Joining The Brotherhood

"Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager" (Nighthawkwill7)
06/02/2014 at 18:02 • Filed to: Two wheels good

I'm going to take the MSF course over the summer (probably July) and get the motorcycle endorsement. I decided to order the Twist of The Wrist II book about riding techniques to read up beforehand. I figured the more I know going into the course, the better it would be and I'm sure you guys understand.

So riders of Oppo, is there anything else I should know before going in?

Here's the video accompaniment the book

DISCUSSION (40)

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:12

When in doubt, throttle out. Also learn on a sports bike they handle a lot better

CAR_IS_MI > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:13

There is MUCH to learn.

As someone who has crashed motorcycles in the past... Also, as someone who owns, build, rides, races, works in the motorcycle industry, and is on the cusp of becoming an MSF instructor...

1. Ride your own ride. ALWAYS. If your out for a ride with friends, and friends want to take off and fly through traffic at rates that you are not comfortable with, ride your pace, don't worry, you'll catch up when their on the side of the road getting arrested.

2. Practice. Practice. Practice. do this in large, open areas away from people, poles, other objects, so that way, should you need to react in a real situation involving people, pole, cars and other objects, you can do so CONFIDENTLY.

3. Don't get cocky, arrogant, or over zealous. It will be the death of you.

4. Speaking of death, don't skimp out on gear. Sure, riding in ankle high boots, jeans, and a full, proper riding jacket in the middle of summer sucks balls, but so does road rash.

5. My #1 rule (oddly #5 on this list); There are two types of riders out there, those who have gone down and those who will go down. Keep that in mind.

Diesel > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:17

Apply rear brake first. It's better to kill the motor than do a wheelie. Have fun. The MSF course is a good start, but you shouldn't just go hop on a bike and hit the highway. You will need to anticipate the movements of everyone around you.

Most importantly, assume that every other car is out to hit you. Always be ready to take evasive action.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
06/02/2014 at 18:17

Don't sport bikes have razor sharp handling and hair trigger throttle response? That seems like the kind of thing to avoid while starting out.

Decay buys too many beaters > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:19

Welcome brother! I'd say as far as advice goes, there are few better starter bikes currently than the Ninja 300.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:20

Well here in Michigan the learners course was all 15mph and under and it was a lot easier to handle the sports bikes they had around the obstacles

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > CAR_IS_MI
06/02/2014 at 18:23

1. I'd probably be riding solo all the time as none of my friends currently ride. I do have a friend who's been thinking of getting a DRZ-400 so if anything, he'd be the only person I'd ride with.

2. I live in a gated community with some pretty open areas as well as hills which I would use to practice riding in a low speed, stress free environment.

3. I'm not interested in becoming some stunt junky courting death like that Ghost Rider guy and the Superretards. I like being alive and my flight training has taught me to always find ways of mitigating risk where it exists.

4. I plan on buying all the gear before getting a bike as I really want to be protected while riding.

5. Duly noted.

Thanks for all the tips!

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Decay buys too many beaters
06/02/2014 at 18:24

I've actually been looking into those as well as the Honda 300 bikes.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Diesel
06/02/2014 at 18:27

I already assume everyone is out to kill me in my Malibu so I'll definitely maintain a high degree of alertness and situational awareness while riding. I don't fancy becoming Roadkill or a hood ornament.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
06/02/2014 at 18:29

Well I'll see what bikes the have at the schools in Florida.

CAR_IS_MI > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:31

Note to #2. Don't piss off your neighbors, dont leave to chance a sudden car or child, and OPEN spaces. I've helped quite a few friends learn to ride, I've seen some pick it up like its as easy as walking and some I've told to retire and stick to cars.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:31

This is what i rode for my course

Kinja'd!!!

desertdog5051 > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:35

After near 40 years of riding, I can tell you to be ultra aware. Especially in the first 2 years when most fatalities/serious accidents happen. Wear good protective gear at all times. (road rash really sucks). Small accidents will happen, no matter what. Don't exceed your capabilities on the bike. Ride with your high beam on in the daytime. On a 4 lane highway, always ride in the lane closest to the middle. It improves your visibility to the morons. I could go on, but I think you have enough to digest. Good luck!

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
06/02/2014 at 18:39

Oh those are cool! For a second I thought you were talking about GSX-R's and the like.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > CAR_IS_MI
06/02/2014 at 18:40

Thanks, Wilco.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > desertdog5051
06/02/2014 at 18:43

Thanks!

I plan on buying all the gear before actually getting the bike and I don't want to skimp out on good gear. I'm not interested in becoming the scourge of the streets, I just want to ride.

I look forward to getting started!

CAR_IS_MI > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:44

No Problem Bartlebe

cazzyodo > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:54

the course is a blast...unfortunately I learned on a bike way too small for me haha

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 18:56

no not that extreme

Decay buys too many beaters > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 19:46

As much as I am a Honda bike guy (I currently own 2, both from Honda) the Ninja is the better bike.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 20:59

Do a giant wheelie, and a burnout to impress the "judges" End it all with a stoppie as well.

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 22:01

Nice! I am actually taking the MSF course this weekend! Ive been relegated to riding the bike around my neighborhood up until i found a missing tooth on the sprocket. So now she looks like this...

Kinja'd!!!

I just have to replace my sprockets and chain on the bike and ill be ready to go. I dont have much advice to offer you as I am pretty much in your boat too. The only thing I have learned and will advise is whatever bike you end up with, make sure you are mature enough for it, and have real self control. Only you know how mature you are not to use every bit of hp at your disposal. Anyways, thats all i got. Oh, make sure you sign up for those classes, because they closed up fast for me, making me wait an extra month.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/02/2014 at 22:06

Awesome! And thanks. I was looking at getting a Triumph Bonneville myself as I don't really want a strung out track missile. Plus they look really nice and are not expensive.

Kinja'd!!!

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 22:13

Just keep in mind you will inevitably have to source parts for your bike. Some of the cheap affordable bikes were great and awesome, but looking to ebay for spare availability closed some doors.

Tell people you are looking for a bike! You could be surprised at what offers will come your way. Its like shopping without the hassle of actually shopping. Some people are literally desperate to get rid of these things and too lazy to go through trying to craigslist it.

Good luck and cant wait to see what you end up going with.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/02/2014 at 22:24

The Bonneville I'm talking about are new models and I have a Triumph dealership not far from my house so parts wouldn't be hard to get.

I have another friend that is interested in starting to ride as well and has been looking at some DRZ-400's. I like the triumph because of its user friendly power and the 29 inch seat height (I'm not a tall person).

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 22:35

doh! I glanced too quickly and didnt see the small cues that it was a modern bike.. My car knowledge is spot on, my bike knowledge, its as vast as my cow knowledge...

That DRZ looks pretty sweet.

The triumph is awesome. Such a good looking design on that model. And it looks like a nice comfy seating position. Im gonna have to start doing daily stretching to comfortably ride mine haha. Have you sat on one yet?

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/02/2014 at 22:45

Yeah, Post 2011 Bonneville's have EFI as well so cold starts won't be an issue.

I sat on one at a bike meet in Florida. I can flat foot it without problem. This will be even less of an issue whenever I get some riding boots as those usually have a small amount of lift as well.

I'm really looking forward to all this. Hope everything goes well this weekend!

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/02/2014 at 23:30

fuel injection should be nice. Im on a learning mission with my carburetor setup.

The boots should help a bit for sure. How much does that bike weight btw?

Thanks I do too, just hope the weather holds out. Good luck with your course as well!

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/02/2014 at 23:36

Bikes not the lightest at roughly 490lbs but it's lighter than the Star Bolt or the Harley Davidson 883 Sportser. Thankfully I have good leg strength so the weight isn't an issue for me.

Here's a review I managed to find on the bike. The want is always increasing, lol.

http://rideapart.com/2013/08/rideap…

No problem and thanks! I hope the weather in Florida isn't bad when I take the course in July.

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/03/2014 at 21:40

Thats not too terrible, i mean mine weighs in at around 443 with fuel and oil.

That triumph is a very pretty bike. Youd be hard pressed to find something like that from any other manufacturer, i think. What color would you want to get it in if a choice was available?

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/03/2014 at 22:16

I'd prefer it in either the gray or in the blue/white two tone of the SE.

The only other bikes like the Triumph I've seen are the Honda CB1100 which is heavier, more expensive and with 1100, a bit much for a beginner and the Moto Guzzi V7 which seems too much of a specialty bike from a boutique manufacturer as well as being less powerful, more expensive and definitely more difficult to get parts for.

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/03/2014 at 23:00

The blue white would be very cool.

The trimph seems to be a pretty solid base to start with then. Especially if the rideapart guys liked it, that means even to experienced guys its a fun bike without lacking too much.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/04/2014 at 00:35

I just checked the cost for insurance as well. Progressive quotes me $45.46 a month for someone with zero riding experience. I guess having turned 25 this year has finally paid off, pun intended lol.

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/06/2014 at 13:02

Dang that really nice. Im worried what mine will be... Being 21 and all... Luckily i have no record whatsoever, and will have taken the msf class, so lets hope it helps a tad. Ill find out next week hopefully!

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/06/2014 at 16:45

There's a lot of factors but the most important are age, riding experience and engine cc's.

The quote I mentioned is how much I'd pay for a Bonneville. I remember a few years back, I checked how much insurance for a Ninja ZX-10R would cost me (for the lulz) and got something like $750 a month! Wonderr how much lower it would be now.

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/06/2014 at 22:39

Im hoping my 600 wont kill my wallet... Ive nearly spent more on gear than the bike cost, and the last unopened door is the insurance...

750 a month is insane!

So i just got back from the in class session of the basic riders course. Very straight forward, and youll probably have fun picking out the models of bikes shown in the video. You just go through the book, answer some question, discuss, and repeat. Tomorrow we get to ride, then take the written test. Oh an apparently we have to prove we have balance by riding a bicycle, before we ride the motorcycles. I probably shouldnt try to do wheelies on the bicycle... haha.

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/11/2014 at 22:34

So dude, i got insurance for the bike today and its crazy! Crazy awesome! Full coverage, even up to 3000$ for gear, road side assistance, the works. 275 a year. I guess an 18 year old bike does the trick!

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/11/2014 at 22:44

That's fantastic! I'm looking to eventually add a sportbike to my stable once I have a couple of years experience under my belt.

You got all the gear?

Ride safe!

MountainCommand > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
06/11/2014 at 22:54

Nearly. Ive got the helmet, bright yellow jacket, leather pants, gloves, and some timberland leather boots which I will change out to actually riding boots whenever i pull the trigger on them. None of it is color matched so i will look ridiculous haha, but who cares.

Im also looking into getting nice knee pads for when id rather wear jeans, so i can ride the bike to work. The leathers arent the easiest pants to get in and out of haha.

Hows your gear acquisition going? I honestly suggest keeping an eye on ebay for gloves, pants, and jackets. Thats how i was able to piece mine together.

Thanks, You too!

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > MountainCommand
06/12/2014 at 11:39

Sounds good. Who needs matching gear anyways?

I still haven't gotten anything, I'm saving up to just buy the lot all at once.