Interstate Riding, Wind, Wet Pavement, and Curves

[Sabrina]

Seems that riding is a constant learning experience. I am better than before at most of it, but still have a few things to work on.

Interstate Riding
The bike feels loose at 55+ and I feel like if I lean it, it will slide out from under me. How can I get past that? How far can the 500R lean at speeds from 55-75mph?

Wind
Maybe it's the weight of my bike, but the wind can really mess me up. I went for a ride about a week ago, hoping to put some miles on but the wind was really rough - north/south riding was tough but doable, east/west riding I had to have the bike constantly leaning. I know there are no reports of riders being wisked off of their bikes by the wind, but why does it seem like I'm more affected than others? Because I'm new to riding and just not as used to it? Because my bike is lighter than most?

Wet Pavement
Was out for a ride on Saturday and as soon as the pavement is just a little wet I get very nervous, like leaning it at all on slightly damp roadways will make the bike slide out from under me. What's the reality of it? How can I build some confidence here?

Curves
Some days I feel like I've got it, others I don't. With roads I'm more familiar with I am hitting curves a bit faster, but on unknown roads I'm still really nervous going into curves.

I would love to get to a track day but I don't think that will happen this year. Any other advice on conquering these things would be sincerely appreciated!

[jessep28]

If you haven't taken the MSF course, I would recommend doing so since they cover a lot of that stuff.

The BRC vook is also at Motorcycle Safety Foundation under library.

[Sabrina]

I have taken the BRC and Intermediate.

[fretbuzz]

I think in your case, Sabrina, it's just a matter of time and experience. You seem to be doing most things right and learning from your experiences.

There's nothing wrong with being nervous in certain situations at your level of experience. The key is not to get so nervous it has a negative affect on your riding by causing you to lose concentration.

You'll eventually get to know the limits of your bike, but for now it is enough to know they are far beyond your ability to ride -and that's not a bad thing because honestly, the limits of the 500 Ninja are beyond the riding skills of most riders.

Hang in there, kid.

[Sabrina]

Thanks. It's the bell learning curve, I guess, I was learning so much so fast that now it seems like I should be getting better at these things faster than I am. I'll try to be patient and keep getting out there and challenging myself with the things that make me nervous.

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by fretbuzz

I think in your case, Sabrina, it's just a matter of time and experience. You seem to be doing most things right and learning from your experiences.

There's nothing wrong with being nervous in certain situations at your level of experience. The key is not to get so nervous it has a negative affect on your riding by causing you to lose concentration.

You'll eventually get to know the limits of your bike, but for now it is enough to know they are far beyond your ability to ride -and that's not a bad thing because honestly, the limits of the 500 Ninja are beyond the riding skills of most riders.

Hang in there, kid.

^+1. Sounds like you've the sensibilities to know when to be a little extra cautious. From my own learning process: all things come with patience and practice. With time in the saddle and the experience that comes with it you'll find you will be more and more comfortable in situations.

Also realize this: most of us who have been riding for a long time still feel the same way you do- we'll ride on wet pavement or in the rain, but we know some changes have to be made to fit the conditions. We know that on particularly windy days even the heaviest cruiser will be blown around, so we prepare for it. We know you can lean only so far, but how much? Check your chicken strips- if they are 1-1 1/2" then you are doing fine. If not then you got more lean available so don't sweat it. Doesn't mean you have to use it, just means it's available.

Sounds to me like you're doing just fine......

[pitchinguy]

^^^+1 again!

You're doing fine Sabrina! That little bit of fear & gut instinct are there to protect us so pay attention to it! As you ride more in these conditions you'll become more confident. All the years I have in & I still get a little nervous in the rain. I don't worry about my skills because I have learned to slow down & be very deliberate with my moves, but I get nervous about others who may not be expecting a motorcycle in the rain! Increase your safety zones from other traffic & watch the painted surfaces & the center of the lanes where oil drips from cars. Both areas can be very very slick!

As for the wind, speed & curves, it'll come. Just ride at speeds you're comfortable at & you'll be fine. Caution on unknown curves is being very smart!!!! If you ever LOOSE that little bit of fear, QUIT RIDING IMMEDIATELY cuz you're about to have a disaster!

[Jake '53]

Just one thing to add. The 500 shouldn't feel loose at interstate speeds. You might be too light for the stock suspension.

[Sabrina]

LOL, okay, I'll measure my chicken strips. That term cracks me up.

[taro]

Interstate Riding

The ex500 is actually a pretty stable bike at speed, assuming you keep your head facing forward if you're not in a tuck position and be mindful of the big semis. The thing to try to keep in mind is to try to take the slack out of your movements. The analogy is like turning a car in a curve in that you initially turn the wheel and then let the suspension set or weight at which point you know your movements at the steering wheel will move the car proportionally to your steering input. On the bike, you're essentially leaning or moving your body to the point to where your steering input will have predictable results. Getting a feel for where that point is will take practice. Also, this means getting into the habit of leaning your body towards the inside of the turn or moving your body to the inside because this gives you more control of the bike. If you're trying to steer while sitting square on the seat, the bike will feel twitchy because the ex500 is a relatively nimble bike.

Wind

This pretty much comes with seat time. Remember to try to stay relaxed on your grips. If you're not feeling comfortable at speed and in unfamiliar turns, chances are you are tensing up a bit.

Wet Pavement

You are right to be cautious with wet pavement. You want to pay particular attention to painted surfaces, man hole covers, etc. As you get more experience in the wet, you'll be surprised at how much grip you do have in the wet, but proceed with caution.

Curves

Again, getting in the practice of leaning into the curves will give you a greater margin of error. This is really a lifetime learning process, but is what makes motorcycling so much fun.

You're doing great! Hang in there and have fun!

[E.Diane]

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Seems that riding is a constant learning experience.

That pretty much sums it up. The second you think you know it all, you're going to get bit. I've been riding bikes for 40 years and minibikes before that and everytime I get on a motorcycle, I consider it practice for becoming a better rider.

Eventually, you will gain confidence and experience riding in all conditions but never become complacent or cavalier about it and you just might survive.

It sounds like you are doing well, paying attention and adjusting to various conditions. Keep the attitude that everything is a constant learning experience and your skills and comfort level will continue to improve.

[Sabrina]

Originally Posted by Jake '53

Just one thing to add. The 500 shouldn't feel loose at interstate speeds. You might be too light for the stock suspension.

What does this mean? Should I have the service guys check the suspension for me? Unfortunately I don't have anything to relate to, so maybe all bikes feel loose at higher speeds. I just can feel every little bump and the wind has a much bigger impact on the bike. Sometimes I just lay down on the tank. It feels like the bike is so light the wheels might just float away sideways if I lean it...

[fretbuzz]

I think he means adjust the pre-load -if the 500 has that capability.

[JasonFMHS]

Everything on there but the interstate riding is normal for a learning curve... the interstate riding will always be shaky... you have the cars infront of you baffling the wind and it almost feels like it hits you in waves... it'll never go away... you'll just get used to it.

[Jake '53]

Originally Posted by Sabrina

What does this mean? Should I have the service guys check the suspension for me? Unfortunately I don't have anything to relate to, so maybe all bikes feel loose at higher speeds. I just can feel every little bump and the wind has a much bigger impact on the bike. Sometimes I just lay down on the tank. It feels like the bike is so light the wheels might just float away sideways if I lean it...

I don't know what the rear suspension on the 500 looks like but if it has pre-load adjustment, the factory setting will probably be for a 150-180 pound rider. If you're much lighter than that, an adjustment is in order. There should be instructions for adjustment in the owners manual.

[1sportbikerider]

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Interstate Riding
The bike feels loose at 55+ and I feel like if I lean it, it will slide out from under me. How can I get past that? How far can the 500R lean at speeds from 55-75mph?

From this statement it seems that your body is becoming too tense and rigid as the bike gets up to speed.

Keep your grip (whole body grip - torso and arms included) loose and fluid.

I'm quite sure that you got on and off the expressway safely - since you are writing here - that alone should remind you that your bike is gripping the pavement the same as it does during your low speed rides.

Keeping your head down when at high speed will go a long ways toward feeling steadier on the 500, as it does not have a large windshield. Laying down on the tank will get rid of the enormous buffeting you will feel as the wind strikes your chest and pushes back and forth against your torso as it rushes past you. This will happen on any size/weight sportbike.

The other thing you may be noticing is that the cars ahead of you on the expressway disturb your air, so you'll never get a constant smooth flow. Not that this would even happen if you had the road to yourself, since there is usually an unsteady breeze blowing from some direction.

Just stay loose, keep a good space between yourself and the surrounding traffic and you'll be ok. Your bike is built to stay upright and manage all the little road inconsistencies all on its own once its moving - as long as you don't try to bulldog it into submission.

You'll always feel the buffeting of the wind for as long as you ride, but at least with time you'll get used to the feeling.

[ballsout1]

i think 1sportbikerider may of nailed it. theres jack for suspension adjustments on the 500. my wife rides one (on the freeway) and she hasnt mentioned stability concerns. alot of this stuff is perception. being loose always makes the bike handle better...this isnt up for debate , its proven. rain is a learning x pery enc. you 95% of the time have more lean and traction left. i would have to say at 70 mph ...in the rain your bike with mediocore tires will come within of 2 to three inches of scraping the pegs. sooo..what point do i make?? take your time , learn, focus on being real smoooth, and test yourself abit.

[bretsk2500]

Originally Posted by rbentnail

Check your chicken strips- if they are 1-1 1/2" then you are doing fine.

where/how are you measuring these? on my tires, what I'd call the chicken strip (no wear on the tread from the edge in) are about 1/4" wide on each side... maybe I'm measuring wrong or something.

[Sabrina]

I did a lot of riding today (wanted to surpass my 2,000 mile mark!) and noticed that I seem to be okay in a lot of places except on this one short interstate run that I do, which is all new pavement. (Just a month ago or so.) I have to wonder if the new, flat surface is making it seem worse? I have gone up to 75mph before in other areas and for some reason this area in particular just feels weird.

[Silvercon]

My suggestion is that now that you have a couple thousand miles, perhaps
its time to take a trip. Go somewhere fairly far away that you want to see
but in not a conjested area. I have found that whenever I am in a new
driveing/rideing experiance that once I have done it to the point of almost
exhaustion it lets me get to the next level in being able to relax. Years
ago I used to go with friends to the Blue ridge parkway for example.
After a weekend of rideing and camping and rideing I was much more
relaxed on my bike.