New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby RayMan » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:24 am

h0ax wrote:lol I think I am the only person that when I told my mother I was getting a bike she just looked at me and said be careful dont kill yourself....that was pretty much it.  Now she always asks me if I have taken the bike out if its a nice day or if I am going out with the GF and riding, its kinda funny how interested she is in my hobby.

Although for people stating shit about deaths on motorcycles........you can die just stepping outside your house and a metor hits your head.  So really statistics are just that.......statistics.  If people would live by them no one would do a fucking thing because half the cars on the road wouldn't be purchased since they only rank in a 1-2 star saftey rating out of 5 which pretty much means your a clump of meat inside the car if your in an accident.  Or anything else that is stated in statistics, just be careful ride like everyone wants to kill you and other then that there isn't much else you can do other then be a good rider and get the experience you need to make correct decisions.


My parents were pretty chill with it. I have a lot of family members that ride. That being said my wife HATES it.
"I fear no man...but I'm terrified of soccer moms"
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby Thorfinn » Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:05 am

Many factors come into play when evaluating the risks of riding a motorcycle and not everyone is equally imperilled. Natural ability, the area you live in and of course experience are very important and differ widely from person to person. Alcohol and general stupidity should be singled out by default because they can kill you whether you're riding a bike or not.

Take my situation for example: I'm 28, have 3 years of riding experience and I'd say rural Bavaria is a pretty save environment for motorcyclists (unless you're Steve McQueen and it's 1944 that is ;)) - I've never even come close to dropping my bike, let alone any serious incidents on the road. Now you could argue I was just lucky but I don't think it's that simple. For example, the training in our driving schools is very thorough and goes far beyond MFS classes. The licence tests are hard (and expensive) to ensure nobody gets on the road who doesn't belong there and my instructor/teacher once said he had students whom he told they should give up because he could tell that they'll never be able to ride safe. Btw.: I had to take my test on a liter bike... :P

What I'm trying to say is, everyone has different circumstances and mine are more or less ideal - I even dare saying I'm a talented rider (*gasp!*). And this is exactly what makes it so hard to give good advice on the internet; 'cause even though we're all motorcyclists, what's safe for one guy could be dangerous for the other and there's just no way to tell which is which. All in all, the benefits (fun!) clearly outweight the risks (being more exposed in case of an accident) but that's only true if you're a good rider with good gear and common sense. The thing is though, you'll never know unless you try - so I say go for it and see for yourself! (you can always bail out if it doesn't feel right after all)

*edit: corrected a typo ("now" instead of "no")
Last edited by Thorfinn on Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby OTCIXS » Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:29 am

Luckily I didn't have to deal with my family trying to discourage me...  Then again, I just did it without telling anyone (except my brother who rides).  Just get a 250...if you don't feel comfortable with the 'sporty' look yet, get a dual sport or a trail bike.  Start off just cruising around your neighborhood (a cul-de-sac is great for learning how to shift and all that fun stuff).  Then venture out of your neighborhood onto back roads or seldomly traveled roads.

Bottom line, before you go out on 'real' roads with traffic and the like, be at least 90% comfortable on your bike.  If your shifting is iffy or you suck at tight turns (or turning in general), practice practice practice before you go into traffic.  The addition of other cars is like a whole new ballgame.

Take an MSF course, they are great for true beginners.

Just know what you are getting yourself into.  As others have said, respecting the machine and knowing your limits will keep you safe, while being attentive and being proactive (as opposed to reactive) will keep you alive.

Most of all, have fun with it :D
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby LithCS » Wed Jul 27, 2011 11:39 pm

Been riding for over a year, so far had 2 accidents. (<=not including track)
1. Totaled by a car (details: http://m13online.com/forum/index.php?topic=8762.0)
2. Went off-roading while on my trip through Europe, oil in a corner, front slipped, sort of saved it, then ran out of road...

Despite disagreeing with all the nay-sayers about bikes being death on wheels, you do run a substantial bigger risk for bigger (financial) damages. It takes very little for a motorcycle to get totaled, especially supersports where damage to the fairings either means a write-off or expensive fix (with original parts).
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby CBR600RRebecca » Thu Jul 28, 2011 12:03 am

i just read your signature, you'd think after so many kawi's you'd learn  ;)
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby LithCS » Thu Jul 28, 2011 12:33 am

Sometimes it seems god just doesn't like me :(
Then again, I ride A LOT, so I guess I run a much greater risk than most sunday/good weather riders.
F.e. First day I had my 2001, I went on a 1000+km~ trip around Germany, needless to say my parents thought I was crazy and/or dead by the time I got back in the evening.

But on a serious note, yeah I learn, just can't control everything :/
Last edited by LithCS on Thu Jul 28, 2011 12:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby CBR600RRebecca » Thu Jul 28, 2011 1:26 am

yeah i think the powers that be are trying to tell you something hehe
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby RayMan » Thu Jul 28, 2011 2:04 am

Lith, she's telling you to buy a CBR...
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby LithCS » Thu Jul 28, 2011 11:02 am

Perhaps if she comes with it, otherwise it´ll never happen sorry. :P
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby RayMan » Thu Jul 28, 2011 2:41 pm

LithCS wrote:Perhaps if she comes with it, otherwise it´ll never happen sorry. :P


I think that selling point would convince nearly anyone to purchase a CBR :P
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby CBR600RRebecca » Sat Aug 20, 2011 11:02 pm

back on subject i posted this on my boyfriend's blog which i think will soon be boston moto's blog...
anyhoo:
http://the-circuit.net/2011/08/20/new-rider/
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby tricky » Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:30 pm

CBR600RRebecca wrote:back on subject i posted this on my boyfriend's blog which i think will soon be boston moto's blog...
anyhoo:
http://the-circuit.net/2011/08/20/new-rider/


Wise words, very true. Those are the important lessons that have kept my face off of the pavement so far. Follow 'em, and you'll do fine
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby lSkyRiderl » Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:11 pm

My CBT was my fist time on a motorbike and i was shitting bricks, shaking the whole time. But i still had so much fun and ended up finally buying a bike. When i first got it i was scared to get on it, it was about 6-7 months after my CBT so i was scared to get back on a bike at first. Only riding up and down my street at first but then i figured if i dont ride it oit i wont get any better and so i did and now i enjoy riding my bike whenever i can.

As for friends and family saying dont do it, its a coffin on two wheels its just because they are afraid you will get hurt or worse just make sure they know you know how dangerous it is and will take safety measures such as riding safely, getting the gear AND USING IT, taking courses.

My mum use to cry everytime i went riding now she is used to it and knows im careful she makes me ride out to get some bits from the shop lol

Its not as dangerous as some people think and is a load of fun, i was riding for 4 hours today lol kinda overkill but it was so much fun :)

Have fun and ride safe :)
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby banger » Thu May 17, 2012 8:57 pm

my first bike was a kymco agility 50cc scooter, i just upgrade to the 125cc kymco pulsar lx, yes yes yes people will tell you to don't ride bikes,most will say the stats and all.bike riding is a forum of self discpline if you mistreat it,it will mis treat you.

also buy a few books recommended here. there cheap atm.
the official dsa guide to riding -- the essentials skills ---- isbn: 0115526447 £9.99 (uk pounds)
motorcycle roadcraft - the police riders handbook to better motorcycling -- isbn: 011341143x £9.79

i got this from amazon.


my bikes:
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new bike
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so enjoy.
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Re: New to bikes, scared to learn - need some real input

Postby Fiona01 » Thu Jun 14, 2012 1:48 am

Yes, there's danger in riding a motorcycle,..there's no way around it but for me if you have the right attitude and learn the proper way of riding you will be safe. There is joy in riding a bike, there are so many benefits from riding a bike but you must learn how to ride properly in order to avoid getting into accidents. To make sure that you learn properly, apply or enroll at a motorcycle riding schools. If you are looking for riding schools or training centers, look here,..http://www.motorcycledrivingschoolcafe.com/ ;D
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