Wanted to share this with everyone here, since I am a new rider and welcome any advice from those who have been running the mountains for a good bit.
Gorgeous day yesterday, so I took the my moped down to a small store beside my house. This was the first time I have been on a motorcycle, and although I didn't hit the main road to get there, I still had some problem solving to do.
The only thing I have been doing to date on the bike is backing the vehicles out of the garage and just letting the bike pull itself in gear, and stopping before I plow into the back of the garage. Back up, and repeat. Each time trying to get both feet up and slowly stop while maintaining balance. First time was pretty discouraging since I could get both feet up smoothly, but I was only going about 18' before I was at the back of the garage.
My driveway is steep and a gravel pit awaits me at the bottom, so I was at a pretty good 8.2 pucker factor yesterday morning when I pulled out of the garage. Smooth sailing down to the bottom and smoothly down the gravel portion (about 20 yards of unpaved road until I get to pavement) Stalled the bike pulling into the actually paved part, but made it to the store lot. HAd to deal with loose cinders here. Maintained an 8.2 pucker factor as I pulled across them and I already screwed up.
While I didnt drop the bike, and made it into the lot without issue, I did not square the bike up for the turn. I went into it at an angle. Had I not been going 3 mph, I'm sure the outcome had great potential to go south.
I pulled up into the parking lot, and eased into the throttle. I then let off, and slowed to a stop. repeated this process several times, and I'm getting more balanced with the vehicle once i've started to let the bike tell me what it needs to do.
After this I took a few laps around the store at about 8-10 mph. shifted into 2nd, and down into first to get used to the idea. my truck is a 6spd and I've driven manuals in my past, so the idea to have to shift gears is not a foreign concept - just a different application.
After this, I sped up to about 14-18 mph to get the idea and feel of countersteering going. Even going about 18, The bike feels like it is eager to get into the turn. It didnt feel heavy or sluggish, and I know I was only going that low speed, the bike gave me confidence in the turn, even making small adjustments. I did this for a couple of minutes and then found a planter to work on some Very low speed clutch/ rear brake only turns.
Worked on the low speed stuff quite a bit, and only had a few instances where I dropped a foot prior to freaking out, and one instance when I droped a foot and the throttle hand twisted. No bad outcome, but a lesson learned, nonetheless.
Repeated these things for a little while and then made the short 200 yard trek home. No issues into the driveway or up it into the garage. I'm extremely excited to get the plates and my permit and take it back to the parking lot next week. I wanted to get a few of these "sessions" in before getting on the road. MSF course slated for May.
I have to say I love this bike. It is a 2011 FZ6R with 1044 miles. I'll try to get some pictures up, but it is the burnt orange/ black themed bike.
Any advice/ ideas/ recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks Guys and gals,
Gorgeous day yesterday, so I took the my moped down to a small store beside my house. This was the first time I have been on a motorcycle, and although I didn't hit the main road to get there, I still had some problem solving to do.
The only thing I have been doing to date on the bike is backing the vehicles out of the garage and just letting the bike pull itself in gear, and stopping before I plow into the back of the garage. Back up, and repeat. Each time trying to get both feet up and slowly stop while maintaining balance. First time was pretty discouraging since I could get both feet up smoothly, but I was only going about 18' before I was at the back of the garage.
My driveway is steep and a gravel pit awaits me at the bottom, so I was at a pretty good 8.2 pucker factor yesterday morning when I pulled out of the garage. Smooth sailing down to the bottom and smoothly down the gravel portion (about 20 yards of unpaved road until I get to pavement) Stalled the bike pulling into the actually paved part, but made it to the store lot. HAd to deal with loose cinders here. Maintained an 8.2 pucker factor as I pulled across them and I already screwed up.
While I didnt drop the bike, and made it into the lot without issue, I did not square the bike up for the turn. I went into it at an angle. Had I not been going 3 mph, I'm sure the outcome had great potential to go south.
I pulled up into the parking lot, and eased into the throttle. I then let off, and slowed to a stop. repeated this process several times, and I'm getting more balanced with the vehicle once i've started to let the bike tell me what it needs to do.
After this I took a few laps around the store at about 8-10 mph. shifted into 2nd, and down into first to get used to the idea. my truck is a 6spd and I've driven manuals in my past, so the idea to have to shift gears is not a foreign concept - just a different application.
After this, I sped up to about 14-18 mph to get the idea and feel of countersteering going. Even going about 18, The bike feels like it is eager to get into the turn. It didnt feel heavy or sluggish, and I know I was only going that low speed, the bike gave me confidence in the turn, even making small adjustments. I did this for a couple of minutes and then found a planter to work on some Very low speed clutch/ rear brake only turns.
Worked on the low speed stuff quite a bit, and only had a few instances where I dropped a foot prior to freaking out, and one instance when I droped a foot and the throttle hand twisted. No bad outcome, but a lesson learned, nonetheless.
Repeated these things for a little while and then made the short 200 yard trek home. No issues into the driveway or up it into the garage. I'm extremely excited to get the plates and my permit and take it back to the parking lot next week. I wanted to get a few of these "sessions" in before getting on the road. MSF course slated for May.
I have to say I love this bike. It is a 2011 FZ6R with 1044 miles. I'll try to get some pictures up, but it is the burnt orange/ black themed bike.
Any advice/ ideas/ recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks Guys and gals,