second ride today - my experience and thoughts.

[soc_monki]

Originally Posted by 0okami

My yard is so tiny. I cant really practice in my neighborhood because the guy at MGT is a huge ******* on an evil power trip. So, to avoid random conflicts with him, I just go out in the rural roads.

Those slow sharp turns! whats the trick to that? off road practice seems like a good idea. Thats how i learned standard. Less grip, a little more forgiving since traction wont launch you off hard core... do you know of any videos showing the practice of slow sharp turns or u turns??

ride the clutch...i already stated this in your other post LOL just watch those Ride Like a Pro video snippets, theyll help.

[sunschild57]

I've learned alot from this thread!

[FF8Jake]

Originally Posted by McGrude

Also check out the "No B.S. Machine" & watch the video.

Superbike School :: No B.S. Machine

I would just like you to know sir, as a new rider you have just changed my entire perception on steering. Thank you for the link.

[V2K_CCTX]

great info from all...YOU CAN NEVER KNOW TOO MUCH

[Migue]

You're lucky you got rural roads close to you.I have the same bike as yours and my 1st real ride on it was on a busy street in the city,i was SO nervous but i did pretty well. I remember stalling once or twice in the first couple of weeks,just learn that friction zone on the clutch as much as you can and you'll be fine.

After riding for a month or 2 for almost everyday i have realized that this bike is so light and easy to control.I've been doing a lot of swerving lately also to get a better feel for the capabilities of this 250 and i'm pretty surprised at how good it does on that,i swerve past every single manhole cover and it's actually pretty fun once you get comfortable with it.The fogging issue,so far i'm using natural soap on the inside of the shield,it works pretty good for a couple of rides but once it starts getting wet from any moisture and such,it's time to re-apply. What i've been doing is wearing a clear pair of riding glasses with my helmet and i just crack the helmet open a little bit or ride with it open depending on how cold it is.

Don't worry,you have great determination,just give it some time, be patient, be very alert of your surroundings and it'll all become 2nd nature.

Best of luck!

[sunschild57]

I have the fogging issue. It's a real pain. I'll have to try the soap!

[Migue]

yeah it sucks,it REALLY annoys me when riding in the rain,so i'll just wear my clear riding glasses and open the shield. I'd rather deal with raindrops on my face than not being able to see and get myself into a dangerous situation.

[kawichic]

Originally Posted by 0okami

Once i get the feeling im about to get lost, I decide its time to turn back and go home before something stupid happens. I end up at a Y intersection in the back rural roads, and I decide to turn there. As i approach the intersection, i check traffic, nothing coming from anywhere... So i start making a u turn but i had forgotten to down shift. As im turning the bike starts stalling. It didnt help that it was on an incline. I tried shifting during the turn... ((BAD!!) and when i accelerated, it lurched forward. i grabbed the bars tight... ((BAD)).. throttle accelerated... So i pulled the clutch in... I was headed towards the ditch at 5mph bouncing back and forth quite a bit while my brain was trying to process wtf was going on! what to do next! ...aside from hitting both brakes at at the same time and just stall it for once. (in the middle of the road? naa). Took 3 seconds. I was on my side bike in the ditch, My foot was caught under the fairing and the concrete road... Bike slid off my foot into the grass. I hit the kill switch and proceeded to pull the bike out of the muddy ditch.

lmao!!!! I was laughing my a$$ off while reading this part... only because I can relate SO well... congrats on not getting hurt though!! I started riding in June 09 on a ninja. Soon after, took my first group ride with a few of the male riders from this forum. Chris and moderator Dave can attest to my first off-roading experience with my bike. Altho they were concerned and showed it, they now incessantly tease me about my 250 not being a dual-sport.

It happens to all of us as we learn to ride. Kudos for keeping your head on straight. Good luck riding!!

[V2K_CCTX]

Lee knows best!

[sunschild57]

Maybe the msf course should have more real world riding included. Maybe during the s curve, they could throw some leaves on the parking lot or maybe have a car pull out of nowhere in front of you, maybe some gravel on the road or a barking dog chasing you.or a ditch and some potholes. This is what I go through whenever I pull out of my driveway. I think you'd have to take out extra life insurance before taking the course but what the heck.

[kawichic]

Originally Posted by V2K_CCTX

Lee knows best!

can i get that in writing?