Tips for a New Rider?
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
Tips for a New Rider?
Well, I just fixed up and am ready to register a 1979 Kawasaki KZ400. I'm not too experienced with riding a motorcycle. I am able to ride just out in the neighborhood with no traffic for now...but I am petrified of even thinking of riding out in traffic. Any tips for an inexperienced rider?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
GO HERE, and introduce yourself in the newbie forum:
http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/default.aspx
If you do that - the old timers there just might save your life!
But I also think you picked the perfect bike as a first one!
Hello from a fellow rider and a member at the boards I showed you.
I am Greywolf there too, but am not half the smartass I am here.
I have a lot to learn over there, and I know it.
Pay close attention to "LionLady" she's on the level and telling it straight.
http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/default.aspx
If you do that - the old timers there just might save your life!
But I also think you picked the perfect bike as a first one!
Hello from a fellow rider and a member at the boards I showed you.
I am Greywolf there too, but am not half the smartass I am here.
I have a lot to learn over there, and I know it.
Pay close attention to "LionLady" she's on the level and telling it straight.
Last edited by Greywolf; Nov 27, 2005 at 11:37 PM.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: Dixon, Il
Like pfogle said, go when your are comfortable. When you start getting a little more comfortable, start riding on quiet streets and build up little by little. If you have a big parking lot available, ride around and practice with your brakes and swerving around things. Be very aware of your surroundings.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
Find a MSF course and take it. Buy a good full face helmet and wear it. Gloves too.
Learn to use the brakes, both of them, and practice full on stops as hard as you can.
If your front brake won't work up to the point of locking or almost locking the wheel, fix it.
The nonsense about "laying it down" to stop is just that.
Loud pipes make people mad. Training, practice, helmets, awareness, not riding under the influence, good tires, brakes, lights and a loud horn save lives.
If the tires on this thing date back to the showroom days, replace them. Tubes too. Patches are ok for a limp back home. Toss them asap.
There's more but that will get you started.
Learn to use the brakes, both of them, and practice full on stops as hard as you can.
If your front brake won't work up to the point of locking or almost locking the wheel, fix it.
The nonsense about "laying it down" to stop is just that.
Loud pipes make people mad. Training, practice, helmets, awareness, not riding under the influence, good tires, brakes, lights and a loud horn save lives.
If the tires on this thing date back to the showroom days, replace them. Tubes too. Patches are ok for a limp back home. Toss them asap.
There's more but that will get you started.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Go talk to the experienced people.
I rode for years - this is not an MC forum.
It is a TRUCK forum. It's different...
GO GIT THE RIGHT INFO.
MCUSA has that. No doubt, no question.
GO THERE
Believe it or not, your life does depend on it
I rode for years - this is not an MC forum.
It is a TRUCK forum. It's different...
GO GIT THE RIGHT INFO.
MCUSA has that. No doubt, no question.
GO THERE
Believe it or not, your life does depend on it
Last edited by Greywolf; Nov 27, 2005 at 11:42 PM.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
By the way - I envy you your bike....
It was my first choice, but there were none around here.
It was my first choice, but there were none around here.
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
I'm using my dirtbike helmet currently. Most of the time I'll be riding with my steel toe work boots on. Any particular kind of gloves that you recommend? As of now the front brake is non-op. I don't have any brake fluid to fill/bleed it. But that will happen as soon as I can get some more. Thanks for the tips so far!
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
GET YOUR FRONT BRAKE WORKING IMMEDIATELY!!!
It is 75% of your stopping power...
You are unsafe without it, and lose the habit of using the rear brake first.
I'm totally serious. You need to log into that website.
It is 75% of your stopping power...
You are unsafe without it, and lose the habit of using the rear brake first.
I'm totally serious. You need to log into that website.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 14
From: cape may county NJ
Agreed with all that was said above get that front brake working why was it empty check for leaks .If it sat for any lenght of time you need to get that thing checked out .btw nice looking ride keep the shiney side up
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: New Braunfels TX
Once you're on the road, One of the biggist things is WATCH those cars all around you. They DON'T SEE you. I start watching minium 2 blocks ahead of me. I've had many a car pull out in front of me. Trust no cars. Be sure that headlight works.
