LEARNER: Open to any advice (Bishop)

**Bishop** · 18th July 2006, 22:32

Hi there everyone,

I've just gone out and brought myself my first road bike (much to the disapproval of my dear old Dad). I've been riding it now for just over a month and I'm starting to get a bit more confident. Growing up with three brothers I was always out in the paddock on the bikes with them, but riding in a paddock on a dirt bike and riding on the road are two completely different disciplines.
Reading through these forums has helped alot, plenty of tips and ideas from experienced riders is just what a learner needs.

So keep up the threads, I'll be around to join in.

Cheers.

**onearmedbandit** · 18th July 2006, 22:49

Welcome to the site and congratulations on getting a bike. There are plenty of good riders up your way who will be more than happy to give you some pointers. Take care on the roads, assume no-one has seen you. Spend as much time as you can in the saddle, it's the best way to improve your confidence.

**SwanTiger** · 18th July 2006, 22:49

Welcome to Kiwi Biker,

I have a similar biking background to you, most of my riding was on the farm or country gravel roads. Getting my first real road bike was a big change.

Send me a Private Message if you are keen on a ride, I know most of the good local roads north of Auckland.

You should of brought a Hyosung, but you are forgiven.

**ZeroIndex** · 18th July 2006, 23:21

Welcome to KiwiBiker,
you've chosen a great place to learn stuff, and as your first post topic (open to any advice),
sounds like you've come with the right attitude

**kickingzebra** · 18th July 2006, 23:29

Open to any advice??? My advice is don't take the advice... these guys will have you doing all sorts of strange things with various animals in no time...
It's a madhouse out here!!

My piece for the day?! Stoppies are a valuable resource to hone your braking skills. Oh, and ride within your limitations!!

Welcome!

**Zed** · 19th July 2006, 02:44

Welcome Bishop, I hope u enjoy your stay!

Some random thoughts on Learner advice from me that may be a help to your road riding adventure:

Wear good comprehensive protection.

Master your cornering technique early.

When you're confident enough, go riding with other more experienced riders and observe & learn from their skills.

Check your tyre pressures regularly.

Change your oil and filter at the appropriate times for your model bike.

Keep your chain lubricated.

Look at the road surface with eagle eyes when riding, be careful when riding through patches of gravel or dirt, avoid the white lines and shiney road surfaces in the wet, all especially when braking.

Don't get caught out at night with only your tinted visor.

Buy an emergency puncture repair kit.

Treat other motorists with respect, but assume that they are all potentially dangerous to your health and can't see you in their blindspot, so have your wits about you.

Don't forget to always put your sidestand down.

Once you have your skills honed and confidence level high, if you enjoy riding fast and want to know your and your bikes limitations, go and do a track day.

Keep the rubber side down, and the shiney side up!

**NSR-Dan** · 19th July 2006, 05:11

welcome to the site, come in the chats rooms too, lots of great discusions about motorcycling, you might even have a chance to talk to the website celebrity markauckland.

if you need parts for your bike or any saftey gear check my thread out, has a link, i also sell leathers gloves boots etc from the brands of alpinestars, ICON, AGV and Joe Rocket
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...251#post686251

Originally Posted by Swanny

You should of brought a Hyosung, but you are forgiven.

swanny, how can he be forgiven when alot of people havent forgivin you for buying one. lol

**frogfeaturesFZR** · 19th July 2006, 08:11

Welcome to the site. Best advice ? Treat all other road users as out to get you.....as most of them are blind !

**Matt Bleck** · 19th July 2006, 08:19

welcome, come in and pull up a pew....

**Drum** · 19th July 2006, 08:23

Welcome to the site Bishop.

Ride within your abilities and keep the rubber side down.

**kiwifruit** · 19th July 2006, 08:27

Welcome to the site

The most important thing about road riding is the fact that you are invisable.
Its not a matter of "that car might pull out in front of me", its GOING to pull out in front of you, its just good luck if it doesn't.....
Its all about thinking defensively.
If you are into a bit of reading, twist of the wrist is a great book all about controling a road bike. Ive got it in pdf form if you want it lettuce know

**Quasievil** · 19th July 2006, 08:29

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

Welcome to the site

The most important thing about road riding is the fact that you are invisable.
Its not a matter of "that car might pull out in front of me", its GOING to pull out in front of you, its just good luck if it doesn't.....
Its all about thinking defensively.
If you are into a bit of reading, twist of the wrist is a great book all about controling a road bike. Ive got it in pdf form if you want it lettuce know

Mate I would be keen for a copy of that if okay

msu@xtra.co.nz