I got my motorcycle license!!!

[FightingFalcon]

I'm finally part of the club! ;D ;D ;D ;D

I finished my RENJ classes today and I just got back from the DMV with the M next to endorsements. So much work just for a damn letter on my license - but whatever I'll take it.

I've gotta say, riding a motorcycle is one of the best things in the world. I had never driven manual before so it was a little difficult for me but eventually I got the hang of it. I had trouble switching from the clutch to the throttle but today I finally figured it all out. It's kinda annoying when everyone is in a line and you keep stalling . But we took our driving test today and I got a perfect score.

And doing tight turns on a bike is one of the best feelings in the world. The motorcycle guys on this board (Husky, 101, Mike) can probably back me up here but lemme tell you that its awesome. Going through a sharp turn while rolling on the throttle to accelerate is almost too much fun. At first I kept thinking that the bike would fall over but my instructor kept telling me to press harder and lean more. So I did and it was so much fun. I cannot wait to get my own bike.

Speaking of which, Husky I've decided to go with the ZX-6R but I'm not getting it until March. Since I'm going to boot camp in 7 days and won't be back until August 25th, it makes no sense to get one this summer. I go to school on the 28th so I won't be able to use it. So I'm gonna hafta wait 6 months to get my bike

For those of ya'll who have never ridden a bike - definitely do it. You'll never wanna go back to that four-wheel piece of junk you call a car ;D

[Sailor]

You just be careful out there James. I'd hate to hear that you had just become another organ donor and statistic.

[FightingFalcon]

robertfollette said:

You just be careful out there James. I'd hate to hear that you had just become another organ donor and statistic.

The majority of accidents are actually caused by other drivers - so you should really be watching out for me

But seriously, I'll take care of myself. I wouldn't even think of going on a major road/highway for a few months. I still gotta figure out how to smoothly transfer gears.

[Husky23]

Well done "Cherry" - now the real learning starts.

But, in the mean time:



Congratulations!

[FightingFalcon]

LOL Husky thanks. I'm definitely saving that picture to my computer

I might bring my bike down to school next year (as in 2006/7). Perhaps we can ride our Kawasakis together in the Virginia wilderness?

[Husky23]

fightingfalcon said:

LOL Husky thanks. I'm definitely saving that picture to my computer

I might bring my bike down to school next year (as in 2006/7). Perhaps we can ride our Kawasakis together in the Virginia wilderness?

That's why I made it so damn big!

I'll nearly always be up for a ride.

Also, FF, probably a good thing to wait a few months, ya know? Smart move - pragmatic and mature thinking. Not only operationally, but financially as well, and it'll allow the folks to become more accustomed as you slowly cut the umbilical cord. Know what I’m saying?

[FightingFalcon]

Yea my rents are still opposed to the idea of me getting a bike. But I'll be more than able to afford the ZX-6R in March. The AF gives me $400 a month starting next month and I've got 3K in the bank - plus I work at school. Considering that the bike is only 8K, money shouldn't be an issue.

I was even thinking of out-right buying a Kawasaki 250 Ninja and training on it for a few months before moving on up to the big boy. I'll hafta see where I'm at next year though.

And I'll let you know if I bring my bike down to DC. I'm sure you know some great trails in VA

[101ABN]

Congrats, James!

You might think about picking up an interim ride to practice and keep building skills on. Most common single vehicle crash involves the rider coming into a turn too hot and overcompensating.

You can't have too much experience.

Oh Shit, Husky!

He's one of us...

[Husky23]

admin said:

Congrats, James!

You might think about picking up an interim ride to practice and keep building skills on. Most common single vehicle crash involves the rider coming into a turn too hot and overcompensating.

You can't have too much experience.

Oh Shit, Husky!

He's one of us...

Aye sir!

Another one born. Albiet a cherry but non-the-less.

I do fear for initial riders though. A sharp learning curve ensues.

[Husky23]

I joined a Kawi Z1000 forum. Here's a dude that low sided his just a few days ago:

OUCH!!!

Learn from others mistakes - I did it in my flying career and I do it riding as well.



Here's his explination:

"This is the second time I have wrecked my Z. Both times exactly the same thing happened. I was doing about 35-40 applied the front break and the front end slid like it was on ice. Due to the lack of a steering dampner I couldn't recover. Last time I had all my gear on and was just a little sore. This time I was being stupid and had on shorts and a t-shirt. Yall can see the results. Also if anyone rides with sunglasses under their helmet I would advise against it. Mine nearly cut off my nose in the crash. This crash was exacerbated by my throttle quickner. It still sticks a little, I guess my bike is too new for the cables to be streched enough. They are adjusted all the way out and it still sticks a little. Has anyone had an problem with the front end sliding like this? Is this a tire problem, suspension, or brakes? This is seriously dangerous. If I can't figure this out I am gonna have to sell the Z. Please help."

Here's some comments from the forum (minus the sorry dude shit):

"... do you routinely prectice emergency brakeing?"

"My wreck was very similar, the front end washed out on me. But it was entirely my fault, I paniced and grabbed too much brake."

"In fact before jamming the brakes you should be doing that...apply enough pressure compress teh suspension doing so increases your contact patch....once this happends you can grab the lever with vice grips at 70mph and you will not lock the front tire up.."

"Where you breaking while leaned over? Breaking in a lean can be tricky...break before you turn in, preferably."

"You could check the pressure...but I think it would have to be around 60psi to be that hard to lock up...and even then at 90 degrees that shouldnt have happened.."

"I've even locked up the rear a few times when panicking a little in the corners."


Overall some really good comments and people learning -- too bad it takes scrapes and bruises at times. Here's my take: Rider probably panic braked, for whatever reason, while at a lean angle not sufficiant for traction available (road compound(s), weather, proper tire heat, proper tire inflation, yadda yadda yadda).

1. AlWAYS evaluate road/weather/hazard conditions and how it may effect your traction.
2. ALWAYS maintain proper tire pressures (and for carving corners it's normally 4-6 PSI below manufactures listed pressures -- go for, generically; 32-34 PSI front and 34-36 PSI rear).
3. ALWAYS pre-heat tires before turning and burning, or even demanding your rubber to go to their maximum adhesion. Usually 5 or so minutes at highway speed will accomplish this, otherwise weave. If not - your telling your rubber to drop your ass.
4. I rarely, if ever, utilize my rear brake - you can understand the physics. And NEVER when at an angle.
5. I NEVER grab front brake in an angle - it'll be a smooth constant application of braking power, bearing more and more tire contact patch to the pavement, and bearing in mind not to disrupt the current geometry - dig?
6. If I panic front brake - I will make ALL attempts to upright my machine to near vertical as possible before and during the braking.

OK, enough for the moment

[FightingFalcon]

Husky, the funny part about that crash is that our instructor told us about 100 times (literally) to NEVER apply the front break when in a curve. If you absolutely must break in a curve you HAVE to straighten yourself up, lock the handlebars and then apply both breaks. Never, ever break in a curve - its just plain stupid. 9 times out of 10 you will end up like that guy did. You must accelerate through a turn or you are going to have to down-shift or break, which is never good. The breaking should be done before the curve and then you have to roll the throttle in a curve. Bikes were made to accelerate through curves - not break through them. Besides, accelerating through curves is the best part of motorcycling. Who wants to break through a curve?

We even practiced emergency breaking in a curve. We had to go into a curve and then immediately straighten up and apply both breaks. It's actually really easy so long as you practice it.

As for the rear break - they told us to apply both breaks everytime that you break. The reason being that you get used to using both of them so that in case of an emergency your brain is pre-programmed to use both.

On tires - yea our instructor was big on tires to. Two years at the max for any tire before they should be replaced he told us. And also you must break-in new tires. We have a tip sheet on new tires but I think its something like you shouldn't go over 40mph for your first few hundred miles. The tires need to wear down a bit or else they won't be able to handle well in tight turns.

I know I've only had two days experience in riding but its sad that I know more about motorcycle safety than some new riders. If my instructor ever saw me apply the front break in a curve he probably would have thrown me off the bike. It's just plain stupid and dangerous. I would definitely recommend the MSF course to any new rider - trying to learn on your own has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard of.

BTW, I'm glad that I popped my cherry

[Husky23]

BTW, I'm glad that I popped my cherry

I'm glad you did too.

Sounds like it was a good course - and, you're correct it places your knowledge of these real world applications above those that do not attend.

Remember though FF - there are exceptions to the vast majority of the rules, for instance in my #4: "I rarely, if ever, utilize my rear brake - you can understand the physics. And NEVER when at an angle."

Due to a possible impending crash senqunce, I may decide while leaned over to actually lock up the rear and, on MY command drop the bike.

The point is, is that there is virtually a near infinite number of unique circumstances you will/may encounter and you need constantly evaluate your position and actions to the point of possibly picking the lessor of all undesirables which would hopefully equate to less bodily injury to you and those around you.

Like: "Fuck! OK, drop my bike now? And kick it away hopefully I'll miss the guard rail and slide between those two trees, or...hell, if I'm lucky enough I might...."

[101ABN]

husky23 said:

BTW, I'm glad that I popped my cherry

I'm glad you did too.

Sounds like it was a good course - and, you're correct it places your knowledge of these real world applications above those that do not attend.

Remember though FF - there are exceptions to the vast majority of the rules, for instance in my #4: "I rarely, if ever, utilize my rear brake - you can understand the physics. And NEVER when at an angle."

Due to a possible impending crash senqunce, I may decide while leaned over to actually lock up the rear and, on MY command drop the bike.

The point is, is that there is virtually a near infinite number of unique circumstances you will/may encounter and you need constantly evaluate your position and actions to the point of possibly picking the lessor of all undesirables which would hopefully equate to less bodily injury to you and those around you.

Like: "Fuck! OK, drop my bike now? And kick it away hopefully I'll miss the guard rail and slide between those two trees, or...hell, if I'm lucky enough I might...."

Hopefully you'll be thinking far enough ahead of the physics to avoid putting her down.

Too fast for conditions leads to bad outcomes.

("Conditions" include the deer you haven't seen yet that's just about to step into the road just around the curve and out of your line of sight.)

The guy in Husky's post just plain fucked up. HE grabbed too much of those hydraulic dual disks and locked it up. Stupidest thing is, he'd done it before and didn't learn.

Dude, take the insurance money and buy a Vespa.

"I was being stupid" - Yup!

Ride safe, Guys.

[Sailor]

husky23 said:

I joined a Kawi Z1000 forum. Here's a dude that low sided his just a few days ago:

OUCH!!!

Learn from others mistakes - I did it in my flying career and I do it riding as well.



[\quote]

Ow!! That hurts just looking at the poor schlub.

[dustdevil28]

Congrats James, and unlike the gentlemen in the picture be sure to always were protective gear or clothing.

Especaily the clothing, maybe you'll break a bone, but a least you'll still have your skin.