New to Riding

New to Riding

by Christine L.
(Jacksonville, NC)

I am new to riding. Haven't taken the class yet, but I will this weekend or the next. I've done my research and have decided on a Ninja 250r. Anyone have any advice to riding? gear? Or hills?.....Dreaded hills.... Even driving a stick (88 Mustang, Celica), I had a hard time with hills. They terrify me, and so does the thought of stalling at a stop or a light.

Any advice at all will be great.

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New to Riding

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Jul 08, 2009

New to Riding
by: Cheri

I was also considering a Ninja 250r, but instead went with a Gladius 650.

Some things to think of in regards to:

Gear- whatever you get make sure it's something you'll actually wear! I think there are some basic rules- 1) wear a good helmet and a good jacket. Wear a good pair of boots. And gloves are also important. Also wear pants that are heavy enough to give you protection as well.

When it comes to helmets there are lots of choices- I personally believe that a full face helmets best. But whatever you choose (full face, modular, half)make sure that it's got some safety approval rating. DOT approved is the minimum level- SNELL approved are a little heavier some people prefer them, some don't.
When it comes to jackets,a lot of motorcycle jackets come with zip out linings- you can use the lining when it's cold and take it out when it's hot.

A good pair of boots that cover your ankle are also important. And after having been hit a few times in the shin by rocks from the road, I personally wear boots that cover my shin as well.
I recently found this company Cameleon Power Sports on line.

http://www.cameleonapparel.com/pages/in-the-news.php

It has underarmor that women can put under ANY jacket/ pant/ etc... I would be interested in finding out if any women out there have tried their products as they are a lot less bulky looking than most of the other stuff I've seen.

Then in regards to riding:

We ALL have stalled (especially when we are just learning and just getting started)- just keep going- don't give up and DON'T worry about the people behind you when it DOES happen. When stopped on hills- what I find that seems to work is to keep your back brake on while beginning your acceleration so that you don't slide backwards and then gradually let it off as you start to move forward. When I first got my bike I intentionally went up and practiced stopping and starting on a hill just so I'd get more comfortable with it.

The other biggy for me when I first started riding was dealing with the feeling that the wind could push me around on the bike. My hubby helped me with that by reminding me that the bike was capable of slicing through the wind I just had to quit letting the wind push me around.

Don't rush, just keep practicing though and you'll get it!

Congrats on the new bike!

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Jul 08, 2009
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Submitted by: Cheri

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Comment
I was also considering a Ninja 250r, but instead went with a Gladius 650. Some things to think of in regards to: Gear- whatever you get make sure it's something you'll actually wear! I think there are some basic rules- 1) wear a good helmet and a good jacket. Wear a good pair of boots. And gloves are also important. Also wear pants that are heavy enough to give you protection as well. When it comes to helmets there are lots of choices- I personally believe that a full face helmets best. But whatever you choose (full face, modular, half)make sure that it's got some safety approval rating. DOT approved is the minimum level- SNELL approved are a little heavier some people prefer them, some don't. When it comes to jackets,a lot of motorcycle jackets come with zip out linings- you can use the lining when it's cold and take it out when it's hot. A good pair of boots that cover your ankle are also important. And after having been hit a few times in the shin by rocks from the road, I personally wear boots that cover my shin as well. I recently found this company Cameleon Power Sports on line. http://www.cameleonapparel.com/pages/in-the-news.php It has underarmor that women can put under ANY jacket/ pant/ etc... I would be interested in finding out if any women out there have tried their products as they are a lot less bulky looking than most of the other stuff I've seen. Then in regards to riding: We ALL have stalled (especially when we are just learning and just getting started)- just keep going- don't give up and DON'T worry about the people behind you when it DOES happen. When stopped on hills- what I find that seems to work is to keep your back brake on while beginning your acceleration so that you don't slide backwards and then gradually let it off as you start to move forward. When I first got my bike I intentionally went up and practiced stopping and starting on a hill just so I'd get more comfortable with it. The other biggy for me when I first started riding was dealing with the feeling that the wind could push me around on the bike. My hubby helped me with that by reminding me that the bike was capable of slicing through the wind I just had to quit letting the wind push me around. Don't rush, just keep practicing though and you'll get it! Congrats on the new bike!

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Jul 07, 2009

Another Question (Soon a Forum XD)
by: christine L

I don't know the difference. I live in j-ville, NC and it gets hot like 100 sometimes with high humidity. I want a jacket that won't cost an arm or leg but provides ample fall protection and a good vent system. Any ideas?

Jul 07, 2009

New to Riding
by: Anonymous

Hi,

I am a new rider too, just this year. I did the dreaded hill..after a few tries. And I stalled at a light and couldn't get my bike to start up again. All the cars behind me honked too (like I was just sitting there on purpose!). But I got back on, and went out again. Every chance I got. And I kept getting better and better. I am still a rookie(420 miles so far), but each time I go out I feel more confident. You just have to do it. It's so worth it!

Jul 07, 2009

Riding Advice
by: Anonymous

Practice, practice and more practice. Just remember we all have stalled at lights and such. You will be ok. I was scared to death of hills, and stop lights. I still get a little anxious, but the only way you can overcome them is to try it. And if you don't succeed, you do it again. Good luck!

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