickly you can stop. Again you want to develop this to a reflex action. With practice ,this will happen. and your confidence on busy roads will leap forward .

Most of all relax and enjoy what you are doing, like any learnt thing in life, practice makes it more fun, Good riding skills come with time and practice. :2thumbsup

I like the way you think... don't know any industrial areas close by I'll have to have a look hmmm

[Ender EnZed]

Another exercise to try is changing up and down the gears without changing your speed. That way you don't need to worry about braking.

I.e. get up to 30kph in 2nd gear then change up to 3rd, 4th, back to 3rd, 2nd, while maintaining a constant 30kph. Try and match your engine speed to your road speed to get everything nice and smooth.

[catharsis]

All very good advice thanks everybody :)



I like the way you think... don't know any industrial areas close by I'll have to have a look hmmm

You're on the Shore right?
There are some great spots in the industrial areas round Albany that will be really quiet over the break. I know I will be heading there to get time on the bike every day these holidays so hit me up if you want company. (I live in Milford and work in Albany industrial area)
Starting a new job in the city after the break and going to commute on the bike so this holiday period is my crash course in riding :D

[Maha]

when changing down, clutch in blip the throttle slightly it helps to smooth out the gear change

.......or dont use the clutch at all (Only on the up and 1st gear down selection) sounds amazing and no jerky clutch release moments.

[Stirts]

You're on the Shore right?
There are some great spots in the industrial areas round Albany that will be really quiet over the break

Yups, great place is that massive carpark up Oteha Valley Road up from the North Shore Stadium.

274844

That is where I did alot of my practice.

[caspernz]

Yups, great place is that massive carpark up Oteha Valley Road up from the North Shore Stadium.

That is where I did alot of my practice.

But don't go there this weekend 'cause you'll get several KBers around to cheer you on :eek5:

[The End]

I remember the first time I tried clutchless shifting from 1st-2nd. Suffice to say after revving the hell out of the bike in neutral, I never did it again :)

I definitely find clutchless shifting smoother than using the clutch, however it's probably best to learn how to use the clutch before trying anything harder. :scooter:

[Stirts]

But don't go there this weekend 'cause you'll get several KBers around to cheer you on :eek5:

Don't foget the pom poms boys

<img src="http://www.villainouscompany.com/vcblog/images/MALE-CHEERLEADERS.jpg"></img>

[The End]

When you get more confidence, these are a godsend for practicing getting your knee down.

274852

[p.dath]

Come along to NASS sometime, and we'll try and help you out.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/North_Auckland_Street_Skills

[Maha]

Don't foget the pom poms boys


Ok I recognise DMeTD and Caseye but who are rest?

[Old Steve]

I used to think only in terms of what speed I was doing at the moment, didn't worry if I was in 2nd, 3ed, 4th, just as long as the engine wasn't lugging or screaming. then it's up one to go faster or down one to go slower.

One thing I never did was drop down to 1st to slow down, the retardation is too severe. Just clutch in and brake to a stop and find 1st while you're at idle.

Practice, practice, practice, and one day you'll realise you've just braked, chopped down two gears, and carved through a corner, and you'll think "What was all the fuss about?"

[GrayWolf]

Seriously, FORGET attempting clutchless changes, thats best left for when you have mastered the gears up and down.

Suggestions that WILL help you that have been made.

Long quiet road or big car park change up feel how your bike 'feels' is the engine 'chugging'? (lugging) means too high a gear, change back down one gear and feel the difference. 30-50kph on a GN will give you plenty of feel on the gears for this.
Blipping the throttle is going to need to be mastered, but again just getting the idea of up and down changes without the throttle blip is OK for now.
As you improve your speed to gear selection, the reason for the throttle blip becomes more obvious (matching revs to speed) etc.
just pootling up and down at 30-50kph WILL give you the feel for how your bike sounds, reacts when practising.

Try slowing down on the gears only (no brake) this really is the 'crux' of gear changing when slowing. A single has different engine braking to a twin or 4 cyl. (2 strokers are different again... little to no engine braking power). You will take time to get the hang of it, but the 'knack' of selecting gear, brakes to match speed will come...

DONT worry if you cock it up... it does take time and practice.

[bosslady]

You're on the Shore right?
There are some great spots in the industrial areas round Albany that will be really quiet over the break. I know I will be heading there to get time on the bike every day these holidays so hit me up if you want company. (I live in Milford and work in Albany industrial area)
Starting a new job in the city after the break and going to commute on the bike so this holiday period is my crash course in riding :D

sounds good, when are you planning to go out?

[bosslady]

When you get more confidence, these are a godsend for practicing getting your knee down.

hahaha


Seriously, FORGET attempting clutchless changes, thats best left for when you have mastered the gears up and down.

Suggestions that WILL help you that have been made.

Long quiet road or big car park change up feel how your bike 'feels' is the engine 'chugging'? (lugging) means too high a gear, change back down one gear and feel the difference. 30-50kph on a GN will give you plenty of feel on the gears for this.
Blipping the throttle is going to need to be mastered, but again just getting the idea of up and down changes without the throttle blip is OK for now.
As you improve your speed to gear selection, the reason for the throttle blip becomes more obvious (matching revs to speed) etc.
just pootling up and down at 30-50kph WILL give you the feel for how your bike sounds, reacts when practising.

Try slowing down on the gears only (no brake) this really is the 'crux' of gear changing when slowing. A single has different engine braking to a twin or 4 cyl. (2 strokers are different again... little to no engine braking power). You will take time to get the hang of it, but the 'knack' of selecting gear, brakes to match speed will come...

DONT worry if you cock it up... it does take time and practice.

All very good advice thank you :) just have to put it into practice now! Was going to get up early this morning and practice but was too hungover.... tried too arrange a mentor through KB but they haven't responded and I haven't seen them around so they must be busy.

[bosslady]

Come along to NASS sometime, and we'll try and help you out.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/North_Auckland_Street_Skills

I would love to but I don't know if I'd be confident enough to ride all the way there quite yet? also I'm pretty shy I'd get embarrassed being so shit and riding with or around ppl lol.

[bosslady]

So I went out again tonight... went to the local school, as I have a couple times to practice. Then these damn kids turned up and some man came out of his house and was watching me... needless to say I got a bit nervous and took off lol. Wish I could have practiced changing down gears a bit more but I was starting to get a tiny bit better, kept trying to remember the advice given I.e. blip... all went well until I went to visit someone around the corner. Steep driveway, going up, turning left DEAD. DROP!!! Fell on my left with the bike of course. Now shit happens right, but whilst trying to lift my bike I kept hitting the horn :facepalm: so yea people came out to look of course... sigh, lol.

[FJRider]

Supermarket/ Mega stores of one type or another ... all have car parks that are not usually locked at night/evenings. There must be one near where you live.

Just keep practicing .... in a few years ... you might get the hang of it. Just like everybody else.

[bosslady]

Supermarket/ Mega stores of one type or another ... all have car parks that are not usually locked at night/evenings. There must be one near where you live.

Just keep practicing .... in a few years ... you might get the hang of it. Just like everybody else.

My nearest supermarket has some construction on at the moment and not heaps of space anyway. The one nearest to that is part of a shopping centre so always ppl around. Other than that off the top of my head would be mitre 10 etc is about 5km away... I'll get there.

[FJRider]

My nearest supermarket has some construction on at the moment and not heaps of space anyway. The one nearest to that is part of a shopping centre so always ppl around. Other than that off the top of my head would be mitre 10 etc is about 5km away... I'll get there.

Deserted open roads are the best.

Any excuse for a ride ... eh .. !!

Yep ... you'll get there.

[bosslady]

Deserted open roads are the best.

Any excuse for a ride ... eh .. !!

Yep ... you'll get there.

yea it's the finding them that aren't too far away thats the problem ae, been trying to rack my brain on what's close but no..., heaps of cars and traffic in my immediate area :)

[FJRider]

yea it's the finding them that aren't too far away thats the problem ae, been trying to rack my brain on what's close but no..., heaps of cars and traffic in my immediate area :)

Go into any (reputable) book shop and buy/order a copy of "The New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas" ...

[bosslady]

Go into any (reputable) book shop and buy/order a copy of "The New Zealand Motorcycle Atlas" ...

what is it? guess I could Google..

[FJRider]

what is it? guess I could Google..

A book with all the GOOD motorcycle roads highlighted.

Yep ... Google it.

[bosslady]

A book with all the GOOD motorcycle roads highlighted.

Yep ... Google it.

ta :) I'll see about possibly braving the mall tomorrow.. in my car lol

[FJRider]

ta :) I'll see about possibly braving the mall tomorrow.. in my car lol

Auckland traffic in a car ... you ARE brave ... :laugh:

[bosslady]

Auckland traffic in a car ... you ARE brave ... :laugh:
too right!

[kiwi cowboy]

Deserted open roads are the best.

Any excuse for a ride ... eh .. !!

Yep ... you'll get there.

Trev rember this person is in auks where a deserted open road is weeeeeeeeeeeeel:corn: not there with population up there.

you and me however fall out our gate and were on a deserted road :woohoo: cool eh:innocent:

[FJRider]

Trev rember this person is in auks where a deserted open road is weeeeeeeeeeeeel:corn: not there with population up there.

you and me however fall out our gate and were on a deserted road :woohoo: cool eh:innocent:

I've even got a big pub car park just next door to practice my stoppies ... :innocent:

[kiwi cowboy]

I've even got a big pub car park just next door to practice my stoppies ... :innocent:

ON AN FJ YOU GOTTA BA FUCKIN KIDDING ME:facepalm::facepalm:me thinks you been in said pub too much:yes:

[The End]

Where on the North Shore are you? There has to be empty carparks somewhere

[GrayWolf]

ON AN FJ YOU GOTTA BA FUCKIN KIDDING ME:facepalm::facepalm:me thinks you been in said pub too much:yes:

its fucken EASY on an FJ mate...... just hit the pub wall at 20kph... it'll lift it's ass for sure!!! :shutup::laugh:

[bosslady]

Where on the North Shore are you? There has to be empty carparks somewhere

near the bridge

[bosslady]

went out again this morn, not much traffic so I got to practice without too much pressure... esp the gear changes, not smooth by any stretch of the imagination but getting slightly better. Went around my block like four times (it's a big block!!) then started venturing out a little further. Guess I live in a good area to practice, without a word of a lie there's a ridiculous amount of intersections, hills, roundabouts and speed bumps!

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Northcote point ? Most of Akld leaves between Xmas and new year, quietens down. How about Onepoto Reserve ?

[FJRider]

went out again this morn, not much traffic so I got to practice without too much pressure... esp the gear changes, not smooth by any stretch of the imagination but getting slightly better. Went around my block like four times (it's a big block!!) then started venturing out a little further. Guess I live in a good area to practice, without a word of a lie there's a ridiculous amount of intersections, hills, roundabouts and speed bumps!

Up and down through the gears ... type practice is what you need, so staying close to home in your local area is fine. Go with no set route ... and turn on a whim, and vary your direction often. Even if you only use the first three gears all the time .. that is where you need to concentrate on. It may even surprise you how far you actually travel (Reset your trip meter before you start) and where you end up.

The lower speed riding is hard work, so don't be scared to stop for a break/drink now and then. (If a Cafe "happens" to appear)

[FJRider]

its fucken EASY on an FJ mate...... just hit the pub wall at 20kph... it'll lift it's ass for sure!!! :shutup::laugh:

That's not a stoppie method I want to try. :no: (The publican wont like it anyway)

[bosslady]

Northcote point ? Most of Akld leaves between Xmas and new year, quietens down. How about Onepoto Reserve ?
more like birkenhead, not sure where onepoto is, been on the shore maybe 9 months if that...



Up and down through the gears ... type practice is what you need, so staying close to home in your local area is fine. Go with no set route ... and turn on a whim, and vary your direction often. Even if you only use the first three gears all the time .. that is where you need to concentrate on. It may even surprise you how far you actually travel (Reset your trip meter before you start) and where you end up.

The lower speed riding is hard work, so don't be scared to stop for a break/drink now and then. (If a Cafe "happens" to appear)

I wonder, at what gear would I be in when I'm going like 50kph? ive been doing that in 4th, must be wrong i guess. I will have to figure out that trip meter too

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Have a look at Birkenhead United Soccer clubs carpark ? As to 50 kph and gearing, it depends on the terrain. On the flat, probably 2 nd or 3 rd. maybe a cruise through Chelsea View Drive ? Have a look in Google Maps.

[FJRider]

I wonder, at what gear would I be in when I'm going like 50kph? ive been doing that in 4th, must be wrong i guess. I will have to figure out that trip meter too

The little engines need the rev's to get the power. And until you get used to the noise and realize it is normal ... it can be daunting to a learner trying to look after their bike engine.

How many gears does your model have ... and what is it's red line ???? (look at the lower number on the red part of your rev counter face)

[bosslady]

The little engines need the rev's to get the power. And until you get used to the noise and realize it is normal ... it can be daunting to a learner trying to look after their bike engine.

How many gears does your model have ... and what is it's red line ???? (look at the lower number on the red part of your rev counter face)

hmmm yea it's hard cause my bike sounds like an effing lawnmower, no matter what, it always sounds sick :laugh:
ummm between 8 and 9?? is that right? 5 gears.

[Maha]

There is clear space around and under the bridge...

[FJRider]

hmmm yea it's hard cause my bike sounds like an effing lawnmower, no matter what, it always sounds sick :laugh:

Yep ... sounds about right then ... and I do know that feeling ... :killingme


ummm between 8 and 9?? is that right? 5 gears.

In the first three gears ... try taking it up to 5 1/2 - 6000 rpm. (unless traffic numbers/road conditions/speed limit prevents it)

In the other gears ... (it may not be possible in top gear to get to red-line on the GN) try 6-7000. (open road only.

[bosslady]

Yep ... sounds about right then ... and I do know that feeling ... :killingme



In the first three gears ... try taking it up to 5 1/2 - 6000 rpm. (unless traffic numbers/road conditions/speed limit prevents it)

In the other gears ... (it may not be possible in top gear to get to red-line on the GN) try 6-7000. (open road only.

well I can try next time I'll try and keep an eye on the rpm, just don't want her getting grumpy at me lol

[FJRider]

well I can try next time I'll try and keep an eye on the rpm, just don't want her getting grumpy at me lol

Make her scream ... (it's a guy thing :innocent:) you WILL notice the difference.

You will get to know what speed you are traveling at in each gear. So looking at the rec counter and the speedo .. you will know what gear you are in.

And when you get your next bike ... you will need to learn all over again.

[actungbaby]

My nearest supermarket has some construction on at the moment and not heaps of space anyway. The one nearest to that is part of a shopping centre so always ppl around. Other than that off the top of my head would be mitre 10 etc is about 5km away... I'll get there.

With name like yours just get mindset that you are the boss hehe of the bike

seriously if i can ride abike drive a car anyone can, and make adventure of it as one way to look at it reverse it this is excting times adventure when things are new enjoy the time as well
I used to go down to local dairy get my sisters some treats, then your got a reason to go for a trip
and your not so focussed on the one thing (dudes get like that) beacuse even know i have my times on bike when you get like oh am crap and u do clang the down changes mainly cause focuss on the negtive or just tired. next day is fine

[GrayWolf]

hmmm yea it's hard cause my bike sounds like an effing lawnmower, no matter what, it always sounds sick :laugh:
ummm between 8 and 9?? is that right? 5 gears.

Right gear is a 'balancing act'.... too high and you'll hear the engine 'bog' it'll sound deeper and the speedo will not really move, if at all, for the amount of throttle you've used drop it down 1 gear if still not a lot of difference, drop down a second gear (example 5th down to 3rd gear) As the gears get lower (1st, 2nd, 3rd) they will allow the bike to rev 'free'er' Yes you can scream a GN, but When I rode my ex partners one (104kg) I found she was cumfy for engine sound at about 90kph. At 100 I could hear the engine was starting to sound a little pushed. But saying that, GN's seem to survive an inordinate amount of abuse as long as they get regular oil/filter changes :laugh:

A reasonable 'rule of thumb' is you should be in a gear that will allow you to accelerate, but not one that will leave the bike revving hard at a given speed at 50kph.. likely depending on terrain (flat/incline) 3rd or 4th shold be cumfy on the ginnie.

[Subike]

Make her scream ... (it's a guy thing :innocent:) you WILL notice the difference.

You will get to know what speed you are traveling at in each gear. So looking at the rec counter and the speedo .. you will know what gear you are in.

And when you get your next bike ... you will need to learn all over again.

sorry FJ. Finding that point where the bike "pulls" the best is what you want. from about 3000rpm to 6000rpm, change up the gears when you "feel " this power band. Going to redline is a waste of fuel IMO. Once you have learnt the gears, using this bower band will allow you to smoothly accelerate up to the road speed comfortably with little fuss from the motor. On down changes you will find the engine reving harder, again you will get the "feel" of this and is ok for the engine to do so, as its not under as much "load" as accelerating.
But lets not baffle you with all these things.
Be confident that you are doing just fine. experiment each time you go out with just ONE thing, not a heap of things that can confuse and exasperate your fun. Listen to your bike, if its sounds stressed , probably is, feel your bike, the vibration from the engine can tell you a lot too. Be comfortabile with each thing you learn, practice each thing till it becomes instinct. Relax and enjoy your little machine, respect it, it will respect you. Making it scream? well, if your partner thrashed you till you screamed..........:no:

Grey wolf has good points to offer too

[SNF]

Go for another ride tonight. Even if its scary, just be cool. Hard to do, I know. Don't let your head get in the way of the ride - When I first started I was the same way, saw a car I felt the panic, would stop wait be all scared.

Focus on what your doing/ what you want to do. It is a lot to take in but you can do it when your calm. Stuff the onlookers, when your worried about them, and things turn to crap, your not focusing on what you are doing. If they make comments and it bothers you that much, just walk up and ask them how they did when they learned to drive. Then ask how they would do with 2 wheels. I bet they will at least shut up. Or ask them if they are a driving instructor lol. PM me I have a few comments I can rattle off at any given second ;p Oh yeah, so you're like Evil Kinevil's son right? At least my bike is not on a computer screen and I'm not thinking about while using my hand. Once I can ride this thing do you want me to ruin your front lawn?

Anyway, half the times I have stalled was because I've been nervous/freaking out/thinking of 80 things (on top of the the other 80 I was already thinking about.) The times I have been cool calm and in control, things have always gone well - taken off easily etc. Good to explore new horizons and ride to different places but don't push yourself. I may sound like I'm doing okay, but every corner I'm going around is at like 45 km/h.

[bosslady]

too hard to reply to each persons advice (only have a tablet!) but all very much appreciated, might take her out tomorrow night or Xmas morning perhaps :)

[FJRider]

too hard to reply to each persons advice (only have a tablet!) but all very much appreciated, might take her out tomorrow night or Xmas morning perhaps :)

Just enjoy your ride. Every ride is experience .... something you can never have too much of ...

Go the mighty GN ...

[bosslady]

Just enjoy your ride. Every ride is experience .... something you can never have too much of ...

Go the mighty GN ...

mighty? more like the poor, poor GN ;)

[FJRider]

mighty? more like the poor, poor GN ;)

I've ridden a few of them ... and they're nothing to scoff at ... if that is what you have.

I'm sure you will make every effort to look after her ..... and have many adventures on her.

Your first bike.

Take the time to let it take you ... anywhere you want to go.

And take a close look at bikes in pics that are/were at bike rallys ... and see how they stowed stuff on their bikes. The variations are many.

Or just use ideas of YOUR own.

[kiwi cowboy]

With name like yours just get mindset that you are the boss hehe of the bike

seriously if i can ride abike drive a car anyone can, and make adventure of it as one way to look at it reverse it this is excting times adventure when things are new enjoy the time as well
I used to go down to local dairy get my sisters some treats, then your got a reason to go for a trip
and your not so focussed on the one thing (dudes get like that) beacuse even know i have my times on bike when you get like oh am crap and u do clang the down changes mainly cause focuss on the negtive or just tired. next day is fine

If your bike riding and car driving are anything like you spelling and punctuation please stay off the road:msn-wink::bleh:

[bosslady]

If your bike riding and car driving are anything like you spelling and punctuation please stay off the road:msn-wink::bleh:

now, now, play nicely ;)

[kiwi cowboy]

now, now, play nicely ;)

:devil2:I was i was:wings::love:

[FJRider]

now, now, play nicely ;)

He is ... that's KC being polite.

[kiwi cowboy]

mighty? more like the poor, poor GN ;)

Dont knock the gn lol.
My brother had one when he started out years ago but he could already ride a bike.

Anyway we were in ch ch one day and pulled up at a set of loghts me on my xr and him on ginny on morehouse ave {three lanes} and in the middle lane was a 650 bonnie two up.

My brother looked at the guy on the bonnie and blipped the throttle and the bonnie guy took the bait.

Well i hate to think what revs the poor we gn was doin but when he let the clutch out the thing took off like a scolded cat with the handle bars up around my brothers ears leaving me and the bonnie guy in the dust so to speak.

Pulled up at the next set of lights and the bonnie guy had green light to turn and look at us and shook his head.

[FJRider]

Dont knock the gn lol.


And certainly don't underestimate them either. If you think it can ... odds are it will.

[bosslady]

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..

[frogfeaturesFZR]

too hard to reply to each persons advice (only have a tablet!) but all very much appreciated, might take her out tomorrow night or Xmas morning perhaps :)


Enjoy the break. The forecast doesn't look too 'bike friendly' though :doh:

[tbs]

A good thing to do is to lie in bed with your eyes closed, totally relax, and visualize yourself riding. Imagine bringing the revs up while easing out the clutch. Hear the engine revving. Change gear.... Imagine turning your head to look through the curves. Imagine braking and downshifting. Move your hands while you're doing it if it will help. By imagining yourself doing all these things between rides, it will all become second nature much faster than if you only think about it while riding. The visualization really helps.

[nzspokes]

If you can afford it go to see Phillip at http://www.riderskills.co.nz/ . He will help you a lot.

Any mentors on the shore? I may be able to get over some time for a short ride.

[bosslady]

If you can afford it go to see Phillip at http://www.riderskills.co.nz/ . He will help you a lot.

Any mentors on the shore? I may be able to get over some time for a short ride.

I've already had some lessons through rider training, but thank you :)

I don't know that there are.

[nzspokes]

I've already had some lessons through rider training, but thank you :)

I don't know that there are.

There was a mentors program through KB, just ask I guess. Sounds like someone riding along with you may help. I would normally head out but my lady had a crash and I spend most of my time looking after her.

I will see if I can make some time.

[onelittlenurse]

I've already had some lessons through rider training, but thank you :)

I don't know that there are.

You will be fine, my first bike was a GN125 and it did me VERY well...
a few lessons is nice but the rest is just experience..

knowing how to drive a manual car is handy but not essential, you will soon learn the sound of the bike revving too high if you have changed down at the wrong speed, when I learnt I just rode up and down my quiet little side street changing up up up and down down down, dont worry about the speed, just get the feel of the bike and listen to the engine

I would still have my little 125, but the burglars had other ideas.. now i have a VL250... some people say the burglars did me a favour :niceone:

[bosslady]

There was a mentors program through KB, just ask I guess. Sounds like someone riding along with you may help. I would normally head out but my lady had a crash and I spend most of my time looking after her.

I will see if I can make some time.

Sorry to hear that :( I'm sure I can find someone somehow, I think I would take quite a lot of someone's patience, lol... I had someone contact me a cpl weeks ago as a mentor but I haven't heard back for a week but I haven't seen them posting either. They must have that thing they call a life! :)

[FJRider]

I had someone contact me a cpl weeks ago as a mentor but I haven't heard back for a week but I haven't seen them posting either. They must have that thing they call a life! :)

Take a look in here ...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/forumdisplay.php/99-KB-Mentors-Programme

[Maha]

All ''Mentors'' are in here at the bottom, just scroll down ----->> http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showgroups.php

[bosslady]

thanks guys, that second link I think didn't work for me cause of my stupid tablet but I found it eventually!

Went out for a very quick ride tonight. Didn't feel like it but sucked it up and went anyway, glad I did, was some good practice despite it getting dark, starting to rain a little and wind blowing me about a little, hate to think what it's going to be like when I eventually start going over the bridge?! lol.

[FJRider]

thanks guys, that second link I think didn't work for me cause of my stupid laptop, but I found it eventually!

Went out for a very quick ride tonight. Didn't feel like it but sucked it up and went anyway, glad I did, was some good practice despite it getting dark, starting to rain a little and wind blowing me about a little, hate to think what it's going to be like when I eventually start going over the bridge?! lol.

JUST BLOODY GO ... then tick it off the list of things to do. :brick:

The milestone of Bossladys motorcycling ... you CAN do it. ;)


GO NOW ... even ... :yes:

[bosslady]

JUST BLOODY GO ... then tick it off the list of things to do. :brick:

The milestone of Bossladys motorcycling ... you CAN do it. ;)


GO NOW ... even ... :yes:

bugger off ;) I'm sitting on the couch in my jammies, eating chocolate, watching graham Norton! and I already went out so :P haha. Tomorrow morning if the weather's fine...

[FJRider]

bugger off ;) I'm sitting on the couch in my jammies, eating chocolate, watching graham Norton! and I already went out so :P haha. Tomorrow morning if the weather's fine...

That mental image ... :crazy:

I guess tomorrow will be ok ... ;)

It really isn't that hard (or scarey) on the bridge ... at sunrise is cool.

[bosslady]

That mental image ... :crazy:

I guess tomorrow will be ok ... ;)

It really isn't that hard (or scarey) on the bridge ... at sunrise is cool.

yea it ain't a pretty sight...

[FJRider]

yea it ain't a pretty sight...

True ... you need jammies that match the couch covering ... jeeze ... don't girls learn anything in school nowdays .. ??? :oi-grr:

And turn the Web-cam off ... :yes:

[bosslady]

True ... you need jammies that match the couch covering ... jeeze ... don't girls learn anything in school nowdays .. ??? :oi-grr:

And turn the Web-cam off ... :yes:

hahaha oh dear

[bosslady]

went for a ride this morning and also just before. Tonight must have been the longest I've been out, only 17.8km, piss in the wind I know... but hey I'll get there. Stalled once at a set of lights, almost tipped over a cpl times turning at roundabouts. Good bloody lord there are so many damn hills, lights, roundabouts, corners. I'm not getting as good as quickly as I'd hoped changing down gears much to the dismay of my poor poor gn :(

[arcane12]

Good to hear you are keeping at it. It will come :) and I am sure that gn was designed for it!

[bosslady]

Good to hear you are keeping at it. It will come :) and I am sure that gn was designed for it!

thank you arcane :)

[bosslady]

Yep ... sounds about right then ... and I do know that feeling ... :killingme



In the first three gears ... try taking it up to 5 1/2 - 6000 rpm. (unless traffic numbers/road conditions/speed limit prevents it)

In the other gears ... (it may not be possible in top gear to get to red-line on the GN) try 6-7000. (open road only.

Yesterday and today I've kept the revs 4 1/2 - 5000rpm, 5 is when it starts to maybe sound a lil sick?

[nzspokes]

Yesterday and today I've kept the revs 4 1/2 - 5000rpm, 5 is when it starts to maybe sound a lil sick?

The rev counter will show the redline which is the limit it can rev to. Probably about 8k on a GN? Its safe to rev it that high. Sounds like your not reving it hard enough at times. But that will come with experience. I will try to pop over for a ride next week if we can work a time.

[nzspokes]

Heres a GN being ridden, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/152259-GN250-Cafe-Racer/page2

[FJRider]

Yesterday and today I've kept the revs 4 1/2 - 5000rpm, 5 is when it starts to maybe sound a lil sick?

You were talking about getting a Mentor ... let him have a ride on it. He would have a better idea about how it should sound.

5000 rpm is about where the engine would start a subtle change in engine sound. But "sick" .. ?? :scratch:

Having said that ... if "round town running" is all it has been getting ... a hard run up to the speed limit might do it a bit of good. If it's been a while since it's been at the upper rev's ... a bit of coughing and spluttering could be expected.

[bosslady]

The rev counter will show the redline which is the limit it can rev to. Probably about 8k on a GN? Its safe to rev it that high. Sounds like your not reving it hard enough at times. But that will come with experience. I will try to pop over for a ride next week if we can work a time.

I guess not? I have only been around sports bikes 600cc+ so that's the sound I am used to... way different to my little 250 cruiser... I guess I'm not revving it enough perhaps.


Heres a GN being ridden, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/152259-GN250-Cafe-Racer/page2

I'll have a gander when I get home after work :)


You were talking about getting a Mentor ... let him have a ride on it. He would have a better idea about how it should sound.

5000 rpm is about where the engine would start a subtle change in engine sound. But "sick" .. ?? :scratch:

Having said that ... if "round town running" is all it has been getting ... a hard run up to the speed limit might do it a bit of good. If it's been a while since it's been at the upper rev's ... a bit of coughing and spluttering could be expected.

Yes I have had an offer from nzspokes and also Kiwi Graham, gosh darn need all the help I can get haha. I guess with where I live, there's seriously no flat ground, it's all either inclines or.. declines... I'd be lucky if I get anywhere with 10m of flat ground and then it's roundabout after bloody intersection after corner, blah blah blah. And yes it was previously owned by a lovely Chinaman (good negotiater when I bought the bike haha). And he didn't seem the type to give it a good go, just a round the town runabout, ironically his wife made him sell it when they had their baby, lol. Like I said, I probably think it sounds "sick" cause of the only other bikes I have ever been around. My flatmate who got me interested in bikes in the first place has a (track only) 2010 bmw s1000 (previously a ninja zx6r and no he won't help with lessons) and I've been to quite a few track days.. generally all very fast sports bikes lol :yes: and the couple times i've pillioned again, fast sports bikes.

[FJRider]

Yes I have had an offer from nzspokes and also Kiwi Graham, gosh darn need all the help I can get haha. I guess with where I live, there's seriously no flat ground, it's all either inclines or.. declines... I'd be lucky if I get anywhere with 10m of flat ground and then it's roundabout after bloody intersection after corner, blah blah blah. And yes it was previously owned by a lovely Chinaman (good negotiater when I bought the bike haha). And he didn't seem the type to give it a good go, just a round the town runabout, ironically his wife made him sell it when they had their baby, lol. Like I said, I probably think it sounds "sick" cause of the only other bikes I have ever been around. My flatmate who got me interested in bikes in the first place has a (track only) 2010 bmw s1000 (previously a ninja zx6r and no he won't help with lessons) and I've been to quite a few track days.. generally all very fast sports bikes lol :yes: and the couple times i've pillioned again, fast sports bikes.

Actually ... this might be a good "excuse" to take a ride on the motorway. Don't try to rush the higher rev's (or yourself)... slowly increase the revs to the speed limit (if you feel comfortable doing it).

[Subike]

Go visit a girlfriend who lives a distance from home that you feel you can do. Say 30ks to get there.
Have a coffee girly chat etc, then ride home.
Forget about the bike, other than what you need to do to operate it. I mean sounds, clunks, rattles.
When you come home, you will realize how much you have learnt,
Having a goal, reason , for going somewhere, gives your mind that purpose, your learning will come to the forefront , all will be well.
You know you can do it, you dont need to ask us for an excuse to do it.

[bosslady]

Actually ... this might be a good "excuse" to take a ride on the motorway. Don't try to rush the higher rev's (or yourself)... slowly increase the revs to the speed limit (if you feel comfortable doing it).

The motorway will definitely be a milestone haha


Go visit a girlfriend who lives a distance from home that you feel you can do. Say 30ks to get there.
Have a coffee girly chat etc, then ride home.
Forget about the bike, other than what you need to do to operate it. I mean sounds, clunks, rattles.
When you come home, you will realize how much you have learnt,
Having a goal, reason , for going somewhere, gives your mind that purpose, your learning will come to the forefront , all will be well.
You know you can do it, you dont need to ask us for an excuse to do it.

I don't have any girlfriends :( true story... that's why I've taken this up as a hobby, Nigel no mates haha. But I see what you mean 're: having a goal or objective, you're quite right! Oh and I'm not really asking anyone's permission so to speak but I certainly do use you all as a sounding board and often like to think out loud! :)

[bosslady]

Heres a GN being ridden, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/152259-GN250-Cafe-Racer/page2

thanks for that link!! just looked now. Sounds way better than my gn though? you know I think someone fiddled with something to do with the revs on it, the dude that picked it up for me (not from here) maybe that's why it's funny... dunno

[bosslady]

reason why my bike sounded so sick? definitely at least because the revs were prob quite low. Took her out again tonight tried to get the revs higher, sounded a bit more like a proper motorbike and a little less like a lawnmower so that's nice. Everrrrrrr so slowly getting changing down gears a bit better. Notice I start to get a little nervous going downhill for sure though. Didnt get so panicked though riding somewhere id not been to/am used to, found a new set of shops i didnt know were near me but was going too fast to see what they were lol. Which reminds me, was accidentally speeding past the popo, 60 in a 50, oops.. 23.3km this time.

[FJRider]

Progress ... Go girl .. :calm:

[bosslady]

Progress ... Go girl .. :calm:

Thanks for you're support :)

[Subike]

reason why my bike sounded so sick? definitely at least because the revs were prob quite low. Took her out again tonight tried to get the revs higher, sounded a bit more like a proper motorbike and a little less like a lawnmower so that's nice. Everrrrrrr so slowly getting changing down gears a bit better. Notice I start to get a little nervous going downhill for sure though. .

going downhill, a very common feeling amongst new riders.Even ones who have been riding for a few years. Just be in the same gear you were going up the hill, the engine braking will keep your speed down quite well, If you feel insecure about the grip of the front wheel going down hill, remember that most of the weight of the bike and you are on that wheel when going down hill, so it will have more grip on it than when you are going up hill. When strangely enough, most riders feel more comfortable
And good on you for another completed incident free ride.

[bosslady]

going downhill, a very common feeling amongst new riders.Even ones who have been riding for a few years. Just be in the same gear you were going up the hill, the engine braking will keep your speed down quite well, If you feel insecure about the grip of the front wheel going down hill, remember that most of the weight of the bike and you are on that wheel when going down hill, so it will have more grip on it than when you are going up hill. When strangely enough, most riders feel more comfortable
And good on you for another completed incident free ride.

Thanks! Now I'm sure I could Google but is it best to use the front or rear brake to slow down when going downhill when the engine braking isn't quite enough to slow it down?

I was curious about what gear I should be in when going down but you've already answered that for me, Cheers!

[Ender EnZed]

is it best to use the front or rear brake to slow down when going downhill when the engine braking isn't quite enough to slow it down?

The front brake will always provide much more stopping power.

[Maha]

Personally, I am a huge exponent of using the rear brake, especially down hill. I always have it covered.
Also, it's good to get used to using it (the rear brake) for when you may need it most....in combination with the front in an emergency situation.

[nzspokes]

reason why my bike sounded so sick? definitely at least because the revs were prob quite low. Took her out again tonight tried to get the revs higher, sounded a bit more like a proper motorbike and a little less like a lawnmower so that's nice. Everrrrrrr so slowly getting changing down gears a bit better. Notice I start to get a little nervous going downhill for sure though. Didnt get so panicked though riding somewhere id not been to/am used to, found a new set of shops i didnt know were near me but was going too fast to see what they were lol. Which reminds me, was accidentally speeding past the popo, 60 in a 50, oops.. 23.3km this time.

Cool, now your starting to make progress. Just keep riding.

Next week when Im free we can hit a higher speed area if you feel up to it. Maybe ride to a café somewhere.

[arcane12]

I hate to pip up with conflicting advice as I essentially agree with Maha, but I found using the rear brake too much can be a bit of a problem until you are good at using that front brake.

If you have driven a car a lot you can end up over-braking on the rear locking it up. It is a bad reflex that I have started to train myself out of after I overshot the line at the lights deciding to stop little too late. :Oops:

On my rider training course we practiced emergency braking which helped me find the limits of my brakes and also understand back<front<both. Of course we also practiced coming to a complete stop only using the back brake so as you can see in some circumstances you only want to use one. :wacko:

Anyway, it's about time I got out on my bike - been cage bound for a week! I hope I still remember which way to point it! :laugh:

[Katman]

A good thing to do is to lie in bed with your eyes closed, totally relax, and visualize yourself riding. Imagine bringing the revs up while easing out the clutch. Hear the engine revving. Change gear.... Imagine turning your head to look through the curves. Imagine braking and downshifting. Move your hands while you're doing it if it will help. By imagining yourself doing all these things between rides, it will all become second nature much faster than if you only think about it while riding. The visualization really helps.

This here ^ is great advice.

Another suggestion is, when you find yourself a mentor (not just some dickhead who sees motorcycling as an ego stroking exercise) get them to pillion you on your bike.

You have no doubt ridden pillion in the past but this time actually concentrate on listening to what the engine is doing while the other person is riding it.

[bosslady]

Personally, I am a huge exponent of using the rear brake, especially down hill. I always have it covered.
Also, it's good to get used to using it (the rear brake) for when you may need it most....in combination with the front in an emergency situation.

Yup I have no problem using the rear break at all, was just wondering if there was one over the other (front or rear) that were best to use downhill, sounds like rear?


Cool, now your starting to make progress. Just keep riding.

Next week when Im free we can hit a higher speed area if you feel up to it. Maybe ride to a café somewhere.

Sounds good! I'll see how brave I am for higher speeds haha


I hate to pip up with conflicting advice as I essentially agree with Maha, but I found using the rear brake too much can be a bit of a problem until you are good at using that front brake.

I dunno, at the moment I am using both if/when needed and don't have a problem with it (using the rear brake) thus far. We practiced using both when I had my lessons with an instructor and he really pushed getting into the habit of using my rear brake.



Another suggestion is, when you find yourself a mentor (not just some dickhead who sees motorcycling as an ego stroking exercise) get them to pillion you on your bike.

You have no doubt ridden pillion in the past but this time actually concentrate on listening to what the engine is doing while the other person is riding it.

Good idea!

[Ocean1]

Yup I have no problem using the rear break at all, was just wondering if there was one over the other (front or rear) that were best to use downhill, sounds like rear?

The only time I use the rear by itself is to change the bike's attitude/stance in a corner. When the second-by-second things start to become more automatic for you try it, just squeeze the rear brake lightly and feel what the bike does.


I dunno, at the moment I am using both if/when needed and don't have a problem with it (using the rear brake) thus far. We practiced using both when I had my lessons with an instructor and he really pushed getting into the habit of using my rear brake.

I agree, while you're at the stage of forming habits that will eventually make up a suite of automatic default riding behaviour I'd use both. Worth noting that braking strategies depend a lot on both the class of bike and the model itself, but for now on that bike use both.

[nerrrd]

If you have driven a car a lot you can end up over-braking on the rear locking it up. It is a bad reflex that I have started to train myself out of after I overshot the line at the lights deciding to stop little too late. :Oops:

I can remember doing this myself on my GN250 back in the eighties. Fortunately I was heading in a straight line at the time - I remember wondering what the tyre-squealing noise was and then my brain yelling at my foot to get off the back brake...until it finally did.

I was using both brakes at the time so no drama, which is what I still try to do. Not an expert (still learning all these years later) but I believe what happened there was that most of the weight when braking ends up on the front wheel, which means the lack of weight on the back makes it easier to lock up the back wheel if you apply the foot brake too aggressively. So start out gently on both. I seem to recall they even had ads on TV in those days encouraging riders to use both. I'm still covering the back brake a lot when I ride, but that's more due to lack of flexibility in my ankle meaning I don't want to shift my foot too much than a preference - also I'm told it's a good idea to get a bike shop to check that the foot pedal is adjusted to suit your...foot, I guess.

I can also remember my first efforts at driving a car...so many things to do all at once! For a while there I thought I'd never get the hang of it, until one day, it all came together and away I went.

Can't remember how long it took me to teach myself to ride, but you're doing it a much better way than I did, asking for help/guidance/etc.

[bosslady]

Worth noting that braking strategies depend a lot on both the class of bike and the model itself, but for now on that bike use both.
Interesting, didn't know that but I guess it would make sense.


I can remember doing this myself on my GN250 back in the eighties. Fortunately I was heading in a straight line at the time - I remember wondering what the tyre-squealing noise was and then my brain yelling at my foot to get off the back brake...until it finally did.

I was using both brakes at the time so no drama, which is what I still try to do. Not an expert (still learning all these years later) but I believe what happened there was that most of the weight when braking ends up on the front wheel, which means the lack of weight on the back makes it easier to lock up the back wheel if you apply the foot brake too aggressively. So start out gently on both. I seem to recall they even had ads on TV in those days encouraging riders to use both. I'm still covering the back brake a lot when I ride, but that's more due to lack of flexibility in my ankle meaning I don't want to shift my foot too much than a preference - also I'm told it's a good idea to get a bike shop to check that the foot pedal is adjusted to suit your...foot, I guess.

I can also remember my first efforts at driving a car...so many things to do all at once! For a while there I thought I'd never get the hang of it, until one day, it all came together and away I went.

Can't remember how long it took me to teach myself to ride, but you're doing it a much better way than I did, asking for help/guidance/etc.

Cheers and thanks for sharing :) Yea I really need to get it to a bike shop for them to give it a once over. It's had its oil and brake fluid changed but needs everything else looked at really.

[FJRider]

:) Yea I really need to get it to a bike shop for them to give it a once over. It's had its oil and brake fluid changed but needs everything else looked at really.

Your mentor or nzspokes could give it a fairly good look over. And give suggestions for setup of the basic controls to suit your personal needs ... small alterations of brake/clutch levers and pedal positions can help your riding ability considerably. (and rider comfort too)

[bosslady]

Your mentor or nzspokes could give it a fairly good look over. And give suggestions for setup of the basic controls to suit your personal needs ... small alterations of brake/clutch levers and pedal positions can help your riding ability considerably. (and rider comfort too)

sweet I'll remember that!

[bosslady]

33.4km today :) had a funny ride. Left home early, hooned up my road, turned right at the top, cruised along for 50m, then bike started sounding shit and getting really jerky, losing power. Keep riding another 150m or so, still the same thing, pull over wondering wtf is wrong? everything looks ok? hmmm gas station down the road another 100m, maybe it's gas? $10 later she's off and away, happy as Larry! lol!! :oi-grr: dumb ass...
Anyway upside is today was very good and I feel my confidence creeping up slowly, makes me so happy! didn't have the fear in the pit of my stomach about going on the main roads like I did maybe a week ago. Yay me! Hope no one minds all my posts... I'm no attention whore (quite the opposite) but I'm sure there'd be a newbie or newbies reading esp some girlies that are in the same shoes as me and probably feeling as stupid as I do at times! it helps me to read the stupid things some ppl have done :)

[FJRider]

33.4km today :)

Well done ... now you know where the reserve position is ..

I'm looking forward to hearing of your very first full tank ride.

[bosslady]

Well done ... now you know where the reserve position is ..

I'm looking forward to hearing of your very first full tank ride.

I am aiming to cross the mway off my list within the next couple weeks... probably after or when I see spokes or graham. Wonder how far a full tank of gas would get me...

[FJRider]

I am aiming to cross the mway off my list within the next couple weeks... probably after or when I see spokes or graham. Wonder how far a full tank of gas would get me...

Do the maths ... how many litres in the tank (full) How far does a litre take you.

On a GN ... some distance. 250 - 300 kms I believe. (in ideal conditions)

[nzspokes]

sweet I'll remember that!

I can bring some tools to set it up. Not hard at all. A mentor would be better in the long run as they have much more knowledge than I do but im happy to help when time allows. I help out leading some learners rides in the Sass group. Going back to see Phillip at riderskills would be a great idea once you have done some more riding.

[bosslady]

I can bring some tools to set it up. Not hard at all. A mentor would be better in the long run as they have much more knowledge than I do but im happy to help when time allows. I help out leading some learners rides in the Sass group. Going back to see Phillip at riderskills would be a great idea once you have done some more riding.

Sounds great! It was Steve at ridertraining I saw and I'll go back and see them at the very least before I sit my restricted..

[bosslady]

Getting excited now (not ahead of myself and/or cocky though!) just did another 40.8kms. Went from Birkenhead up to Albany and practiced a little in the industrial area. I think I did pretty well considering I would not have dared dream of doing that a week ago! no way Jose. I got extra excited when another biker nodded at me! Small things entertain me I guess, must mean I'm getting to be a proper biker chick soon haha.

[Subike]

See.
We told you you could do it. Taking fear by the neck and throwing it over your shoulder, Yee Haa and away we go.
I think that by the new year we will have a report from you about your first out of town trip on the big open road.
Good on ya girl. rep given

[bosslady]

See.
We told you you could do it. Taking fear by the neck and throwing it over your shoulder, Yee Haa and away we go.
I think that by the new year we will have a report from you about your first out of town trip on the big open road.
Good on ya girl. rep given

*By* the new year? now, now let's not get too excited, that's only a few days away, I'm not THAT brave, lmao. I was thinking if I got up ridiculously early tomorrow I could try the motorway. There's heaps of on and off ramps just after the bridge so I could get on then get off after a k or 2 if I'm not all too comfortable... depends how optimistic I feel when I wake up tomorrow!

[FJRider]

*By* the new year? now, now let's not get too excited, that's only a few days away, I'm not THAT brave, lmao. I was thinking if I got up ridiculously early tomorrow I could try the motorway. There's heaps of on and off ramps just after the bridge so I could get on then get off after a k or 2 if I'm not all too comfortable... depends how optimistic I feel when I wake up tomorrow!

Get on the motorway. First exit off ... turn around and go back. Done.

A half hour or less.

then ... tick ..

[cmoore]

your slow motion fall is all about balance (sorry but i havn't read the entire thread)..any new bike i get i spend time in the local empty carpark doing figure eights at slow speed for hours until i feel confident..every bike is different...good luck with your learning...hitting the road with cars is hard..writting about it on KB is almost as risky!!

[nzspokes]

Motorways are easier than normal roads in that everybody is going the same way. Just go do it, in a few weeks you will wonder what you were worried about.

[bosslady]

your slow motion fall is all about balance (sorry but i havn't read the entire thread)..any new bike i get i spend time in the local empty carpark doing figure eights at slow speed for hours until i feel confident..every bike is different...good luck with your learning...hitting the road with cars is hard..writting about it on KB is almost as risky!!

So far, *fingers crossed* everyone's been nothing but awesomely supportive, I must be lucky! In saying that though, I'm all ears and open to constructive criticism, at the end of the day I don't know shit compared to everyone else, lol.

[bosslady]

So I can now cross motorways of my list... but does it count if it was kinda by accident? lol :laugh:

Thought I'd take the back way to Albany from Birkenhead cause there's a stretch of road that's 70kmph so I can practice going just that little bit faster. Ok now I'll take a ride through the industrial area.. cool... wait where am I now? oops... keep going, maybe I'll come across a familiar place so I can get my bearings? yup, Albany shopping centre except that now I don't know where the "back way" is (get your mind out of the gutter) to get back home... umm umm fuck it, bit the bullet and got on the mway and strangely enough I'm still alive to tell the story? got off at northcote and got another *nod* from a bikie except I dunno wtf he was on, some weird bike with four wheels?

Anyways... TICK!

[unstuck]

You sure it wasnt one of these??? Well done on your motorwy jaunt.:2thumbsup

[bosslady]

You sure it wasnt one of these??? Well done on your motorwy jaunt.:2thumbsup

hmmm.. I didn't want to stare too much but yes I think it were something like that?

[FJRider]

So I can now cross motorways of my list... but does it count if it was kinda by accident? lol :laugh:


Anyways... TICK!

A tick is a tick whatever the reason. Well done.

[bosslady]

Harbour Bridge = TICK

Got on at Onewa this morning, off at St. Lukes for work this morning. Before 6am this morning so not much traffic, also of course it's almost all 80kmph for that whole ride except for a k or two before the st lukes off ramp where it's 100kmph. Going home will be interesting esp with the roadworks and it cutting down from 5 to 3 lanes. Anyway, yay for me!

[nzspokes]

Harbour Bridge = TICK

Got on at Onewa this morning, off at St. Lukes for work this morning. Before 6am this morning so not much traffic, also of course it's almost all 80kmph for that whole ride except for a k or two before the st lukes off ramp where it's 100kmph. Going home will be interesting esp with the roadworks and it cutting down from 5 to 3 lanes. Anyway, yay for me!

Good work! Just enjoy it not worry about it.

[unstuck]

When I was 15 I bought a gsx550 from papakura and had to ride it home to long bay in rush hour traffic. Fuckin shit myself I did, but the feeling of confidence it gave me was awesome. Mind you, the motorway only went as far north as tristram ave back then too.:Punk:

[FJRider]

Another tick ... ;) another one when you get home. :yes:

:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup :2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[frogfeaturesFZR]

And you've earned a wine when you get home , well done ! :yes:

[unstuck]

And you've earned a wine when you get home , well done ! :yes:

And then you can come on here and have a whine.:Punk:

[FJRider]

And then you can come on here and have a whine.:Punk:

She doesn't do that ... ;)

[bosslady]

Never say never FJ. By the time I get home ill deserve a wine, a whine and maybe some beers? Cut my hand open at work and had to get a stitch hope it won't be too ouchy under my glove and while I'm riding. I'm just lucky its my clutch hand? Lovely staff at the whitecross a&e in st Luke's btw..

[FJRider]

By the time I get home ill deserve a wine, a whine and maybe some beers? Cut my hand open at work and had to get a stitch hope it won't be too ouchy under my glove and while I'm riding. I'm just lucky its my clutch hand? Lovely staff at the whitecross a&e in st Luke's btw..

Back across the bridge ... a wine will be deserved. Go biker chick ...

[GrayWolf]

Been away for a few days, so just caught up with the thread... Well Done bosslady, you're slowly building confidence and experiences.
Now the GN sounding 'sick' at 5k rpm?? That is about the rpm you should hear a difference in the 'sound' and feel of the motor.. almost it will 'want to rev' I said ALMOST to any GN hater's out there!!!! :mad: You will feel a different response (or should) as you open the throttle. GN's DO tend to sound like a lawnmower, So do the Yamaha SR 250 (yam equiv of the GN) and if you ever get to listen to one of the old XS250/400 twins? :wacko:
Basically unless your Ginny sounds like something is about to knock itself out of the crankcase (LOUD) the general 'tings, rattles, clanks etc are normal for the motor. In fact if I heard a 'silent' Ginny I would be a bit bemused/concerned.
if the motor is tuned correctly timing/carb and the pipe standard(ish) or bike jetted for after market, then she really should be OK. check the oil level fairly regular, a low level can make an engine sound more 'noisy' also a too low viscosity oil for the engine can make it noisier as well. These are an 'old school' design and will need 'old school' oil... I put 20/50 Castrol GTX in Vickie's ginny and it ran fine. Air cooled motor oil WILL run at a lot hotter temperatures than liquid cooled ones.

In reality a ginny will be running out of 'steam' at about 100-110 kph, so dont expect too much of her on the M/way... but in tight twisty bits once you have confidence? You'll be surprised how well you can keep within sight of bigger bikes if you wring it's neck.

[bosslady]

In reality a ginny will be running out of 'steam' at about 100-110 kph, so dont expect too much of her on the M/way... but in tight twisty bits once you have confidence? You'll be surprised how well you can keep within sight of bigger bikes if you wring it's neck.

Thanks Gray, and that sounds about right re: 100-100kph. I've only been 100-105 so far and it was at like 7000rpm then I think... maybe it was even 6k, *shrug* can't remember now, it's been a long day!

[Maha]

On the throttle stop @ 135kph drafting a Milk Tanker just past the Marsden round a bout...:motu:
I was taking it to its new owner....;)

[GrayWolf]

On the throttle stop @ 135kph drafting a Milk Tanker just past the Marsden round a bout...:motu:
I was taking it to its new owner....;)

You heartless BASTARD!!! :yes::yes::yes:

[bosslady]

Thanks Kiwi Graham for a great mentor-ing session this afternoon. Great confidence booster and have some things I can work on, great stuff!

[FJRider]

Thanks Kiwi Graham for a great mentor-ing session this afternoon. Great confidence booster and have some things I can work on, great stuff!

So ... what is the next milestone ride going to be. First full tank of gas ride .. ???

[bosslady]

So ... what is the next milestone ride going to be. First full tank of gas ride .. ???

ummm.... I actually don't know, any thoughts other than that?

[FJRider]

ummm.... I actually don't know, any thoughts other than that?

Find a cafe about 100 km's north of home ... and a slightly different way home. Well under a full tank ride ... but a milestone no less.

I'm sure there will be a rider (or two or three) that will be happy to tag along.

Start a new thread .. bossladys great adventure ... (or pick your own title) and see who is interested.

[bosslady]

Find a cafe about 100 km's north of home ... and a slightly different way home. Well under a full tank ride ... but a milestone no less.

I'm sure there will be a rider (or two or three) that will be happy to tag along.

Start a new thread .. bossladys great adventure ... (or pick your own title) and see who is interested.

hmmm good idea. I'll have a think on it overnight. I was going to ride to Hampton downs on the 12th to help my flatmate (pit pitch), only 80km but a good ride nonetheless. That's awhile away though...

[FJRider]

hmmm good idea. I'll have a think on it overnight. I was going to ride to Hampton downs on the 12th to help my flatmate (pit pitch), only 80km but a good ride nonetheless. That's awhile away though...

You will have done a two tank ride by then .. :yes:

[bosslady]

You will have done a two tank ride by then .. :yes:

hmm well see... watch this space.... haha

[FJRider]

hmm well see... watch this space.... haha

When's the Taranaki ride ??

[bosslady]

When's the Taranaki ride ??

taranaki? hmmm what's there?

[FJRider]

taranaki? hmmm what's there?

Mom and Maha's ride ..

[bosslady]

Mom and Maha's ride ..

you know bloody well I'm geographically challenged :laugh:

[FJRider]

you know bloody well I'm geographically challenged :laugh:

That is no different to most other bikers ... you're fitting in nicely ...

(put that map book at the top of your "things to get" list)

[bosslady]

That is no different to most other bikers ... you're fitting in nicely ...

(put that map book at the top of your "things to get" list)

I looked for that motorcycle atlas blah etc in whitcoulls and paper plus no luck. Can by online but will wait till I feel rich haha

[FJRider]

I looked for that motorcycle atlas blah etc in whitcoulls and paper plus no luck. Can by online but will wait till I feel rich haha

Look here ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/books/nonfiction/reference/atlases/auction-546589751.htm

[bosslady]

When's the Taranaki ride ??

to answer your question, mid Feb.

[FJRider]

to answer your question, mid Feb.

We'll have you doing wheel stands ... by then ... :lol:

[bosslady]

We'll have you doing wheel stands ... by then ... :lol:

Puhlease ;-) don't fill my head with nonsense :-P

[Kiwi Graham]

Thanks Kiwi Graham for a great mentor-ing session this afternoon. Great confidence booster and have some things I can work on, great stuff!

Hey no worries, as I said your riding better after a few weeks than I've seen some ride after far longer.
I love your approach to this bike riding milarky and time in the saddle is only going to improve your confidence further.
A great day for a ride today, should see at least a whole tank of gas used ;)

Give me a shout when your up for the next step and we can work on a few more aspects of the mystic art of motorcycling.
Enjoy the ride today, me I'm out on my boat with the other half of Auckland at a guess :)

[bosslady]

I actually realised it was 2 weeks ago yesterday that I got my gear and could finally ride so its only been that long minus the couple of lessons I had in a car park. Woo hoo for me lol. Don't know about a whole tank of gas Haha but have already been on my bike to the a&e currently waiting to have the stitch in my hand looked at and dressing changed after that who knows?!

[nzspokes]

Sorry ive not been over for a ride yet, my kids ended up staying a day later than normal and my beloved needs some me time. Will try for next week. But I see you have found a mentor who will know more than I do.

[bosslady]

Sorry ive not been over for a ride yet, my kids ended up staying a day later than normal and my beloved needs some me time. Will try for next week. But I see you have found a mentor who will know more than I do.

Spokes, don't apologise, for having a life and family! I'm still keen and next week is just fine, even later if that's what works for you too. Just holla when you have the time but don't sweat it :)

[Grashopper]

Great thread. I've been learning lot's of useful things from it and it is good to hear that I'm not the only one having problems figuring out how to shift gears smoothly or how to do a slow turn without dropping the bike :)

I'm riding for about 2 month now, but trying to do U-turns on roads still freaks me out, even though I can do tight ones in big parking lots.

I usually shift up at about 4000 and down at 3000 with my GN, but all bets are off if i have to accelerate or decelerate quickly. But I don't think I go beyond 5000 unless I'm in 5th gear. Love it that the GN shows you which gear you're in. That is really helpful for a beginner. The guy I bought the bike from mentioned that it's rear cog is smaller than the usual GNs have. Not sure why they would have changed that and what difference it could make in terms of the revs.

Have you tried going up to 100 km/h yet, bosslady? Mine gets there, eventually, but I've also heard people saying that their GN250s only did up to 90.

[bosslady]

I usually shift up at about 4000 and down at 3000 with my GN, but all bets are off if i have to accelerate or decelerate quickly. But I don't think I go beyond 5000 unless I'm in 5th gear. Love it that the GN shows you which gear you're in. That is really helpful for a beginner. The guy I bought the bike from mentioned that it's rear cog is smaller than the usual GNs have. Not sure why they would have changed that and what difference it could make in terms of the revs.

Have you tried going up to 100 km/h yet, bosslady? Mine gets there, eventually, but I've also heard people saying that their GN250s only did up to 90.

Hmm sort of sounds like what I used to do re: your revs. I'm always at 5-6k rpm, never below unless I'm slowing down for something and/or to change gears, sometimes up to 7k-ish rpm. My bike sounded (even more) like a piece of shit when I had the revs as low as you are. Take what I say with a grain of salt though, I've only been riding a few days short of 3 weeks. On the flat 3rd gear at 6000rpm is about 60kmph, but I don't like to rev it anymore than that in which case I'll go to 4th gear at 6000rpm gets me to about 80kmph, about 7000rpm gets me to 90kmph. 5th gear 6000rpm, 100-105kmph.

Honestly I have absolutely no problem getting up to speed quickly, feels like a f*cking dream compared to my cage. I've been 100kmph loads of times in the past week now. Fastest I've been is 120kmph but the bike wasn't too impressed really... I usually fluctuate between 100-110 on the motorway.

Oh and as for what revs you're doing when you change up, personally I'm not sure what mine are, I've just been listening to/feeling my bike and let it tell me when to change... maybe that's not the right way I'm not sure but its what I do...

[bosslady]

Have a squizz here, it's more up to date with what's happening...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/155468-100km-without-getting-my-arse-off-the-bike

[Subike]

Oh and as for what revs your doing when you change up, personally I'm not sure what mine are, I've just been listening to/feeling my bike and let it tell me when to change... maybe that's not the right way I'm not sure but its what I do...

that is very much the right way to do it girl. remeber I said last week, to"feel" the bike and it will tell you when it wants to change gear.
See you have found that, and your bike is responding to it happily. Good skill learnt , and now an instinct .:yes::yes::yes:

[bosslady]

that is very much the right way to do it girl. remeber I said last week, to"feel" the bike and it will tell you when it wants to change gear.
See you have found that, and your bike is responding to it happily. Good skill learnt , and now an instinct .:yes::yes::yes:

I just have so much shit to concentrate on I.e. throttle, clutch, change up, look where I'm going, keep my speed consistent etc. last thing I have time for is to look at the revs lol. Maybe what you said filtered into my subconscious somehow ;)

[FJRider]

The guy I bought the bike from mentioned that it's rear cog is smaller than the usual GNs have. Not sure why they would have changed that and what difference it could make in terms of the revs.

A smaller rear cog fitted gears the bike up. In theory this means the bike goes faster in each of the gears at the same RPM than it would have with a larger rear cog.

What usually happens (with smaller bikes especially) that by being geared up ... it runs out of power sooner (lower revs at the same speed means less power being developed by the engine) and just cant get up to the theoretical new top speed. In perfect conditions ..ie: flat road and tail wind .. it's fine .... but perfect conditions seldom occur. (not in NZ anyway)

A small geared up bike is often suspected of being poked. Stamped on the rear cog is a number of teeth that cog has. (give it a clean and you should see it) Find out what is standard and compare it to what is fitted.
Higher geared means better fuel use figures ... but makes hard work of it on the rider.

Lower geared gives a snappier take off ... and a better spread of power over the useable rev range.

[FJRider]

I just have so much shit to concentrate on I.e. throttle, clutch, change up, look where I'm going, keep my speed consistent etc. last thing I have time for is to look at the revs lol. Maybe what you said filtered into my subconscious somehow ;)

Keep a regular check on the revs at various top gear speeds. The rev counter is just as accurate as your speedo. And you should be able to tell your speed by what gear/revs you are doing.
And what revs/speed ... can tell you what gear you are in. (You may have forgotten you still have a gear left to change up to)

Keep revs consistent ... speed will be too. Your ears will tell you a lot though.

[Grashopper]

Thanks for that explanation FJRider. That sounds like my bike. Will have a look at that cog tomorrow. Yep, it is pretty hart work to get it up to 100, but part of that is probably also my subconsciousness being scared of going that fast :)

@bosslady: Wow I'm really surprised to hear your GN is so fast.
I'm lucky to have some nice empty roads around. Plenty of time to check revs, if the indicator is still running :) or any cars are getting too close behind me. Now I'm getting better to shift gears by listening to the sound of the bike as I do with my car, but I found that quite difficult at the beginning as my bike is much noisier than my car :)

Hey, and is that just the roads here or are your rear mirrors also getting pretty useless when you go faster than ~90? Mine just get blurry and I can hardly see anything in them anymore.

[The End]

Hey, and is that just the roads here or are your rear mirrors also getting pretty useless when you go faster than ~90? Mine just get blurry and I can hardly see anything in them anymore.

That's vibration for ya. Give them a look and see if they are lose. I am assuming like most bikes like the GN they are screw on mirrors. Make sure they are done up tightly. If that doesn't fix it then it could just be that is the resonant frequency of the mirror and there isn't much you can do. Perhaps look at getting some sort of rubber seal between the mirror and bars, should help reduce the vibration.

[bosslady]

Keep a regular check on the revs at various top gear speeds. The rev counter is just as accurate as your speedo. And you should be able to tell your speed by what gear/revs you are doing.
And what revs/speed ... can tell you what gear you are in. (You may have forgotten you still have a gear left to change up to)

Keep revs consistent ... speed will be too. Your ears will tell you a lot though.

Yup you are right and yes at high speed I do check my revs and yea I can tell what gear I'm in by my speed/revs but somehow still paranoid have to look at the Speedo too lol.


Thanks for that explanation FJRider. That sounds like my bike. Will have a look at that cog tomorrow. Yep, it is pretty hart work to get it up to 100, but part of that is probably also my subconsciousness being scared of going that fast :)

@bosslady: Wow I'm really surprised to hear your GN is so fast.
I'm lucky to have some nice empty roads around. Plenty of time to check revs, if the indicator is still running :) or any cars are getting too close behind me. Now I'm getting better to shift gears by listening to the sound of the bike as I do with my car, but I found that quite difficult at the beginning as my bike is much noisier than my car :)

Hey, and is that just the roads here or are your rear mirrors also getting pretty useless when you go faster than ~90? Mine just get blurry and I can hardly see anything in them anymore.

GN? so fast? lol... fast enough, for now. I don't drive a manual so changing to the sound of my bike was a bit of getting used to and I still am. No problem with my mirrors either, I mean sure there's a minute amount of vibration but I can see with them just fine :) Don't be so scared of going 100. Me, personally, I just said to myself if I wouldn't be afraid of doing that in m car, why am I on the bike? same thing with going over the harbour bridge, I was really nervous about that then had a revelation... when was the last time I heard in the news someone coming off their bike on the bridge? answer is never (not to say it's not happened, but you know) so decided that fear was kind of irrational and I needed to balls up. Besides going faster gets me a nice breeze and it's hot as hell under all that gear!

[unstuck]

when was the last time I heard in the news someone coming off their bike on the bridge?

1984, cb50, pissing down, windy as fuck, too much brake,slid for fuckin ages.:yes: And I thought the bridge was still 80kmh.:Punk:

[nzspokes]

A smaller rear cog fitted gears the bike up. In theory this means the bike goes faster in each of the gears at the same RPM than it would have with a larger rear cog.



You've got that backwards, smaller rear sprocket will give lower revs for the same speed and slower acceleration.

[Katman]

You've got that backwards, smaller rear sprocket will give lower revs for the same speed and slower acceleration.

That's what he said.

[SNF]

After a while you'll get used to not looking at the gear indicator and know what gear your in by the revs. I know if I'm going 80 k's at 8000 rpm I'm in 6th, at 100 it'll be at 10,000 in 5th maybe 12,000. This will be different on GN's (5 or 6000 rpm). But I agree when you start off its good to have a gear indicator.

[pritch]

You've got that backwards,

I'm accustomed to seeing wildly divergent opinions on KB but... :no:

Let's not confuse the ladies.

[FJRider]

That's what he said.

Thank you.

[FJRider]

You've got that backwards, smaller rear sprocket will give lower revs for the same speed and slower acceleration.

Did you miss this bit of my post.


What usually happens (with smaller bikes especially) that by being geared up ... it runs out of power sooner (lower revs at the same speed means less power being developed by the engine) and just cant get up to the theoretical new top speed. In perfect conditions ..ie: flat road and tail wind .. it's fine .... but perfect conditions seldom occur. (not in NZ anyway)

[FJRider]

Yup you are right and yes at high speed I do check my revs and yea I can tell what gear I'm in by my speed/revs but somehow still paranoid have to look at the Speedo too lol.


You're catching on quickly then ... but a few of us have seen that already.

Run your eyes over ALL the instruments on a regular basis. Indicators/warning lights etc ... It is good to know all your bike is telling you. Even a small change in engine note/sound (when it should have no cause to change) will tell you things ...

[FJRider]

That's vibration for ya. Give them a look and see if they are lose. I am assuming like most bikes like the GN they are screw on mirrors. Make sure they are done up tightly. If that doesn't fix it then it could just be that is the resonant frequency of the mirror and there isn't much you can do. Perhaps look at getting some sort of rubber seal between the mirror and bars, should help reduce the vibration.

A common problem on the long pull-back bars on GN's ... shorter stemmed mirrors may help.

Sometimes it's the mirror glass vibrating. Silicone sealer around the edge of the mirror glass (let it dry) may help ..

[bosslady]

1984, cb50, pissing down, windy as fuck, too much brake,slid for fuckin ages.:yes: And I thought the bridge was still 80kmh.:Punk:

I was just a twinkle in me daddies eye then! well hey, youre still here to tell the story :)


You're catching on quickly then ... but a few of us have seen that already.

Run your eyes over ALL the instruments on a regular basis. Indicators/warning lights etc ... It is good to know all your bike is telling you. Even a small change in engine note/sound (when it should have no cause to change) will tell you things ...

I do run my eyes over all instruments, regularly however I'm doing it too often IMO, so too with looking in my mirror, I know it's good to do that but I *feel* like I'm doing it too much. I do it a lot if someone (I know) is following my (crappy) lead but even on my own I do it too much, I think. Cars just seem to come up out of nowhere and I feel that I need to see what's behind me always cause if something in front of me happens, I know how much time I have to react so I don't panic... sigh... I dunno.

Speaking of mirrors, just got on the motorway before and the bloody thing came loose! turned inwards so all I could see was how "boss" I looked whilst riding lol. Bloody nuisance and unsafe, couldn't stop till after the bridge. Fixed now...

[FJRider]

I do run my eyes over all instruments, regularly however I'm doing it too often IMO, so too with looking in my mirror, I know it's good to do that but I *feel* like I'm doing it too much. I do it a lot if someone (I know) is following my (crappy) lead but even on my own I do it too much, I think. Cars just seem to come up out of nowhere and I feel that I need to see what's behind me always cause if something in front of me happens, I know how much time I have to react so I don't panic... sigh... I dunno.

It can never be too often. Be aware of what (and who) is coming at you ... and from what direction. Keep your eyes moving. An extra half second of warning may save your life.


Speaking of mirrors, just got on the motorway before and the bloody thing came loose! turned inwards so all I could see was how "boss" I looked whilst riding lol

........ mmmmmmmmmmm ... :2thumbsup

A few riders have set them that way on their bikes ... all the time. ;)

[nzspokes]

Did you miss this bit of my post.

Sorry, I didn't read what you posted correctly.

[pritch]

so too with looking in my mirror, I know it's good to do that but I *feel* like I'm doing it too much.

So you got me thinking, "How much is too much?"

Nick Ienatch in his book "Sport Riding Techniques" recommends that in town you should check the mirror every five seconds.
By the way, that's a glance at the mirror, not a stare.
Of course that's a waste of time for Ducati sprotbike riders, 'cause a gance at a blurry elbow doesn't tell you much worth knowing. :devil2:

He also recommends that you jab the blinker button at the same time. Uncancelled blinkers can cause accidents.

[bosslady]

So you got me thinking, "How much is too much?"

Nick Ienatch in his book "Sport Riding Techniques" recommends that in town you should check the mirror every five seconds.
By the way, that's a glance at the mirror, not a stare.

He also recommends that you jab the blinker button at the same time. Uncancelled blinkers can cause accidents.

Of course that's a waste of time for Ducati sprotbike riders, 'cause a gance at a blurry elbow doesn't tell you much worth knowing. :devil2:

Well if that's the case then I'm definitely not looking too much, probably about right. Just a glance, of course. Don't need to jab the blinker though I think, the indicator on my bike is super bright is hard to miss it but will keep in mind for future bike(s)