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New Rider ForumsJust joining the motorcyclist hobbie? Looking to get some information about a first bike? Or have some newbie questions. Are you new to the website?
Posts: 19
Casino Cash: $1556
Sportbike: 2005 Busa with Mods
I started riding in 1970, been riding longer then many of the members here have been alive, but I am not offering any advice so my qualifications are pointless.
Bryan
__________________
"can you see the real me doctor?"
Type of bikes owned: 1977 Honda CB750K, 1976 Honda CB400F, 1984 Honda VF500C, 2002 Suzuki GSF600S (current bike)
Certifications/Classes Etc: Current drivers license w/motorcycle endorsement for state of Michigan. MSF ERC graduate 1998, Team Chicago Grattan Raceway School graduate 2005, 2006.
General Experience: Started riding dirt bikes back when I was 13. Started riding street bikes when I was 14 (yes 14). Got out of bikes at 18 until I got the itch again at 38. Averaged about 7500 miles per year since 1998.
First ride: 1985 Honda CB650 Nighthawk (I miss that bike!)
Other rides: 2003 FJR1300, 1995 XT600
Certifications: AMI motorcycle mechanic certification (but non-practicing). MSF BRC x3, ARC x2. Legally endorsed rider since 2000 in three different states. Lots of college with only a teaching job to show for it.
Experience: Began riding in 2000 after my first BRC. Since 2001 I've put between 10,000-20,000 miles a year on two wheels commuting, sport-touring and all the stuff in between. Crashes hurt. Stupid hurts worse. I've put some trail time in on the XT (Since 2005), which opened my eyes to a whole new world of riding! I did a fair bit of 2-up riding with various "pillions," which I might add are just as important to the ride as the person grasping the handlebars. I worked for motorcycle dealerships up to 2005, which got me on a lot of different bikes.
Began Riding: 1969, 6 years old, recieved 2.5 hp Scat-Cat minibike for Christmas, I had begged for a year!
Bikes Owned: too many to mention, Honda Scramblers 175 to 450, Honda 700 and Shadow 1100, Nighthawk 750, CT70, Yamaha YZ of every size 80,125,250,465,490, MX80, XS750, 1100. Suzuki GS550, GS850, GSX1100G, GSF600S Bandit, GSXR600, Harley Sportster, Kawasaki KZ650 and KZ1300, Honda CRF250 and Kawasaki and Honda ATV's to 650.
Riding Experience: Riding 39 years, raced local motorcross 80 and 125 as a kid. Street rider since age of 16, been to the track approx 10 times but family and job commitments keep me away now, the time will come again and I will race weekly until death takes me.
One minor accident on bike following old ladies too close, put it down to avoid a hard hit, no injuries on street.
Broke everything on dirt, broke foot off my right leg 2004 climbing mountains on my ATV, broke both hands and all fingers on dirt bikes. NHRA Drag racing experience to super comp class in cage. Step father owned Grand National NASCAR car in 70's, Ive got a few rides under my belt. Ive driven a car 171mph and would like to go faster, top fuel or land speed runs.
Been to jail in Georgia for speeding alone three times...........if you run hard you gotta be willing to pay.........jacked insurance for the rest of my life, but no complaints, love the ride.
Mechanic? yes, certified MIG and TIG welder, former professional fabricator / prototype fabricator, cnc, plasma, waterjet, whatever, if you have a drawing or a manual I can take it apart and put it back together.
Certifications/Classes Etc: Out of Date 'International" (Military) Cycle Endorsement, Current Kansas State M Endorsement, Current (I think) ABATE card, Current SAFE certificate, MSF Graduate and I was one of those lame 'assistant' guys, I have painted over 300 bikes in my short (10 year) career repairing motorcycle paint and bodywork, 3 local Motocross Points Series Championship Podiums (two firsts, one second), and 42 Verified Speeding citations showing I'm dumber than the average bear.
General Experience: I got my first solid-suspensioned mini-bike the day I turned 4. I've had a bike of some sort ever since barring the summer of 1999. I put an average of 35k miles on at least one bike per year over the last 6 years. I'm not the fastest, smartest or best looking, but I'm interested in helping out someone if it's appreciate and if my assistance isn't taken for granted. I appreciate help from those I respect (most of the other guys on SBN). I've had one 'Major' crash (lost a TON of skin), and a couple of minor ones. I dont look down on anyone as long as they're riding. It dont bother me if you're a 'Squid' or a 'Cruiser' or a 'Chopper Guy' as long as you ride. My only goal is to make sure everyone gets as much enjoyment out of their bikes as I get out of myne.
Certifications/Classes Etc: Current drivers licenses with unlimited motorcycle endorsement for Georgia.
General Experience: I started on a mini bike when I was 8, and progressed up through several dirt bikes, eventually motocrossing several different bikes & classes. I also spent a good bit of time riding (solo, not in races) my dad's motocross bikes which included a Yamaha MX360 and a Suzuki RM250. I started riding street in 1980 on the KZ650 I currently own. I rode it until 1995 when I moved to Atlanta and decided that the drivers here were too crazy to continue riding. I changed my mind about 9 months ago, realizing that life's too short (a bout with cancer can do that) and started riding again. I have never had a wreck on the street, to which I attribute 4 things:
Luck. I've seen wrecks noone could avoid.
Riding under the assumption that the other drivers are clueless and/or out to get me.
Bike handling skills learned on dirt.
Continuing critique of my survival skills. I.e. "Did I just leave myself vulnerable to X at that last intersection?".
However, on dirt I have probably never taken a ride in which I didn't fall.
__________________
A superior rider uses his superior judgement to keep out of situations requiring his superior skill.
Type of bikes owned: 1994(or 93) Suzuki DR 250, 2001 Buell Blast
Certifications/Classes Etc: M endorsement on license.
General Experience: I started off riding dirt bikes (suzuki rm80) when I was a 8, then got out of that until I got a dual sport when I was 16 with my pa. I rode that on the weekends on the street going from place to place for 2 years, then bought the Blast Aug. 14, 2004. I've done two solid years of year round riding on the street with no accidents on top of any street riding I did on the DR 250.
General Experience:Started late, at 12. Rode and raced MX until getting license, then rode mainly street. Got out of riding for a couple years in the late 80s after getting in with the wrong crowd (they kept killing themselves off, and I got tired of going to funerals every week or so). Moved to a different part of the country, started riding again. Commute pretty much year-round. Race Hare Scrambles in the winter, WERA in the summer, teach MSF BRC, ERC, and ScooterSchool.
Advice:After watching a couple of teenagers riding 125s lap an entire field of adults on SV650s, I can enthusiastically say that cornerspeed and technique make you fast, not horsepower and twisting the throttle.
After watching newbs do accidental 12 o'clock wheelies on Nighthawk 250s I can enthusiastically say that the learning curve can be mande way too steep by a powerful bike.
What you don't know can't hurt you? Bullshit! In this sport it can kill you - quick.
__________________
I too, have nothing of value to add to this thread...
Bikes owned:
Currently - 1989 Honda Hawk nt650, 1993 Honda nc30 (VFR400) racebike
Former - 1992 Honda NSR150, 1993 FZR150, 1998 Yamaha YZF600R, 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6
Certifications/Classes Etc: M endorsement (2001), MSF graduate (2001), WSMC racing license (in progress)
General Experience: Started riding in Taiwan streets on a 150cc NSR. Finally hopped on a 600cc when I got my M1 endorsement in 2001 and started on a YZF600R to learn the ropes. Started riding canyons and instantly became addicted. Finally sold the YZF for a 99' R6 which became my trackbike. 12k track miles, 5k canyon miles, and (3) crashes later... I'm still learning to become a better rider.
Advice: Be patient and eager to learn. There's plenty of time to learn to be fast, take it easy, and have fun along the way!
__________________
-Tony
"...those who can ride are not impressed by the size of bike, but by the riders ability..."
Type of bikes owned: Way too many to list, I've had 18 different bikes in the last 4 yrs......and still own 3 street bikes.
Certifications/Classes Etc: WI motorcycle endorsement for 22 yrs.
General Experience: I have been riding since I've been 14(off road) and 16(on road). I started, like many, on a 5hp minibike. Proceeded to move up to a 185 Enduro and my first street legal ride was a 250 enduro. I have ridden almost everything on 2 wheels since then, from 60cc dirt bikes on up to Goldwings, plus all sizes/shapes/styles of bikes in between and ride them safely. I've bought, fixed, and sold more bikes in the last 4 years than most will ever own. For the last 2 years I've had a minimum of 8 bikes in the garage, all drivable.
In all that time riding, I've NEVER dumped a streetbike, not even at the track (which included offroading a Aprilia Mille at 65 mph - can't do that w/o yrs of experience). This is what you learn by climbing the CC ladder. I believe everyone(no matter what age you are) start off on a 250cc bike for at least 1-2 years or 5k miles. A great start is the MSF course and WHEN you do get a license, THEN you start riding. Check your EGO at the door!
Unlike everyone else, I DO NOT believe cagers are out to kill you when you are riding. They may not pay attention to bikers, but then again, most don't pay attention to Semi's either. Screw your head on straight and watch everything on the road to avoid becoming a ink stain.
__________________ "....I will NOT call you an irresponsible dumbass, it's against SBN rules. - INF DS"
Since I seem to pop in here from time to time, I figure I should post about me.
I am still, in my eyes, a "new" rider. The first time I ever touched a motorcycle is Sept 10, 2003. It has been a whirlwind ever since. I went through MSF and received my endorsement On Sept 30, 2003. My first street bike was a ninja 250. In weeks to follow I was introduced to my hubby's TTR125 dirt bike. I was infected....bad. January of 2004 I bought my first dirtbike. A YZ80. At the time I had no idea what the difference was between a YZ80 and a TTR125. All I knew was that it was a little dirtbike. I wanted a little dirtbike! For those that don't know, the difference between the TTR125 and the YZ80 is about 12-15 hp. AND a wild kick in the pants when the power hits on the top end!
I ended up really learning how to ride on the ice with my YZ80. Weather turned too cold very quickly here and I was only able to put 3k miles on the ninjoid before winter....So I learned the basics on my two stroke MX bike with homemade studded tires on the ice. The BEST way to learn.
That spring, we removed the ice tires and strapped on some DOT's and I learned about racing. In May of 2004 I stepped onto the racetrack with my YZ80 and began racing mini-motard. Discussions ensued soon there after. I wanted to upgrade the Ninjoid. Initially the hubby was going to make me ride the Ninjoid for the season...then he saw me on the track. 1k miles, a slow lowside and test rides on his '03 R6 later, I moved up to my current streetbike. My 2004 R6.
In my limited time here, I have turned psycho. I now have more motorcycles than space in my garage. I now ride a YZ250F in addition to my little YZ80. I ride dirt, street, track and ice. I ride sportbike trackdays as well as racing the mini-motos. My 250F will be running supermoto very soon....my debut into the lites class will be next year.
So in the end, I did get a late start in this sport. I have worked very hard and learned a ton in all of my adventures. I may not have all the answers but the answers I do have I know are true. They work for me...so with that being said they may not work for you! I have been told many times over (it's probably because I am a girl) that I have a natural talent. I should not be riding like I do in such a short time. So I have been blessed. (I am really just obsessed)
My objective is to share my experiences and help as much as I can. I love having women riders and do my best to promote all aspects of riding. I hate bad or wrong information, egos and know it alls. I appreciate and respect those with open minds and a desire to learn. I may be small, very new and a girl. But I do have valuable information that can be useful. Never underestimate~you may be surprised what really is underneath that leather!
Head up and eyes forward. I love this sport and only want to see it [safely] grow!
Type of bikes owned: 2003 Suzuki SV650S, 2003 Honda CBR600RR, 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1(x2... first one was stolen)
Certifications/Classes Etc: Current drivers licenses with unlimited motorcycle endorsement for FL, Taken and completed MSF Basic Rider course(2003) and Advanced Rider Course(2004).
General Experience: Before ever being able to afford my own bike in general, I use to ride ATVs and dirt bikes every summer with my cousins so I have some experience from that. Then I have participated in track days before. I don't think or feel I know alot more than everyone else but I do feel I have learned a lot in such a short time from more experienced riders as far as advice and tips goes but like everyone...we are always living and learning. Also, I think it doesn't take much experience to know to always wear your gear. So if you hear me saying something about that...it's because I've seen too many people go down without wearing their gear and have seen the outcome of that right infront of me. I don't like to say much but if there is something I do know and feel I need to say my bit, I will.
Last edited by KarasuRiderGT : 10-07-2006 at 08:08 PM.
Posts: 5
Casino Cash: $254
Sportbike: fixing to get one
Age 21:
First dirt bike: Honda 1995 XR100
I have 8 years of dirt experience and 0 years of street experience.
Im getting a bike, and after reading some of the threads i think ill start out small. Im looking at a Ninja 250R. Any sugestions?
Need a resume to give advice? O.k. Fair enough.
I started riding when I turned 21. That was 17 years and 3 months ago. I was trained by two mentor, one an ex- flattrack racer, the other just a regular street rider. I learned most of my skills from the flatracker, but street riding smarts from the biker. No MSF courses here, just the school of hard knocks and skined up knees.
I am a hardcore rider and a long distance treker. Motorcycles are my only source of transportation. I have owned a a total of four bikes, gradually moving up from a 125 cc bike, to a 250cc, to a 600cc, to my current 750 inline four. I have ridden many, many bikes, including a Harley, a DP, a Virago, a V65 Magna, a Kaw 450? LTD, rat bike, a Goldwing, a FZ1, an FZ6, a Honda Rebel, a 125 cc Honda Elite, a 600 Shadow VLX Deluxe, and a CB750 Nighthawk.
Last edited by Hawkrider : 10-21-2006 at 10:26 PM.
I've put some trail time in on the XT (Since 2005), which opened my eyes to a whole new world of riding! I did a fair bit of 2-up riding with various "pillions," which I might add are just as important to the ride as the person grasping the handlebars. I worked for motorcycle dealerships up to 2005, which got me on a lot of different bikes.
I went through MSF and received my endorsement On Sept 30, 2003. My first street bike was a ninja 250. In weeks to follow I was introduced to my hubby's TTR125 dirt bike. I was infected....bad. January of 2004 I bought my first dirtbike. A YZ80. At the time I had no idea what the difference was between a YZ80 and a TTR125. All I knew was that it was a little dirtbike. I wanted a little dirtbike!
For those that don't know, the difference between the TTR125 and the YZ80 is about 12-15 hp.
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