Hello all, I'm new here

Thrash1982 · 09-10-2008

Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a 25 yr old new rider from Indiana. I started getting into motorcycles last year and took a riding/safety course and got my motorcycle license. After trying to ride a friends Katana 600 and laying it down (nothing hurt but my pride and my wallet fortunately) I decided to step back a bit and decide if I still wanted to do this.

Just recently I got on a waiting list for a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R so I'm looking forward to getting it and start developing my skills. I have no idea how far down the list I am so with my luck it will probably be the middle of January before I get it, but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless.

Do any of you have any advice or practice routines for a brand new rider. I'm also having to learn how to shift as I have never driven a stick before.

From what I've read on here so far it looks like you all have a great community here.

NCDave · 09-10-2008

Welcome, just overlook the insanity! We'll expect a pic of the new bike when it arrives!

jbsmd · 09-10-2008

Guess I skipped over a lot of your post here. Everything comes with practice. Some bike are easier to ride than others. Try to keep your hands off the front brake when turning. Good luck...I think there is a Sticky about hiding on here somewhere.

maximum_babe · 09-10-2008

HI THrash,
You got your license and went thru the MSF course but still don't know how to shift?? How did u manage to get thru the course? I am dreading the MSF thingy, but my son is bugging me about it coz he wants to do it with me at the same time. siighh.. i hate being scrutinized. ugh... major phobia. yuck yuck!
Btw... Welcome aboard!

Thrash1982 · 09-10-2008

I know how to shift, I just really suck at it. I guess I didn't word it very well. The MSF course was great but it just doesn't give much riding experience.

maximum_babe · 09-10-2008

Ahh.. heheh.. Phew! That is a relief then. Well.. try to find someone who can guide you for a while when you get a bike to practice on. Whatever you do, pls put in engine sliders on that bike of yours b4 u do anything with it. Otherwise it might be a major OUCH! time.
The gears are easy enough to figure out, but i think clutch control is a bit trickier in my opinion. I had to figure that one out to enable me to lane split easily. Worked like a charm once i got it explained to me. Look for someone who can guide u well. I still hv a problem braking. Sure hope u don't hv that problem too.

Thrash1982 · 09-10-2008

What are engine sliders? I'm not familiar with those. From the name I'm assuming it is some sort of housing/guard to prevent damage to the engine or your legs in the event of a crash.

Clutch control is probably going to be the big thing for me. That and turning. It was on a slow turn that I layed that Katana down. I'll be riding around my neighborhood quite a bit after I get the bike to get the feel for it. I'm pretty sure what happened is I wasn't turning/leaning properly and managed to dump the clutch.

There are plenty of people in my office for me to ride with and get advice from so I'm not too worried about finding people to help me out.

maximum_babe · 09-10-2008

Ninja 250R No Cut Frame Sliders | Kawasaki Ninja 250R Parts, Reviews, Mods, and Information
check that out and see if u find something u like.
The Katana isnt an easy bike to handle for a newbie, that's for sure.
What's your height and weight? (if i may ask)

Thrash1982 · 09-10-2008

Yeah, I tried to start with probably too big of a bike. Expensive lesson. Oh well, live and learn. I'm 6' and about 210.

Man O Fire · 09-10-2008

Welcome to the forum! Good luck with getting your bike and by the way where in Indiana are you?

cpttoad1swife · 09-10-2008

get ya a old cheap bike to practice on before you get your 2009 one!!! and btw welcome to the nuthouse

maximum_babe · 09-10-2008

By the looks of it.. u'd be tempted to try out a faster biker soon after you get comfy with the 250. My son is smaller than u.. and he now rides a ninja zx6r. He's still considered a newbie coz he doesnt hv much riding time under his belt. He started out on my 250.. then my 535 a lil bit, but went straight to the ZX6 as soon as he could. No looking back for him now. lol (he's 18 )

Thrash1982 · 09-10-2008

Man O Fire, I'm in West Lafayette, Go Purdue!

I may be starting out a bit timid with the 250 but I always tend to play things pretty safe.

agentfox1942 · 09-10-2008

Don't discount reading or watching a DVD. Some of my favorites are: Jerry Motorman Palladino Ride Like A Pro Volume 5 and Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L. Hough. David is awesome in the stories he tells. You can learn hand signals and other things too.

Rad032 · 09-10-2008

Welcome Thrash, as has been mentioned already I'd highly recommend the MSF; best money you'll spend.

Rad032 · 09-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by agentfox1942

Don't discount reading or watching a DVD. Some of my favorites are: Jerry Motorman Palladino Ride Like A Pro Volume 5 and Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L. Hough. David is awesome in the stories he tells. You can learn hand signals and other things too.

+1

Thrash1982 · 10-07-2008

Well, I found out that I'm second in line on the waiting list at the dealer I'm getting the bike from. I'm hoping it will be in around the end of October or early November but that may be a bit optimistic. Went over to a friends place yesterday to ride his dirt bike and get a bit of practice. Didn't do to bad. Need to work on feathering the clutch better in low speed turns. I have a tendency to grab it and pull it to far in.

capncalyx · 10-07-2008

Welcome dude. Im just south of Indy in Mooresville. Practice makes perfect!

Thrash1982 · 10-07-2008

thanks capncalyx. I used to live on the NW side of Indy. I hope to get back over to my friends place later this week for some more practice if he has time. Any practice is good practice but I'm still a bit concerned about doing sharp turns from a stop on a sport bike as that is where I got into trouble with that Katana. With the dirt bike it's no problem. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes and take it slow.

capncalyx · 10-07-2008

Yea...go dump his bike before you get your new 250!

J/K...I guess what i try to do is feather the clutch in the friction zone and dont be afraid to rev it up a little, id rather over rev it than kill the bike and have to re-start it in traffic. As SOON as you pull out from a stop start looking where u wanna go IMMEDIATELY and dont be afraid to lean. I dont know how good his tires are but i can get a pretty good lean going even at 10mph. There are some great tips in other threads about low speed turns n stuff too. Im no expert by any means and i did take the MSF last year btw. And remember you can also shift your weight on the bike to the opposite side on a real slow turn. Like if you turn left shift yer azz to the right side of the seat. BTW i hear those Kats are heavy so that may be part of the problem too.

09-10-2008	#1 (permalink)
Thrash1982 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	Hello all, I'm new here Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a 25 yr old new rider from Indiana. I started getting into motorcycles last year and took a riding/safety course and got my motorcycle license. After trying to ride a friends Katana 600 and laying it down (nothing hurt but my pride and my wallet fortunately) I decided to step back a bit and decide if I still wanted to do this. Just recently I got on a waiting list for a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R so I'm looking forward to getting it and start developing my skills. I have no idea how far down the list I am so with my luck it will probably be the middle of January before I get it, but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless. Do any of you have any advice or practice routines for a brand new rider. I'm also having to learn how to shift as I have never driven a stick before. From what I've read on here so far it looks like you all have a great community here. Last edited by Thrash1982 : 10-07-2008 at 07:18 AM.

09-10-2008	#2 (permalink)
NCDave Novice Tank Roller Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 14,750	Welcome, just overlook the insanity! We'll expect a pic of the new bike when it arrives! __________________ NCDave Loud pipes save deer! http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave/

09-10-2008	#3 (permalink)
jbsmd nu2kawi Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Antioch, Ca. Posts: 2,603	Guess I skipped over a lot of your post here. Everything comes with practice. Some bike are easier to ride than others. Try to keep your hands off the front brake when turning. Good luck...I think there is a Sticky about hiding on here somewhere. __________________ 07, Z1000 01, XVS1100LC Yam cust. Last edited by jbsmd : 09-10-2008 at 02:01 PM.

09-10-2008	#4 (permalink)
maximum_babe Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula,CA Posts: 1,131	HI THrash, You got your license and went thru the MSF course but still don't know how to shift?? How did u manage to get thru the course? I am dreading the MSF thingy, but my son is bugging me about it coz he wants to do it with me at the same time. siighh.. i hate being scrutinized. ugh... major phobia. yuck yuck! Btw... Welcome aboard! __________________ '97 Yamaha Virago 535 '96 Kawasaki ZZR250 '07 Honda Rebel

09-10-2008	#5 (permalink)
Thrash1982 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	I know how to shift, I just really suck at it. I guess I didn't word it very well. The MSF course was great but it just doesn't give much riding experience. Last edited by Thrash1982 : 09-10-2008 at 01:14 PM.

09-10-2008	#6 (permalink)
maximum_babe Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula,CA Posts: 1,131	Ahh.. heheh.. Phew! That is a relief then. Well.. try to find someone who can guide you for a while when you get a bike to practice on. Whatever you do, pls put in engine sliders on that bike of yours b4 u do anything with it. Otherwise it might be a major OUCH! time. The gears are easy enough to figure out, but i think clutch control is a bit trickier in my opinion. I had to figure that one out to enable me to lane split easily. Worked like a charm once i got it explained to me. Look for someone who can guide u well. I still hv a problem braking. Sure hope u don't hv that problem too. __________________ '97 Yamaha Virago 535 '96 Kawasaki ZZR250 '07 Honda Rebel

09-10-2008	#7 (permalink)
Thrash1982 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	What are engine sliders? I'm not familiar with those. From the name I'm assuming it is some sort of housing/guard to prevent damage to the engine or your legs in the event of a crash. Clutch control is probably going to be the big thing for me. That and turning. It was on a slow turn that I layed that Katana down. I'll be riding around my neighborhood quite a bit after I get the bike to get the feel for it. I'm pretty sure what happened is I wasn't turning/leaning properly and managed to dump the clutch. There are plenty of people in my office for me to ride with and get advice from so I'm not too worried about finding people to help me out.

09-10-2008	#8 (permalink)
maximum_babe Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula,CA Posts: 1,131	Ninja 250R No Cut Frame Sliders \| Kawasaki Ninja 250R Parts, Reviews, Mods, and Information check that out and see if u find something u like. The Katana isnt an easy bike to handle for a newbie, that's for sure. What's your height and weight? (if i may ask) __________________ '97 Yamaha Virago 535 '96 Kawasaki ZZR250 '07 Honda Rebel

09-10-2008	#9 (permalink)
Thrash1982 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	Yeah, I tried to start with probably too big of a bike. Expensive lesson. Oh well, live and learn. I'm 6' and about 210.

09-10-2008	#10 (permalink)
Man O Fire Patriot Guard Rider BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Evansville, In. Posts: 302	Welcome to the forum! Good luck with getting your bike and by the way where in Indiana are you? __________________ 07 1600 Classic Silver/Fire Metallic Red PATRIOT GUARD RIDER

09-10-2008	#11 (permalink)
cpttoad1swife Banned BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,661	get ya a old cheap bike to practice on before you get your 2009 one!!! and btw welcome to the nuthouse

09-10-2008	#12 (permalink)
maximum_babe Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula,CA Posts: 1,131	By the looks of it.. u'd be tempted to try out a faster biker soon after you get comfy with the 250. My son is smaller than u.. and he now rides a ninja zx6r. He's still considered a newbie coz he doesnt hv much riding time under his belt. He started out on my 250.. then my 535 a lil bit, but went straight to the ZX6 as soon as he could. No looking back for him now. lol (he's 18 ) __________________ '97 Yamaha Virago 535 '96 Kawasaki ZZR250 '07 Honda Rebel Last edited by maximum_babe : 09-10-2008 at 02:17 PM.

09-10-2008	#13 (permalink)
Thrash1982 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	Man O Fire, I'm in West Lafayette, Go Purdue! I may be starting out a bit timid with the 250 but I always tend to play things pretty safe.

09-10-2008	#14 (permalink)
agentfox1942 Army Strong. Ride Long Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 277	Don't discount reading or watching a DVD. Some of my favorites are: Jerry Motorman Palladino Ride Like A Pro Volume 5 and Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L. Hough. David is awesome in the stories he tells. You can learn hand signals and other things too. __________________ Mark Hagerstown, MD '05 Vulcan 1600 Classic "ad astra per aspera"

09-10-2008	#15 (permalink)
Rad032 Clutch Cadet BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Apex, NC Posts: 368	Welcome Thrash, as has been mentioned already I'd highly recommend the MSF; best money you'll spend. __________________ - rad Memories have a price tag...

10-07-2008	#17 (permalink)
Thrash1982 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	Well, I found out that I'm second in line on the waiting list at the dealer I'm getting the bike from. I'm hoping it will be in around the end of October or early November but that may be a bit optimistic. Went over to a friends place yesterday to ride his dirt bike and get a bit of practice. Didn't do to bad. Need to work on feathering the clutch better in low speed turns. I have a tendency to grab it and pull it to far in.

10-07-2008	#18 (permalink)
capncalyx Member BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 880	Welcome dude. Im just south of Indy in Mooresville. Practice makes perfect!

10-07-2008	#19 (permalink)
Thrash1982 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	thanks capncalyx. I used to live on the NW side of Indy. I hope to get back over to my friends place later this week for some more practice if he has time. Any practice is good practice but I'm still a bit concerned about doing sharp turns from a stop on a sport bike as that is where I got into trouble with that Katana. With the dirt bike it's no problem. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes and take it slow.

10-07-2008	#20 (permalink)
capncalyx Member BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 880	Yea...go dump his bike before you get your new 250! J/K...I guess what i try to do is feather the clutch in the friction zone and dont be afraid to rev it up a little, id rather over rev it than kill the bike and have to re-start it in traffic. As SOON as you pull out from a stop start looking where u wanna go IMMEDIATELY and dont be afraid to lean. I dont know how good his tires are but i can get a pretty good lean going even at 10mph. There are some great tips in other threads about low speed turns n stuff too. Im no expert by any means and i did take the MSF last year btw. And remember you can also shift your weight on the bike to the opposite side on a real slow turn. Like if you turn left shift yer azz to the right side of the seat. BTW i hear those Kats are heavy so that may be part of the problem too.

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