New rider needs help!

Hey all,

I recently passed my permit test and finally get to ride my '93 750. I've owned the darn thing since September last year and just now got around to getting the permit....sad I know...anyways, I have ridden three times now and am struggling with turning. Even with slow speed turns I feel like I'm driving an 18 wheeler with turns so wide. On my second time riding I was leaned into a turn everything was great and then I was surprised by a car that came out of nowhere, I tried to correct and ended up way wide and after bouncing over the curb ended up laying it down....thank god it was in the grass. With the exception of busting my mirror there wasn't much damage to the bike. Any advice on what I need to do to fix this problem?

 

You may be trying to steer the bike. A motorcycle is ridden much like a bicycle is ridden.

How you passed your permit test is beyond me. Take an MSF Course before you kill yourself. No, I am not a nice guy and I do not hand hold or fanny pat.

 

^^^ What he said. Is this your first bike? If so it may be an idea to try something smaller/less powerfull, or even spend some quality time on a bicycle (if your older, chances are you havn't been on 2 wheels for ages?)
Here is the hand hold/ fanny pat bit. Do not be discouraged by any negative comments you may get, we are just trying to keep you alive, and we hate seeing VFR's get chucked around.

 

I see you are from Lonsdale. Faribault Harley Davidson offers classes that would help you. We can give you advice on this forum but we can't give you hands on lessons and the experience they can. I also have heard good things about the Minnesota State run motorcycle programs available.

 

Have you taken a basic motorcycle course? Emergency braking, turning, balancing, etc. are all part of that and are an absolute must for beginning riders.

Once you have taken that basic course (I can't believe that one isn't required to obtain your license...), remember that experience is your best teacher; since it seems that this is your first motorcycle, so you'll need to focus on taking your time. Confidence in riding comes with experience and experience comes with practice / time.

And without question remember AGATT.

 

Riding a bike with a full faring is also a bit daunting at first and knowing where the wheel is when turning does present its problems till you get used to it

 

Make sure you got sliders everywhere-bar end, rear end and frame-the best one,put them all over-because your going to fall for sure-and wear full leather all the time and a full face helmet. Don't get mesh-it will give you third degree burns. Have fun -you can fall down all over the place:banana::evil:ope2:

 

OP: I know what you mean about cars surprising you mid corner. I just learned to rely on peripheral vision to let me know if something is wrong, and keep my eyes on where I'm going. I will resound the call to take a riders course, as well as just to keep riding, and experience will make you better.

 

Another vote for MSF rider course. Also there are some useful videos on youtube. Check the motorcycle magazines website to (Cycle World, Motorcyclist, Rider...etc) , many useful articles for beginners.

It may not hurt to have your bike checked out by a competent mechanic. Loose/ tight head bearings will wreak havoc on how a bike handles. I'm not suggesting theres something wrong with your bike, but it is 20+ yrs old. An experienced rider / tech will notice something a beginner could easily overlook.

 

Above all else, understand "countersteering":

"Countersteering is the technique used by single-track vehicle operators, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, to initiate a turn toward a given direction by momentarily steering counter to the desired direction ("steer left to turn right"). A more accurate term is deliberate countersteering when employed by a rider, though it is often shortened to just countersteering. To negotiate a turn successfully, the combined center of mass of the rider and the single-track vehicle must first be leaned in the direction of the turn, and steering briefly in the opposite direction causes that lean."

Learning how to react in a panic when your mind takes over is crucial, been there, done that.

 

I also suggest riders course immediately...... you should get a small cc dirt bike and learn how to counter steer..... and master control before tackling street riding. also when going threw turns...always look through the turn not directly in front of you. did you bend your front wheel when you hit the curb? I would say that little incident was a big warning for you..very lucky to survive !!!!!! JMO

Sent from my SGH-T679 using Tapatalk 2

 

Really slow turns are actually harder to perform. All the above is good input. Might I also suggest a amsller bike to get some miles under your belt, like a Ninja 250 or Honda Rebel. Cheap used ones are around.

 

Relax your shoulders and wrists while riding, look where you want to go, and turn your head towards the inside of the turn as far as you can see. Practice, practice, practice. An empty parking lot is a relatively safe place to practice turns, acceleration and stopping.
I also recommend you buy and read a couple of books. The first one I recommend is "Proficient Motorcycling" by David L. Hough. Take your time learning how to ride and read the book in its entirety, soak in the info and use it to your advantage.

 

If at all possible, do take a riding course or at the very least practice on a "closed course" I.e. Empty parking lot. If money is tight and/or schedules don't permit getting into a riding class right away, pick up one or all of these books. They are very helpful and offer not only good tips on riding but also some "survival" tips as well.

'Total Control' by Lee Parks
'Proficient Motorcycling', 'More Proficient Motorcycling' by David Hough
'Twist of the Wrist', 'Twist of the Wrist II' by Keith Code

Also look into local Moto forums and/or motorcycle shops for private riding classes, some riders make extra money by offering one on one instruction. Although be sure to check on their background/reputation, don't want to get a "Squid" teaching you bad habits!

Because you are new, the term ATGATT means "All The Gear All The Time". A good motto to live by, especially if you're new, it may just save your life.

Cheers!

 

Too funny, your post must have come in while I was typing mine!

 

Take the rider's course immediately. I would stay off the road until then. Practice in an empty parking lot with no one around until you take the course.

 

Hi Scott

Your very fair question seems to have provoked a fairly rough response thus far. So perhaps its time to balance things up.

Whilst I agree that additional training is never a bad idea, as you have recently obtained you license, I guess you have had quite a lot of instruction recently. Having looked at your earlier forum posts I wonder if that prescription overlooks the obvious unknown quantity - the bike!

Whilst it may be new to you - it is now well over 20 years old, so we have no idea whether there are mechanical or set-up issues which are making it a problem to ride. So perhaps you need to go back to basics.

If you bought from a dealership then they should have checked it out mechanically before putting it up for sale.

But for small adds purchases, you should consider paying to get a professional safety check. You may never know its real history and you just might have purchased a repaired bike with a distorted frame. Your post last year mentioned the bike had been on its side!

So if you are not sure - please check all the obvious supects - the steering should move freely from lock to lock without notchiness (put the bike on main stand and get someone to sit on rear seat to lift the front wheel off the ground whilst you check). Check your tyres(tires) for cuts, damage or just old age degradation especially look for signs of uneven wear. Ensure the tyre(tire) pressures are right. If they are really low, the steering can be dreadful. Ensure the wheel bearings run smoothly and there is no side to side play.

Once you are sure the bike is mechanically fit, make sure the bike suspension SAG and damping is set up correctly for you. If it has been set up for someone greatly heavier or lighter then you are, it can make a bike a nightmare to ride. Please don't assume the settings chosen by the previous owner will be about right for you.

There are several options to get the bike set up -right. For an hours labour fee most decent dealers will be happy to help. Alternatively most track day meetings will have a specialist on hand. Finally if you buy the "Twist of the Wrist DVD" by Keith Code it includes detailed instruction on how to set up your suspension and provides excellent training on things like countersteering and how to really ride your bike.

For now - ATGATT and frame sliders may be a sensible investment. These bikes are heavy and can be a challenge for smaller/light riders. Especially at low speed/parking it is a fine line between keeping the bike upright and it adopting horizontal parking mode with very little warning. This thread shows you are not alone - http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/44298-You-dropped-it-how-many-time!

So thanks for asking for help - please don't be put off - just practice!

Take care


SkiMad

 

I always like Skimad response to our noob very informative and polite:thumbsup:

 

Hey Scubalong

I am sorry I have not been on the site much over the last month as I was on the VFR racking up 3,800 miles around Europe. The bike never missed a beat and this is just one of several biking events I took part in - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXsX3afVFKk&feature=youtu.be




SkiMad

 

Any speed over 8-10mph you push right (handlebar) to go right and push left to go left. Try it gently riding down the street and see for youself. The bike has to be counter steered in order to lean in the direction you want to go. It's simple, don't over think it.