Need advice learning to ride a motorcycle

335iheLLraiseR · 10-30-2009, 12:34 PM

Been dying to learn, any advice would help. Never been on a bike in my life.

Thanks guys.

Boosted Josh · 10-30-2009, 12:44 PM

start small.

A 4 stroke dirt bike would be a good place to learn the controls.

anthony @ eas · 10-30-2009, 01:01 PM

Take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) class. They put you on the slowest bikes in the world and teach you step-by-step everything you need to know (at a basic level of course). If you pass the class, then you don't need to take the test for the license, only the written portion (at least in California). Definitely recommended.

Spec 1 · 10-30-2009, 01:20 PM

/\ Agreed. Take the course available in your state. They'll teach you and run you around on some 125cc bikes. Don't buy an 05+ sportbike as your first bike (even 600's) as they'll likely injur/maim you.

Start slow, keep respect. As soon as you loose respect (read: "Oh, I got this no prob") you and your bike will meet pavement. #1 thing to remember: Have the time of your life. Biking will blow cars out of the water once you get into it.

Hawkeye · 10-30-2009, 01:24 PM

As everyone above said, take the MSF course. If you don't it isn't the end of the world but make sure you start small. 250cc or 500cc tops for sport bikes. Make sure you are comfortable on those before moving to a super sport, those can kill you quick.

brocken · 10-30-2009, 01:30 PM

MSF Nothing else needs to be said.

808six · 10-30-2009, 01:34 PM

been in your shoes too, didnt even know how to start a bike, took the MSF course and i was riding a 600 after completing the course. MSF shopuld be taken by EVERYONE considering riding a bike. best $150 i spent

Mega Man · 10-30-2009, 01:42 PM

I took the MSF course too. There's many advantages:

Take the written test at your local DMV. If you pass the MSF course, this fulfills the driving portion, and you won't need to test at DMV.
You are in a closed parking lot, with other people learning to ride.
They really clarify the idea of push/pull on the handle bars: You push in the direction you want to go, it's not like a bicycle where you turn the handle bars.
They really help you with learning engine choke (not that you'll need it on most newer bikes).
You get a sticker that may get you an insurance discount (I got $10/mo. off).

The only bad thing I can think of coming from MSF, is since you learn and practice in a closed environment with other bikes, it feels strange the first time you ride a bike on the street with cars around you.

Good luck, be safe, and be vigilant. I can happily say in my 7 years of motorcycle riding, I haven't gone down ever. Had a few close calls, a few where I thought something was going to happen, but not yet. I say not yet because no matter what, if you're on a bike, eventually you will go down. People just don't watch for you.

Best example of people not watching for you and how to be safe: when you come to a stop at a light, or free way off ramp, or wherever, keep an eye in your rear mirror. I've had a couple of friends who were wiped out from behind because a car failed to stop for them. Just ditch the bike if you see a car coming up from behind you looking like they're not going to stop.

Pink Taco · 10-30-2009, 02:03 PM

Always wear your gears... Take the course... Start small!! Ninja 250cc is a great beginner bike. It's very very forgiving... NEVER start 600cc+ bikes. Don't be an asshat and show off to others. If you think you can't do it.. then don't do it! be alert and always scan what's around you!!

i started with ninja and end up riding cbr600rr

UncleWede · 10-30-2009, 02:23 PM

There are two types of bikers: Those that have been down, and those waiting their turn.

And just because you've had a turn doesn't mean you aren't still in line.

The above about watching where you brake is the only question I missed on the written part of the MSF.
When coming to a stop, the first place you should look is?:
your rear view mirrors

Best regards,
Wede

335e92tx · 10-30-2009, 02:30 PM

+1
Also wear some bright construction orange vest and maybe even get you one of the flashing headlights.

Don't ever stay in one position relative to cars in other lanes - either be slowing passing them or slowing down - ALWAYS be working on increasing the distance between you and other cars.

Digital.James · 10-30-2009, 03:25 PM

ive been riding for 16+ years, and honestly if I had to learn to ride all of again now, I wouldnt. Its too dangerous with all the retards out there. Ive had so many close calls, and have crashed numerous times on and off the track. Scary stuff now that Im older. That said I still love bikes, and love to ride.

If you really want to ride bikes, buy a track bike, dirt bike, or supermoto and keep it to the track. Once you taken a MSF course, take advanced riders courses at tracks.

Peanuto · 10-30-2009, 03:55 PM

One time at the MVA I overheard a guy ask if he could take his motorcycle driving test on a Schwinn 10 speed. No. He was not kidding.

smellfish · 10-30-2009, 05:30 PM

MSF. Wear your gear.

Went over the front of my R6 at 70. Only shattered a pinky.

Chewyjr15 · 10-30-2009, 06:09 PM

im also in the same boat... signed up for the class here locally and am looking at a ninja 250 as a first bike. Any other recommendations on a first bike?

anthony @ eas · 10-30-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chewyjr15

im also in the same boat... signed up for the class here locally and am looking at a ninja 250 as a first bike. Any other recommendations on a first bike?

SV650. The Ninja is painfully slow, especially on the highway.

2000gsr · 10-30-2009, 07:20 PM

Look where you wanna go, especially in a turn if you look straight, you WILL go straight.

Mega Man · 10-30-2009, 08:19 PM

You can start on a 600cc. I did. It's about how you ride, more than how much power you have. But to quote Ben Parker, "With great power comes great responsibility." Exercise your responsibility and ride within your limits!

Mega Man · 10-30-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pink Taco

i started with ninja and end up riding cbr600rr

I started on a 2003 CBR600RR. That bike was a lot of fun!

scollins · 10-30-2009, 10:06 PM

I know the study is old, but.....
The Hurt Report

Still, I'm trying to find the time to take an MSF course. The bike I'd love to have is a BMW R1200GS Adventure. I think I'll start with something smaller, lighter and cheaper though!

Labrada_Exoticz · 10-30-2009, 11:37 PM

Take the class at homstead speedway. It's three days (friday-sunday), you'll learn a lot and you'll get your license.

NSFW 335i · 10-30-2009, 11:47 PM

if you want to be cool get an R1 or a busa as first bike... then post a youtube vid of your first time on it.

10-30-2009, 12:44 PM	#2
Boosted Josh Private 14 Rep 79 Posts Drives: 2014 Raptor, 2016 M4 stripper Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Birmingham, AL iTrader: (1)	start small. A 4 stroke dirt bike would be a good place to learn the controls.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 01:01 PM	#3
anthony @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 3,635 Posts Drives: R56 Cooper S Join Date: May 2009 Location: 4015 E Leaverton Court, Anahiem, CA 92807 iTrader: (0)	Take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) class. They put you on the slowest bikes in the world and teach you step-by-step everything you need to know (at a basic level of course). If you pass the class, then you don't need to take the test for the license, only the written portion (at least in California). Definitely recommended.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 01:20 PM	#4
Spec 1 Faster in the Corners 52 Rep 1,062 Posts Drives: '91 E30, '05 ZX6-R, '06 300C Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	/\ Agreed. Take the course available in your state. They'll teach you and run you around on some 125cc bikes. Don't buy an 05+ sportbike as your first bike (even 600's) as they'll likely injur/maim you. Start slow, keep respect. As soon as you loose respect (read: "Oh, I got this no prob") you and your bike will meet pavement. #1 thing to remember: Have the time of your life. Biking will blow cars out of the water once you get into it. __________________ '91 M42 E30 - All sorts of goodies.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 01:24 PM	#5
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	As everyone above said, take the MSF course. If you don't it isn't the end of the world but make sure you start small. 250cc or 500cc tops for sport bikes. Make sure you are comfortable on those before moving to a super sport, those can kill you quick. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 01:30 PM	#6
brocken Captain 34 Rep 616 Posts Drives: X3MC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (5)	MSF Nothing else needs to be said.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 01:34 PM	#7
808six Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 274 Posts Drives: AW 335 COUPE Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: HAWAII iTrader: (1)	been in your shoes too, didnt even know how to start a bike, took the MSF course and i was riding a 600 after completing the course. MSF shopuld be taken by EVERYONE considering riding a bike. best $150 i spent
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 01:42 PM	#8
Mega Man エアーマンが倒せない 270 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	I took the MSF course too. There's many advantages: Take the written test at your local DMV. If you pass the MSF course, this fulfills the driving portion, and you won't need to test at DMV. You are in a closed parking lot, with other people learning to ride. They really clarify the idea of push/pull on the handle bars: You push in the direction you want to go, it's not like a bicycle where you turn the handle bars. They really help you with learning engine choke (not that you'll need it on most newer bikes). You get a sticker that may get you an insurance discount (I got $10/mo. off). The only bad thing I can think of coming from MSF, is since you learn and practice in a closed environment with other bikes, it feels strange the first time you ride a bike on the street with cars around you. Good luck, be safe, and be vigilant. I can happily say in my 7 years of motorcycle riding, I haven't gone down ever. Had a few close calls, a few where I thought something was going to happen, but not yet. I say not yet because no matter what, if you're on a bike, eventually you will go down. People just don't watch for you. Best example of people not watching for you and how to be safe: when you come to a stop at a light, or free way off ramp, or wherever, keep an eye in your rear mirror. I've had a couple of friends who were wiped out from behind because a car failed to stop for them. Just ditch the bike if you see a car coming up from behind you looking like they're not going to stop. __________________ 1ADDICT \| Black Shadowline Grills \| KW V2 \| CP-E Tow-Hook Plate \| CP-E Catback Exhaust \| Tow-Hook \| Evolution Racewerks Intercooler \| ER Charge Pipe \| HKS SQV IV \| ER Intercooler Shroud \| BMS Oil Catch Can \| COBB Access Port \| APEX ARC-8 \| EAS OE Performance Brake Upgrade \| SLeK Carbon Fiber Hood \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 02:03 PM	#9
Pink Taco Doesn't get Pinker than this... 10 Rep 129 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Huntington Beach, Ca iTrader: (0)	Always wear your gears... Take the course... Start small!! Ninja 250cc is a great beginner bike. It's very very forgiving... NEVER start 600cc+ bikes. Don't be an asshat and show off to others. If you think you can't do it.. then don't do it! be alert and always scan what's around you!! i started with ninja and end up riding cbr600rr __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 02:23 PM	#10
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17963 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	There are two types of bikers: Those that have been down, and those waiting their turn. And just because you've had a turn doesn't mean you aren't still in line. The above about watching where you brake is the only question I missed on the written part of the MSF. When coming to a stop, the first place you should look is?: your rear view mirrors Best regards, Wede
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 02:30 PM	#11
335e92tx ahat 1034 Rep 2,592 Posts Drives: Was '07-335e92 - Now '13-335IS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (6)	+1 Also wear some bright construction orange vest and maybe even get you one of the flashing headlights. Don't ever stay in one position relative to cars in other lanes - either be slowing passing them or slowing down - ALWAYS be working on increasing the distance between you and other cars. __________________ '13 335IS N54 (1 of 373 LeMans Blue out of 3597 total production e92)- Grey interior (1 of 24 in LMB with any trans- 1 of 14 with DCT)-MODS -MFactory LSD/MHD-BQ custom Tune/ATM-IC/AFE Momentum GT Intake/Konis/Mfront&HeimJoint Rear rods&arms/Brembos. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lo6aHZRo7XqtPkhL8
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 03:25 PM	#12
Digital.James Colonel 119 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: GT4, Raptor.2, Tuono 1100F Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (7)	ive been riding for 16+ years, and honestly if I had to learn to ride all of again now, I wouldnt. Its too dangerous with all the retards out there. Ive had so many close calls, and have crashed numerous times on and off the track. Scary stuff now that Im older. That said I still love bikes, and love to ride. If you really want to ride bikes, buy a track bike, dirt bike, or supermoto and keep it to the track. Once you taken a MSF course, take advanced riders courses at tracks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 03:55 PM	#13
Peanuto Private First Class 63 Rep 122 Posts Drives: E92 335i Lemans Blue M-sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	One time at the MVA I overheard a guy ask if he could take his motorcycle driving test on a Schwinn 10 speed. No. He was not kidding.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 05:30 PM	#14
smellfish No one on the corner has stagger like us 50 Rep 343 Posts Drives: '11 AW E90 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: COS iTrader: (2)	MSF. Wear your gear. Went over the front of my R6 at 70. Only shattered a pinky. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 06:09 PM	#15
Chewyjr15 1 addict and proud! 42 Rep 570 Posts Drives: jb 135 on order Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: irvine, ca iTrader: (0)	im also in the same boat... signed up for the class here locally and am looking at a ninja 250 as a first bike. Any other recommendations on a first bike? __________________ 2009 135 in transit jet black, coral red, 6mt. sports, hifi, ipod usb, idrive parts sitting in garage: RR intake, plenum, ddv, cdv, catless dp's, o2 sim, catback, bmw performance shifter, m door sills, cf spoiler, cf mirror caps, cf grills, cf pedals.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 07:20 PM	#17
2000gsr First Lieutenant 18 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	Look where you wanna go, especially in a turn if you look straight, you WILL go straight.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 08:19 PM	#18
Mega Man エアーマンが倒せない 270 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	You can start on a 600cc. I did. It's about how you ride, more than how much power you have. But to quote Ben Parker, "With great power comes great responsibility." Exercise your responsibility and ride within your limits! __________________ 1ADDICT \| Black Shadowline Grills \| KW V2 \| CP-E Tow-Hook Plate \| CP-E Catback Exhaust \| Tow-Hook \| Evolution Racewerks Intercooler \| ER Charge Pipe \| HKS SQV IV \| ER Intercooler Shroud \| BMS Oil Catch Can \| COBB Access Port \| APEX ARC-8 \| EAS OE Performance Brake Upgrade \| SLeK Carbon Fiber Hood \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 10:06 PM	#20
scollins Bootleggin' 'n Gunrunnin' 137 Rep 2,372 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Renton, WA iTrader: (3)	I know the study is old, but..... The Hurt Report Still, I'm trying to find the time to take an MSF course. The bike I'd love to have is a BMW R1200GS Adventure. I think I'll start with something smaller, lighter and cheaper though! __________________ Scott 2024 G01 X3 M40i, Brooklyn Grey Metallic /// 2015 F15 X5 35i, Space Gray Metallic, 99K miles /// 2013 F30 320xi, Mojave Metallic, 112k miles 2019 Ford F450 STX, Oxford White 2013 Ducati Multistrada Touring S, Red
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 11:37 PM	#21
Labrada_Exoticz Subscribed 124 Rep 1,179 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (4)	Take the class at homstead speedway. It's three days (friday-sunday), you'll learn a lot and you'll get your license.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 11:47 PM	#22
NSFW 335i Lieutenant 107 Rep 559 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: ny iTrader: (7)	if you want to be cool get an R1 or a busa as first bike... then post a youtube vid of your first time on it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote