New biker wannabe ?

I'm new to bikes. And i have been working on an 80 xj 650 g to hopefully ride this summer. Its running ok now. I have replaced the Maxim tank with a seca tank. I have installed clubman handlebars purposely upside down. I just like the look of them this way. I ordered new turn signals. And have repainted a few things with anodized red metal cast paint. I'm thinking of making a seat and going for a solo look. I just have never riden a street bike before and i am a little nervous in doing so. I guess all i really need is some tips from you guys who are real bikers and know how to ride. I am wondering how to take turns on a bike? Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks .

 

Experience is the best teacher.
The first thing you'll want is some nice gear. Second suggestion that I can give is a MSF course. I wish they were around when I first climbed on a CB200T. Learning from road rash and bad driving cagers is not a good way to do it. As a matter of fact, it hurts like hell.

Turning is accomplished by leaning the bike at any speed above say, oh ten MPH. Once you get comfortable with it, you'll start to learn countersteering, and manipulating it with your hips, legs, and feet.

You are wrenching your own ride, and up on two. You may be new to it, but you sound like a biker to me.
Wave back when it's safe to do so.

 

Start-off by getting prepared to enter the turn by being at a speed you can handle. Slow. Look ahead and be relaxed. If you are tensed-up; that's not good for cornering.

Practice turning until you get sick of practicing turns. Do figure-8's. Most road tests require the figure-8. I don't know why. I have never done a figure-8 while out riding.

Add some speed as you get better.
Learn the "Counter-steering" method. Google "Counter-steering" and read all the articles.

When you get really good; you'll need to get some sliders for "Knee-dragging" in the twisties; otherwise you'll be ruining good pants every time you go out for a ride and wind-up following some daredevils on plastic-wrapped bullets.

You'll know you can carve the decreasing radius when you get your first ticket for 70 in a 25; when the cop is getting-on the highway as you are getting off ... and he takes his cruiser over a curb and off-road, in a hasty U-turn move, just to go after you and let you know how well you can corner!

 

Ditto on the MSF course and the gear. Buy the best gear you can afford, even if it costs more than the bike. It's much cheaper than plastic surgery in the long run.
I took the MSF course after riding for 20-something years. I STILL learned things. I can't recommend it enough; especially because it's essentially free!
They will teach you all the things you need to practice on your own in the MSF course so I won't cover them now...unless you want me to. In that case I'd be happy to go over it with you.
Other things to watch for;
1) Don't ride with the "pack" unless they are real stand-up guys. Usually they put you last, then ride hard. You push to keep up with them and sh*t happens.
2) Don't ride in adverse conditions until you feel confident. Avoid wind, rain, sunrise/sunset (sun in the eyes) heavy traffic times, congested areas and riding passengers. Get away from the city, find a nice country road and get used to the bike. Learn to look ahead....much further than you're used to in a cage. Watch for animals, etc. Be aware that many motorists will look right through you as they run you over. Always assume they don't see you. At intersections, watch the front wheels of cagers; you'll see the wheels start to roll before you notice the vehicle move.
3) Always wear your gear...even going down to the corner gas station.
4) Ride as much as you can. When I first started riding, I rode every single day, even for fifteen minutes, to get my head around the riding mentality. It works.
Always sweep ahead with your eyes before starting to apex a corner. Gravel will get you every time.
5) If you know a RESPONSIBLE rider to partner with, go for it. By responsible, I mean one who will respect the fact you're new and not push you or put you in stupid situations you can't get out of.
6) Like Rick said, work on your countersteering. Pick a long, straight deserted road. At highway speed, start nudging the bar ends back and forth while keeping your body upright. You will find the bike wants to lean all by itself, then straighten up andlean the other way. Keep this up, pushing more and more (as you feel confident) and you will be amazed at how "push steering" works. This is the same principle used in cornering.
7) Now, while the weather sucks, read as many books as you can about riding techniques. I can recommend some excellent ones if you'd like. Good luck and welcome to the forum and riding!
Safety is no accident. You have to plan for it!
One thing I forgot to mention re; turns. DON'T look into the turn. Look through the turn putting your eyes where you want to end up. Where you look is where you go. This is a hard concept to get your head around but it works!

 

Well Biggmeany, the fellows have covered the best advice anyone could give you. As a former instructor, I can tell you that the countersteering menuvers are very important skills to obtain. Look left, push left, lean left, it really does work. This skill and others that will keep you rubber side down are very important to your continued well being and the folks at MSF are ready to get you up to speed. Proper riding gear is just as important, don't skimp on it. Best wishes to you in your efforts, it sounds like your off to a good start.

 

Everyone has pretty much said it... take it easy and take the MSF. The first year of riding is not for speeding and trying to corner like Rossi.

Just like any sport your confidence at first will swell and wain. Don't mistake confidence and skill - that is how alot of accidents happen. If you do have this type of accident, be the first to admit that it was your fault, and not the bikes components. You can not learn from an accident when you rule yourself out of the blame.

There are very few situations where going slower will hurt you. Tere are many situations where going faster will hurt you.


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Aside from the technical stuff - learn to love the sport. Find what you like about the sport, make sure it's legal, and embrace it. I ride a plastic clad missile these days, and one of the thiungs I enjoy is knocking down highway (freeway there I guess) miles.

 

Two words MSF Course. best money I ever spent! and welcome to the board

 

I was in the same boat, still am, bought my bike in december never really ridden a bike before wanted to take the course but its all filled up right now so i just started out slowly like i put 200 miles of turning and coming to stops befor i even thought about going into traffic. I cant wait to take the course, it shaves off cnote off my insurance.

 

I forgot about the insurance thing!
I don't know where you live, but Google: motorcycle safety foundation (your state) and you should be able to find a link with course schedules and registration info. Do it now. Here in Illinois registration dates have not yet been posted. They are usually posted by the end of January, so time is of the escence. Usually registration begins at 12:01 a.m. on a particular day. By 5:00 p.m. that day (Like, after work) most of the courses are full. So find out now and don't delay. It'll be the best 20 bucks you ever spent (and you get it back if you want) and it may even save your life.

 

It is 80+ $ in va at least in charlottsville

 

And still a bargain. Best 80+ you'll ever spend.

 

80 $ for having 100 nocked off the insurance, sounds great to me, we sould get a survey going on what the corse costsis in diffrent states and the money you get back from it.

 

In NS (Canada) it is now 350ish... a lot more pricey, but IMHO still worth it for most people.

 

Illinois- $20.00, and you can have it all back if you request it. I donated it for mine & my son's BRC course and on my ERC course. (It goes towards buying equipment such as helmets, bike repairs and books. A worthy cause, IMHO!)