I recently got myself my first bike and I've been taking it easy w/ it. Today was actually the 1st time i took it out onto the streets, after 'bout a week of on/off practicing on the clutch engagement and the balance. I'd like to get used to the mechanics of my bike more (ie. leaning, turning, power) and I'd think that I might be able to learn all that better if I go on the twisites.

Now before you guys start flaming, hear me out. I'd think, with the turns and stuff, twisties is a good place to get a feel for your bike. I'm by no means trying to say that I'm gonna mash the throttle and take the bike to its limits. I think with a few other cars going with me for safety, I can get really used to my bike in the canyons by practicing turning and leaning, slowly.

Isn't it better than learning how to turn with 4000 lb. cars right next to you?

Is this a good idea? Flames, inputs, suggestions welcome.

 

yeah man, that's how everyone learns. u dont just go on the twisties with preset skills. everyone has to learn somehow.

 

Twisties are a good idea, but if it's only been about 1 or 2 weeks, give yourself some more street time to get familiar with the controls before you hit up the canyon roads. You could go into "panic-mode" when faced with a new situation, and intuitively knowing where all your controls are will vastly improve your chances of coming out ok.

Bring one friend (or more) that know the roads and, more importantly, will not go zooming off, leaving you to either 1) ride alone or 2) attempt to catch up (and get in over your head).

The first time will be the hardest. It only gets better after that.

 

yeah dude dont goto the twisties just yet, do a little more street riding first, get your balance perfect, learn the bike, get comfortable but do not get cocky

always where your gear

when you do goto the twisties, take it slow the first couple times, learn the roads, really pay attention to everything in the road, rocks branches twigs anything, when your haulin *** or even driving normal a rock can really **** you up

always pay attention to your surroundings, do not get fixated on somthing, watch your *** you dont want to hit your brakes and get rearended, remeber you bike stops alot
better then a car

always where your gear

never hit your brakes in the turn, brake before the turn and either steddy throttle or slowly accelerate, whouldnt recomed the later untill your better at riding

dont try to get your knee down the first day out, and dont listen to people when they say youv got some big chicken strips and try to prove yourself

always where your gear

watch the throttle coming out of the turn dont give it to much your assend could slide out and down you go


and always where your gear

 

I think what everyone is trying to say is 'make the controls of your bike second nature first' before exploring the twisties. People have been going to the same canyons and tracks for years and years because there is no limit. Refine your basic skills first before you encounter panic situations.. most common of them all in the canyons would be going wide on a turn. Goin wide on a right hander can kill you instantly. Not the best way to learn if you're new.

 

Yo thanks for the replies. Then I'll probably stick to urban roads for a few more months before further refining my skills w/ the twisties. I'll always wear my gear. Probably a dumb question, but where did you guys practice on your bike before you started using it to commute to places? (ie. parking lots? residential roads? regular streets?). I don't want to get into an accident w/ some other car when I'm still getting used to my clutch and throttle delivery.

Kinda off topic (but really important for me), but I know many of you wear leathers while riding on the canyons, but what pants do you wear when you're just doing everyday riding? I know jeans won't really protect me in a spill, but it'll be hell walking into a store wearing leather pants on a 100 degree day during the summer (in CA). I guess there's a tradeoff between protection and comfort.

Thanks! All comments are super helpful!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by XxDJCyberLoverxX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yo thanks for the replies. Then I'll probably stick to urban roads for a few more months before further refining my skills w/ the twisties. I'll always wear my gear. Probably a dumb question, but where did you guys practice on your bike before you started using it to commute to places? (ie. parking lots? residential roads? regular streets?). I don't want to get into an accident w/ some other car when I'm still getting used to my clutch and throttle delivery.

Kinda off topic (but really important for me), but I know many of you wear leathers while riding on the canyons, but what pants do you wear when you're just doing everyday riding? I know jeans won't really protect me in a spill, but it'll be hell walking into a store wearing leather pants on a 100 degree day during the summer (in CA). I guess there's a tradeoff between protection and comfort.

Thanks! All comments are super helpful!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Have you looked into Icon or Joe Rocket jeans? They've got protective lining (kevlar) stitched into the knee and butt area. I guess it'd be better than just jeans.

 

yeah check out joe rocket or icon pants... out of curiosity... what kinda bike do you ride?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by XxDJCyberLoverxX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Probably a dumb question, but where did you guys practice on your bike before you started using it to commute to places? (ie. parking lots? residential roads? regular streets?). I don't want to get into an accident w/ some other car when I'm still getting used to my clutch and throttle delivery. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Empty parking lots are great for getting the hang of the throttle and handling. Residential roads can be hell, though, because the people who live there don't expect a lot of traffic, and may suddenly pull out of their driveways (happened to me a few times). If you're going out to practice, do it when the traffic in your area is light. Like 10am or 2pm. Night-time is usually bad when you're getting used to riding.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by XxDJCyberLoverxX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Kinda off topic (but really important for me), but I know many of you wear leathers while riding on the canyons, but what pants do you wear when you're just doing everyday riding? I know jeans won't really protect me in a spill, but it'll be hell walking into a store wearing leather pants on a 100 degree day during the summer (in CA). I guess there's a tradeoff between protection and comfort. </TD></TR></TABLE>

&lt;-- Full leathers in the canyons or at the track. Long-distance commuting, too. Jacket and jeans for local commuting / errand-running.

 

just go to the track and you'll learn more then you expect. You'll learn how to control a slide, throttle control, learn front brakes, etc............

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM DC2 Monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">just go to the track and you'll learn more then you expect. You'll learn how to control a slide, throttle control, learn front brakes, etc............</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not if he just got the bike.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Suzuki Boy Poat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... out of curiosity... what kinda bike do you ride? </TD></TR></TABLE>

I got myself an '02 R6. Ya I'm starting on a 600, but I'm feeling that I'm making great progress on getting used to the bike. I'm taking it slow (it took me a week to get kinda used to the clutch and starting off on my driveway) and just recently got onto the streets.

I'll eventually get leathers, but my budget is killing me, so I gotta wait on that. BTW, are bike clubs good to learn the mechanics of your bike? I guess what I'm trying to say is, is it good to join a bike club, or do most bike clubs consist of stunters or something? Any of you in bike clubs that vouch for it being a good learning tool?

 

yeah a good bike club to get in with is HELLS ANGELS. they are a great bunch of guys. lol nah just playing. mainly clubs are a bunch of friends that hang out and ride. adn usally help each other work on bikes. so yeah It wouldnt hurt to get with some people