So people i was looking through some threads of new users and i constantly see flaming about first timers getting new 600, ect. My K7 600 is my first bike ever and i know that statistics have shown that my age group are more vulnerable to incidents, but what can a rider such as myself do to become a better rider? This is something that never gets answered, rather the experienced riders just poke fun and thats about it. So i figured that instead of flaming, shed some light on methods that will help me and other new riders become better riders. I cant speak for others, but i ride pretty easy, and am not one to push my limits, but becoming a better rider is a must. So lets hear what you experienced riders have to offer!
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: North Jersey
Motorcycle: 2004 GSXR 600
Posts: 7,872
Re: Becoming A Better Rider
Start by reading here. http://www.msf-usa.org/ But taking beginner then advanced MSF courses help alot. Also track day schools will help you tremedously.
Slow down on the streets and leave plenty of space. Your instincts will take time to develope. Everytime I read about someone crashing I never hear them say they were in the wrong place or following too closely to stop safely. I have been on the streets long enough to say that a high percentage of crashes can be avoided if the rider has better abilities.
Thanks guys i like the responses, i actually took the MSF before i bought a bike and i feel it helped me out alot with basic techniques. Do they have track day schools where you use their bikes? I don't want to wreck my bike learning high risk maneuvers. Keep it coming people i like the responses!!
Thanks guys i like the responses, i actually took the MSF before i bought a bike and i feel it helped me out alot with basic techniques. Do they have track day schools where you use their bikes? I don't want to wreck my bike learning high risk maneuvers. Keep it coming people i like the responses!!
Probaly the biggest misconception about a trackday or trackday school. You will be riding in a controlled enviorment, going around a track that you can ride at you own pace with instructors to help you. I get guys all the time that start the day off at a turtles pace and by the end of the day they are so comfortable on there bikes and pick up the pace on there own. No high risk manuevers on the track, I would say riding with cages on public streets is way more risky. I actually just worked with a girl this past weekend at Spring Mountain (pahrump) and she told me that she had been riding the street for a year and the one day on the track she learned more and felt more comfortable on her bike then she did riding on the street for a year. Look into it, you asked "what will make you a better rider?" and I can't think of any other answer that is better than a trackday..
Probaly the biggest misconception about a trackday or trackday school. You will be riding in a controlled enviorment, going around a track that you can ride at you own pace with instructors to help you. I get guys all the time that start the day off at a turtles pace and by the end of the day they are so comfortable on there bikes and pick up the pace on there own. No high risk manuevers on the track, I would say riding with cages on public streets is way more risky. I actually just worked with a girl this past weekend at Spring Mountain (pahrump) and she told me that she had been riding the street for a year and the one day on the track she learned more and felt more comfortable on her bike then she did riding on the street for a year. Look into it, you asked "what will make you a better rider?" and I can't think of any other answer that is better than a trackday..
Exactly, track days and schools are the best way, no ifs ands or buts about it.... at least if you want to get faster and start learning the limits of your bike, and use it how it was intended to be used.
If that stuff doesn't interest you and you want to keep it on the street and just become a better rider there, IMO the best way is to get rid of the race-replica and get a more street-appropriate bike, GEAR UP and just ride it.
ALWAYS be scanning and looking for 'outs', gaps, someplace to go should shit his the fan, and it will.
DON'T ride over your limit by trying to keep up with other people, or trying to show off, or trying to double the suggested speed around a corner you aren't COMPLETELY comfortable with
Ride the same roads over and over until you know every turn, every bump and imperfection, and then you can start going faster and improving your skills.
Go to empty parking lots and practice swerving maneuvers, heavy braking etc....
Quote:
I cant speak for others, but i ride pretty easy, and am not one to push my limits, but becoming a better rider is a must
Do you ride easy and not push your limits just cuz you're new, or cuz you don't want to ride hard and aggressive? You probably already know what I'm gonna say but it's the truth, if you only want to ride easy, but still improve your skills at the same time, a GSX-R isn't the right bike for ya.
Thanks, i figured since your signed on to this thread lol, idk if its just a mental thing with me, but i feel sketchy when taking turns. Ik your supposed to push and lean, but i feel when i get low(for me that is) taking some turns, i feel like i will just slide out. Also i feel that when im taking a turn crossing painted lines i will slip as well, does this go away with some more time riding? I guess im just super cautious?
I ride easy not because i dont wanna ride aggressive, but because im new. I only have 3 weeks seat time on the bike. This may sound funny to you but this bike feels crazy fast to me, so i just take it easy so i don't do something to hurt myself. There is this road i go out to to practice, its got like 10 turns of different arc lengths and whatnot and i just try to be smoother and quicker as time goes on. Im just trying to be safe and have fun.
Thanks, i figured since your signed on to this thread lol, idk if its just a mental thing with me, but i feel sketchy when taking turns. Ik your supposed to push and lean, but i feel when i get low(for me that is) taking some turns, i feel like i will just slide out. Also i feel that when im taking a turn crossing painted lines i will slip as well, does this go away with some more time riding? I guess im just super cautious?
Yeah it'll go away with more riding time.
You've GOT to trust your tires, but make sure you've got the proper pressure in them.
Seriously, do a track day or maybe track day school, and get some instruction.... once you start learning proper body position and the right way to take turns, and start experimenting with different lines, and start draggin knee (which is NOT hard), you'll want nothing more than to get more track time and start going faster and faster.
I ride easy not because i dont wanna ride aggressive, but because im new. I only have 3 weeks seat time on the bike. This may sound funny to you but this bike feels crazy fast to me, so i just take it easy so i don't do something to hurt myself. There is this road i go out to to practice, its got like 10 turns of different arc lengths and whatnot and i just try to be smoother and quicker as time goes on. Im just trying to be safe and have fun.
Only 3 weeks damn dude welcome
It doesn't sound funny at all man, these things ARE crazy fast..... maybe you see now why we try and steer new riders clear?
If you've got that stretch of road you love and just want to be smoother and quicker over time, the FIRST thing is gear..... leather from head to toe, race-style boots, gloves etc.... sure may seem overkill now but wait til the first time you hit the ground, you'll see why it's necessary.
After the gear just get seat time man, but seriously, the RIGHT way to learn how to go fast is on a track, in a controlled environment where everyone is going the same way, there's no dirt or cops, medical staff on sight, and best of all no speed limit!
Haha ya man this bike is way to much bike for me and im not ashamed to admit it. But i have adapted to it and i feel confident in daily riding (commuting to and fro). But as far as blowin it out and doin turns and stuff this bike is too sick lol. But none the less i love it and just want to get better, im gonna have to do a trackday/school event for sure. Thanks for the advice man.
Motorcycle: 1992 gsxr 750-gone but not forgotten; 2K Hayabusa-the blue beast
Posts: 725
Re: Becoming A Better Rider
Admitting you need instruction and that you don't know how to "truely" ride one of these beasts is a HUGE step in the right direction. There are riders who have been in the saddle for years who still aren't to the maturity point you are at now.
If you're like me and can't afford the track time just yet (the race gear gets to be REALLY expensive) I'd say the next best thing is to do some research. There are some videos on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wYD9SSBBNQ ) that will explain the basics of body position. I have learned a great deal from these and a little practice on my favorite back roads (away from people/ traffic). Just keep the pace down and focus on doing it right, not fast. As your body position improves you will feel like you're going slower even though you are taking turns much faster.
Get some gear and wear it when you ride. Someone on here said this "dress for the crash not the weather" or something like that. Anyway weather it is 50 out or 100 out I always wear my gear, remembering this will save you lots of pain. Because it is not IF you will go down it is WHEN. Enjoy your bike.
There is really nothing I can add that these guys haven't already covered but fear and nervousness will eventually go away. Go at your own pace and don't rush the learning curve. You will eventually get what you want out riding.
There is really nothing I can add that these guys haven't already covered but fear and nervousness will eventually go away. Go at your own pace and don't rush the learning curve. You will eventually get what you want out riding.
+1
Another good way to learn is to get yourself a mentor... Mr Myagi style ...
It can be anyone you know that will want to ride with you as long as they are an experienced rider. They will show you the ropes and help you out and give you tips about how to react in certain situations.
Your going to feel like you can handle the bike in a few months time but remember you CAN'T. it takes years to really become confident in your ability. I still have "oh shit" moments and "should have thought about that one"
I agree with the "you tube vids" on BP they will help you alot but the best way to learn is do some track days/schools.
Take it slow, Gear up and most of all enjoy!
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Admitting you need instruction and that you don't know how to "truely" ride one of these beasts is a HUGE step in the right direction. There are riders who have been in the saddle for years who still aren't to the maturity point you are at now.
If you're like me and can't afford the track time just yet (the race gear gets to be REALLY expensive) I'd say the next best thing is to do some research. There are some videos on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wYD9SSBBNQ ) that will explain the basics of body position. I have learned a great deal from these and a little practice on my favorite back roads (away from people/ traffic). Just keep the pace down and focus on doing it right, not fast. As your body position improves you will feel like you're going slower even though you are taking turns much faster.
haha thanks man, yea i have no problem admitting my weaknesses, id rather get the info i need to do it right the first time rather then think ik and get hurt.
Over on www.motorcycle-journal.com they have some good "How'z it done Vids" covers alot of stuff. Also, couple good reads, "Proficient Motorcycling", and "Twist of the Wrist". Other then that, Time, MSF classes, and of course as mentioned Track schools will help. Good luck and gear up.
haha thanks man, yea i have no problem admitting my weaknesses, id rather get the info i need to do it right the first time rather then think ik and get hurt.
Which puts you above most people with the "can do/know it all" attitude. Seriously, there is nothing more humbling then getting on one of these race ready bikes. They can make or break you, literally. Just ride within your limits and don't try to impress anyone. It's not a pissing contest. It's about having fun and being able to ride with a sense of freedom.
Remember respect the bike, don't fear it. Learn its capabilities (every aspect) because the one thing that may kill you during one situation, can save your ass during the next one.
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