Tips for riding on the open road?

**Blackmambism** · 26th October 2011, 13:09

Hey guys, i've just started riding for the first time on a suzuki GN250, and am confident riding around the city (all the lane changes and traffic lights, stop/starting etc are all good), reasonably confident on a larger road (in between tauranga and the Mount, if anyone is familiar with it - it's mostly an expressway going 100k's, with some 80k's areas - the wind still gets me a bit, gotta relax more!) and am a bit intimidated of riding on a proper open road (i have not attempted this yet). any tips for me? especially on cornering - i want to ride to waihi from tauranga to visit family, which involves going through a gorge of sorts. Also, what kind of preparation did you all do before you had the confidence to take on the open road?

Cheers in advance

**unstuck** · 26th October 2011, 13:35

Aware of everything. Go for it. I had no prepearation for riding on the road,just jumped on and hauled off,only riding i had done was offroad. Went from browns bay to puhoi and back.

**Stirts** · 26th October 2011, 14:01

Originally Posted by Blackmambism

Hey guys, i've just started riding for the first time on a suzuki GN250, and am confident riding around the city (all the lane changes and traffic lights, stop/starting etc are all good), reasonably confident on a larger road (in between tauranga and the Mount, if anyone is familiar with it - it's mostly an expressway going 100k's, with some 80k's areas - the wind still gets me a bit, gotta relax more!) and am a bit intimidated of riding on a proper open road (i have not attempted this yet). any tips for me? especially on cornering - i want to ride to waihi from tauranga to visit family, which involves going through a gorge of sorts. Also, what kind of preparation did you all do before you had the confidence to take on the open road?

Cheers in advance

Hey Blackmambism, Mr Unstuck pretty much sums it up "being aware" is crucial. Especially coming over the hill to Te Puna, lots of places for cars to pull out. And there are quite a few "bumpy bits" along that raod too.

If the wind gets to you then be extra vigilant on the open road as you have less shelter from any wind. Trucks on the open road have this mini vertical tornado/vortex like things and they can be pretty damn scary....especially on a 250. For oncoming trucks just move to the left-ish side of your lane as they pass, just relax your arms and grip the tank/bike with your legs.

Cornering? well there is alot of fantastic info on here about that - and some not so fantastic

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/se...archid=5024677

OH YEAH, WELCOME TO KB

**bluninja** · 26th October 2011, 14:06

Tips in no particular order:
1)relax and take it easy.
2) Slow in, quicker out on corners.
3) Be able to stop in the clear road that you can see.
4) In right hand bends make sure your helmet never crosses the centre line.
5) In left hand bends don't hug the left side, you can't see too far around it.
6) If some arse wants to get past cos they think you're too slow, find a safe plaace to let them get past. You don't need the hassle.
7) If you're tired, aching or stressed, take a break.

**nodrog:Me** · 26th October 2011, 14:24

come for a ride to the pub on thursday, you will learn heaps.

**pritch** · 26th October 2011, 15:27

On really windy days try and stay in the middle third of your lane. That should prevent a sudden gust blowing you somewhere you didn't want to be.

**caspernz** · 26th October 2011, 15:36

Practice makes perfect. Small regular trips are better than one long trip. Get on the open road early on a sunday morning when there's less traffic out and about. One poster made mention of making room for faster traffic, don't be afraid to pull over to let someone go by. If you're still sporting an L-plate on the back, some see that as a target, unfortunate but true.

The road from Tauranga to Waihi is ok, the Athenree Gorge is just a few corners, your GN250 will do alright. I had a GN250 as my first bike many moons ago, tripped around the whole north island on it.

Have you considered some sort of tuition to improve your skills?

**scumdog** · 26th October 2011, 15:51

Keep you eye out well ahead for any potential hazards - no use looking 20 feet on front of your front wheel all the time.

Trust no other road user to do what you expect they should.

Give plenty of warning you're going to stop/turn/change lanes etc.

**Madness** · 26th October 2011, 16:08

Three pieces of advice;

Be conscious of your position within your lane when going through towns / built up areas. Too far to the left & you make it difficult for other road users who may be pulling out onto the road from side streets / car parks to see you coming.

Make a conscious effort to check your mirrors regularly. After some time it will become automatic.

If you do go to the pub with Nodrog, don't accept any free drinks from him

**Blackmambism** · 26th October 2011, 19:17

thanks for the tips everyone

@stirts - that link doesn't work

@caspernz - can't afford official tuition, but my bro is helping out unofficially!
@madness & nodrog - if i'm not allowed to accept free drinks, i can't afford to go to the pub

**FJRider** · 26th October 2011, 19:26

Check engine oil levels in the engine are correct ... fill up with petrol ... THEN ... Go DO it ...

Done ...

**raftn** · 26th October 2011, 19:54

Originally Posted by Blackmambism

Hey guys, i've just started riding for the first time on a suzuki GN250, and am confident riding around the city (all the lane changes and traffic lights, stop/starting etc are all good), reasonably confident on a larger road (in between tauranga and the Mount, if anyone is familiar with it - it's mostly an expressway going 100k's, with some 80k's areas - the wind still gets me a bit, gotta relax more!) and am a bit intimidated of riding on a proper open road (i have not attempted this yet). any tips for me? especially on cornering - i want to ride to waihi from tauranga to visit family, which involves going through a gorge of sorts. Also, what kind of preparation did you all do before you had the confidence to take on the open road?

Cheers in advance

Well done on being adventourous. I presume you are on a learners. If so, bear in mind that the Basic Handling certifcate that you completd is the very basic requirement to ride on the road. Check out as many advanced rider courses you can. You will never stop learning when on a bike. There is a big difference between an experinced rider and advanced rider. An experince rider will practise some thing till they get it right, and advanced rider will practise some thing till they dont get it wrong.

Enjoy yourself and always ride with in your limits.