L
lonesoldier84
Here are a few pointers that will help:
3. Throttle control, throttle control, throttle control.
+1
*cough*
+2
Here are a few pointers that will help:
3. Throttle control, throttle control, throttle control.
Here are a few pointers that will help:
3. Throttle control, throttle control, throttle control.
tone doesn't come over too well online. i went back and read what i wrote. i hope it didn't come off as a "see i told you so" voice. my intent was just to say you have every reason to have a healthy fear.
what ryan said was GREAT! one thing i'd add is as you're working on your friction zone to make sure you're comfortable with the controls. sounds simple, but you don't want to be looking down to find your turn signals while you're riding.
also a big plus one on proficient motorcycling. that and his follow up are great books to have on hand.
one other thing i'll throw out there. i know you're bike is in fl but you're in va right now. is this very temporary or are you stationed their for a while? and are you staying on base?
here's the reason i ask. i know the 250's are too small for you. but if you're going to be up there for a while (and you're on base) you might be able to pick up a ninja 250 (or 500) pretty cheap if you keep your eyes opened. could be something you could tool around on base with. that way you stay in practice for when you get home.
now if you're only in va until june first and then you're down in fl... well just forget I ever said anything.
My ONLY experience even sitting on a bike was in the MSF course. I rode a GZ250 and a couple other 250cc bikes. Immediately after passing the class and getting my license, I got my FZ6R. I rode around my neighborhood for a couple days and then went to the local mall's parking lot for a couple more days. You'll see that this bike is very easy to learn on. You'll be on the street in no time....just ride carefully and watch out for cars!
I find that the bar ends on the FZ are big enough that you can place most of your grip on them, so when you twist the throttle, it will be far more precise and controlled. Just rev it ever so slightly and then work the clutch to get it rolling. Be real easy and learn that friction zone. Dont worry about adding power as you release the clutch. If you have the throttle fixed at let's say 1200-1400 rpm, you're golden (maybe even less than that). You can do it all with the clutch at that point and if you stall, let it out slower next time. I found that I could even leave the bike at idle and take off with the clutch only.
Roll a few feet then pull in the clutch, release throttle and stop like they taught you in BRC. Keep doing that until the confidence builds. When it feels good start making the shift to second, then pull clutch, stop etc. etc. What you will be doing is building that muscle memory needed so that you wont have to think in a panic situation.
I did this all around the neighborhood for a week before entering traffic. Sure you'll stall it about a thousand times and people will look at you. It happens to all of us. Just stay focused on the bike and it's operation. Never mind what the neighbors think.
I found that the Fizz runs as easy as a moped if you shift early and keep the RPM low. It doesn't turn into an animal until you start to hit 6500 and up.
Take a deep breath and go ride that bike. :thumbup:
PS. I had an experienced rider bring my bike home from the dealer for me. There is no shame in being smart. If it's still at the dealer, have it delivered.
Well most of you know I just completed the BRC 2 weeks ago. I rode a Ninja 250 and a Suzuki GZ 250 in the course for about 8 hours combined. I have yet to get on my FZ6R since I got it 2 months ago. I am really nervous on how much power the 600cc engine will have in first. I plan on doing what I learned in the BRC but I am still extremely nervous about getting on it. My friends and even my wife is pushing me to go ride it or go riding with them on it. But I know I am no where ready to hit the streets yet. Any words of wisdom from you veteran riders out there to help me overcome my fear of my first ride on my FZ6R. Thanks!
Hey man...I kinda had the same problem...I took the BRC and didn't get my bike for almost a month later...In the course I only rode a suzuki 250 cruiser...I remember thinking this is nothing like the bike I'm getting...I didn't practice any after I passed the course and was really nervous the day I went to pick up the bike...I rode it around the dealership parking lot a couple times and then decided I was ready and made the 20-odd mile ride home just fine...don't worry i know it's over used but "it's like riding a bike" (to some extent)...and you'll remember how to act/react faster than you'd expect...
Another tip, and please, don't take this wrong. Dress for the crash. Wear the protective gear you need. The bike can be repaired, but bones and connective tissue cannot. I find that "dressing to ride" helps put me in the right mood to ride. Spend 20/30 minutes in a parking lot doing the exercises your were taught. Try some "quick" stops, weaves and u turns. After 2 or three of these sessions you will begin to have the confidence you need to move to side street riding, then to county/country roads and so on. Lots of people love to do this so you shouldn't be scared of it. Respectful is good. Respect the speed, power, and safety that is built into the machine you bought. It will give you years of enjoyment.
Ride Safe,
WIZ
This is my first bike and I love it! I've put almost 1500 miles on it without incident. Just remember what you learned, and that you ultimately have control over what the bike does.
Enjoy and ride safe.
The one and only advice i can give you is this:
You bought it for a reason, go easy with the throttle (its not THAT sensitive) and just get out there and ride!!
Do this to build your confidence:
Get on bike, start engine, Keep the bike in NEUTRAL, play with throttle...get a feel for the response. Now, put it into gear but hold in the clutch, keep your hand away from the throttle. Release the clutch until you feel the bike moving forward (the revs will drop once the clutch engages the gears) Repeat this so you get a feel for the "biting point". Now hold in the clutch, put the bike into gear, take hold of the throttle and as you release the clutch to the biting point increase the throttle slightly to keep the revs up at idling speed and creep forward slowly. Keep repeating until you get bored and want to go for a drive. I went from a 125cc to this bike...easy move to be honest. You'll be fine!