Newbie learner biker, need help transporting bike.

[Tui]

Hi everyone, I'm a Learner biker and a complete newb. Just bought my first new bike.

Problem is I live on a hill, the roads near my house are too steep for me to practice as beginner, (tipped over twice when starting and stopping uphill), so I need to get my bike to a flat carpark and take it one baby step at a time, practicing on clutches and gears without having to worry about the bike rolling backwards.

I don't really have any biker friends who can ride the bike to a carpark for me, so I've been reading online about the various ways to transport it with a car. It seems that tow dolly is a bad idea for the bike as it can wear down its hardware and back tyre (and the method looks unstable), so I'm thinking either a carrier or trailer? I found this carrier online: https://www.bestdeals.co.nz/online-500lbs-steel-motorbike-carrier-motorcycle-rack-dirt-bike-hauler-w-ramp-lock-18989.html?aid=1001&gclid=CjwKCAjwstfkBRBoEiwADTmnEFgEx1dxaL4ZWqNbAlsp 62bHkfjGKWg1RGSY3mBxvhTYq5hlXHvbgRoC7JUQAvD_BwE

My parents have a suv which I will need to install a towbar for towing. Though I'm not sure how that carrier is going to fit onto the towbar (since the towbars I've seen are a round knob).

The bike is quite heavy (200kg), but I prefer to load it up by myself if there is a smart way to do it. So any advise on this is much appreciated. I've looked at videos on carriers where people would hold the bike from the side and put in first gear for the bike to move up the ramp, like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZvPQ_eUm_M&list=LLnUU3XGS3fAqKLFqI7VFFgA&index=2&t=0s

I don't know how long it will take for me to get used to the clutch and gears at a carpark before I feel comfortable on a road; but if it doesn't take long for most people (say a week), then perhaps I could also rent a trailer; as a quick browse online says a cage trailer costs about $40/day, though I'm not sure if the rental companies here also supply straps and ramps etc for loading the bike. So I might as well invest in a $300 carrier.

Otherwise, I don't know how I can get my bike to a parking lot since there aren't any hiring services in NZ where you can pay someone to ride a bike to a designated place.

Please offer some advise everyone, as I'm kinda stuck.

Thank you all.

[Jeeper]

What bike is it? 200 kg is a decent size. Can you park it at a friend's house who live on flat part of town?

[Tui]

What bike is it? 200 kg is a decent size. Can you park it at a friend's house who live on flat part of town?

Kawasaki Ninja 650L, I'm in Wellington. Hoping to tow it to the riverside carpark in Lower Hutt where there's a decent space to practice.

I don't have any friends who can bike, nor anyone I know who live on a flat non-busy road. I think I'm alone on this T_T

[layton]

That's a big bike to learn on...! Hopefully somebody here will volunteer to help even loading a bike on a trailer can be a handful the first time especially if you are not familiar with how everything feels.

[GazzaH]

That bike's too big! Borrow, hire or buy a little 125-350cc runabout to learn on: easier to balance, less crushing if you fall. Spend a whole day learning the basics, firstly in an empty carpark.

Wellington is too hilly! Move somewhere flatter.

You're too green! Take some lessons to get you started. An hour or three tuition will turn you a darker shade of green at least.

Good luck mate!

[nerrrd]

Do you have a licence? If so how did you do your Basic Handling Test, was it on this bike?

I agree money might be better spent hiring a smaller bike so you can get some confidence going.

[Jeff Sichoe]

bro you just need to get moving, right?

get a mate or your dad to help you point the nose of the bike downhill and just do loops of oriental bay -> point haswell -> airport -> round the bays and back into town via happy valley road.

2 hours on the bike and you'll be sweet

rinse and repeat the next day and you'll have the knack of it (or sell bike and give up :))

[Tui]

Do you have a licence? If so how did you do your Basic Handling Test, was it on this bike?

I agree money might be better spent hiring a smaller bike so you can get some confidence going.

I passed my BHST with a scouter, it was pretty easy since I'm used to riding scouters. But I've decided to try out a motorbike.

The clutch and gears are very new to me, and the hilly terrain adds another layer of difficulty when you're new to gears.

There is no flat area where I live and I have to drive past a couple 180deg u-turns that are quite steep uphill to get out of my area. I don't want to do that until I'm proficient with clutch and gears.



bro you just need to get moving, right?

get a mate or your dad to help you point the nose of the bike downhill and just do loops of oriental bay -> point haswell -> airport -> round the bays and back into town via happy valley road.

2 hours on the bike and you'll be sweet

rinse and repeat the next day and you'll have the knack of it (or sell bike and give up :))

Lol, riding downhill sounds like a good idea; I actually did a few nose downhill at my neighbourhood and it was pretty good. Problem is going back up when you are not familiar with gears. If two hours is all it takes to get used to clutch/gears, maybe I'll just get someone from my bike service shop to take me to a carpark for a day. I just don't like bothering other people too much if there's a way I can do this myself. But yeah, I just need to get moving.

I'm quite comfortable with this bike, it feels very stable when I'm on it. Problem is I keep stalling when I ride uphill with no experience in clutch/gears.

Thanks for all the comments you posted so far, guys. Really appreciate it.

[rastuscat]

When hill starting, have your left foot on the ground, and your right foot on the rear brake.

That way your right hand has only the one job to do, being control the throttle.

If you have your right foot on the ground, you will have to use the front brake to stop the bike rolling away, at the same time as coordinating the clutch and throttle.

Take it from someone who rides heavy bikes.

You're welcome.

[onearmedbandit]

I'm quite comfortable with this bike, it feels very stable when I'm on it. Problem is I keep stalling when I ride uphill with no experience in clutch/gears.

Thanks for all the comments you posted so far, guys. Really appreciate it.

Are you using the rear brake to hold the bike when starting on a hill?

[Tui]

When hill starting, have your left foot on the ground, and your right foot on the rear brake.

That way your right hand has only the one job to do, being control the throttle.

If you have your right foot on the ground, you will have to use the front brake to stop the bike rolling away, at the same time as coordinating the clutch and throttle.

Take it from someone who rides heavy bikes.

You're welcome.


Are you using the rear brake to hold the bike when starting on a hill?

Thanks for the tip guys. Yes I did use the rear brake after realizing the front one was too awkward to work with. Still quite a handful for me at this stage though, esp. when I try to change to 2nd gear when the engine is revving too high going uphill on 1st.

I definitely need to find myself a flat surface and get comfortable with changing gears first.

[GazzaH]

One way of riding up and around a U bend is to put yourself in the right gear for the bend well before you get there. If that means 1st or 2nd gear, you'll be screaming along at normal speeds before the bend ... so slow down. Approach the bend slower and try to maintain a steady slow speed around the bend.

Turn around, nip back down, and try it again. And again. And again, leaving the 'changing down to the correct gear' a bit later each time as you build confidence.

I don't always get it right and sometimes find myself needing to change gear on an unfamiliar corner, or when something happens - not ideal but I've been riding for long enough not to worry about it ... except learning to anticipate better next time.

Head up! Look where you're going! Think further ahead!

Last resort, stop and do a hillstart. That's something you can easily and safely practice somewhere off the beaten track - plenty of quiet hilly side roads in Welly. Pick a gentle slope at first, then progress to the steeper ones as your confidence increases.

By the way, downhill starts are worth practicing too. Launching at warp 10 is easy, fun even. Taking off firmly but gently due to hazards and bends ahead is not quite so easy. Maintaining balance and control at any speed is the issue.

[Tui]

One way of riding up and around a U bend is to put yourself in the right gear for the bend well before you get there. If that means 1st or 2nd gear, you'll be screaming along at normal speeds before the bend ... so slow down. Approach the bend slower and try to maintain a steady slow speed around the bend.

Turn around, nip back down, and try it again. And again. And again, leaving the 'changing down to the correct gear' a bit later each time as you build confidence.

I don't always get it right and sometimes find myself needing to change gear on an unfamiliar corner, or when something happens - not ideal but I've been riding for long enough not to worry about it ... except learning to anticipate better next time.

Head up! Look where you're going! Think further ahead!

Last resort, stop and do a hillstart. That's something you can easily and safely practice somewhere off the beaten track - plenty of quiet hilly side roads in Welly. Pick a gentle slope at first, then progress to the steeper ones as your confidence increases.

By the way, downhill starts are worth practicing too. Launching at warp 10 is easy, fun even. Taking off firmly but gently due to hazards and bends ahead is not quite so easy. Maintaining balance and control at any speed is the issue.

Cool, thanks for the tip. I'll remember this when I'm confident enough for that bend.

[rastuscat]

Are you using the rear brake to hold the bike when starting on a hill?

Given your skill with your right hand Bro, I thought you'd have taken the back brake off your Gixxer to save weight

[Jeeper]

Kawasaki Ninja 650L, I'm in Wellington. Hoping to tow it to the riverside carpark in Lower Hutt where there's a decent space to practice.

I don't have any friends who can bike, nor anyone I know who live on a flat non-busy road. I think I'm alone on this T_THow did you get it home? Was it delivered?

The trick with clutch is to figure out where the biting point is. Also remember clutch is not all or nothing, you can feather it (or slip it) to get smoother control over slow speed manoeuvreing.

[FJRider]

... But I've decided to try out a motorbike.

This does sound like a Tui advertisement ... BUT ... Perhaps ... you should "Try out" a smaller motorcycle first ... well at least until you get some confidence/ability and experience ... ;) ACC set up their policy for riders like you.


The clutch and gears are very new to me, and the hilly terrain adds another layer of difficulty when you're new to gears.

I hope you use a little more foresight in your riding than you do in your purchases ... :beer:


There is no flat area where I live and I have to drive past a couple 180deg u-turns that are quite steep uphill to get out of my area. I don't want to do that until I'm proficient with clutch and gears.

And that thought just occurred to you ... ?? You bought a bike you couldn't ride from where you live ... :whistle:


... riding downhill sounds like a good idea;

Downhill's usually have uphills's at the end of them ... that's the down side of downhill ... ;)


I'm quite comfortable with this bike, it feels very stable when I'm on it. Problem is I keep stalling when I ride uphill with no experience in clutch/gears.

Thanks for all the comments you posted so far, guys. Really appreciate it.

So comfortable you can't ride from your own home.



Just walk over the line you need to do to get round the corners and up the hill. Think it all through ... THEN DO IT.

Whats the worst that could happen ... ???

[Tui]

How did you get it home? Was it delivered?

The trick with clutch is to figure out where the biting point is. Also remember clutch is not all or nothing, you can feather it (or slip it) to get smoother control over slow speed manoeuvreing.

Thank you.

Yup, it was delivered. I think I might just ring up the guy and see if he's willing to help me out on this, then just pay him for the work.

[Tui]

This does sound like a Tui advertisement ... BUT ... Perhaps ... you should "Try out" a smaller motorcycle first ... well at least until you get some confidence/ability and experience ... ;) ACC set up their policy for riders like you.

I hope you use a little more foresight in your riding than you do in your purchases ... :beer:

There is no flat area where I live and I have to drive past a couple 180deg u-turns that are quite steep uphill to get out of my area. I don't want to do that until I'm proficient with clutch and gears.

And that thought just occurred to you ... ?? You bought a bike you couldn't ride from where you live ... :whistle:

Downhill's usually have uphills's at the end of them ... that's the down side of downhill ... ;)

So comfortable you can't ride from your own home.

Just walk over the line you need to do to get round the corners and up the hill. Think it all through ... THEN DO IT.

Whats the worst that could happen ... ???

Not sure if you're trying to get some attention with your condescending sarcasm mate, but I don't see it as funny in any way, nor is your post of any help to any beginner bikers. I don't have any biker friends, so this community and youtube are my only source for learning.

And please stop trolling this post.

[rastuscat]

How did you get it home? Was it delivered?

The trick with clutch is to figure out where the biting point is. Also remember clutch is not all or nothing, you can feather it (or slip it) to get smoother control over slow speed manoeuvreing.

Friction zone, that's the trick. You are my hero.

[Scubbo]

this is why people should learn in a grass field on a dirt bike first, machine skills first, then road skills :weird:

[Jeff Sichoe]

Not sure if you're trying to get some attention with your condescending sarcasm mate, but I don't see it as funny in any way, nor is your post of any help to any beginner bikers. I don't have any biker friends, so this community and youtube are my only source for learning.

And please stop trolling this post.

you're getting pretty defensive man

multiple people (including myself) have given you tips, tricks, ideas and encouragement

your response?

'I'll pay some dude to come pick me up take me to a carpark then trailer my bike home'

that's what you said in your first post, so why not just do that if you are so inclined?

the other option is to back yourself, get on the damn thing and ride it

if you wig out, freak out, don't like it, hate it, crash - motorcycling is not for you!

it's not easy, there are no words or video you can read or watch to magically tell you how to change gears and not hamfist yourself into a parked car.

practice makes perfect

[Tui]

Thanks guys, in that case I'll get a small 125cc bike to start off with, like GazzaH suggested, as it seems to be the safest and most recommended. Just means I'll have to leave my ninja in the garage for awhile; maybe come back to it in a couple months after I feel I can tame that creature.

I don't see anywhere you can hire a 125cc bike here, so I'll shop around for a 2nd hand one, then just leave it at an empty parking lot for practice.

Appreciate all your tips and support! Cheers.

[FlangMasterJ]

If you get into a real pickle or are having difficulty hit me up. I'm down Waiwhetu, so not far to help out a budding biker.

[Tui]

If you get into a real pickle or are having difficulty hit me up. I'm down Waiwhetu, so not far to help out a budding biker.

Thanks man! Thats really nice of you!

[pritch]

I don't see anywhere you can hire a 125cc bike here, so I'll shop around for a 2nd hand one, then just leave it at an empty parking lot for practice.



May I respectfully suggest you ride the 125 home? You won't learn to ride it by leaving it in a parking lot. It would likely vanish in short order too.

You said you had a scooter so the main difference between that and a small bike is learning to use the clutch. The bigger bike is another story but if you take a sensible approach you should get there.

Once you've got the small bike check out riding courses.

[rastuscat]

May I respectfully suggest you ride the 125 home? You won't learn to ride it by leaving it in a parking lot. It would likely vanish in short order too.

You said you had a scooter so the main difference between that and a small bike is learning to use the clutch. The bigger bike is another story but if you take a sensible approach you should get there.

Once you've got the small bike check out riding courses.

Theres a bit of a gap in the subsidised training market there.

Ride Forever courses are not the place for someone learning to change gears. The instructor has more than just you to deal with, so can't devote the individual attention to you without leaving the others.

Most schools can do some one on one to help you learn, then you can use your own bike to practise.

Once you're up and running a Ride Forever course is great value, at $20 for the day.

[FJRider]

Ride Forever courses are not the place for someone learning to change gears.

If you get a car license with an Auto gearbox ... what are the restrictions regarding vehicles you are allowed to drive .. ???


Once you're up and running a Ride Forever course is great value, at $20 for the day.

The UP (the hill) bit ... is the bit he's scared of ... <_<

It seems money is not the issue. Just no ability to ride a geared motorcycle ... Regardless of the bikes cc rating.

[Tui]

@pritch & rastuscat: thanks guys, I'll make sure I'm good with gears first then take that $20 course. After that, see if I can jump on my 650.

Thanks for the encouragement pritch.

[Jeeper]

Car auto license is for restricted stage and learner stage. Full license is the same. Unless things have changed very recently.

[rastuscat]

Auto car license I believe is only up to restricted stage. At full, it's the same.

Beat me to it.

If you get your 1R in an auto you can only drive an auto on your 1R. However, during your 1R, you can drive a manual PROVIDED YOU ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A FULL LICENCE HOLDER WHO'S HAD IT FOR OVER 2 YEARS.

It's so you can learn to drive a manual while holding 1R.

Twisty, turny things, license laws.

[onearmedbandit]

Given your skill with your right hand Bro, I thought you'd have taken the back brake off your Gixxer to save weight

Ha I don't need to go complicating it any further! But that said, even on a sportsbike the rear brake still has its role.

[Jeeper]

Beat me to it.

If you get your 1R in an auto you can only drive an auto on your 1R. However, during your 1R, you can drive a manual PROVIDED YOU ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A FULL LICENCE HOLDER WHO'S HAD IT FOR OVER 2 YEARS.

It's so you can learn to drive a manual while holding 1R.

Twisty, turny things, license laws.I remember teaching my teenage son driving a couple of years ago on a manual transmission. Poor clutch on hill starts. It had to be done as it's a testing requirement.

I'm new to motorcycles myself, just last couple of years. But years of driving a manual car helped me greatly with accelerator, gear and clutch control (no biggie really). Biggest mental block was dry clutch slipping in a car is very bad vs wet clutch slipping in a motorcycle is not as bad (both repeatedly).

Last tip, slowing down and stopping downhill with engine braking is wonderful, never just rely on the brakes alone. General rule of thumb is to use the same gear for the uphill part when coming down the same hill (i.e. if you need to be in 2nd gear to go up a hill, use the same 2nd gear to come down the same hill). Engine braking is your friend.

[rastuscat]

I remember teaching my teenage son driving a couple of years ago on a manual transmission. Poor clutch on hill starts. It had to be done as it's a testing requirement.

I'm new to motorcycles myself, just last couple of years. But years of driving a manual car helped me greatly with accelerator, gear and clutch control (no biggie really). Biggest mental block was dry clutch slipping in a car is very bad vs wet clutch slipping in a motorcycle is not as bad (both repeatedly).

Last tip, slowing down and stopping downhill with engine braking is wonderful, never just rely on the brakes alone. General rule of thumb is to use the same gear for the uphill part when coming down the same hill (i.e. if you need to be in 2nd gear to go up a hill, use the same 2nd gear to come down the same hill). Engine braking is your friend.

Bang on.

The reason to use lower gears going downhill is to lift your revs up into a more useful range. Further up the rev range you get more engine braking and better acceleration.

[Jeff Sichoe]

How are you getting on, buddy?

been a couple of weeks now, you've either crashed or are riding around with the wind in your hair

which?

[Hoonicorn]

Tui, seems some people gave some tips, some gave you some stick - welcome to kiwibiker! My advice is that you get proper training.

Go back to school http://twobaldbikers.co.nz they do a good 2 hour training session on a hire bike for the cost of a few days trailer hire $150. You said you did BHS on a scooter, WTF man? You cannot do a motorcycle test on an automatic scooter. You do the test on a hire bike if you have to, so you get confident in switching gears and stopping without stalling. Riding around a carpark for a while might get you some familiarity with your bike on the flat, but you seriously need training.

Youtube is full of Americans on "liter bikes" who think they're qualified to teach you after riding a bike for only a couple of years themselves. A tutor will give you feedback, correct your mistakes and give you answers to your questions. If you aren't interested in a tutored session with one on one attention on a test bike, I suggest you buy a scooter instead, a 300cc will get you to motorway speeds.

HOW TO LEARN TO RIDE:
Study, do BHST (On a motocycle!) Do licence test
Get tuition on a test bike (since you don't know anyone else who rides who can help).
Get tuition on your own bike, learn about hill starts etc...
Do Ride Forever training Bronze - now you're ready to ...

Do CBTA Restricted
In Wellington, go along to the WARS Tuesday 6:30pm evening group rides from Avalon Park duckpond, held over summer.
Do Ride forever Silver

Do CBTA Full
Enjoy the ride for a year
Do Silver again
Do Ride forever Gold
Become a seasoned rider and look back at this moment and realise what a complete and utter noob you really were.

[rastuscat]

Tui, seems some people gave some tips, some gave you some stick - welcome to kiwibiker! My advice is that you get proper training.

Go back to school http://twobaldbikers.co.nz they do a good 2 hour training session on a hire bike for the cost of a few days trailer hire $150. You said you did BHS on a scooter, WTF man? You cannot do a motorcycle test on an automatic scooter. You do the test on a hire bike if you have to, so you get confident in switching gears and stopping without stalling. Riding around a carpark for a while might get you some familiarity with your bike on the flat, but you seriously need training.

Youtube is full of Americans on "liter bikes" who think they're qualified to teach you after riding a bike for only a couple of years themselves. A tutor will give you feedback, correct your mistakes and give you answers to your questions. If you aren't interested in a tutored session with one on one attention on a test bike, I suggest you buy a scooter instead, a 300cc will get you to motorway speeds.

HOW TO LEARN TO RIDE:
Study, do BHST (On a motocycle!) Do licence test
Get tuition on a test bike (since you don't know anyone else who rides who can help).
Get tuition on your own bike, learn about hill starts etc...
Do Ride Forever training Bronze - now you're ready to ...

Do CBTA Restricted
In Wellington, go along to the WARS Tuesday 6:30pm evening group rides from Avalon Park duckpond, held over summer.
Do Ride forever Silver

Do CBTA Full
Enjoy the ride for a year
Do Silver again
Do Ride forever Gold
Become a seasoned rider and look back at this moment and realise what a complete and utter noob you really were.



I'm with you on most of what you said. But.

You are allowed to do your BHST on any motorcycle (not moped), auto or manual. It's in the Statement of Approved Conditions.

In my experience, it's actually just as hard on an auto bike (scooter, for example Suzuki AN125) as on a GN 125 with a clutch. Auto bikes don't tend to be as consistent in the throttle as geared bikes, making speed control challenging.

You're welcome.

[Scubbo]

Clutch is your friend for sure especially for wheelies ;)

[Hoonicorn]

I'm with you on most of what you said. But.

You are allowed to do your BHST on any motorcycle (not moped), auto or manual. It's in the Statement of Approved Conditions.

In my experience, it's actually just as hard on an auto bike (scooter, for example Suzuki AN125) as on a GN 125 with a clutch. Auto bikes don't tend to be as consistent in the throttle as geared bikes, making speed control challenging.

You're welcome.

Uh I stand corrected, always thought it required a motorcycle for motorcycle licence. Live and learn I guess, thanks.

[Jeeper]

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0FFFneMi9GwRHUsuBjM0jA

One of the better channels to learn from.

[rastuscat]

Uh I stand corrected, always thought it required a motorcycle for motorcycle licence. Live and learn I guess, thanks.

It's a matter of terminology. A moped is not a motorcycle.

But a scooter can be a motorcycle, or a moped. For example, Burgmans. They are scooters, and they are motorcycles.