Another newbie (Sentox)

**Sentox** · 10th March 2010, 08:47

Well, my illustrious motorcycling career so far consists of 4.5k on a '10 Hyosung GT250R. Whatever anyone says about beginner bikes, it's a lot more fun when you actually like how your bike looks :P

My riding time is spent either commuting or in the twisties. Sadly, I don't enjoy it as much as I should, because I'm the overthinking type and a tad self-critical, so I spend a lot of time beating myself up for being too slow. I'm used to going fairly quickly in the car as well, which makes it worse. I think more than anything, I'm limited by that internal 'tiltmeter' that tells me I can't lean any further (when you could probably ride another bike between my footpeg and the ground) and target fixation at corner entrance. I tend to fixate on the drop-in point for too long, and the the sense of speed gets to me, and consequently I throw the speed away, and end up looking like an idiot as I go round on an angle that makes the tower of Pisa look radical

Anyway, this is supposed to be an introduction post, not a cry for help. Basically, I'm a hypochondriac of riding technique. I guess the only other interesting things in my history thus far are a crash arising solely from not paying enough attention (very bad mistake on a bike, as I discovered), and having a massive blow-up with a mate while trying to convince him that counter-steering existed and actually mattered. Lol.

Incidently, what's the story with group rides for newbies in Manawatu or Hawkes Bay? I took a look at the events forum, but the hundreds of pages in each thread make it a little difficult to decifer.

Edit: oh yes, and my main source of learning is Sport Riding Techniques. That book has helped me a lot.

**Ferkletastic** · 10th March 2010, 09:00

So you've only done 4.5km in total on a motorcycle ever and you're worried about your cornering speed and lean angle?

Chill, take it easy don't try to get your knee down just yet. The book will help, but not as much as riding your bike and getting a feel for the machine. Worry about going fast at the moment and it's very likely to bite you hard.

Welcome to motorcycling, it's pretty damn awesome and fun, even if you're not pulling a Rossi.

**CookMySock** · 10th March 2010, 09:17

Get thee to teh track, pronto! Taupo probably your best bet, and hook up with a mentor there.

Steve

**Sentox** · 10th March 2010, 10:07

Originally Posted by Ferkletastic

Chill, take it easy don't try to get your knee down just yet. The book will help, but not as much as riding your bike and getting a feel for the machine. Worry about going fast at the moment and it's very likely to bite you hard.

I know you're right. I just have these little voices in my head that keep saying "what if you're doomed to be slow forever". Ridiculous when I write it out, but they're there, nonetheless. To be fair, I'm certainly not holding-up-traffic slow, but I know my limits are a long way off the bike's, and it's very hard for me not to push against that. As you say, though, I need to learn a little patience in this department before I find myself ornamenting the grill of an eighteen wheeler.

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

Get thee to teh track, pronto! Taupo probably your best bet, and hook up with a mentor there.

Steve

Is this actually an option? I just assumed they'd laugh a 250 away at the gate or something

I would absolutely love to do that though.

**The Everlasting** · 10th March 2010, 15:40

Welcome to KB,did you mean 4500km, or actually 4.5km?

**kiwifruit** · 10th March 2010, 15:43

Originally Posted by Sentox

Is this actually an option? I just assumed they'd laugh a 250 away at the gate or something

I would absolutely love to do that though.

You are the target market! See you at the track

**rachprice** · 10th March 2010, 16:01

Hey dude like they said get out on the track, its super fun!!

And I understand where you are coming from, I too have a little voice like that, try not to entertain too much and just get more and more Km's under your belt, things will start clicking into place!

**CookMySock** · 10th March 2010, 16:05

Originally Posted by Sentox

Is this actually an option? I just assumed they'd laugh a 250 away at the gate or something

I would absolutely love to do that though.

Taupo motorsport park, (this) friday morning, beginners group. Do it!

edit: geez they RACE GT250R's there bro.

Steve

**Sentox** · 10th March 2010, 16:14

Originally Posted by The Everlasting

Welcome to KB,did you mean 4500km, or actually 4.5km?

I knew trying to be cool and hip with shorthand would bite me on the butt. Yes, four thousand, five hundred kilometers

Would have been funnier if was 4.5km, though. "Hey guys, I've ridden over four thousand meters, and I still can't corner like Rossi. Wtf is up with that?"

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

Taupo motorsport park, (this) friday morning, beginners group. Do it!

edit: geez they RACE GT250R's there bro.

Steve

Bah, I have to head for Auckland on Friday for a wedding (no, not mine

). Who would I get in contact with, anyhow?

edit: I'm guessing the link in kiwifruit's sig?

**kiwifruit** · 10th March 2010, 17:13

Originally Posted by Sentox

edit: I'm guessing the link in kiwifruit's sig?

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

Taupo motorsport park, (this) friday morning, beginners group. Do it!

Yes, come for a look on your way thru if you get a chance. Come and find me if you like, my name is Allan.

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

edit: geez they RACE GT250R's there bro.

Not at MotoTT days they don't. There are always a few 250s and people on their first trackday but if you want to "race" you want the practice day on sat and the Pacific Club race day on sunday. (MotoTT) Trackdays are not to be confused with racing.

**Sentox** · 10th March 2010, 17:24

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

Yes, come for a look on your way thru if you get a chance. Come and find me if you like, my name is Allan.

I think my mate wanted to stop in Taupo for lunch, so if I can convince him to delay a little longer, I'll definitely come have a look

My name is Brett.

**CookMySock** · 10th March 2010, 18:01

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

Trackdays are not to be confused with racing.

My apologise!

Permit me to rephrase, "They race Hyosung GT250R's."

Steve

**crazyhorse** · 12th March 2010, 05:30

WELCOME to KB

**Sentox** · 14th March 2010, 19:54

Well, I survived my little road trip to Auckland. I'm in quite considerable pain as I type this, but at least I'm alive. I came back to Palmerston mostly on roads I haven't travelled before, so that made things more interesting. Things I learnt:

1. Motorcycles are awesome on the Auckland motorway. I'm surprised more car drivers don't commit suicide from the frustration of watching bikers split past in traffic jams. I took it pretty easy, not going much more than 30km when traffic was stopped, and merging back in around 50~60, but forward progress was enough for me. No reason to be kamikaze about it.

2. Anyone who says you can't take a 250 on long trips either thinks you have to cruise at 140kph or needs to get a better 250. Sure, there were times I wished I could accelerate a bit quicker, but it will still take you into license-losing territory. Isn't that enough?

3. Perhaps I'm not as dead slow as I think. I overtook everything in the twisties (not that that's saying much), and even had a Commodore pull into the slow vehicle bay for me

Bike could certainly go quicker, but perhaps I'm pushing it enough for the public road anyway.

Also, I stopped in at the Taupo track day. Didn't get a chance to look for anyone, but I'm definitely keen to take part in the next one. Anyone have recommendations for cheap but reasonable pants and boots? I don't think jeans will cut it