i want to take a class, but haven't gotten around to it yet. if anyone has any info on classes in socal, please let me know.

but i want to understand the theory first. the right hand is the gas? the left hand is the clutch? the left foot is the up and down gear shifter? the right foot is the brakes?

how does it all work and if it has a clutch, is it like a dsg where it helps you rev match? i'd think if you had to do it all yourself, one badly matched shift would throw you off the bike.

thanks

 

Just go to a motorcycle class - they'll teach you the theory with lots of nice pictures and diagrams.

Quick answers:

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes (but you also have front brakes on the right hand)
5. No, no rev matching or DSG
6. Possibly, though normally your rear wheel will lock up on a bad downshift (unless you have a slipper clutch) which will cause you to skid, which could end in a crash.

 

Any class should give you in-class before you actually get on a motorcycle.

 

I think here in PA you are required to take some kind of class now to get your license.....or maybe even before you get your permit....

I have had my license for 18 years.... i think I have ridden a whopping 8k miles on the streets....

Practice on a 4 wheeler that has a clutch....same spot for everything.... plus some jumps.

 

take the Basic Rider Course offered in your state by the MSF.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

best thing you can ever do if you decide to ride.

 

+1 to MSF class. Last I checked they are held in several locations around LA. My son-in-law took the MSF class and they had "loaner" motorcycles for the class (Honda Nighthawks, IIRC).

You learn to modulate the clutch more than you do in a car. Keeps you from getting thrown off from a bad shift.

 

not all motorcycles are compatable with the classs and thier track layout. best to use their bike while taking a class. after the class you get out of taking the state written and or road test(s).


motorcycle in a turn is sensative to rider input. setup for the turn, do not adjust anything while in the turn except lightly accelerate. 4example: if you apply the brake(s) in a turn the bike will want to go more vertical, reduce its lean angle and as a result the bike will want to go more in a straignt line. you will go off the road. in otherwords there is a give lean angle necessary for a bike to go through a turn. as the its speed increases the lean angle increases thus you see track bikes with the rider able to get his knee down.


if you apply the rear brake to the point the rear looses traction this is a big bad, especially in a turn. when the rear finally regains traction the rear will no longer be in alignment with the front the bike will attempt to fix itself and the rider will high or low side. never use your rear brake, old school peeps still do and they will be quite vocal. they come from the time beyond, the new bikes have almost inifinite stopping power just using the front brake.


get a used bike for your first, you will probably tip it over in the garage. save some money for gear; helmet, racing style gloves and boots. get a jacket with hard plastic protection. both the bikes and gear have improved over the years and a get off <100mph is now something you can jsut walk away from. never go anywhere on a bike unless you have a helmet.

 

In PA, all you need is a valid drivers license, $10, and a heartbeat to get the permit. You have to pass a DMV test of some sort or an MSF course to get your license.

 

check the California DMV and CHP websites. I believe the MSF class is fully supported by the DMV and will enable you to bypass the driving part of the license test. You would only need to take a written portion, which is good, because I have heard horror stories of the actual driving test.

 

you cant drive one but you can ride one