Returning Rider Tips

[Disco Dan]

Howdy folks, been ages since I grazed this forum and just as long since I have ridden a bike. About 3-4 years at least I think!

Anyway, for those of you that don't know me I used to ride a Kawasaki ZX1100 (had two of those, D and C model), before that a Suzuki GSX600R and a few assorted 250's. Also started the KB Wednesday night learner rides way back before QKCHK et al took over with her superior skills!

So basically wondering if you could give me a few tips - things that as someone that's spent the past few years driving a (automatic) Ford Mondeo carting my son around in may have forgotten!

I would say I'm experienced, but out of practice and I recognize I wont be able to just jump on it and expect to be at the same level as when I last rode one.

[SuperMac]

Welcome back!

http://the-ride-info.blogspot.co.uk/...nder-card.html

Clutch Biting Point – it must be instinctive.

Head & Eyes Up – Trust your hands and feet, they know where they are

Look where you want to go

‘Wrist down’ on the throttle

Drive Through Corners And Roundabouts – Slow in, Fast(er) out

Brakes, then Gears, in a straight line

Always Stop With The Bike Upright

Feet Up In Tight Turns – Rear brake only



Plus, if you've been car driving for a while, re-aquaint yourself with counter-steering: Press left - go left


Also:
http://the-ride-info.blogspot.co.uk/...-training.html
http://the-ride-info.blogspot.co.uk/p/cornering.html

[schrodingers cat]

You never forget how fast you were...

Don't overthink it. Your body knows what to do. Don't let your head get in the way

Stay calm. Soft hands

Yes, everyone IS out to kill you.

[Motig]

3-4 yrs without riding, you'll hardly notice. You 've got it right anyway, just take it easy for a while.

[Subike]

3-4 yrs without riding, you'll hardly notice. You 've got it right anyway, just take it easy for a while.

Disagree with this bud, riding a bike safely is a learn t skill yes, but one that needs to be continually honed to be sure your safety level is at its best all the time. Getting on a bike after even a winter break, take your time, your mind might believe you have it, but your reflexes will be slower and the body auto response will be slower, plus the instinctive reactions will need to re setback into the riding groove. heaps and Heaps of return riders who believed they had the right skills, wonder why they are sitting on their ass roadside with a bent bike, never happened when they rode before..ease back into it with respect , not ego.

[Disco Dan]

Thanks folks. I was never up there with the likes of *insert old KB crew names here* but I could handle the ZX11 often getting peg down two up at my peak.

Just hoping I have not forgotten all I used to teach others!!

Think I still have a copy of "twist of the wrist" too so may dig that out of the old archives

Goodness me, just remembered I have to go get chain lube and locks etc *sigh* oh well nice trip to a bike shop in order!

Need to get a new pair of gloves and a pillion helmet today.

[BigAl]

Z

3-4 yrs without riding, you'll hardly notice. You 've got it right anyway, just take it easy for a while.

+1 & maybe book in a track/art day to help get back in the groove.

[george formby]

Go find a car park & reacquaint yourself with correct braking procedure, counter steering & looking where you want to go, do your BHS again in essence. I'm sure your road craft is still there.

Enjoy!!!!!

[Madness]

Welcome back Disco. Whatcha getting this time bud?

[Disco Dan]

Welcome back Disco. Whatcha getting this time bud?

Cheers, another ZX11 D model. They are just such an awesome bike - the only other bikes I considered were the Blackbird (same engine but fuel injected) and an RF900 (but they are a bit under powered 2-up IMO).

When I factored in the fact I have all the special sized sockets and custom GPS mounts etc from the last two ZX11's I had it just made sense!

[BMWST?]

3-4 years you will hardly have lost anything....IMHO.I was off for more than 20.I had a few rentals in between but honestly apart from the very first instant "which side is the gear lever on" i felt like i hadnt been off...2 things struck me straight away...the noise of the wind,and the actual effort required to turn /lean the bike.But i would stress that it is/was quite a modestly powered bike.

[Disco Dan]

3-4 years you will hardly have lost anything....IMHO.I was off for more than 20.I had a few rentals in between but honestly apart from the very first instant "which side is the gear lever on" i felt like i hadnt been off...2 things struck me straight away...the noise of the wind,and the actual effort required to turn /lean the bike.But i would stress that it is/was quite a modestly powered bike.

Thank you, that is very reassuring!

[Jacko2]

Cheers, another ZX11 D model. They are just such an awesome bike - the only other bikes I considered were the Blackbird (same engine but fuel injected) and an RF900 (but they are a bit under powered 2-up IMO).

When I factored in the fact I have all the special sized sockets and custom GPS mounts etc from the last two ZX11's I had it just made sense!

Hiya Dan,
and you still got lost

[DEATH_INC.]

Z

+1 & maybe book in a track/art day to help get back in the groove.

This is a good idea, after a day at the track you'll be back up to full speed.
Four years...it'll feel like you never stopped. Though I find the mind remembers, but the body needs a little refresher to get all those natural reflexes sparked up again, that's what a trackday will do.

[Disco Dan]

Hiya Dan,
and you still got lost

Yeah I still get lost...

I'm actually going to take some wire and a cigarette lighter socket with me so I can hook it up to the bike's battery and charge my phone on the bike... my GPS is now my phone too...

Otherwise I will be stuck in the flipping South Island again... like last time I went down there to pick up a ZX11 *innocent*