Can anyone here teach how to ride
07-28-2011, 12:12 PM
#12
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been riding since I was about 11, I'm now 22. My only transportation is currently a motorcycle. I never took the MSF, and have never had a serious accident. My dad and uncles pretty much told me "Here's the clutch, here's the brakes, 1st gear is at the bottom. Don't die, have fun." I started on a Honda Trail 90 and have ridden everything from Harleys to crotch rockets.
Don't let your ego make decisions when you're riding, let your skill level dictate things. Also, please don't go buy a supersport bike as your first bike. Get something cheap that runs good.
Buying a supersport aka crotch rocket for your 1st bike is a bad idea because they're difficult to ride, plain and simple. If you like the looks of the SS bikes, check out the Honda CBR250 and Kawasaki Ninka 250. Or do what I'd really recommend, and buy something off Craigslist.
As far as the DMV test goes... Does CA have a permit you can get? I think the classes are great for someone in your position. I come from a family of motorcycle riders, and was lucky enough to have old trail bikes to learn on, and it seemed like I always knew someone with a bigger/faster bike I could move up to. I didn't even own my own bike until I was 19.
Don't let your ego make decisions when you're riding, let your skill level dictate things. Also, please don't go buy a supersport bike as your first bike. Get something cheap that runs good.
Buying a supersport aka crotch rocket for your 1st bike is a bad idea because they're difficult to ride, plain and simple. If you like the looks of the SS bikes, check out the Honda CBR250 and Kawasaki Ninka 250. Or do what I'd really recommend, and buy something off Craigslist.
As far as the DMV test goes... Does CA have a permit you can get? I think the classes are great for someone in your position. I come from a family of motorcycle riders, and was lucky enough to have old trail bikes to learn on, and it seemed like I always knew someone with a bigger/faster bike I could move up to. I didn't even own my own bike until I was 19.
07-28-2011, 02:09 PM
#14
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Professor Touge Emeritus
Posts: 8,570
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
I learned on a tiny little 80 CC dirtbike, after that I was able to ride a 1972 125CC beater. It's nice to practice on lightweight small dirtbike. I recommend that route.
07-28-2011, 02:25 PM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you can take the MSF course, def wait because it's BY FAR the easiest, safest way to learn to ride and get your M class.
Idk about buying a <500cc as your first bike. I've had friends who did this and they regretted it because they got bored of it, fast. And then they had to wait until someone bought their old bike to buy a bigger bike. They're great to learn on and build your confidence but withing 2 months you'll be itching for something bigger.
I have the legs of a 5 foot tall person and my first bike was a 2004 Suzuki SV650, standard. Barely touched a tread on my shoe to the floor but if you're determined enough, you'll pick it up fast.
I'd be willing to help you learn so you can practice riding but there's no way anyone can teach you enough to pass the DMV test.
Haha, here's a lesson I learned the hard way: The front tire must be straight if you want to bring the bike to a stop.
Idk about buying a <500cc as your first bike. I've had friends who did this and they regretted it because they got bored of it, fast. And then they had to wait until someone bought their old bike to buy a bigger bike. They're great to learn on and build your confidence but withing 2 months you'll be itching for something bigger.
I have the legs of a 5 foot tall person and my first bike was a 2004 Suzuki SV650, standard. Barely touched a tread on my shoe to the floor but if you're determined enough, you'll pick it up fast.
I'd be willing to help you learn so you can practice riding but there's no way anyone can teach you enough to pass the DMV test.
Haha, here's a lesson I learned the hard way: The front tire must be straight if you want to bring the bike to a stop.
07-28-2011, 02:48 PM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you can take the MSF course, def wait because it's BY FAR the easiest, safest way to learn to ride and get your M class.
Idk about buying a <500cc as your first bike. I've had friends who did this and they regretted it because they got bored of it, fast. And then they had to wait until someone bought their old bike to buy a bigger bike. They're great to learn on and build your confidence but withing 2 months you'll be itching for something bigger.
I have the legs of a 5 foot tall person and my first bike was a 2004 Suzuki SV650, standard. Barely touched a tread on my shoe to the floor but if you're determined enough, you'll pick it up fast.
I'd be willing to help you learn so you can practice riding but there's no way anyone can teach you enough to pass the DMV test.
Haha, here's a lesson I learned the hard way: The front tire must be straight if you want to bring the bike to a stop.
Idk about buying a <500cc as your first bike. I've had friends who did this and they regretted it because they got bored of it, fast. And then they had to wait until someone bought their old bike to buy a bigger bike. They're great to learn on and build your confidence but withing 2 months you'll be itching for something bigger.
I have the legs of a 5 foot tall person and my first bike was a 2004 Suzuki SV650, standard. Barely touched a tread on my shoe to the floor but if you're determined enough, you'll pick it up fast.
I'd be willing to help you learn so you can practice riding but there's no way anyone can teach you enough to pass the DMV test.
Haha, here's a lesson I learned the hard way: The front tire must be straight if you want to bring the bike to a stop.
i started on a 09 r6 as my first bike. havent had any accidents or dropped my bike. i guess it depends on how comfortable you are.
07-28-2011, 02:52 PM
#17
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you can take the MSF course, def wait because it's BY FAR the easiest, safest way to learn to ride and get your M class.
Idk about buying a <500cc as your first bike. I've had friends who did this and they regretted it because they got bored of it, fast. And then they had to wait until someone bought their old bike to buy a bigger bike. They're great to learn on and build your confidence but withing 2 months you'll be itching for something bigger.
I have the legs of a 5 foot tall person and my first bike was a 2004 Suzuki SV650, standard. Barely touched a tread on my shoe to the floor but if you're determined enough, you'll pick it up fast.
I'd be willing to help you learn so you can practice riding but there's no way anyone can teach you enough to pass the DMV test.
Haha, here's a lesson I learned the hard way: The front tire must be straight if you want to bring the bike to a stop.
Idk about buying a <500cc as your first bike. I've had friends who did this and they regretted it because they got bored of it, fast. And then they had to wait until someone bought their old bike to buy a bigger bike. They're great to learn on and build your confidence but withing 2 months you'll be itching for something bigger.
I have the legs of a 5 foot tall person and my first bike was a 2004 Suzuki SV650, standard. Barely touched a tread on my shoe to the floor but if you're determined enough, you'll pick it up fast.
I'd be willing to help you learn so you can practice riding but there's no way anyone can teach you enough to pass the DMV test.
Haha, here's a lesson I learned the hard way: The front tire must be straight if you want to bring the bike to a stop.
OP: Do NOT buy a bike that you're too small for, trust me. I dropped my dads Harley Street Bob because it was just a TINY bit too big for me. btw- here's his tank and fenders. He paid almost twice what they're charging now... Imagine how scared I was to tell him
Also, as far as buying a small bike to learn on... I've seen 250cc bikes sell in as little as a few hours. Everyone that wants to learn how to ride safely starts on a 250cc. They sell FAST.
Read this thread for an HONEST journal of a new riders experiences.
Hey, it seems to have worked. I've had no major incidents, and a lot of the bikes I've ridden were definitely not beginner bikes. CBR600RR, GSXR750 (both modded), various choppers (most handled terribly), even an OOOLLLDD Indian with a suicide shifter. The easiest bikes to ride are the ones you don't have to "think" about.
07-28-2011, 03:10 PM
#18
hey guys,
i know this post doesn't fit very well in the S2ki, but i still would like to give it try because this is HOME.
I want to get my Motorcycle license real bad, but all the local MSF are booked up until mid August. I'm sure a lot of people know how to ride here.
my question is is someone from the SF area could teach me the basics of riding? i will pay for the coaching. (i am a very fast learner, probably would take no more than a couple hours to learn enough to pass the license)
please let me know
thanks much
i know this post doesn't fit very well in the S2ki, but i still would like to give it try because this is HOME.
I want to get my Motorcycle license real bad, but all the local MSF are booked up until mid August. I'm sure a lot of people know how to ride here.
my question is is someone from the SF area could teach me the basics of riding? i will pay for the coaching. (i am a very fast learner, probably would take no more than a couple hours to learn enough to pass the license)
please let me know
thanks much
Take the MSF class!!
2 weeks to mid-August is not long to wait. I learned so much in the MSF course I took in Virginia. We had excellent instructors and the course was really fun. I've been riding a Harley for about 6 years now. After I took the course and got my M class license, I rode a lot with some experienced riders to gain confidence. Looking back, I wouldn't have done it any other way.
07-28-2011, 03:19 PM
#19
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 17,792
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Ultimately taking the class or learning on your own is a matter of your own confidence and your own ability to pick it up quickly. Some people need or prefer the structured environment of the class, especially if you don't currently own or have access to a bike. I opted to learn on my own and take the DMV test, which I barely passed.
07-28-2011, 04:01 PM
#20
Do you want my spot in the MSF course on Saturday? If so, PM me. Thanks. Saturday classroom, next Saturday/Sunday rider training. This is in Santa Clara (Mission College).