New Rider

robertkh100 · June 1st, 2012, 01:15 PM

Hey everyone I am 15 1/2 with my permit, I know i'm probably one of the youngest on here but I just could not wait to start riding. I bought my ninja 250 2012 brand new yesterday(it's the candy lime green color). I have 50 miles on it and so far I know what mistakes i'm making and I am correcting myself. I really enjoy speed, but i'm mature about riding and dont go more than 5 over the limit. I really really don't want to dump this bike and besides saying hello I want you guys to give me some tips that you wish you would have gotten when you started riding. thanks, robert

Stingray1000 · June 1st, 2012, 01:51 PM

Welcome! We have a New Members section, just so you know but glad you your here!

broilmebk · June 1st, 2012, 02:03 PM

welcome to the forum
IBTM

Motofool · June 1st, 2012, 03:59 PM

Hi Robert, welcome to the site!

Congratulations on your permit and new bike.

During the first weeks:

1) Stay away from heavy traffic, slippery roads, rain and night riding.

2) Work on creating proper automatic reflexes: learning good habits is much easier than unlearning bad habits.

3) Don't deviate your attention from ahead and try to see far rather than close and down.

4) Practice proper braking and avoiding maneuvers at different speeds as much as you can.

5) Study books about riding.

6) Adopt a relaxed posture, breath and enjoy the challenge of becoming a better rider.

Best!

robertkh100 · June 1st, 2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broilmebk

welcome to the forum
IBTM

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Hi Robert, welcome to the site!

Congratulations on your permit and new bike.

During the first weeks:

1) Stay away from heavy traffic, slippery roads, rain and night riding.

2) Work on creating proper automatic reflexes: learning good habits is much easier than unlearning bad habits.

3) Don't deviate your attention from ahead and try to see far rather than close and down.

4) Practice proper braking and avoiding maneuvers at different speeds as much as you can.

5) Study books about riding.

6) Adopt a relaxed posture, breath and enjoy the challenge of becoming a better rider.

Best!

thanks for the advice!

Countersteer · June 1st, 2012, 09:04 PM

This book, if you take it to heart, will change the way you ride and significantly improve your street survival skills, in my opinion.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Twist-of...item58941a767a

Alex · June 2nd, 2012, 09:05 AM

MSF course? (link at bottom of page)

Alex · June 2nd, 2012, 09:06 AM

/thread moved to new members section

xMoises831 · June 2nd, 2012, 01:18 PM

soon ill be riding i still need to sign up for the classes I'm going to be 16 in about 2 months you live in LA? lol anyways how do you feel when riding i want to start so bad already but still need to finish the CMSP>MSF and then get a ninja muahah

robertkh100 · June 2nd, 2012, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countersteer

This book, if you take it to heart, will change the way you ride and significantly improve your street survival skills, in my opinion.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Twist-of...item58941a767a

Thanks, i'll definitely take a look at it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

MSF course? (link at bottom of page)

Yeah I finished about 3 weeks ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMoises831

soon ill be riding i still need to sign up for the classes I'm going to be 16 in about 2 months you live in LA? lol anyways how do you feel when riding i want to start so bad already but still need to finish the CMSP>MSF and then get a ninja muahah

You know man, I can't explain how it feels to ride. All I can say is it's fun but you can't get distracted or show off. When you first start you might get the hang of it quickly like I did but try not to feel over-confident, always be careful and like others have said ride as if you're invisible. Yeah I live in the Valley.

kraazy · June 2nd, 2012, 02:28 PM

Welcome ... from NYC

Countersteer · June 2nd, 2012, 02:45 PM

You were asking for tips...Here are some:

Act as though you are invisible. Never assume anyone sees you, even if they are looking at you.

Always drive with an "out".

Run scenarios in your head, such as "if that car does this, I'll do that" and anything else you can think of. Pretty soon it becomes second nature and you start doing it subconsciously.

Always monitor 360 degrees around yourself.

Always be aware of being in someone's blind spot.

Learn to look in 2 places at once, such as looking in your mirrors but still keeping whats in front of you in your peripheral vision. Takes practice but is a valuable skill.

robertkh100 · June 2nd, 2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countersteer

You were asking for tips...Here are some:

Act as though you are invisible. Never assume anyone sees you, even if they are looking at you.

Always drive with an "out".

Run scenarios in your head, such as "if that car does this, I'll do that" and anything else you can think of. Pretty soon it becomes second nature and you start doing it subconsciously.

Always monitor 360 degrees around yourself.

Always be aware of being in someone's blind spot.

Learn to look in 2 places at once, such as looking in your mirrors but still keeping whats in front of you in your peripheral vision. Takes practice but is a valuable skill.

I pretty much do all of this as I have read a lot on motorcycling, but sometimes I find it hard to always have an escape that doesnt lead into oncoming traffic.

xMoises831 · June 2nd, 2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertkh100

Thanks, i'll definitely take a look at it.

Yeah I finished about 3 weeks ago.

You know man, I can't explain how it feels to ride. All I can say is it's fun but you can't get distracted or show off. When you first start you might get the hang of it quickly like I did but try not to feel over-confident, always be careful and like others have said ride as if you're invisible. Yeah I live in the Valley.

thanks.. helps how was the cmsp course i know its not hard but what thing was more challenging about it? and what kind of shoes did u have to wear ? i have hightop jordans you think these would work?

robertkh100 · June 2nd, 2012, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMoises831

thanks.. helps how was the cmsp course i know its not hard but what thing was more challenging about it? and what kind of shoes did u have to wear ? i have hightop jordans you think these would work?

the course was pretty good as long as you progress but there are usually 1 or 2 people that dont make it all the way through. Just go to have fun, and you'll be likely to pass as long as you try. The more challenging things(for me) were braking really quickly. The U-turn isn't that hard as long you listen to their advice on how to do it. I'm not sure if hightop Jordans will work, it really depends on your ridercoach. Gloves should be pretty much all leather.

xMoises831 · June 2nd, 2012, 08:30 PM

oh what did you wear i really don't want to buy new shoes just for that

robertkh100 · June 3rd, 2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMoises831

oh what did you wear i really don't want to buy new shoes just for that

I bought some motorcycling shoes and than returned them, most places let you return them, same thing with the gloves.

xMoises831 · June 3rd, 2012, 10:11 PM

they didn't get dirty or scuffed up lol

robertkh100 · June 3rd, 2012, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMoises831

they didn't get dirty or scuffed up lol

It's just a 2-day course, the boots did get a little dusty and kind of dirty on the bottom but you can just clean it easily and they look like new

KJohnson21 · June 4th, 2012, 09:51 PM

Snake · June 8th, 2012, 02:28 AM

Hello and welcome.

NDspd · June 8th, 2012, 06:29 AM

Welcome!!

nycsteve · June 8th, 2012, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

During the first weeks:

1) Stay away from heavy traffic, slippery roads, rain and night riding.

My very first ride was at night, just after a heavy downpour during the winter, in traffic! lol

Tebo · June 17th, 2012, 09:45 PM

Welcome, where in the valley do you live? I'm near northridge and i have seen another candy green bike other than mine.

robertkh100 · June 17th, 2012, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tebo

Welcome, where in the valley do you live? I'm near northridge and i have seen another candy green bike other than mine.

Probably me, I live in Granada Hills which is half a mile away from Northridge

Tebo · June 17th, 2012, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertkh100

Probably me, I live in Granada Hills which is half a mile away from Northridge

Nice man!! i think i saw you on lassen and zelzah one day. Well we should ride together when ever your free! Im in north Hills.

robertkh100 · June 17th, 2012, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tebo

Nice man!! i think i saw you on lassen and zelzah one day. Well we should ride together when ever your free! Im in north Hills.

Sure if you don't mind riding with a youngster lol, just let me know

Tebo · June 17th, 2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertkh100

Sure if you don't mind riding with a youngster lol, just let me know

Don't worry man I'm young too I'm 20 and got my bike 2 months ago.

robertkh100 · June 17th, 2012, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tebo

Don't worry man I'm young too I'm 20 and got my bike 2 months ago.

You got 4 years on me bro! I got my bike about 3 weeks ago.

Tebo · June 17th, 2012, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertkh100

You got 4 years on me bro! I got my bike about 3 weeks ago.

Its still not much man lol

Galaxieman · June 17th, 2012, 11:11 PM

Most definitely take a MSF course. Completely worth it. I've been riding for over 10 years, and I still learn stuff every time I take a riding class. What kind of gear are you wearing on a daily basis? I realize that at 15+ your budget for gear can be tight, but I'd imagine you can find some pretty good deals for stuff on craigslist out in the LA area. Welcome to 2 wheels, keep the shiny side up!

robertkh100 · June 17th, 2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galaxieman

Most definitely take a MSF course. Completely worth it. I've been riding for over 10 years, and I still learn stuff every time I take a riding class. What kind of gear are you wearing on a daily basis? I realize that at 15+ your budget for gear can be tight, but I'd imagine you can find some pretty good deals for stuff on craigslist out in the LA area. Welcome to 2 wheels, keep the shiny side up!

I wear a Shoei, alpinestars jacket and gloves. Planning on getting some pants and boots soon though. I have taken the MSF course already, thanks for the advice.

Galaxieman · June 17th, 2012, 11:33 PM

Good on ya for takin the course already. One thing I can pass from when I started out is this: find a good group to go on rides with. It's good to be on a site like this where everyone has the same kind of bike, but finding a group with lots of different bikes is a good way to get exposed to lots of different perspectives. Who knows, the older guy riding a Buell Ulysses might just have been a racer in his youth. Seek out a mentor, someone who really knows what they're talking about... Having an "old, wizened head" to help keep your youthful exuberance in check can be a good thing. Stick your head in over at beginnerbikers.org, there's a pretty good wealth of experience over there as well.

Oh, and another thing: Never offer to take a girl's drunk friend on the back of your bike just to help out a buddy...

. Usually doesn't end well.

June 1st, 2012, 01:15 PM	#1
robertkh100 ninjette.org member Name: Robert Location: los angeles Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250(Totaled), 2007 Yamaha R6(Sold), 2013 Ninja 300 Special Edition W/O ABS Posts: 168	New Rider Hey everyone I am 15 1/2 with my permit, I know i'm probably one of the youngest on here but I just could not wait to start riding. I bought my ninja 250 2012 brand new yesterday(it's the candy lime green color). I have 50 miles on it and so far I know what mistakes i'm making and I am correcting myself. I really enjoy speed, but i'm mature about riding and dont go more than 5 over the limit. I really really don't want to dump this bike and besides saying hello I want you guys to give me some tips that you wish you would have gotten when you started riding. thanks, robert

June 1st, 2012, 01:51 PM	#2
Stingray1000 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jon Location: Newark, De Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Welcome! We have a New Members section, just so you know but glad you your here! __________________________________________________ http://www.facebook.com/groups/DeMdNjPagrouprides/ I live my life a quarter mile at a time! Who is affraid of the big bad jiggles???? LOL

June 1st, 2012, 03:59 PM	#4
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Hi Robert, welcome to the site! Congratulations on your permit and new bike. During the first weeks: 1) Stay away from heavy traffic, slippery roads, rain and night riding. 2) Work on creating proper automatic reflexes: learning good habits is much easier than unlearning bad habits. 3) Don't deviate your attention from ahead and try to see far rather than close and down. 4) Practice proper braking and avoiding maneuvers at different speeds as much as you can. 5) Study books about riding. 6) Adopt a relaxed posture, breath and enjoy the challenge of becoming a better rider. Best! __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

June 1st, 2012, 09:04 PM	#6
Countersteer <><><><><><><><><> Name: Eric Location: Robertsdale, AL Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): <2008 250R> Past Bikes:06 GSXR600 89 CBR1000 78 Hawk 400 86 Ninja 600R 86 & 87 FZ600 81 GPZ550 71 CB360T Posts: 228 Blog Entries: 3	This book, if you take it to heart, will change the way you ride and significantly improve your street survival skills, in my opinion. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Twist-of...item58941a767a __________________________________________________ Have you ever read the King James Bible? To say speed kills is akin to saying guns kill, neither of which is true.

June 2nd, 2012, 09:05 AM	#7
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	MSF course? (link at bottom of page) __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

June 1st, 2012, 02:03 PM	#3
broilmebk ninjette.org sage Name: Brian Location: Orange County, CA Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 ninja 250r Posts: 762	welcome to the forum IBTM

June 2nd, 2012, 09:06 AM	#8
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	/thread moved to new members section __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

June 2nd, 2012, 01:18 PM	#9
xMoises831 ninjette.org guru Name: Moises Location: watsonville Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 364 Blog Entries: 1	soon ill be riding i still need to sign up for the classes I'm going to be 16 in about 2 months you live in LA? lol anyways how do you feel when riding i want to start so bad already but still need to finish the CMSP>MSF and then get a ninja muahah

June 2nd, 2012, 02:28 PM	#11
kraazy We need 1.21Gigawatts now Name: KrAaZy Location: NYC Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1Badazz2fiddy,ZRV 500 Posts: 94	Welcome ... from NYC

June 2nd, 2012, 02:45 PM	#12
Countersteer <><><><><><><><><> Name: Eric Location: Robertsdale, AL Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): <2008 250R> Past Bikes:06 GSXR600 89 CBR1000 78 Hawk 400 86 Ninja 600R 86 & 87 FZ600 81 GPZ550 71 CB360T Posts: 228 Blog Entries: 3	You were asking for tips...Here are some: Act as though you are invisible. Never assume anyone sees you, even if they are looking at you. Always drive with an "out". Run scenarios in your head, such as "if that car does this, I'll do that" and anything else you can think of. Pretty soon it becomes second nature and you start doing it subconsciously. Always monitor 360 degrees around yourself. Always be aware of being in someone's blind spot. Learn to look in 2 places at once, such as looking in your mirrors but still keeping whats in front of you in your peripheral vision. Takes practice but is a valuable skill. __________________________________________________ Have you ever read the King James Bible? To say speed kills is akin to saying guns kill, neither of which is true.

June 2nd, 2012, 08:30 PM	#16
xMoises831 ninjette.org guru Name: Moises Location: watsonville Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 364 Blog Entries: 1	oh what did you wear i really don't want to buy new shoes just for that

June 3rd, 2012, 10:11 PM	#18
xMoises831 ninjette.org guru Name: Moises Location: watsonville Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 364 Blog Entries: 1	they didn't get dirty or scuffed up lol

June 4th, 2012, 09:51 PM	#20
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

June 8th, 2012, 02:28 AM	#21
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Hello and welcome.

June 8th, 2012, 06:29 AM	#22
NDspd 1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass Name: Jeremy Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.	Welcome!!

June 17th, 2012, 09:45 PM	#24
Tebo ninjette.org member Name: Estevan Location: san fernando valley Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 25	Welcome, where in the valley do you live? I'm near northridge and i have seen another candy green bike other than mine.

June 17th, 2012, 11:11 PM	#31
Galaxieman ninjette.org member Name: Jim Location: Schofield Barracks, HI Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 Concours 14 Posts: 130	Most definitely take a MSF course. Completely worth it. I've been riding for over 10 years, and I still learn stuff every time I take a riding class. What kind of gear are you wearing on a daily basis? I realize that at 15+ your budget for gear can be tight, but I'd imagine you can find some pretty good deals for stuff on craigslist out in the LA area. Welcome to 2 wheels, keep the shiny side up! __________________________________________________ Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparat bellum...

June 17th, 2012, 11:33 PM	#33
Galaxieman ninjette.org member Name: Jim Location: Schofield Barracks, HI Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 Concours 14 Posts: 130	Good on ya for takin the course already. One thing I can pass from when I started out is this: find a good group to go on rides with. It's good to be on a site like this where everyone has the same kind of bike, but finding a group with lots of different bikes is a good way to get exposed to lots of different perspectives. Who knows, the older guy riding a Buell Ulysses might just have been a racer in his youth. Seek out a mentor, someone who really knows what they're talking about... Having an "old, wizened head" to help keep your youthful exuberance in check can be a good thing. Stick your head in over at beginnerbikers.org, there's a pretty good wealth of experience over there as well. Oh, and another thing: Never offer to take a girl's drunk friend on the back of your bike just to help out a buddy... . Usually doesn't end well. __________________________________________________ Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparat bellum...

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