New rider looking for a few tips

[PwNeR]

Okay, I bought a 1988 Honda CBR1000 and now I have to learn how to ride it. I know lots of people think that people who buy a big bike for their first bike go out and ride like idiots, trying to do things things to be cool, but I just got this bike because of the price. (paid $1200 when 2 other 600's where $2200). So what I am looking for is advice on how to get used to balancing a 551 lb bike. I've ridden dirt bikes before, but nothing anywhere near this heavy.

[emericanchaos]

why did you buy a bike you can't even balance?

just let the clutch out slowly, without throttle. balance is simple once you get moving since the tires are so big.

all in all you should probably dump that bike. being 20yrs old it's going to be a problem child if something breaks.

[gunther]

just get on it and ride. the only way to "get used to it" is through seat time. Waay too big of a 1st bike though....i paid $1200 for my first bike as well, a 250ninja! Best of luck, and remember the throttle goes both ways, not just open

[gunther]

take a rider education class

[kxl77]

Not much common sense eh?

[smashbox]

[shah269]

LIFE INSURANCE!
Who the hell let you buy that bike as your first bike? I mean what kind of friends do you have? Are they in need of spare body parts? I mean ok total n00b on a bike that heavy and with that much power?
Put it away go take the a rider education class and buy spare parts and gear.
Oy vey! Where do these guys come from!

[sorny]

Wow... a huge 80's liter bike as a first bike.. shit. Good luck.

[DoWorkSon]

you'll have to get used to dropping it first.

[medic001918]

Originally Posted by emericanchaos

why did you buy a bike you can't even balance?

just let the clutch out slowly, without throttle. balance is simple once you get moving since the tires are so big.

all in all you should probably dump that bike. being 20yrs old it's going to be a problem child if something breaks.

Not to be a dick, but I'm not sure that you should be giving riding advice. You're doing things because you think they're right. You can barely ride your own bike and haven't gone through MSF to know what's right and wrong. Hold back and learn something grasshopper. The balance of a motorcycle doesn't come from the tires.

As far as tips for the OP, you're going to simply have to get used to the weight of the bike. Once you get it going, the weight shouldn't be as big of an issue. You'll find it should balance itself. You just have to be aware of the weight when leaning in the corners. You didn't really choose the best bike to learn on (deal or not). You might be well served to take MSF on one of their smaller bikes and learn the basics, then apply them to your own bike.

Shane

[PwNeR]

Originally Posted by medic001918

Not to be a dick, but I'm not sure that you should be giving riding advice. You're doing things because you think they're right. You can barely ride your own bike and haven't gone through MSF to know what's right and wrong. Hold back and learn something grasshopper. The balance of a motorcycle doesn't come from the tires.

As far as tips for the OP, you're going to simply have to get used to the weight of the bike. Once you get it going, the weight shouldn't be as big of an issue. You'll find it should balance itself. You just have to be aware of the weight when leaning in the corners. You didn't really choose the best bike to learn on (deal or not). You might be well served to take MSF on one of their smaller bikes and learn the basics, then apply them to your own bike.

Shane

thanks, I was planning on taking a 3 day course, it's required in oregon for people under 21. EDIT - and they supply 250's so I'll do that

[83269]

Originally Posted by shah269

LIFE INSURANCE!
Who the hell let you buy that bike as your first bike? I mean what kind of friends do you have? Are they in need of spare body parts? I mean ok total n00b on a bike that heavy and with that much power?
Put it away go take the a rider education class and buy spare parts and gear.
Oy vey! Where do these guys come from!

+10000000

[MINI NSX]

Originally Posted by medic001918

Not to be a dick, but I'm not sure that you should be giving riding advice. You're doing things because you think they're right. You can barely ride your own bike and haven't gone through MSF to know what's right and wrong. Hold back and learn something grasshopper. The balance of a motorcycle doesn't come from the tires.

As far as tips for the OP, you're going to simply have to get used to the weight of the bike. Once you get it going, the weight shouldn't be as big of an issue. You'll find it should balance itself. You just have to be aware of the weight when leaning in the corners. You didn't really choose the best bike to learn on (deal or not). You might be well served to take MSF on one of their smaller bikes and learn the basics, then apply them to your own bike.
Shane

+1

Take the MSF. The weight is gonna be your "problem", but mostly when doing slow maneuvers. Once you get rollin' you won't notice the weight. As far as power goes that bike has nowhere near the power of a newer CBR1000RR.

[metalrat]

Do you have a short inseam? If so, be sure you put a foot down on level ground.

It would be real bad if you stop in front of your driveway... With the tires on higher ground... and then go to put your foot in a hole.

[AlphaRider]

Don't worry about riding the bike. It's very simple once you understand how to control the bike at slow speeds. The hardest part your going to have with a bike like that is a tight u-turn.

Take the bike out to an empty parking lot and have fun! Don't worry so much about the clutch, people OVER EXAGERATE (sp?) how sensitive the throttles are. If you've ridden a dirt bike you will me fine. Just slowly get on the gas while slowly letting off the clutch.
Odd's are your going to look like a grasshopper for the first week until you can take off without both feet dragging.