Test riding advice

**Tubbsy** · 5th March 2010, 09:26

Just got my full licence and am going out test riding tomorrow to decide what kinda full size bike I have. I currently ride a naked biked (not ride it naked)

I have always had a thing for cruisers, so gonna try those, any advice on 'how' to ride them? IE: corners, seating position, round town etc.

Also gonna try a fully faired sports bike, like a GSX750F....and tips for those?

Any words of wisdom appreciated.

**The Baron** · 5th March 2010, 09:30

Hi - Congrats on getting you full licence.

**Tubbsy** · 5th March 2010, 09:32

Originally Posted by The Baron

Hi - Congrats on getting you full licence.

Thanks matey.

**Damon** · 5th March 2010, 09:46

Not much to it really, just get on and go,

cruisers don't have the ground clearance of other bikes and won't lean over as far so getting your knee down will be difficult but if you shift off the seat far enough I'm sure you can do it

**MSTRS:Me** · 5th March 2010, 10:01

Originally Posted by Tubbsy

Also gonna try a fully faired sports bike, like a GSX750F....and tips for those?

Any words of wisdom appreciated.

Yep. An "F" model Suzuki is NOT a sprotbike...

**Tubbsy** · 5th March 2010, 10:11

Originally Posted by Damon

Not much to it really, just get on and go,

cruisers don't have the ground clearance of other bikes and won't lean over as far so getting your knee down will be difficult but if you shift off the seat far enough I'm sure you can do it

He he he....yeh, not planning on getting a knee down, as that will more than likely mean I have come off the bike.

**clint640** · 5th March 2010, 10:56

Watch the biggger bikes at low speed, pushin em around etc - usually much heavier than a 250 & it's easy to fall over in the carpark & look like a total dork!

Also beware of the speed on fully faired bikes - it's real easy to end up going "you're walkin sonny" speeds if you're used to something naked & less grunty.

Have Fun!
Clint

**Tubbsy** · 5th March 2010, 11:03

Originally Posted by clint640

Watch the biggger bikes at low speed, pushin em around etc - usually much heavier than a 250 & it's easy to fall over in the carpark & look like a total dork!

Clint

And wind up paying some exorbitant excess on them too I;d say.

**Gremlin** · 9th March 2010, 01:23

Lets see...

1. Don't crash
2. Best seating position is on the front seat (if it has two - if it has one, use that one). Sit however feels comfortable, there isn't really any more than one way for most bikes, just subtle differences.
3. Keep an eye on the speedo, never a good look to get speeding tickets (or worse, lose the license - I've heard of it happening). Even worse if the police pull you over as you return to the shop.
4. Ideally, don't get witnessed doing naughty things by one of the shop owners

5. Return it in one piece to avoid having to buy it, or passing out lots of money for not much.

**blackdog** · 9th March 2010, 01:51

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Yep. An "F" model Suzuki is NOT a sprotbike...

agreed. maybe call it a sports tourer?

having said that, a late model katana makes pretty good sense as a step up from a 250 without being toooo extreme. look at the latest model gsx650f too. got the look and are fuel injected aswell. the 750's aren't. both would be a good reliable all round bike to progress on anyway

as for cruisers, i got no idea. good for anchoring boats i imagine

**Tubbsy** · 9th March 2010, 07:09

All good advice, did my test rides on the weekend...a bit I'd like to add to anyone newly full licence riders.....don't underestimate the power difference between the 2fiddy and say...a 900cc. Nothing bad happened, just got a little fright on the motorway as it takes no wrist action at all to pour on the juice, as opposed to a 250, where you have to crank the throttle open.

Amazed at how gutless my 250 felt when I got back on it......it's ruined it forevere for me.

**MSTRS:Me** · 9th March 2010, 07:39

Originally Posted by Tubbsy

....don't underestimate the power difference between the 2fiddy and say...a 900cc...

That's the funny thing...all those that haven't experienced it, say they 'know'...now you know that you can't know until you know...
Well done on getting a taste. No decision yet?

**Tubbsy** · 9th March 2010, 07:49

Originally Posted by MSTRS

That's the funny thing...all those that haven't experienced it, say they 'know'...now you know that you can't know until you know...
Well done on getting a taste. No decision yet?

That's exactly right, there's no way to be ready for the power difference. All I can say is....easy on the throttle.....it'll bite you if you're not careful.
Almost too scared to say, but cruisers have long been lusted after by me.....and the Shadow 750 I rode moved me in many ways. Also rode a Hornet 900 which I didn't like (I know!) and a Kwakka EN600-N.

I reaaaally wanna try a Boulevard M50 as that's what's caught my eye....so we'll see. Promise I'll be one of the cruiser riders that wave. ;-)