New rider questions
Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 1:08 pm
Hi all -
As some of you know, I got the M added to my license, and picked up a F650GS Dakar recently. I'm a first time rider and have been practicing on the roads around the Eisenhower Ave. Metro in Alexandria. I've found that the bike is actually easier to ride than the 125cc Kawasaki Eliminator (terrible name) that I puttered around on in the MSF class. It's hard to stall out and I haven't done any wheelies yet. It also has both of its mirrors and all of its turn signals and, so far, is dent free.
I'm asking if you have any tips on areas in NoVA, MD or even DC for a n00b to go to practice, areas to avoid, anything you can think of of what to practice (for ex., I've been practicing hard stops and downshifting to a stop), and, especially, at what point do you think it's safe to go on a larger road - like the beltway - or other areas where there is quite a bit of traffic. I know it's all subjective but I do appreciate any local pointers.
Be assured that I won't go anywhere or do anything outside of my comfort zone. It's just that I don't know when it's the appropriate time to take it to the next level. I just don't want to get comfortable on the local neighborhood roads, and then become a bloody pancake on 95. If you can tell, I'm pretty paranoid (to the point where I'm sure I've just jinxed myself horribly by giving the above favorable comparison of my bike). At some point, I'd like to do the roads up by Skyline Drive, but I'm taking it slow - tackling the GW Parkway this week.
So far I've been advised not to ride when it's dark outside or in inclement weather. And that I should avoid group rides. And that I should ride ATGATT (I do wear all of my gear). And that's it's good to be paranoid. And that something horrible will probably happen. But to not be too paranoid
Oh also here's a random question - when should the rear brake be used? The MSF people said to use both brakes all the time, but I've heard others say to use the rear brake only in limited circumstances b/c it can lead to a high side fall. If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them. Also, are there any motorcycle sites/blogs that you read that are helpful or interesting? I've been looking for something along the lines of Jalopnik but haven't been able to find anything. As always, your thoughts are highly appreciated. Thank you!
As some of you know, I got the M added to my license, and picked up a F650GS Dakar recently. I'm a first time rider and have been practicing on the roads around the Eisenhower Ave. Metro in Alexandria. I've found that the bike is actually easier to ride than the 125cc Kawasaki Eliminator (terrible name) that I puttered around on in the MSF class. It's hard to stall out and I haven't done any wheelies yet. It also has both of its mirrors and all of its turn signals and, so far, is dent free.
I'm asking if you have any tips on areas in NoVA, MD or even DC for a n00b to go to practice, areas to avoid, anything you can think of of what to practice (for ex., I've been practicing hard stops and downshifting to a stop), and, especially, at what point do you think it's safe to go on a larger road - like the beltway - or other areas where there is quite a bit of traffic. I know it's all subjective but I do appreciate any local pointers.
Be assured that I won't go anywhere or do anything outside of my comfort zone. It's just that I don't know when it's the appropriate time to take it to the next level. I just don't want to get comfortable on the local neighborhood roads, and then become a bloody pancake on 95. If you can tell, I'm pretty paranoid (to the point where I'm sure I've just jinxed myself horribly by giving the above favorable comparison of my bike). At some point, I'd like to do the roads up by Skyline Drive, but I'm taking it slow - tackling the GW Parkway this week.
So far I've been advised not to ride when it's dark outside or in inclement weather. And that I should avoid group rides. And that I should ride ATGATT (I do wear all of my gear). And that's it's good to be paranoid. And that something horrible will probably happen. But to not be too paranoid
Oh also here's a random question - when should the rear brake be used? The MSF people said to use both brakes all the time, but I've heard others say to use the rear brake only in limited circumstances b/c it can lead to a high side fall. If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them. Also, are there any motorcycle sites/blogs that you read that are helpful or interesting? I've been looking for something along the lines of Jalopnik but haven't been able to find anything. As always, your thoughts are highly appreciated. Thank you!