First ride today!!!

[swedencamilla]

Have been out again today. No issues getting out of driveway this time and things were going well. I was doing some figure 8s in an empty cul de sac and a few starts and stops, then a few really quiet nearby roads going up and down first few gears. Must say I think the gears are a little indistinct at times - need more practice. Still stalling at times, but much less. Was feeling really good and ventured a little further out, of course I stalled in a steep narrow hill street with a car behind me wanting to pass and my little baby just did not want to start. In the end had to walk sit it down backwards just releasing front brake for a second at a time, then turn around and start. Overall though things are getting better. I read about a RRRS course that is available in Auckland and Dunedin. Later when I am more proficient it would be great if something like that was available in Welly.

[Badjelly]

...the one I like is with the clutch. I've found that I 'feather' the clutch all the time at low speeds, including going through roundabouts. You've probably already found that at low speeds if you go on and off the throttle the damn thing snatches and jerks. ...

That's interesting advice, Grub, I might try it. Having ridden for a decade or so in my youth, and come back to riding 9 months ago, one thing I find that hasn't changed about 4-stroke bikes (I now have a Scorpio) is that they're damned jerky at low speeds, due to a combination of play in the drivetrain and a fair bit of engine braking. Many years ago, I made the mistake of thinking this was due to slack in the chain, and overtightened it as a result, but actually (I think) it's due to play in the gearbox. I think the manufacturers build them this way to make gear selection easier.

Whatever, riding the Scorpio smoothly at low speeds is difficult and a little more use of the clutch might help. (I believe it's useful for fine control when doing wheelies as well.)

[Victoria]

Thanks everyone for all your helpful comments and encouragement. You are such a friendly bunch! Grubs advice about the clutch is great. Seems much smoother this way. It is very reassuring hearing that other people have had similar problems, when they start out. Walking the bike up the driveway sounds dangerous and difficult. I agree with the better control of bike when riding it with both feet up. We have to learn to start in uphill some time anyway, so why not now. Someone mentioned about not being afraid to ask for some help eg mentoring and I would be quite keen to get some help. It is not the same thing exchanging infor on the net. I thought it would be best just to get some basic riding on very quiet streets and car park practice first. Maybe later a group of newbies in Wellington could get together and practice together. What do you think?

I'm pretty much alone in my quest to ride, and as I would rather have a root canal without anaesthetic than go near a riding instructor EVER again, I'll have to find another option....so if there were something organised in Wellington or the Hutt I would be really keen to join in.

[<G>]

Good on all the newbies for taking their bikes out in this cold, rainy weather!
Angelique, we'll go for rides once I get my new bike

[tate35]

Ok so both I and my brand new bike got our first proper ride today, granted it was just puttering around the back streets but still!! I have never felt as good as I do on that thing

So despite more stalls than I can count and the neighbours giggling at me behind their windows all good So if anyone out east is in a similar boat, ie just learning (like seriously very very beginner) - feel free to PM me and come stall with me. May not feel like such a gump if theres someone else doing the exact same thing...

Hi Angelique,

Congrats!!! Biking is so much fun, I just got my bike about a month ago now and each time I think about going to the shop or just down the road to visit a friend, I take a look at my car and then my bike....and the bike wins every time...its SO MUCH FUN!!! Happy riding

[heyjoe]

Welcome to the world of riding Angelique. Enjoy and ride safe!

[howdamnhard]

so despite more stalls than I can count and the neighbours giggling at me behind their windows all good So if anyone out east is in a similar boat, ie just learning (like seriously very very beginner) - feel free to PM me and come stall with me. May not feel like such a gump if theres someone else doing the exact same thing...

Don´t worry we all stalled once.I´m out east so if you need someone to go out with you for support PM me.There are a lot of nice backroads around Clevedon if you want to go for a slow ride too.Kittyhawk is starting up some training in August in our neck of the woods.Wednesday night training is also good but it is along way out West and rush hour traffic at night can be quite daunting.Once your a little more experienced I suggest you do the Ride safe ride right course.Anyway keep up the good work and take care.

[Irontusk]

I'm on the North Shore too, I've never used a 2 wheeled motorbike before but I have been driving a manual car for about 5 years so I have some understanding of the clutch (though I expect it to be much different using my hand). Anyway I'm sitting my basic riding training/test in a fortnight and will have my new VL250 shortly after. If there was anyone around here that could guide us while we try to learn that could be much more enjoyable than mostly working it out ourselves. I'm in the East Coast Bays area but I'm not sure how far I'll be able to get my bike easily And originally I thought I might ride it home from the dealer myself.. but I think I may need to work something else out, I'll see how my training goes!

[Gremlin]

I would suggest learners have someone more experienced out with them, until they get more confident with handling traffic etc. It can be daunting when everything is hitting you at once. (Besides, its actually quite fun intimidating cars ). Also helps for offering advice on riding, picking the bike when it falls over (or just plain watching it fall over in front of you)

Angelique, or anyone else out east (I'm in Bucklands Beach) need someone more experienced to assist, just ask. Can probably only help on weekends, as work keeps me out of mischief during the week.

[FLYMO]

soon enuff they will follow u in droves
have fun