Noob questions - be kind

[Loki]

Q: Should I use the "Kill switch" or the Key to turn the bike off..

Q: L-plate can ride 70kph, minimum speed to use motorway is 60kph I think. Can a learner use teh motorway?

Q: Is it ever OK to ride the clutch when parked on a hill at the lights instead of using the rear brake?

Q: Does a better helmet really make much of a difference for wind?

Q: When stopped at the lights, my visor fogs up and I have to pop it open a bit. What's a better solution? scarf? better helmet? open faced helmet with sunnies?

Q: Kick stand or centre stand when parking around town?

Q: Wilsons carparks seem to be free for bikes. Can you park in a regular carpark in there for free though without upsetting them? (if the bike ones are all taken)

Some of these questions may be stupid, but don't flame me too much, my leathers aint flame retardent

[davebullet]

Q: Should I use the "Kill switch" or the Key to turn the bike off..

I always use the key, as when I use the kill switch, I wonder why I cannot start the bike next time, plus it means I won't forget and leave the key in there (security) plus leave the lights on accidentally. I don't think there is any rule


Q: L-plate can ride 70kph, minimum speed to use motorway is 60kph I think. Can a learner use teh motorway?

After a few weeks of riding, I recommend you do use the motorway when confident enough and go the same speed as other traffic - ie. 100kph. If your bike can't handle it - don't ride on the motorway. If it can, ride as fast as other traffic or one of the following will happen:
1. Cagers will cut you off as they overtake you
2. Cagers will get infuriated

Don't worry about the L-plate on the back. I had a police biker follow me on the motorway when I was doing 100kph with my l-plate on the back. I was being sensible, indicating, keeping correct following distance etc... so he was ok with that.


Q: Is it ever OK to ride the clutch when parked on a hill at the lights instead of using the rear brake?

No. You'll wear it out. Get into the good habit of using either front or rear brake. For serious hills, I use the rear. For minor stuff, I use the front brake and throttle up against the pull of the brake, then slowly release while clutch disengages.


Q: Does a better helmet really make much of a difference for wind?

Better = safe in my book which may not mean quieter. There are a few posts here for a quiet helmet. the sharp ratings site in the UK lists safety. Best thing to do is take some demos from motorcycle shops at highway speeds and check for yourself. For long distance tours / cruises, I'd recommend some earplugs anyway.


Q: When stopped at the lights, my visor fogs up and I have to pop it open a bit. What's a better solution? scarf? better helmet? open faced helmet with sunnies?

Mine does too. I've heard about smearing a drop of dishwash liquid on the inside or coating with a half potato. There are anti-fog products out there. I usually just open my visor. Make sure your helmet vents are open (if any). Do you have a breath deflector in your helmet? you might be able to fit one after market. Try a scarf too. I also breath down when I know fogging is likely.


Q: Kick stand or centre stand when parking around town?

I only have a side stand. I'm guessing a centre stand provides more stability - esp. in gusty conditions so I would use a centre stand if I thought it was likely to be toppled over.


Some of these questions may be stupid, but don't flame me too much, my leathers aint flame retardent

None of these questions are stupid.

[riffer]

Q: Should I use the "Kill switch" or the Key to turn the bike off..

I always use the key. I may be wrong but it hasn't killed a bike in the 29 years I've been riding.


Q: L-plate can ride 70kph, minimum speed to use motorway is 60kph I think. Can a learner use teh motorway?

Yes but apparently you're not supposed to exceed 70 km/hr. In reality, the Police seem to be using their discretion and intelligence on this one and if you're staying with the flow of traffic and not exceeding 100 km/hr you would be okay unless you copped an HP on the wrong day.


Q: Is it ever OK to ride the clutch when parked on a hill at the lights instead of using the rear brake?
Only if you don't mind changing clutches or your bike is sooooo gutless it's the only way to take off. But I wouldn't recommend riding the clutch any more than the absolute minimum. It will last longer this way.


Q: Does a better helmet really make much of a difference for wind?

Like you wouldn't believe. Some helmets are incredibly noisy. Others have cool bits on the side that really catch the wind. This can cause neck pain and headaches. Wear earplugs too if you like to keep your hearing.


Q: When stopped at the lights, my visor fogs up and I have to pop it open a bit. What's a better solution? scarf? better helmet? open faced helmet with sunnies?

Pinlock inserts. My Shoei has them. They rock. Failing that, Fog City, spray with CatCrap (TM), or even some Pledge has been known to help too. Until I got the pinlocks I got into the habit of just popping the visor up.


Q: Kick stand or centre stand when parking around town?

Centre stand. Don't trust any other bastards to be nice to your ride. Unless you have no room at all in which case don't be surprised if it's knocked over.


Q: Wilsons carparks seem to be free for bikes. Can you park in a regular carpark in there for free though without upsetting them? (if the bike ones are all taken)

Not sure but I would say no. You're taking up a paid space by a non parking vehicle. At the least it's not polite.

[joshy28]

i would like answers to most of those questions too. Im a learner as well.

I have fogging problem as well.
I use the key to turn off.
One guy told me that the more a helmet costs, the better it is interms of wind noise.
I use kick stand.
I didnt know wilson parking was free..COOL!!!

[joshy28]

cheers for the people above

[sunhuntin]

i only use the kill switch if im stopping with the bike in gear and the kill on the sidestand fails to work [which is 9 times out of 10! and it will be getting looked at next service] i have used the kill once and then forgot to turn the key off. result was a flat battery. havent done it since! so now, i click into 1st gear, put stand down, hit the kill switch, turn key off, turn kill switch back to on, lock steering and hop off bike.

ive always used the side stand as i felt like i was going to drop the bike when attempting the center stand.

ignore the 70k rule once you feel confident to do so. most cops are pretty good, and ive never heard of anyone being ticketed for this. so long as you arent acting like an idiot, you should be fine.

[CB ARGH]

About the speed limit on the open road. Well I was pinged by a cop doing 100 on the learner's license, $400 fine. It should be up to you if you want to risk your life (do 70km/h) or risk your wallet (then do 100km/h).

[Slyer]

Skip the 70kph rule unless you want to suffer horrible horrible boringness from not being able to go anywhere.

[NZJONESY]

I'm getting ever closer to restricted time, So here is my 2c.


Q: Should I use the "Kill switch" or the Key to turn the bike off..
I use both, key then switch. I'm on an 08 so theoretically you can use just the key sweet as no worries. A point to consider is theft. If you leave it out in public, most non-riders don't know about what the big red switch does. Even if they do, in the panic of trying to steal it chances are they will forget about it, and in that extra time someone else might see them pissing about with your bike and become suspicious. On mine I have also removed the printed icons which give away what the switch does.


Q: L-plate can ride 70kph, minimum speed to use motorway is 60kph I think. Can a learner use teh motorway?
You can but riding at 100kph is a lot different to riding at 50-70kph, especially with a head wind. Legally your not allowed too ride over 70, everyone knows that. You can ride at 100 if you are being sensible and the police may overlook you, if your not wobbling over the lane or doing anything reckless that is. I would highly recommend getting confidence up at lower speeds then ride motorways (if you decide too). Also decide if your prepared to pay the fine if you are pulled up. If not just wait till your restricted. (In the restricted practical there is a 100kph part. Logically it seems better to have don't this a few times rather than for the first time ever in a test)


Q: Is it ever OK to ride the clutch when parked on a hill at the lights instead of using the rear brake?
Nope, Just wears it out quicker than needed.


Q: Does a better helmet really make much of a difference for wind?
The cheaper helmets normally have not so aerodynamic shapes. You might find they wobble side to side at high speed etc etc. This causes sore necks and headaches. I use earplugs all the time however and this is far better than paying for a million dollar helmet claiming to be really quiet.


Q: When stopped at the lights, my visor fogs up and I have to pop it open a bit. What's a better solution? scarf? better helmet? open faced helmet with sunnies?
You can get products like CatCrap to put on the inside of the visor which reduce this. A breath shield in a helmet with a visor vent work quite well too (In the better helmets).


Q: Kick stand or centre stand when parking around town?
If parking near other bikes or public areas, Id use your main stand. Way less chance of other bikers/morons knocking it over. At home in the garage id use the kick.


Q: Wilsons carparks seem to be free for bikes. Can you park in a regular carpark in there for free though without upsetting them? (if the bike ones are all taken)
The owners will most likely frown at you maybe even have it removed, Its a space that could be making them money. If you don't want anyone (cager) messing/possibly keying your bike I would not advise that.


Some of these questions may be stupid, but don't flame me too much, my leathers aint flame retardent
No question seeking knowledge is stupid.

[Gremlin]

On a gpx, the kill switch probably isn't a major, but on fuel injected bikes, you definitely want to turn it off with the key, then feel free to kill switch it for safety. The issue is how the kill switch vs the key turn the bike off, and since they have computers etc, you need to be more careful.

From my own experience, I would avoid fog city, the damn thing didn't stay stuck to my visor for more than 24 hours after I applied it, and then fell off when I gently tossed the visor on my bed.

[Devil]

From my own experience, I would avoid fog city, the damn thing didn't stay stuck to my visor for more than 24 hours after I applied it, and then fell off when I gently tossed the visor on my bed.

But at the same time, mine is stuck fast 6 months later and it's fantastic...
:P

[rphenix]

Better = safe in my book which may not mean quieter. There are a few posts here for a quiet helmet. the sharp ratings site in the UK lists safety. Best thing to do is take some demos from motorcycle shops at highway speeds and check for yourself. For long distance tours / cruises, I'd recommend some earplugs anyway.
.

Also the price of the helmet doesnt always mean quality you can pay around the $100 mark for a piss poor helmet that has a visor that flicks up in the wind and you can pay a $100 that you will get 2 years of riding out of it till your ready for a better one. I don't recommend getting an expensive helmet at the start as you will more likely do daft things that scratches the visor you will cry less if the replacement visor is $30 instead of $300.

I recommend buying from a local shop not trademe they will often let you pay then take it down the road if you don't like the helmet then you can bring it back no questions asked (just don't scratch it before you bring it back). Always make sure the helmet you buy has the right safety standards on it so it can take a hit in a crash situation.

[DarkLord]

Skip the 70kph rule unless you want to suffer horrible horrible boringness from not being able to go anywhere.

Agreed, plus the fact that it's bloody dangerous doing 30kmph under what most cars are doing on the motorway.

[NOWOOL]

Good thread!
Answered some questions I hadn't thought of yet!

some questios: dish soap and potato? what works best? is it 100% soap or dilluted? do you wipe it off or let it dry?

[Loki]

Great answers guys! now I have some more...

Q: What exactly is a "Pinlock inserts" is it like an inner visor?

Q: I typically ride in 3rd gear around time, gives me better acceleration when I need it, and I can use the engine braking to slow down.
Is engine breaking a bad thing?

Q: In the wet, if I change down a gear too soon, the back wheel tries to become the front wheel (wants to slide around the bike)
Aside from "don't change down too soon", what is the best way to correct this when it happens? Clutch in? Break? Stand up?

Q: I ride in the wet (see above) but it takes forever to put my wet weather pants on. Is there something easier... like pants with velcroe seams at the back :-) ?

Q: What is the minimum safety gear you legally need? Helmet of course, but are shorts and a t-shirt ok?

Q: If you have an open faced visor with sunglasses on, do you get lots of bugs in your teeth?

Q: I'm still learning, and find turning at slow speeds tricky (roundabouts, etc) I'm practising at a local carpark after work. Anyone have any tips?

Q: I've seen a few characters around. Are you allowed to add things to your helmet? (blue mohawk, foam reindeer antlers, etc...)

Q: Can you "roll start" a motorbike?

[Slyer]

Is engine breaking a bad thing?
Very bad. </tenchar>

[samgab]

Very bad. </tenchar>

lol, true. But engine braking is not bad in most cases.

Course, you'll be using more fuel than necessary if you ride around in third all the time. For cruising along in a straight line you can probably change up.

As for slow speed cornering skills etc, keep practising in quiet carparks etc, but I recommend coming along to the Wed NASS for some very good advice, tips, and practise. You'll learn all about safe braking, low speed cornering, balance, etc.

You can roll start or bump start a manual bike. No problem.

Helmet is the minimum LEGALLY, but just wear the minimum you would want to wear if you were to roll off the back of a ute that was driving along the motorway at the max speed you travel.
If you'd roll off the back of a ute on the motorway wearing just teeshirt, shorts, shoes, and a helmet, then by all means ride like that, and also get your brain examined. Most sensible riders would wear at least an armoured cordura or leather jacket and some good boots that protect the ankles.
And NEVER ride without good motorcycle gloves, even a short distance. My ruined hands are evidence of the hard way to learn this lesson.

[Gremlin]

Great answers guys! now I have some more...

Q: What exactly is a "Pinlock inserts" is it like an inner visor?
pinlocks are for special visors that can take them. Like a fog city, but higher quality
Q: ...Is engine breaking a bad thing?
breaking... hell yes! braking... no
Q: ...Aside from "don't change down too soon", what is the best way to correct this when it happens? Clutch in? Break? Stand up?
clutch in

Q: What is the minimum safety gear you legally need? Helmet of course, but are shorts and a t-shirt ok?
A helmet. Clothing so you are not naked. Ride like this tho, and I would advise against coming off

Q: I'm still learning, and find turning at slow speeds tricky (roundabouts, etc) I'm practising at a local carpark after work. Anyone have any tips?
Look ahead, not at the ground in your front wheel. Practise at very slow speeds first, keeping the bike upright. Alternatively, first practise riding as slow as possible in a straight line (this will give you balance). You will notice it gets easier if you look ahead, instead of right in front of your wheel.
Q: I've seen a few characters around. Are you allowed to add things to your helmet? (blue mohawk, foam reindeer antlers, etc...)
yep, go ahead. Be aware that the glue needs to be a certain type, as some will damage the helmet's shell.
Q: Can you "roll start" a motorbike?
Yep, you just need to get enough speed. The more you practise, the easier it gets.

Answers as above...

[shah]

here's what me bike manual says about using the kill switch: "operating the kill switch when riding can cause the rear wheel to lock and thus cause a fall. do not operate the kill switch when riding."

i guess it's OK if the bike is stationary. just remember to reset the switch to run position, otherwise the engine won't start.

cheers, and ride safe.

[Kdouble]

Q: I ride in the wet (see above) but it takes forever to put my wet weather pants on. Is there something easier... like pants with velcroe seams at the back :-)


I got a pair of waterproof pants from the warehouse, cheap I think maybe $10 on sale but I got a pair a size bigger than what I wear, this way all I do is slip them over the top of the pants I want to keep dry and take them off when I get where i'm going, they also have an elastic waist so very easy to get on and off and elastic around the ankles which I slip over my boots so rain doesn't get in

[Quailboy]

Great answers guys! now I have some more...

Q: I typically ride in 3rd gear around time, gives me better acceleration when I need it, and I can use the engine braking to slow down.
Is engine breaking a bad thing?
Breaking bad! Engine braking is fine.

Q: In the wet, if I change down a gear too soon, the back wheel tries to become the front wheel (wants to slide around the bike)
Aside from "don't change down too soon", what is the best way to correct this when it happens? Clutch in? Break? Stand up?
Blip the throttle. i.e. give the engine some revs while the clutch is disengaged to ready the engine for the higher revs so th bake wheel doesn't lock up.

Q: What is the minimum safety gear you legally need? Helmet of course, but are shorts and a t-shirt ok?
Mate, all the gear, all the time to be honest (ATGATT). Nothing less. I'm sure you've seen youtube evidence of why.

Q: I'm still learning, and find turning at slow speeds tricky (roundabouts, etc) I'm practising at a local carpark after work. Anyone have any tips?
Trail the back brake. Gives you stability at low speed and tighter cornering, just don't give it too much. Otherwise practice makes perfect.

Q: I've seen a few characters around. Are you allowed to add things to your helmet? (blue mohawk, foam reindeer antlers, etc...)
Sure, why?

Q: Can you "roll start" a motorbike?
Yes, if you want to look bogan.


............

[Loki]

Thanks guys,
I'm gonna check out NASS tonight



Q: Can you "roll start" a motorbike?
Yes, if you want to look bogan.


I'm a westie with a rusty motorbike, and a bad hair cut... what choice do I have?

[The Pastor]

great answers guys! Now i have some more...

Q: What exactly is a "pinlock inserts" is it like an inner visor?

its a film that gose on the inside of your visor to stop fogging.

q: I typically ride in 3rd gear around time, gives me better acceleration when i need it, and i can use the engine braking to slow down.
Is engine breaking a bad thing?

nope

q: In the wet, if i change down a gear too soon, the back wheel tries to become the front wheel (wants to slide around the bike)
aside from "don't change down too soon", what is the best way to correct this when it happens? Clutch in? Break? Stand up?

blip the throttle on down change, pull clutch in, give it a small about of revs really quickly, then change down and let out the clutch

q: I ride in the wet (see above) but it takes forever to put my wet weather pants on. Is there something easier... Like pants with velcroe seams at the back :-) ?

yeah, get wet. Your not going to die

q: What is the minimum safety gear you legally need? Helmet of course, but are shorts and a t-shirt ok?

you are an idiot. Armoured jacket pants boots gloves and helmet are the minimum. Armour is the differance between "ow" and finding out what color ur bones is, should you come off

q: If you have an open faced visor with sunglasses on, do you get lots of bugs in your teeth?

yes

q: I'm still learning, and find turning at slow speeds tricky (roundabouts, etc) i'm practising at a local carpark after work. Anyone have any tips?

keep up the practices, talk to a mentor.

q: I've seen a few characters around. Are you allowed to add things to your helmet? (blue mohawk, foam reindeer antlers, etc...)

sure, but becareful the glue doesnt weaken the helmet (i,e research first)

q: Can you "roll start" a motorbike?
yes.



. .

[vifferman]

The other posters have covered things off pretty well. The one comment I'd like to make is concerning roundabouts. Even experienced riders can have trouble with these, because they're often off-camber, and if you're going further around it than just one or two exits, it's a tighter corner than you'll experience anywhere else. The key is to look over your right shoulder, right around through the corner. You still need to quickly scan the surface of the roundabout just ahead of you (just a glance) in case there's crap or bumps to be aware of, but the key is turning your head to look through the corner, to where you want to go.

Oh - about the clutch: it's for changing gears. It's not a device for parking on hills. If you sit there using the clutch to hold you stationary, one set of plates are spinning, just grinding against the other set with enough friction to not quite propel the bike forward. In doing so, they're wearing the surfaces of both plates, and that worn material is going into your engine oil. Plus the driven plates are probably being forced sideways against the slots in the clutch basket. Eventually, the clutch basket will have little rough bits in the grooves, and the clutch will judder when you take off with a few revs up, as the tangs on the clutch plates get stuck on the rough bits.
Great, huh?

Roll starting? Do you mean "start the bike's engine by rolling the bike forward" (bump start it)? If so, the answer is "yes". It takes some practice, but what you do is this: you need to get a bit of speed up, either a hill, or run alongside the bike (on the left) pushing it. When it's going fast enough, jump on to the seat side-saddle with your butt, and let the clutch out at the same time, then pull it in again quickly and give the bike some throttle. What you're trying to do is get the engine to turn over a couple of times, so second gear is better than first. You can either put it in gear before you push it, or bang it in as you jump on - it depends on the bike. Some bikes have quite a bit of clutch drag, so pushing them in gear with the clutch lever in makes them quite hard to get rolling on the flat. Banging your butt down on the seat as you pop the clutch helps to avoid rear wheel lock up from the engine compression, although a 250 shouldn't be too bad for this (unlike a 1000cc v-twin). Jumping on side-saddle means you're ready to slide off and try again if/when the bike's engine doesn't start.
Pulling the clutch in shortly after you've popped it out does two things: it means the bike won't suddenly take off and dump you on the road, and it means the bike's not going to lose all its momentum if the engine doesn't start (and dump you on the road).
Bump starting takes a bit of practice to get right, and it's something a lot of modern motorcyclists have no experience with. It won't work with an EFI engine if the battery's flat, as the injectors require ergs from the battery in order to be primed by the fuel pump. It also won't work on a carbed bike with a VERY flat battery, as there's not enough spark to the plugs. It's probably worth practicing your technique in case you need it in an emergency, but just be careful you don't drop your bike by dropping it to the right at the moment you leap aboard.

As for your questions: there's an aphorism that goes "there are no dumb questions, only dumb answers". Asking questions shows you are willing to learn, so that's a Good Thing. Keep it up. :niceone:

[davebullet]

For roundabouts, make sure you are in the right gear before you enter and go around. For a slow roundabout - 2nd on the VTR250 and 1st gear on the SV650. One less thing to worry about mid-roundabout (you don't want to have to be changing down if you have to slow down).

As others have said.... DO NOT LOOK DOWN OR IN FRONT OF YOUR FRONT WHEEL. Look through the roundabout - where you want to go.

When you look through a corner or a roundabout - you'll also find you give your mind more time to process the upcoming information... this actually makes you feel like everything is happening slower, which gives you a feeling of more control and more time to adjust and react. Looking ahead, through the corner really, really relaxes your riding.

[Loki]

awesome, thanks for the answers.
and for the record, I wear leather jacket, pants, gloves, and a helmet
but I don't wear any special boots.
50% of the time they are steelcaps, the rest of the time they are office boots with big tread.
I asked that particular question because if I want to hit the town, or a classy party (the policeman's ball perhaps?) I need to know how much gear I'll have to carry/lock up at the other end, or if I can wear most of the nines and get away with the jacket, helmet and gloves.
I understand the safety risk, just not the legal aspect of what was required

Didn't make it to NASS.. was raining too hard so figured it'd be cancelled. Played soccer instead... (yeah that makes sense...)

[Slyer]

The big thing about bike bikes is that they protect your ankles.
I was riding in sneakers and the only injury I got from my crash was a sprained ankle, probably could have been avoided if I were wearing bike boots.

[sinfull]

Had to add my 2c

Q: Should I use the "Kill switch" or the Key to turn the bike off..
Short answer no ! Kill switches are designed for emergency cut off and only have low amp wire running to them to save space in yr switchgear overuse can burn them out !
Q: L-plate can ride 70kph, minimum speed to use motorway is 60kph I think. Can a learner use teh motorway?
You could get ticketed for doing over 70 but i would !
Q: Is it ever OK to ride the clutch when parked on a hill at the lights instead of using the rear brake?
I use the brake when parked on a hill, but as i prepare to move i'm riding the clutch
Q: Does a better helmet really make much of a difference for wind? Yes!
Q: When stopped at the lights, my visor fogs up and I have to pop it open a bit. What's a better solution? scarf? better helmet? open faced helmet with sunnies?
I generally flick my visor up a click or two, well before the lights

Q: Kick stand or centre stand when parking around town? Whichever you prefer

Q: Wilsons carparks seem to be free for bikes. Can you park in a regular carpark in there for free though without upsetting them? (if the bike ones are all taken) Answered i'd say !




Q: What exactly is a "Pinlock inserts" is it like an inner visor?
Answered
Q: I typically ride in 3rd gear around time, gives me better acceleration when I need it, and I can use the engine braking to slow down.
Is engine breaking a bad thing?
No ! Unless it causes you back wheel to try and overtake you
Q: In the wet, if I change down a gear too soon, the back wheel tries to become the front wheel (wants to slide around the bike)
Aside from "don't change down too soon", what is the best way to correct this when it happens? Clutch in? Break? Stand up?
Yes, learn not to do this too often ! If you back off or brake (front) mid slide it can very easily become a highside if it should grip again
Q: I ride in the wet (see above) but it takes forever to put my wet weather pants on. Is there something easier... like pants with velcroe seams at the back :-) ?Harden up lol
Q: What is the minimum safety gear you legally need? Helmet of course, but are shorts and a t-shirt ok?Your choice again !
Q: If you have an open faced visor with sunglasses on, do you get lots of bugs in your teeth? Yes lol and bees or wasps bwahahahaha
Q: I'm still learning, and find turning at slow speeds tricky (roundabouts, etc) I'm practising at a local carpark after work. Anyone have any tips? Keep practising !
Q: I've seen a few characters around. Are you allowed to add things to your helmet? (blue mohawk, foam reindeer antlers, etc...) Long as it dont comprimise the saftey of it, ie paint glue solvents
Q: Can you "roll start" a motorbike?I cant ! Mine's electronic and will blow the comp !

[vifferman]

Oh yeah - the thing about "which stand to use"; it depends on where you're parking, and how you're parking.
In some situations, the centrestand is too awkward to use, or impractical (like on a steeply sloping park). And conversely to what someone else said, sometimes parking your bike on the centrestand can lead to MORE damage if it's nudged by a car. (It's less likely to get knocked over, but when it does fall, it falls further and harder.)
With time, you'll get better at parking - looking at a park as you approach it, and working out how to position the bike best so it's stable, and easy to ride off. F'rinstance, it's just about never best to park nose first into a park except when that means the front wheel is facing uphill.
On any sort of slope, leave the bike in gear. Sometimes you will need to flick the killswitch off (or lower the sidestand, if there's a 'safety cutout' switch on it) before you park, then let the clutch out and let the bike roll forward or back to take out all the slack in the transmission, then lean it over onto the sidestand. Otherwise, the bike will roll slightly, retracting the sidestand a little, and you'll come back and wonder who knocked it over.

Here's an example: there's a shop I frequently stop at to buy my wife a bus ticket. The (parallel) park outside the shop faces downhill in the direction of travel, and the road also slopes a fair bit towards the gutter. The best way for me to park it is to do what I've just said, angle the front of the bike away from the curb slightly, and turn the bars to the right (this leans the bike less than with them to the left) Then roll it forward slightly and carefully lean it over. It's leaning a fair bit, but not too much, and there's no other way I can park here. If I use the centrestand, it's leaning too much; if I back it into the curb, the front sticks out too much as it's right next to the corner, and a left-turning car could clip it. If I don't put it in gear, it'll fall over.

You'll get the hang of it, but still have instances where you've parked the worng way round, and have to back the bike out of the park, or ride up onto the footpath to get out. :laugh:

[davebullet]

On parking, I find my bikes don't lean enough if you back the rear wheel into the gutter. Therefore, I keep the bike out of the gutter slightly, in 1st and let the bike roll back (engine off of course and clutch out) until the transmission locks, then side stand down and lean over. Only risk here is your front wheel might point out a little bit, so you have to hope a truck, bus or careless driver doesn't clip your front!

I think it is more likely in wellington the wind will blow 'em over than someone causing a tip.

[monkeymsea]

Don't worry about the L-plate on the back. I had a police biker follow me on the motorway when I was doing 100kph with my l-plate on the back. I was being sensible, indicating, keeping correct following distance etc... so he was ok with that.

haha yeah you say that

but i got a ticket the other day for doing 112 on the motorway following traffic.. he said the only reason he pulled me over cos i had an L plate one.. 600 dollar fine later.. I say stay of to motor way or take your plate off.. Cos riding on the motorway at 70k is farking dangerous!!

[brendonjw]

I rode a fair bit on the motor way with the L plate on to get to work (well i did untill yesterday, YAY restricted) Passed numerous cops who never took a second glance at me, i never did over 105 though, Some will pull you over in a car or even if you have your full for doing 112 though, its above the 10 "tollerance"

[discotex]

I got away with it (with and without the L plate) for 9 months.

But my mate has been fined twice. First time was for no L plate and over 70km/h. Second was for over 70km/h.

I think it all depends on how far the cop is from hitting their targets.

[Supermac Jr]

haha yeah you say that

doing 112 on the motorway following 600 dollar

Thats steep! Got done yesterday 117km (not following traffic as there was none) and got $120. Cop looked at L-plate and asked me how fast i'm allowed to go and me says 70-ish. Cops says thats an instant $400 for not keeping with the restrict conditions plus the speending fine. Anyhow, nice 'sir' says he'll only give me speeding - phew.

[monkeymsea]

Thats steep! Got done yesterday 117km (not following traffic as there was none) and got $120. Cop looked at L-plate and asked me how fast i'm allowed to go and me says 70-ish. Cops says thats an instant $400 for not keeping with the restrict conditions plus the speending fine. Anyhow, nice 'sir' says he'll only give me speeding - phew.

Yeah I got done for breech of llicence conditions and no rego which was out buy like 4 days or something...


Cops was a wanker but I was in the wrong just sucks paying that amount ;lol...

[Loki]

haha yeah you say that
I say stay of to motor way or take your plate off.. Cos riding on the motorway at 70k is farking dangerous!!

yeah, sounds like the best option
Only got another 2-3 months to go before I get past learners, and the motorway traffic looks slower than the backroads I take atm
Just means I cant really leave town on the bike...

Thanks again

[davebullet]

You'll need to feel comfortable riding on the motorway at some point before you get your restricted. I mean you don't want the first time you are going 100 on the motorway to be during the restricted test.

so - move onto the motorway and ditch the L plate when you are ready for it.

The NZ license system is a bit flawed in this regard. It provides no safe means to learn the skills you need to pass the test, yet expect you to perform these flawlessly the first time on the test itself.

[Candle]

just jump on the motor way and go at 80 theses no way they even take a 2nd look at you and besides you need to go at no faster than 80 for you test any ways so you may as well get used to it but take it easy find back road and give it hell just to see what it feel's like then you know how far you can push your self cuz you dont wana be doing 100 and freek out due to a gust of wind

[Supermac Jr]

Off with the plate!!! got pulled over this morning for going faster than 70km on the m-way (98km) Quess I'll be making a donation ($%#^ - $400:angry2:) mr cop asks me why Im going faster than said 70k? so i give him the whole to keep up with traffic and safety.... So he says that if I'm not comfy with the speed (ie me at 70 and traffic at 100) i should not be on the m-way. is this guy serious??? So he also lectures me on the fact that they're 'strictly enforcing' the 70k rule - yeah right....:yes: