Almost New Rider Questions

b33p · 01-20-2009, 06:25 PM

Hey guys, I loved bikes for a long time but i never got one. but now i have around enough money to buy used bike on craigslist and im really excited. the bike i am thinkin of getting is the honda cbr f4i, but i was wondering if its hard to ride bikes? it seems dangerous because when i see people turn they are like leaning they're body and the bikes tilting =/ lol maybe im just a chicken, but tell me the difficulty of bike riding.

PJL · 01-20-2009, 06:31 PM

The leans aren't the hard part. Any bike with enough clearance can lean safely. It has to do with gravity and centrifugal forces and such. Anyway, the CBR isn't really a good beginner bike because of the power, not the handling. A 600 cc supersport bike isn't meant for a beginner.

MattInFla · 01-20-2009, 06:38 PM

I'd suggest looking into an MSF Basic Rider Course before you think of buying anything. You'll get a chance to learn howcto ride under the supervision of a trained instructor using their bike.

As far as the CBR goes, it is not a good beginner's bike because of it's high power output. It is very east for a beginner to get in way over their head in a matter of seconds on a powerful sportbike.

Matt

Dodsfall · 01-20-2009, 07:05 PM

I agree with the recommendations above on the CBR.

Leaning is mostly about traction. As long as you have traction and ground clearance to spare you can lean. Things like sand, wet leaves or spilled oil can take your traction away very quickly, so you have to make sure you can always see where you are going!

b33p · 01-20-2009, 10:03 PM

yeah i am going to take the msf course at city college before i buy the bike. what bikes would u guys recommend? i heard a ninja is a good beginners bike.

Dodsfall · 01-20-2009, 10:35 PM

The Ninja 250, 500 or 650 are all decent bikes to learn on. I would recommend the 250 for riders who are not doing a lot of interstate travel and wish to get great fuel mileage. The 500 has a more upright seating position and the 650 has a bit more horsepower.

The Suzuki SV650 and the Buell Blast are also decent to learn on.

Prodigy · 01-20-2009, 10:42 PM

my friend there are plenty of bikes out there that are good for a starter. The ninja 250 is THE perfect bike, you can't go wrong with that, and the new 2008 one is very good looking too. There are people though (me included) that would say that the 250 can get you bored after a while, you crave a little more power after a while, for some people it's true for some isn't. I learned on a 650cc V-twin, and I did perfectly fine, although my teacher said that I was prone for motorcycle riding, so maybe I'm special ah ah j/k. But the MSF course they'll give you 125cc probably and those are only to teach you the pure basics of bike riding. If you buy one of those you'll get bored fast.
Now I said that I learned on a 650, but it was a twin (2 cylinders) so you might think, Oh then a CBR 600 is fine for me... Not quite. they are 4cyl and produce more HP, they are racing machines and not meant for beginners. The one I have learned on was very forgiving and docile so it worked out. You'll be fine with a ninja 250 for sure, and there are so many out there, it's not even funny. You can try also the ninja 500 or 650, or a nice suzuki SV650, or a suzuki gladius...

For you being a chicken, no worries, it's not being a chicken is just not being comfortable. I was not comfortable when I learned to ride a scooter, I was "afraid" and then rode a scooter just a few times later on. But When It came the time to learn to ride a motorcycle I had no fear, because it was overpowered by the passion I have for motorcycles. You just have to be conscious that something might go wrong, so you always try your best not to fall eh eh...

Leans and stuff like that are kinda scary, but you don't notice them as much unless you putting your knee down and stick you but out. Normal leans are fine, just always keep an eye on the road, it takes just a little sand to make you fall.

Let's talk about falls: Have I fallen? No. Will I fall? Yes. It's not a matter of IF it happens, it's WHEN it happens. Now a fall can be a 20mph fall or an 80mph fall, they are ALL dangerous. A friend of mine had a son, nice little 5yr old kid very playful and cheerful. One night he was playing with his sister and he hit his head on the corner of the table... no big deal after a little crying the night went on and then went to sleep. Then in the middle of the night the kid woke up screaming, not knowing what it was they took him to the hospital and checked his head. He had a massive bleeding in his skull and his brain was under a lot of pressure. The kid did not make it.
What's the moral? whether you fall at 10mph or 60, you always need to be prepared. Dress for the crash, not for the ride. Use helmet, gloves, jacket, everything. and you'll probably save your life.

Riding IS dangerous, heck somebody taps you in the back and you can get real hurt, in a car that does not happen. I am not trying to scare you, I just want you to know exactly what you're getting into. On the other hand a ride on a sunny day on a curvy road is amazing, the wind, the curves the power under your hands are all feelings that make it all worth it...

Good luck

ladyq · 01-21-2009, 11:35 PM

Buy a bike that YOU like....AFTER....you complete the MSF BRC !
Most new riders like to have their feet firmly planted on the ground
at stops. It gives them a feeling of security to have the added balance this option provides...I know this for a fact. I had to hunt for a bike to provide me with this option.
Whatever you do , complete the course first and like-PRODIGY said ,there are a whole lot of bikes out there for sale. Buying a very small one will get real old,real fast----let your physical size be the factor which influences
a majority of the decision. If its comfortable---you'll probably like it a lot better than buying one for some other reason ! Good luck and hope to see you on the road soon !!

bigal · 01-22-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattInFla

I'd suggest looking into an MSF Basic Rider Course before you think of buying anything. You'll get a chance to learn howcto ride under the supervision of a trained instructor using their bike.

As far as the CBR goes, it is not a good beginner's bike because of it's high power output. It is very east for a beginner to get in way over their head in a matter of seconds on a powerful sportbike.

Matt

Word that class helped me to get over my fear although I believe a little fear isn't bad it helps you to ride more carefully. They also have an advanced one after you get your license where you can take your own bike there and do all this stuff with your bike...leaning, crazy turns, all that good stuff. I am intending to take that!

SteveM · 02-04-2009, 09:26 AM

I totally agree that taking the rider course would be a good first step. If you find you just don't have the confidence then you can always reconsider.

olliebennett · 02-05-2009, 01:07 PM

good effort guys, i had a similar question and this has helped allot. it's info like this us newbies need to get us on our own two feet.

nomdeplume · 02-19-2009, 08:26 PM

This is from an extremely inexperienced rider, but I at least have one relavant experience:
Be very very careful with the brakes on turns, especially if you have to lean!
I was testing my "brand used" bike for the first time, not street legal so riding on a small patch of private property. As I was turning a U to stay in it I hit the front brake to slow and make the turn easier. The bike instantly skidded and smacked straight to flat. Fortunately it's a super piner bike and no harm no foul. (well I think no foul)
From the physics I know from bicycles, a front skid can make you fall instanty INTO the direction you are turning. (turn clockwise, fall right) And a rear skid can cause a loss of directional control that can cause a fall OUT OF (turn clockwise fall left. Or right, both are possible) the direction of the turn if enough foward momentum remains after the change in direction. On a heavy momo these would be much harder to recover from in time to stay up.
The DMV guide recomends using the brakes simultaniously. I would add- avoid braking during turning whenever it is safe to do so, especially while inexperienced.

CaptCrashIdaho · 02-23-2009, 04:53 PM

Leaning is fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sukd3fV6reg

When you talk about 'crazy' leans you're probably watching guys pushing bikes out towards the limits of traction. I would suggest you bum a ride with someone you trust--be a passenger and get on the back and FEEL the lean. THEN take the course!

01-20-2009, 06:25 PM	#1
b33p Newbie Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5	Almost New Rider Questions Hey guys, I loved bikes for a long time but i never got one. but now i have around enough money to buy used bike on craigslist and im really excited. the bike i am thinkin of getting is the honda cbr f4i, but i was wondering if its hard to ride bikes? it seems dangerous because when i see people turn they are like leaning they're body and the bikes tilting =/ lol maybe im just a chicken, but tell me the difficulty of bike riding.

01-20-2009, 07:05 PM	#4
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,940	I agree with the recommendations above on the CBR. Leaning is mostly about traction. As long as you have traction and ground clearance to spare you can lean. Things like sand, wet leaves or spilled oil can take your traction away very quickly, so you have to make sure you can always see where you are going! __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-20-2009, 10:35 PM	#6
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,940	The Ninja 250, 500 or 650 are all decent bikes to learn on. I would recommend the 250 for riders who are not doing a lot of interstate travel and wish to get great fuel mileage. The 500 has a more upright seating position and the 650 has a bit more horsepower. The Suzuki SV650 and the Buell Blast are also decent to learn on. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-19-2009, 08:26 PM	#12
nomdeplume Motorcyclist Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 6	about your turn concern This is from an extremely inexperienced rider, but I at least have one relavant experience: Be very very careful with the brakes on turns, especially if you have to lean! I was testing my "brand used" bike for the first time, not street legal so riding on a small patch of private property. As I was turning a U to stay in it I hit the front brake to slow and make the turn easier. The bike instantly skidded and smacked straight to flat. Fortunately it's a super piner bike and no harm no foul. (well I think no foul) From the physics I know from bicycles, a front skid can make you fall instanty INTO the direction you are turning. (turn clockwise, fall right) And a rear skid can cause a loss of directional control that can cause a fall OUT OF (turn clockwise fall left. Or right, both are possible) the direction of the turn if enough foward momentum remains after the change in direction. On a heavy momo these would be much harder to recover from in time to stay up. The DMV guide recomends using the brakes simultaniously. I would add- avoid braking during turning whenever it is safe to do so, especially while inexperienced.

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01-20-2009, 06:31 PM	#2
PJL Exorcising My Angels Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Schenectady, NY Posts: 656	The leans aren't the hard part. Any bike with enough clearance can lean safely. It has to do with gravity and centrifugal forces and such. Anyway, the CBR isn't really a good beginner bike because of the power, not the handling. A 600 cc supersport bike isn't meant for a beginner.

01-20-2009, 06:38 PM	#3
MattInFla Verified Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 76	I'd suggest looking into an MSF Basic Rider Course before you think of buying anything. You'll get a chance to learn howcto ride under the supervision of a trained instructor using their bike. As far as the CBR goes, it is not a good beginner's bike because of it's high power output. It is very east for a beginner to get in way over their head in a matter of seconds on a powerful sportbike. Matt

01-20-2009, 10:03 PM	#5
b33p Newbie Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5	yeah i am going to take the msf course at city college before i buy the bike. what bikes would u guys recommend? i heard a ninja is a good beginners bike.

01-20-2009, 10:42 PM	#7
Prodigy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Miami Posts: 610	my friend there are plenty of bikes out there that are good for a starter. The ninja 250 is THE perfect bike, you can't go wrong with that, and the new 2008 one is very good looking too. There are people though (me included) that would say that the 250 can get you bored after a while, you crave a little more power after a while, for some people it's true for some isn't. I learned on a 650cc V-twin, and I did perfectly fine, although my teacher said that I was prone for motorcycle riding, so maybe I'm special ah ah j/k. But the MSF course they'll give you 125cc probably and those are only to teach you the pure basics of bike riding. If you buy one of those you'll get bored fast. Now I said that I learned on a 650, but it was a twin (2 cylinders) so you might think, Oh then a CBR 600 is fine for me... Not quite. they are 4cyl and produce more HP, they are racing machines and not meant for beginners. The one I have learned on was very forgiving and docile so it worked out. You'll be fine with a ninja 250 for sure, and there are so many out there, it's not even funny. You can try also the ninja 500 or 650, or a nice suzuki SV650, or a suzuki gladius... For you being a chicken, no worries, it's not being a chicken is just not being comfortable. I was not comfortable when I learned to ride a scooter, I was "afraid" and then rode a scooter just a few times later on. But When It came the time to learn to ride a motorcycle I had no fear, because it was overpowered by the passion I have for motorcycles. You just have to be conscious that something might go wrong, so you always try your best not to fall eh eh... Leans and stuff like that are kinda scary, but you don't notice them as much unless you putting your knee down and stick you but out. Normal leans are fine, just always keep an eye on the road, it takes just a little sand to make you fall. Let's talk about falls: Have I fallen? No. Will I fall? Yes. It's not a matter of IF it happens, it's WHEN it happens. Now a fall can be a 20mph fall or an 80mph fall, they are ALL dangerous. A friend of mine had a son, nice little 5yr old kid very playful and cheerful. One night he was playing with his sister and he hit his head on the corner of the table... no big deal after a little crying the night went on and then went to sleep. Then in the middle of the night the kid woke up screaming, not knowing what it was they took him to the hospital and checked his head. He had a massive bleeding in his skull and his brain was under a lot of pressure. The kid did not make it. What's the moral? whether you fall at 10mph or 60, you always need to be prepared. Dress for the crash, not for the ride. Use helmet, gloves, jacket, everything. and you'll probably save your life. Riding IS dangerous, heck somebody taps you in the back and you can get real hurt, in a car that does not happen. I am not trying to scare you, I just want you to know exactly what you're getting into. On the other hand a ride on a sunny day on a curvy road is amazing, the wind, the curves the power under your hands are all feelings that make it all worth it... Good luck

01-21-2009, 11:35 PM	#8
ladyq Verified Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 50	Buy a bike that YOU like....AFTER....you complete the MSF BRC ! Most new riders like to have their feet firmly planted on the ground at stops. It gives them a feeling of security to have the added balance this option provides...I know this for a fact. I had to hunt for a bike to provide me with this option. Whatever you do , complete the course first and like-PRODIGY said ,there are a whole lot of bikes out there for sale. Buying a very small one will get real old,real fast----let your physical size be the factor which influences a majority of the decision. If its comfortable---you'll probably like it a lot better than buying one for some other reason ! Good luck and hope to see you on the road soon !!

02-04-2009, 09:26 AM	#10
SteveM Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 433	I totally agree that taking the rider course would be a good first step. If you find you just don't have the confidence then you can always reconsider.

02-05-2009, 01:07 PM	#11
olliebennett Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Middlesbrough and Yeovil Posts: 6	good effort guys, i had a similar question and this has helped allot. it's info like this us newbies need to get us on our own two feet.

02-23-2009, 04:53 PM	#13
CaptCrashIdaho Safety Hooligan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SW Idaho! Posts: 1,683	Leaning is fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sukd3fV6reg When you talk about 'crazy' leans you're probably watching guys pushing bikes out towards the limits of traction. I would suggest you bum a ride with someone you trust--be a passenger and get on the back and FEEL the lean. THEN take the course!