Getting into trouble

**WallaceJonty** · 19th December 2010, 23:50

Hey,

Found myself buying my first bike a couple months ago loving the bike and the ride but find myself getting into some hairy situations.

What sort of defenisive courses are there availiable-reccomended to help me get the basics sorted.

Cheers

Jonty

Also I'm located in South Auckland.

**zmlam** · 22nd December 2010, 12:03

Hey, just thought I'd post something since no one has for a few days..

I'm a newbie much like yourself, and the best way I got more confidence was to practice my 'weaknesses' at a safe non-threatening place (ie empty parking spaces, quiet neighborhood). For me this was starting from a stop position, u-turn slowly, countersteering. What recently caught me out was starting from a slightly banked position (which seemed to required a bit more throttle than norm).

If you are an early riser, its fairly quite in the mornings and much less traffic - which helps getting practice time on the road.

I then slowly progressed to travelling the more busier roads, then to town driving, then highway driving (which has its issues with the speed limit).

Don't know any defensive driving up your way, but from what I gather its down in the car. I think generally it builds awareness of potential dangers you may face.

Hope that helps!

**Gibbo89** · 22nd December 2010, 12:22

Originally Posted by WallaceJonty

Hey,

Found myself buying my first bike a couple months ago loving the bike and the ride but find myself getting into some hairy situations.

What sort of defenisive courses are there availiable-reccomended to help me get the basics sorted.

Cheers

Jonty

Also I'm located in South Auckland.

What kind of hairy situations? I am assuming speed on that Balius of yours? Like the post above, think about your weaknesses and what you can do to improve them. If your running wide on corners for example, then break into corners earlier and you will find you can accelerate out of them sooner (i.e. once you can see around the bend).

There are learner friendly rides in Auckland on a weekly basis. Look in the 'meetings and events' section then find the ride in your region. Post in there about courses and they will be able to point you in the right direction. You could always tag along on those rides too, just hang at the back and get someone to watch you on the ride and they will be able to critique you etc.

Hope this helps.

**Usarka** · 22nd December 2010, 12:34

If you can afford it then getting some professional 1-1 or small group rider training can be very useful for learning the right skills up front.

If not then as above......

I'm not sure if anything's in SA, but there are a few on here that do instruction that may be along at some point (or use the search). I think Qkchk is one, check her profile / pm or www.ridertraining.co.nz.

Chur.

**The Everlasting** · 24th December 2010, 07:30

Welcome.

Head along to the south auckland street skills,next year.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...-Street-Skills

I've been going to the North Auckland one,and it really helps with your riding skills.