I am so not worthy to have a bike

[noob1220]

Originally Posted by n4mwd

You shouldn't wave with your right hand. If you do, you lose control of both your throttle and your brake. And in the OP's case, you stall the engine if you hit the kill switch by mistake.

But if you did stall the bike at 60 by hitting the kill switch like that, you can restart it without stopping. Don't downshift unless you are planning on stopping. Just pull the clutch, flip the switch back, push the starter button, increase throttle to proper RPMs, and slowly release the clutch. You can probably do it without hitting the starter button, but I have never done it that way.

I have never hit the kill switch in motion like that, but I have stalled in motion by not being in the right gear.

Thanks. I'm still the type that's too scared to wave because I fear taking my hands off, but I do the head nod so I'm not totally ignoring people. I've been out on the bike a grand total of three times though so...(not including my MSF of course). I enjoy the helpful advice I get here.

[adri99an]

Try a head nod next time.

Ready..."wassupp"

[mdsmith]

The previous owner of my Norton used the kill switch in lieu of the clutch.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by mdsmith

The previous owner of my Norton used the kill switch in lieu of the clutch.

Nice.

[MotoED]

Man, same embarrassing situation happened to me too! But wouldn't be surprised-- I'm a noob still!
Long story short, I was taking my bike for a ride around my neighborhood. Came to a complete stop. And the bike turned off! Me being a noob, didn't know that the bike wasn't on Neutral, and couldn't figure out how to put it on Neutral LOL!
A little old lady walking by asked me if I needed help. Offered to call her son, who also rides, to come by and help me. I gratefully said declined her offer (Wasn't that big of deal, no cars behind me or major situation)
Finally, I figuered out why it wouldn't turn on. Turned on the bike and went back home for the day lol!

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by noob1220

Thanks. I'm still the type that's too scared to wave because I fear taking my hands off, but I do the head nod so I'm not totally ignoring people. I've been out on the bike a grand total of three times though so...(not including my MSF of course). I enjoy the helpful advice I get here.

If you are that new, you definitely shouldn't take your hands off the grips until you are comfortable doing so.

You need to put some miles on that bike. When I was just learning, I rode around a lot of residential areas that have 35-45 mph speed limits. I discovered its best to avoid the 25 and slower roads because they make the bike overheat. I would go out for several hours and then come home and complain about how sore my butt was.

In the interim, you can either nod your head or raise your left fingers without removing your hand from the grip.

[noob1220]

Originally Posted by n4mwd

You need to put some miles on that bike. When I was just learning, I rode around a lot of residential areas that have 35-45 mph speed limits. I discovered its best to avoid the 25 and slower roads because they make the bike overheat. I would go out for several hours and then come home and complain about how sore

I really wish I could get out more. But I'm always the one picking up kids and groceries due to my schedule. And every time I do have a chance, the weather sucks. I'm finishing my msf tomorrow for the second time so I plan on trying to make more time to ride after that. My husband drives it every where though so its not like she's just sitting in the garage being neglected.

[KJohnson21]

I've always used the kill switch on all of the bikes that I've ridden, with no problems.

When I'm riding, if I have to use my right hand for something besides controlling the throttle, such as zipping up the vent on my left sleeve when it gets cold, I check the traffic situation around me and time the action to fit the conditions. If necessary, I'll simply stop at a safe location so that I can complete whatever it is, and then continue safely on my way.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by KJohnson21

such as zipping up the vent on my left sleeve when it gets cold

Ugh!!! the one zipper that's impossible! i can get all the other zippers with my left hand but that single zipper remains impossible! i need cruise control!

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by noob1220

I really wish I could get out more. But I'm always the one picking up kids and groceries due to my schedule. And every time I do have a chance, the weather sucks. I'm finishing my msf tomorrow for the second time so I plan on trying to make more time to ride after that. My husband drives it every where though so its not like she's just sitting in the garage being neglected.

Good luck on the MSF. Waving is not part of the test so no need to worry about that one. When you're just starting out, its best to only go in broad daylight and clear weather. Its good your husband is keeping your bike active. They do get testy if you just let them sit without riding them.

[noob1220]

Originally Posted by n4mwd

Good luck on the MSF.

Passed the msf with flying colors, in the pouring rain! I'm pumped!

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by noob1220

Passed the msf with flying colors, in the pouring rain! I'm pumped!

Rain sucks no matter what. It makes the painted lines and road reflectors turn to grease so watch out for that. Also, the center of the lane is known as the "grease strip" for a reason.

Now that you passed the MSF, go get your endorsement and start riding before your husband steals your Ninja.

[ally99]

Originally Posted by noob1220

Passed the msf with flying colors, in the pouring rain! I'm pumped!

Awesome! Congrats!

[2010Zen]

Originally Posted by Ren13

Congrats. Rain is an added stress, especially for new riders. Very well done.

Congrats!!!! I had a blast when I was in class and the first day it rained when we rode our bikes. Me and another rider were dressed for the weather, everyone else were all wet and cold. hehehehehehehe MSF said dress for the weather. Again, totally congrats and becareful out there! Always remember the kill switch!! hehehehehe and don't use the right hand to wave after you get some milage and comfort in.

[Clearlynotstefan]

Originally Posted by Ren13

Gahh I'm glad to know that other people have this problem. Lol.

I'll forget to do that one jacket zipper and then the whole way home from work I'm there trying to figure out how to do the zipper without killing myself.

Reminds me of my ride yesterday! I forgot to buckle my helmet, and tried to do it with one hand for like 20 miles before I finally got it...D ring, no quick connect...while wearing gloves. I was so happy when I pulled it off lol

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Clearlynotstefan

I forgot to buckle my helmet, and tried to do it with one hand for like 20 miles before I finally got it...

And you didn't consider pulling over for just a moment to fix it because.......

[Clearlynotstefan]

Originally Posted by Alex

And you didn't consider pulling over for just a moment to fix it because.......

I was in formation with several other bikes, very low key ride. 20 miles might be an exaggeration, but it was quite a mission doing this with gloves lol.