Will my wife fall?

[Keager]

I know Illinois supplies the bikes. If my 60+ year old in laws can take the MSF course, anyone can. Of course, my M-I-L is the only one in memory to leave via a meat wagon. Fell over & cracked her shoulder good. No serious damage. She wanted hubby to stay & finish.
Yes, those bikes get beat the hell up, but they run & work great. They have to for newbies.
Another thing that I was shown to do if you are scared about breaking of clutch levers is the partially cut them, creating a weak point to where they snap off. Just inside the end, then again about 1/3 the way up. Don't have to do much, but at least if it falls over and they break, there is still enough there to grab onto for the way home.
Plus with going thru the MSF course, some insurance companies give discounts, saving you $$.
Or there is always the Can-Am Spyder. Wife feels very comfortable on it, and it does just fine otherwise. She's 5'2" and had issues with the F3 that she once had because of height and if she stopped over a pothole....
Or get a different dogbone in the rear suspension which could lower it enough that she can touch. Just make sure to get another kickstand and cut it down as well.
Or you could find her a VFR400....

[Triplepac]

I met my girlfriend ten+ years ago. When she saw me peeking at her CBR600, she didn't bat an eye... "GET ON IT!" she said. It had been so long I barely remembered how to shift. Oblivious to the world, I started, and doing, the lowspeed MC test stuff. She didn't even say "get a scooter for the test". Well, eventually I did dropped the damn thing. Other than looking like a dumbshit, she just said " you'll be fine" (just buy me plastics). She was also there to scrape me up after goin' down doin' 50. Today, there's no place like flying wing with her in lead (in two VFR's).

Do whatever you're comfortable with and then A LITTLE BIT MORE because if you're not pushing a little, you're not learning a lot... My two cents.

Disclaimer: Methods may not apply to all riders. Consult your personal physician for possible adverse side effects. Batteries not included.

[TimRav]

To answer the original question...Yes, she will fall. Most of us do, but it's usually minor - like dropping the bike at a stoplight, during a tight u-turn or losing our footing on a bit of tiny gravel. Most of the time only your pride is hurt.

I'll second that goinfaster! Thanks for shedding some light on a participant "DOES NOT NEED PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF RIDING".

The class is designed for people who have never ridden.

+1. It's a terrific class IMO, even if you've been riding awhile. I took it after I'd been riding over a year and still learned a lot and enjoyed it!

Rather than a fully-faired Ninja 250, why not start her out on something like a Honda Nighthawk 250 or Honda Rebel? More comfortable riding position, lower seat and no fairings to scratch or break. Insurance is likely cheaper, too.

[Nungboy]

if she can ride a bycicle she will do fine in the course, no need for previous moto experience. i didnt have any.

YES! This (I think) is a very important point. Bicycle skills go a LONG way in one's eventual success in motorcycling. If she rides a bicycle on a regular basis I would feel comfortable. If she doesn't bicycle at all get her one and spend some serious slow speed time before she ever jumps on anything with an engine.

[jaimev34]

eventually.

[Nungboy]

I met my girlfriend ten+ years ago. When she saw me peeking at her CBR600, she didn't bat an eye... "GET ON IT!" she said. It had been so long I barely remembered how to shift. Oblivious to the world, I started, and doing, the lowspeed MC test stuff. She didn't even say "get a scooter for the test". Well, eventually I did dropped the damn thing. Other than looking like a dumbshit, she just said " you'll be fine" (just buy me plastics). She was also there to scrape me up after goin' down doin' 50. Today, there's no place like flying wing with her in lead (in two VFR's).

Do whatever you're comfortable with and then A LITTLE BIT MORE because if you're not pushing a little, you're not learning a lot... My two cents.

Disclaimer: Methods may not apply to all riders. Consult your personal physician for possible adverse side effects. Batteries not included.

Cool story! That brings back memories even though my story is a bit different. A girlfriend I had when I was 25 rode a 750 and I really enjoyed being a her passenger. I'd like to say more but, well, you know!

[Keager]

Cool story! That brings back memories even though my story is a bit different. A girlfriend I had when I was 25 rode a 750 and I really enjoyed being a her passenger. I'd like to say more but, well, you know!

so if you were the passenger, what did you hold onto?

[Nungboy]

On the first date we were to go to a bar for some local music but she suggested riding up the local scenic pass first. I had spent some time on bikes before so knew I could hold onto hand-holds but naturally I was tight around her waist. And then...

Ah, the good old days!!

[vf750orig]

My wife wants a ninja 250 in the spring.

I am afraid that she will dump it. She is a great driver, but doesn't have experience on a bike.

What do i do?

My wife dumps her bike with some degree of regularity. Back when she started riding there was no MSF class, I wish there had been. Teaching her to ride was problematic at best, but she was determined and kept after it. Than we both stopped riding somewhere around 1990. I was down to one bike, my CBX. I started working on it to get it ready to sell since I wasn’t riding anymore. While I was in the parts dept. buying tires she was in the show room buying a new Ninja 500. Some things never change, she dropped it first time she rode it. She always wears her safety equipment and doesn’t get hurt often (she did break her foot once, but that's another story). If your SI lets you ride you have to let her ride too. It turned out to be a really good thing to let my wife ride, now I always have a riding buddy any time I feel like going. After she bought her Ninja I bought a 04 Interceptor and a CBR 1000RR. Were back into riding. Kept my CBX too.

[Cundalini]

Also when you pass the course in a lot of states you automaticaly get your liscense.

[GoForARide]

Well. she rode my vfr around the block. I gave her a hug and she said I was shaking.

I started riding on the back. that was a scary fealing. then i got off once she was able to pick her feet up and she went by her self.

scary. but she didnt fall.

[KC-10 FE]

i can get her gear, but if she falls at 5 mph and gets her leg stuck under the bike itl still hurt.

I low-sided at 30mph. I slid 27 feet (tape measured) on my right shoulder & hip. I walked away without so much as a bruise. Thanks Joe Rocket & Icon.

It's called life & it happens. The most anyone can do is provide the best learning environment & best gear. Don't sweat it. I also concur with her taking the MSF BRC BEFORE you buy her a bike. She will know immediately if riding is for her or not. If it isn't, then you're out nothing more than the cost of the course if you have to pay for it where you live. I would also say that you SHOULD NOT attempt to or let anyone teach her anything before the class. There is a reason the MSF has a good success rate. It's what we are trained to do. It's also much easier for us to start with a blank canvas then attempt to correct improper training.

KC-10 FE out...

[goinphaster]

Well. she rode my vfr around the block. I gave her a hug and she said I was shaking.

I started riding on the back. that was a scary fealing. then i got off once she was able to pick her feet up and she went by her self.

scary. but she didnt fall.

It's good to know she didn't fall, and your bike is ok, but you should be holding off her being on a bike until the MSF course. It's the best insurance you have concerning her and your bikes safety. The loaner bikes they have aren't 500lb bikes, they are light weight and easy to handle- and they inspire confidence to learn. If she happens to fall, what would you rather her be riding? a lightwieght bike or a 500lb bike?

Otherwise the future is written by you and if your bike winds up on it's side you are the one to take responsibility.

Good luck either way.

[GoForARide]

speaking of. where do i get info on what courses are available in my area and signing up?

[mtl_vf500]

Motorcycle Safety Foundation <<<<---link

Choose your state and you'll see all the available courses. Check out a few of them, I'm in one in Florida in two weeks, I found a big difference in prices from a few different places. the one I'm in is only $195, on special for fall/winter. I saw some over $300 in the same area.

[vfrcapn]

To answer the original question...Yes, she will fall. Most of us do, but it's usually minor - like dropping the bike at a stoplight, during a tight u-turn or losing our footing on a bit of tiny gravel. Most of the time only your pride is hurt.



+1. It's a terrific class IMO, even if you've been riding awhile. I took it after I'd been riding over a year and still learned a lot and enjoyed it!

Rather than a fully-faired Ninja 250, why not start her out on something like a Honda Nighthawk 250 or Honda Rebel? More comfortable riding position, lower seat and no fairings to scratch or break. Insurance is likely cheaper, too.

The Nighthawk 250's are what we used in the MSF class and are probably a little more forgiving on drops than a faired Ninja.

I dumped the Nighthawk when I was taking the MSF class. They made me pick it up and continue with the exercise, which is what your wife should do when she dumps it. We all do at some point.

[motorhead1977]

What he said! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Keager]

Well. she rode my vfr around the block. I gave her a hug and she said I was shaking.

I started riding on the back. that was a scary fealing. then i got off once she was able to pick her feet up and she went by her self.

scary. but she didnt fall.

you are brave letting her ride a heavier bike. And your baby.

Choose your state and you'll see all the available courses. Check out a few of them, I'm in one in Florida in two weeks, I found a big difference in prices from a few different places. the one I'm in is only $195, on special for fall/winter. I saw some over $300 in the same area.

$300?!?! Holy crap! Illinois (at least the last time I checked) was about $20. And you got that back if you passed unless you wanted to donate it to the class.

[GoForARide]

i think that was a private class. we are going to have to ride for 45 min to get the 25 one

[JTC]

I low-sided at 30mph. I slid 27 feet (tape measured) on my right shoulder & hip. I walked away without so much as a bruise. Thanks Joe Rocket & Icon.


KC-10 FE out...

I just had a 50mph low side yesterday. I slid at aprox 45 degree angle across six lanes (3 lanes north bound & 3 lanes south bound) on left leg, and left hand/forearm. Gear is everything. Thank you Icon, alpinestars, and 1st gear racing. I was reluctant at first because there is cheaper gear out there, but its sooo much easier to sleep at night when you have no bruises or road rash.

[crustyrider]

its funny you mention this topic...i am planning and getting my woman that ninja 250 as well..she is 5'4" and 110lbs..so she will need that bike...what i have been doin is squeezing her in front of me on my bike..and testing her throttle clutch skills...keep is slow in parking lots..got a few bad impacts on my feet and hurting my knees..but better than her falling on a bike and scratching my baby....

you don't teach tennis do you? sounds like the way the tennis pros teach how to hit a back hand shot......

[Triplepac]

It's too bad the bikes are getting bigger and bigger including the new VFR1200. If there was a way to sneek in a VFR400 / NC30 from Japan, I would have (I even go there 3 times a month). For now, Kawasaki has the market for under 600 faired bikes (I believe).

As for protective gear, my mate ("Petunia") will post here shortly about what happened the other day...

[petunia]

I agree with the guys above. Good gear is good. Unfortunately, I was wearing an "adequate" pair of motorcycle gloves the other day. I was going down the interstate and a flatbed truck entered from an onramp in front of me. As it accellerated, chunks of concrete came flying off with one hitting my throttle hand. It hurt! I think a better pair of gloves would have helped. The ensuing call to the police turned into a jurisdictional musical chair. Police said call the State Patrol. The State patrol said I should have stopped and called 911 with a license plate number if I could get it from a safe place on the side of the freeway. Washington State has beefed up "Unsecured Load" laws after some nasty cases. Unfortunately, enforcing them is a bit more difficult.
I wonder what kind of damage may have occured if the concrete chunk had hit my faceshield.

[Meatloaf]

Motorcycle Safety Foundation <<<<---link

Choose your state and you'll see all the available courses. Check out a few of them, I'm in one in Florida in two weeks, I found a big difference in prices from a few different places. the one I'm in is only $195, on special for fall/winter. I saw some over $300 in the same area.

Holy cow! If the class had been that expensive I wouldn't have taken the darn thing. I took the basic MSF class last year and it was only $50 here in Indiana. This year I took the advanced class and it was only $25.

There were only two differences between the two classes. The basic class makes you go through all the classroom crap... which is geared towards those that have never ridden before. Its very useful for those that haven't ridden... very boring for those that have. The advanced class has you do all the same maneuvers as the basic class, you just do it on your own bike instead of theirs.


Get her the gear, get her a beater, and get her the class. She will go down, the gear will protect her, and the class will give her confidence. Chances are she will end up just dropping the bike due to weight/balance issues more than any other. It will not be any different than if you were to go down. She will be cautious and she will learn.

[tinkerinWstuff]

ABATE of Michigan Home Page

Check abate for another source classes

[Knife]

...what i have been doin is squeezing her in front of me on my bike..and testing...

The old "reach around" trick, eh? Are you a golf pro or tennis coach perhaps?

[Badbilly]

It's too bad the bikes are getting bigger and bigger including the new VFR1200. If there was a way to sneek in a VFR400 / NC30 from Japan, I would have (I even go there 3 times a month). For now, Kawasaki has the market for under 600 faired bikes (I believe).

As for protective gear, my mate ("Petunia") will post here shortly about what happened the other day...

Go see Kai Roberts at Ducati of Seattle for what you're looking for.

[tinkerinWstuff]

I was also going to say that, based on your "protectiveness" it would probably be best if you let her attend the class on her own.

You are just a distraction and she will not only enjoy herself more as well as get more out of the class if you weren't there.

You'll have something to talk about afterword and she can tell you all she's learned.

I sent my wife to gun safety on her own rather than try to teach her myself or hover over her shoulder.

[Toto]

1) Get her good riding gear
2) Send her to school to see if she like riding a bike.
3) If she does good at that get her a bike or send her again
4) If all goes well then you will be able to teach her all the bad habit we pick up over the time

[Cundalini]

I got my wifes bike tonight.

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

everyone I know in the :ncp: recomended a suzuki gs500.

The TOECUTTER found one that was a few hundred out of my range, but the seller was reasonable. Gave it to me for 700 even.

My boss was not reasonable, wouldn't give me the day off to go get my wifes new bike. No gripes here, we are just understaffed.

The TOECUTTER and gsxrSHRECK went and picked it up for me ( 2 hours away ). I owe them a solid.

I don't let people ride my bike, and my wife wont be letting anyone ride her new one.

So obviously, before I gave it to my wife we all ( :ncp: )took it for a spin around the block :). She said I "whored it out" I say we broke it in. LOL.

Anyways I got her a decent 1991 suzuki gs500... and what a great begginer bike! Very light, and seems to run awesome. Rode home from doodles ( freezing my arse off )
Wife has sat on the bike, started it, said she loves it. I dont think she will ride it for a few months, but starting to teach maintenance and we will have fun cleaning it up. She walks out into the garage every 10 minutes or so just to look at it, ah to be young and in love. She may ride it sooner then I thought.
AGATT!!!!!!!!!

I am not going to post any pics, that will be her job. I dont need to steal her thunder. But yes, now we have yet another hot chick on a bike out there soon.
She and I are on the journey now guys. I am sure you will hear from her on a thread that she starts on her own.

I didnt actually want to hijack this thread, but it seemed the relavent place to post, since we have all been discussing it here.
Thanks TOE CUTTER and gsxrshreck and :ncp: in general. We hit a homerun on this one.
End of thread hijack. thanks for reading guys!
Mudguts will make her own thread soon, im sure it will be welcome on this site, she rides with a bunch of viffers soon.