On Sunday I passed 5,000 total bike miles after getting my ninja 500 late last year. Some things I've realized...
-It's hard to swallow your pride and buy a smaller bike to start off because every other modern sportbike is faster and better looking than yours. But as time goes you on care less about what other people think of you and your bike.
-People don't expect you to ride fast when you have a 500. If I started on a b***** bike, I may get caught up in trying to prove other riders that I can keep up with them.
-Car drivers don't pay attention. They are talking on their cell phone, eating, day-dreaming, and "appear" shocked that they almost hit you. I just assume every car I encounter is going to do something stupid, and 5% of the time they come through. "Ride like you're invisible." "Pretend everyone is trying to kill you." I know it's hard not to take it personal when someone almost kills you, but it's best to let it go and leave your head clear for riding.
-I'm too big for my bike. I'm almost 6'2 and my elbows easily rest on my knees when I tuck in a little. My friend took a picture of me from behind while I was riding and it looks like I'm on a moped. Regardless, the seat and handlebar position makes it a very comfortable ride.
-It's not worth it to go fast on public roads. I understand why people say 'take it to the track' now, because on public roads you will always leave yourself open to variables that you can't control. It just takes one mistake or one patch of gravel... there is just so much to lose by pushing the limits of the road. If you can't help but go fast, at least stick to roads you are very familiar with so there will be less surprises.
-Group rides can be dangerous. People say "Ride your own ride" but you just can't help but try to keep up. It's impossible not to feel part of the group and just do what everyone else is doing. That and the tendency for riders to stop in unsafe places (immediately after a curve) has made me stay away from group rides. I ride with a friend who knows my skills, limitations, and riding style. We have hundreds of miles together and no problems, while I've been on two group rides and witnessed 3 accidents.
-Never, ever ride next to a car. And when you pass a car, do so at a brisk pace.
-Don't ride when you are upset. You need your mind 100% on riding, not on some girl that dumped you. Clear your head BEFORE you get on the bike. Have your therapy session on your couch, not a motorcycle.
-The liklihood of you getting into an accident can be predicted by how many close-calls you get yourself in to. If you are getting into at least one serious close call a week, you may want to review your riding style.
I haven't dropped the bike and hope I never will. I've gotten more conservative in the last couple thousands miles as I read stories on how a single accident can really change your life. It's not worth my life to be speedracer on the highway. At 10,000 miles I will most likely make the jump to a 600 and then turn that in a track bike after a year or so to enjoy sportbiking the way it's meant to be.
-It's hard to swallow your pride and buy a smaller bike to start off because every other modern sportbike is faster and better looking than yours. But as time goes you on care less about what other people think of you and your bike.
-People don't expect you to ride fast when you have a 500. If I started on a b***** bike, I may get caught up in trying to prove other riders that I can keep up with them.
-Car drivers don't pay attention. They are talking on their cell phone, eating, day-dreaming, and "appear" shocked that they almost hit you. I just assume every car I encounter is going to do something stupid, and 5% of the time they come through. "Ride like you're invisible." "Pretend everyone is trying to kill you." I know it's hard not to take it personal when someone almost kills you, but it's best to let it go and leave your head clear for riding.
-I'm too big for my bike. I'm almost 6'2 and my elbows easily rest on my knees when I tuck in a little. My friend took a picture of me from behind while I was riding and it looks like I'm on a moped. Regardless, the seat and handlebar position makes it a very comfortable ride.
-It's not worth it to go fast on public roads. I understand why people say 'take it to the track' now, because on public roads you will always leave yourself open to variables that you can't control. It just takes one mistake or one patch of gravel... there is just so much to lose by pushing the limits of the road. If you can't help but go fast, at least stick to roads you are very familiar with so there will be less surprises.
-Group rides can be dangerous. People say "Ride your own ride" but you just can't help but try to keep up. It's impossible not to feel part of the group and just do what everyone else is doing. That and the tendency for riders to stop in unsafe places (immediately after a curve) has made me stay away from group rides. I ride with a friend who knows my skills, limitations, and riding style. We have hundreds of miles together and no problems, while I've been on two group rides and witnessed 3 accidents.
-Never, ever ride next to a car. And when you pass a car, do so at a brisk pace.
-Don't ride when you are upset. You need your mind 100% on riding, not on some girl that dumped you. Clear your head BEFORE you get on the bike. Have your therapy session on your couch, not a motorcycle.
-The liklihood of you getting into an accident can be predicted by how many close-calls you get yourself in to. If you are getting into at least one serious close call a week, you may want to review your riding style.
I haven't dropped the bike and hope I never will. I've gotten more conservative in the last couple thousands miles as I read stories on how a single accident can really change your life. It's not worth my life to be speedracer on the highway. At 10,000 miles I will most likely make the jump to a 600 and then turn that in a track bike after a year or so to enjoy sportbiking the way it's meant to be.
