Help: teaching myself to ride (palmy)

[Stella]

I have a GN250, bought it a month or so ago and have effectively been teaching myself to ride.
I have a friend who takes me out to an appropriate carpark so I can tootle around, but he is not confident about offering much advice. I ask lots of questions, and get some answers. He taught himself, so doesn't know how to describe some things other than 'you'll work it out'.

I got my basic handling cert on saturday (almost by accident!) and am going to study up for my learners scratchy and get that soon. I dont have a car license and have never ridden/driven on the road. It does scare me somewhat! I can change up to second in this carpark, then once I get my learner's I will go onto these long straight roads nearby so I can go a bit faster. Really it is intersections that scare me the most, figuring out who gives way! (and the general fear of arsing up)

So, what I would like is suggestions of exercises to practise.

Thanks heaps

[T.I.E]

become very familiar with ya road code and intersections, make it one less thing to worry about. as most other vechicles can be an extreme hazard. it will make it alot easier.
but im sure there are many palmy people whom can help ya one on one for the day, and take ya out on the ope road too. hands up all that can help.
and safe riding out there.
see how slow ya can go. its a challenge without dropping the bike and try a figure eight in the carpark really slowly. keeping ya hand over the clutch incase it stalls and pull the clutch in. keep the revs up too. eg 4k for a gn. but be cautious very possible to drop the bike, it gives ya a good understanding of clutch controll, and tight turns.

[Scorpygirl]

Hi Stella, welcome to KB!!! Please don't feed the rabble after dark!!!

The best bet is to find yourself a mentor that can go with you on your rides and watch what you do and give comments. They can also answer all those questions that you will have and really need good, sensible answers too. I know this has helped me heaps to get out of the driveway and onto the road.

All the best with the riding and enjoy it.

[crashe]

Welcome to KB.

Do a wee search and look for BuckBuckNo1.
He has a thread on training and learning to ride a bike.
I think it is under newbie and wannabe riders section.
That thread is ideal for you to read...



Ok I found it for you.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=30010

also look at this thread:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=46674

[Her_C4]

I have a GN250, bought it a month or so ago and have effectively been teaching myself to ride.
I have a friend who takes me out to an appropriate carpark so I can tootle around, but he is not confident about offering much advice. I ask lots of questions, and get some answers. He taught himself, so doesn't know how to describe some things other than 'you'll work it out'.

I got my basic handling cert on saturday (almost by accident!) and am going to study up for my learners scratchy and get that soon. I dont have a car license and have never ridden/driven on the road. It does scare me somewhat! I can change up to second in this carpark, then once I get my learner's I will go onto these long straight roads nearby so I can go a bit faster. Really it is intersections that scare me the most, figuring out who gives way! (and the general fear of arsing up)

So, what I would like is suggestions of exercises to practise.

Thanks heaps

Hey Stella, welcome to KB,

Plenty of experienced people up your way that may be prepared to help out in terms of mentoring. and some really good advice can be yours at the turn of a (web) page on here ....

Good luck

[jtzzr]

Welcome Stella, T.I.E has some good advice( not sure about the figure 8 just yet, sorry bro.)But defineately hook up with someone in Palmy. Best of luck, keep safe.

[T.I.E]

Welcome Stella, T.I.E has some good advice( not sure about the figure 8 just yet, sorry bro.)But defineately hook up with someone in Palmy. Best of luck, keep safe.

definately best to hook up with someone. keep hanging about and there should be some good sorts from down those ways who will give ya some good lessons.

[vamr]

The way I learnt after getting my license was just jump straight on and started commuting on a daily basis.

Sure I stalled at the lights a few times on the first day but has been smooth sailing after that.

Congratulations on your purchase and take it easy.

[Roj]

I have a GN250, bought it a month or so ago and have effectively been teaching myself to ride.
I have a friend who takes me out to an appropriate carpark so I can tootle around, but he is not confident about offering much advice. I ask lots of questions, and get some answers. He taught himself, so doesn't know how to describe some things other than 'you'll work it out'.

I got my basic handling cert on saturday (almost by accident!) and am going to study up for my learners scratchy and get that soon. I dont have a car license and have never ridden/driven on the road. It does scare me somewhat! I can change up to second in this carpark, then once I get my learner's I will go onto these long straight roads nearby so I can go a bit faster. Really it is intersections that scare me the most, figuring out who gives way! (and the general fear of arsing up)

So, what I would like is suggestions of exercises to practise.

Thanks heaps

As has been said, look for a mentor in your area, as for give way rules, do read up on them, but also remember the laws of physics:

big car squash small bike,

some days you are better off to let a car go rather than enforce your right of way, better safe than dead right...

[peasea]

As has been said, look for a mentor in your area, as for give way rules, do read up on them, but also remember the laws of physics:

big car squash small bike,

some days you are better off to let a car go rather than enforce your right of way, better safe than dead right...

All of the above is helpful and I'll repeat my father's words "Even if you have right of way that doesn't mean you're going to get it".

Do the figure-eight thing and find your balance etc, maybe even grab some cheap plastic cones and make a wee course in a carpark, weave in and out etc. Look up and forward, not just in front of your front wheel. If there's an object just a few feet in front of you you've left it too late to avoid it.

Practice emergency braking and get the feel of your bike's brake balance. Too much of either is not a good look.

Where you look is where you'll go, look WAY ahead in corners, chin up, focus ahead and think that everyone else hasn't seen you. Err on the side of caution but don't be a sluggard.

If the corner is coming toward you, you're probably going too fast, if the corner is opening up in front of you, you're probably going at the right speed. (Works in cars too.)

Slow down in the wet.

Practice using your peripheral vision often. In the garden, the supermarket, at work, wherever, you'll be surprised what that picks up.

Relax but don't be complacent.

Ride safe and welcome to the fold.

PS: I taught myself on a 1968 Triumph 650 and I'm here to tell the tale. I've read a few books on the subject too, I'd politely suggest that you follow suit.

[martypants]

Hi,
As well as the above, try googling 'learning to ride a motorcycle' I found a few good sites that give good info on this topic. Some can be a quite brain frying, but just a case of sifting thru and taking what you want.