Author Topic: Any Advice? (Read 3968 times)

SwampFox · « **on:** June 05, 2007, 07:35:59 AM »

Okay, I am new to riding and new to my B6, and I am wondering if any of you more experienced riders have any advice, both specific to the Bandit and riding in general. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys & gals.
Dave

12sdrag · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2007, 08:54:46 AM »

Ride your own ride!!!!!!!!!!!!

SwampFox · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2007, 08:56:27 AM »

why would i do that when yours is so much faster.

And it is getting inspected tomorrow so that hopefully by next week it should be ready to ride, legally of course.

12sdrag · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:08:51 AM »

Quote from: "SwampFox"

why would i do that when yours is so much faster.

.

Thats right

Maybe we should try a ride on the road this week?

SteelD · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:26:35 AM »

Quote from: "SwampFox"

Okay, I am new to riding and new to my B6, and I am wondering if any of you more experienced riders have any advice, both specific to the Bandit and riding in general. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys & gals.
Dave

Don't ride beyond your abilities and that of your bike. Look ahead, anticipate what other road users might do, learn to read the road and how the bike handles on different road surfaces, and concentrate much more than what you would do if you were driving a car. On a bike you are so much more vulnerable so always ride defensively, never be tempted to prove anything to other road users and remember that any idiot can twist a grip to make a bike go faster, the skill of the experienced rider is knowing when and where that privilege may be exercised. Take time to learn bike control and don't neglect maintenance because your neck depends so much more on good tyres, brakes and lights. Don't forget to maintain that chain either!

Finally, there is an old saying - "there are old bikers and bold bikers but there are no old and bold bikers". Beyond that, enjoy the freedom that biking offers and welcome to the biking community.

orionburn · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:40:44 AM »

Best advice would be to take a MSF course if you haven't already.

My own personal advice....ride like you are invisible. Meaning always anticipate that a car sitting at a stoplight is going to pull out in front of you. Pick out "emergency" lanes ahead of time. That way if something does happen you already know in your mind the options of where to go. When sitting at a stop light leave the bike in gear and keep checking your mirrors for cars coming up behind you. If it looks like they aren't going to stop then all you have to do is hit the gas instead of trying to hurry and drop it into gear, then taking off.

Find a empty parking lot, or no-traffic road, and practice emergency braking. Get up to different speeds and pick a marker, then stop as quick as possible. Remember 70% of your braking power comes from the front end, but it's easy to lock up the rear and that's a big no-no. I'm not saying not to use it cause you'll want that extra 30%, but get used to the limits of the pedal so that you get maximum braking without locking the wheels up. If it happens, remember not to instantly let up off the pedal. If the tire breaks free from traction it can quickly get grip again and throw you for a spill.

I second Steel's comments. Check the air pressure in your tires often, and do the routine maintenance. My last recommendation is GEAR GEAR GEAR! Check out a site like Newenough.com for some great pricing on gear. You don't have to spend a fortune to get some basic protection.

Riding is one of the greatest things I've ever experienced, so don't be dismayed about all the things you need to do to help keep you safe. Welcome to the biking world and best wishes and safe riding!

PitterB4 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2007, 11:49:31 AM »

Good stuff here.

Good gear and MSF course are #1 and #2 respectively in my book. Gain comfort and confidence gradually - parking lots, deserted roads and then gradually work your way in to more traffic situations. Once you have a level of comfort on the bike in traffic, I found it useful to ride with someone you trust (NOT someone who wants to show you how quickly his Gixxer can break the sound barrier). Once you develop that comfort... if you're up for a leisurly ride through Harford Co after work some day, let me know. I work in Hunt Valley and commute up towards Philly - on the bike when it's nice. With my crack... um, I mean TRACK addiction, I'm pretty sedate on the streets these days. PM me if you're interested.

Katamaniac · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2007, 01:32:18 PM »

Deffinately take the MSF Basic Rider Course if you haven't already. Go to www.msf-usa.org and find what is available in your area. There are so many things that you will learn in the BRC to help you deal with situations you will find out there in traffic.

12sdrag · « **Reply #8 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:20:43 PM »

Quote from: "PitterB4"

Once you develop that comfort... if you're up for a leisurly ride through Harford Co after work some day, let me know. I work in Hunt Valley and commute up towards Philly - on the bike when it's nice.

Rob, I think I just got my feelings hurt? You got a new street bike and I didn`t get invited on the break in ride

man I don`t know what to say

. Swampfox is a good friend of mine and actual rescued a 99 600 from the clutches of my shed.

SwampFox · « **Reply #9 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:47:00 PM »

Rescued is a good way to put it. Without me it may have been left there for ever or even worse dismantled and sold for parts. Someone neglected it and I am just trying to give it the lovin' it deserves.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #10 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:52:32 PM »

Not as important as the above items mentioned but I'll always remember this little gem about riding....

Your shadow points toward the people who have the most difficulty seeing you - watch out in early morning and late evening.... as well as all other times.

orionburn · « **Reply #11 on:** June 06, 2007, 09:50:31 AM »

Quote from: "txbanditrydr"

Your shadow points toward the people who have the most difficulty seeing you - watch out in early morning and late evening.... as well as all other times.

I've never heard that before, but damned if that ain't a good piece of advice

One other thing I always do is to ride with the hi-beams on during the day. I realize it can still be a bit blinding to cagers in daylight, but at least they'll see ya.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2007, 11:55:08 AM »

Quote from: "12sdrag"

Quote from: "PitterB4"
Once you develop that comfort... if you're up for a leisurly ride through Harford Co after work some day, let me know. I work in Hunt Valley and commute up towards Philly - on the bike when it's nice.

Rob, I think I just got my feelings hurt? You got a new street bike and I didn`t get invited on the break in ride man I don`t know what to say . Swampfox is a good friend of mine and actual rescued a 99 600 from the clutches of my shed.

Dude - I've been so damned busy, I don't know how I managed to find time to go get the thing. I have not had any time for pleasure rides yet - just commuting. Did you sell the B12? My sched will settle down some next month so we can ride, shoot or both.

(Sorry for the thread hyjack)

Vidrazor · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2007, 01:09:04 PM »

Read this book:
http://tinyurl.com/32r2fy

Read it from start to finish and spend some time on the road to see how well it all ties in.

Then after some time read this book:
http://tinyurl.com/2kvhyb

Don't let the title throw you off, this guy's got a level head on his shoulders and he'll point out a lot of things about your head and your bike and how the two can get to better know each other.

The reason I recommend to read the first book first is because it addresses a lot of real-world issues you'll be coming across as you go down the road. The second book relates more to you and your machine, and how the two should work to become one.