paul (03/13/83)
I have been reading net.cycle for a while now, and enjoyed the various listings of bikes owned, etc. Also noted some of the tips (drive shaft, liquid-cooled, etc). Anyway, for someone who has never ridden, but would like to get a start, what are some suggestions (not only for equipment, but also temperment, approach, etc)? I would ride it mainly for a 15 mile round trip commute to work (surface streets), as well as cruising, weekend trips, and the like. The Ann Arbor area is fairly populous, but expressways lead out of the area, and fairly unpopulated rural areas are not that far away. Thanks in advance -- Paul Paul Killey University of Michigan Ann Arbor
jeff (03/13/83)
Tips for a novice: 1. Get a light bike, it`s easier to ride, learn on, park, pick up. 2. Wear a helmet and cover as much of the skin that`s left over as you can. 3. Avoid thinking like the author of the previous letter. 4. Use one of those headlight-pulsing units. 5. Remember you`re always in danger, especially from oncoming traffic. Assume no 4-wheel drivers see you, and always have an out. Good luck. P.S. I also think that 45mph is the optimum speed for motorcycling--at least on my BMW R60/7.
hsc (03/16/83)
I don't believe in light bikes for beginners. Handling is more squirrily, stability is poorer, and crosswinds are a real problem. Also, the beginning rider should learn on something sufficiently heavy that it can't be muscled around; the proper way to control a street bike is with the throttle, clutch, brakes, and handlebars (and a LITTLE body English). Learning on a light bike can start bad habits. I wouldn't encourage anyone to start with less than 250cc, and I think 450cc or more would be better. My 5'4" wife learned on a Suzuki 500 Titan that she couldn't even hold up at a stop, then got her license on a BMW R60/5 that she could BARELY pick up if it dropped. I think this is part of the reason she can handle anything. Harvey S. Cohen 1C314 American Bell, Lincroft, NJ 07748 (201)576-6059 hogpc!hsc PS: On a big bike, the first lesson should be somewhat different than on a small one. The bike is positioned facing a wall, high curb, or other solid object, about 6 inches away. The student starts the bike, drives it to the wall, and stops. Repeat from 12 inches, 24 inches, etc. This way, the student learns control before they have a chance to build up any speed. PPS: On the other hand, if there is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginning Riders' Course offerred near you, by all means take it.