 Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Pay attention! Don't let your mind wonder to the spat you had this morn with the OL or the price of grommets from China or anything. Pretend you are Marlon Brando... as alert and aware as you can get. In other words... try not to day dream or space out. Stay with the ride, make the ride the only thing that exists, and get into the 'HERE AND NOW' zone. ONLY THIS AND THIS ALONE IS HAPPENING! I doubt those guys riding the Isle of Mann are thinking about much more than the turn or take over they are in. We too need to be like that to survive. The ride is the ONLY thing happening. Stop and all kinds of stuff develops but to RIDE is to BE HERE NOW!!! Oh... and don't try to break any land speed records. Know your limit and ride within it.
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 513
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 513 |
If you lock the steering head when you park your bike, don't forget to unlock it before taking off. Ask me how I know this.  on second thought, don't ask.
Its more fun to be ridin'! I'm still ridin 
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 63
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 63 |
dont stop to close to the car in front,amazing how far they roll back be fore there aware 
live fast,ride faster
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
dont stop to close to the car in front,amazing how far they roll back be fore there aware
And it gives you maneuvering room to get out of there in case someone comes up behind too quick (but you gotta watch your mirrors).
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
Saw a new rider come to a stop light where the road had a heavy grade leading left and downhill. It is a strange angle to stop at...but the guy put his left foot down first. This leaned the bike further to the left than expected and the guy dropped his bike as he couldn't handle the weight at that angle. He should have put his weight toward the right to counter the angle. Hope he learned something.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4 |
Riding for 34 years maybe I can share a few thougts.
Never drink if you are riding because if you are like me
there is no such thing as only one.
Wear good quality leather/protective gear It is the last thing between you and the unforgiving Earth(and yes one day you will come off)
Never try to keep up,ride where you are happiest practise makes quicker,and nothing spoils a ride like a trip to hospital.
Remember there are old Bikers and bold Bikers but precious few that are both
Balders (a very old biker)
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71 |
Don't ride like a brit and you will live to see your grand children. 
"When possible, make a legal u-turn."
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4 |
Hurling a bike round at breakneck speeds never killed anyone
Falling off the buggers does the harm
Balders
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Odds are you'll die from other causes, SO, party you're a5s off, ride like YOU want to, dress like YOU want to, do it ALL like YOU WANT TO, and enjoy it the way it is meant to be! If you can't enjoy it to the fullest, WHY do it?  (another VERY old biker)
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 734
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 734 |
Keep focused...my mind wanders and I forget my surroundings eventually leading to one of those "wow, just missed that hole in the road" moments.
Also, I always felt learning, understanding, and practicing countersteering was invaluable for me as I switched from dirt riding to roads many years ago. Saved my butt numerous times when i "wasn't focused" and approached turns much faster than my capabilities.
Keeping a large "buffer zone" around me is another thought flowing through my mind whilst riding. Tailgating at high speeds doesn't seem to wise.
---------------------
- 2007 Triumph Tiger
- 1982 Yamaha xj650 Magnum
- Previous 2004 Triumph America
- Previous 1973 Triumph Bonneville T140V 750cc
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 123
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 123 |
Thank's for advices.
I think I've understood most posts I read in this thread (have'nt read all yet, but I'll do) . I'ts usefull for me. I'll go find a closed parking asap to try some tips you wrote. (especially low manuvering and back breaking ).
If I could suggest one :
Stay cool under any circumstances, don't be angry or inattentive at some other driver riding dangerously, slow down, keep your eyes open and be ready avoiding danger around you.
Personally, I ride as if I had my 3 years old baby as passenger. I want to see her growing...
By the way, I often ride with my 16 years old baby and I want to see her growing too.
Road is not a joke!
I do not read/write english very well. Thank's to be patient.
Triumph America/Speedmaster French community : http://www.yogourtnoway.com
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Awesome advice from some really old buggers,I mean experianced gentlemen.Thanks a bunch.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
Don't ride like a brit and you will live to see your grand children.
Don't understand this one 
Unless you're refering to which side of the road to be on? 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
|
|
|
 Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Hey Brian... I resurrected this again for ya! I skimmed through the whole thread (again) and didn't see this one... don't for gawd sake ride like a maniac, newbie or oldie. (I tell myself this after every Kootenay RAT Rad.  )
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-An-Old-Newbie
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 155
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 155 |
Quote:
Hey Brian... I resurrected this again for ya!
I skimmed through the whole thread (again) and didn't see this one... don't for gawd sake ride like a maniac, newbie or oldie. (I tell myself this after every Kootenay RAT Rad. )
Great advice here.
As an old fart who learned to ride on a Yamaha 305 Sport in the 70s but hadn't ridden on the road for 30 years, riding the America is nearly starting over but for a few lessons remembered from the 305 and that piece of road gravel still under the skin of my left elbow reminding me to wear leather no matter how hot it is.
I read this thread start to finish, but saw no mention of the first safety item I added to the America - a headlight modulator that works on the daytime high beam. I use it in town traffic and flip it on along the road when I see a car with the potential to pull out in front of me, and I know from seeing a few other bikes on the road with one that it does get your attention.
If everyone used them, the effect would probably be diminished, but as a starting over newbie I think it helps me to ride safer while I am re-learning the other advice in this thread.
Phil in Northwest Arkansas
04 America, Black, Corbin seat, TORs, no AI, 34K
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-An-Old-Newbie
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Just a reminder that this thread is now on FaceBook too http://www.facebook.com/OperationSavANewbie
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Good to have more exposure to this.
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
When you have a blow out of the rear tire at 65mph, go easy on the front brake, the more you squeeze it the more you fishtail. Having experience controlling a slide on snow and ice (in a car, DUH) seems to help you with the sensation and keep control.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1 |
Exactly one month ago today, I bought my '02 Cardinal Red and Silver. I had never been on a bike in my life, but it was so beautiful! I couldn't help myself.
I've been creeping this forum ever since, and with the advice here and a couple of local Norton riders, I got my full licence today. I've got a lot to learn yet, and I suspect I'll learn a lot from here.
So to all of you who have posted great tips and advice...thanks a million. I've got almost 2000kms on already, and I hope to hit 20,000 by the end of the season here. All of them safe, and enjoyable.
Enjoy your ride!
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 30
Greenhorn
|
|
Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 30 |
Let me start with a warning, this links to some less than pleasant photographs of some ones mistake with a motorcycle. It is a few years old and likely has been seen by many, but for the new rider or bike owner, it is a warning that these machines are like power tools, if your not 100% sure what your doing is correct, ask a question or take it to someone to do for you. There is no reason to have the engine running while you’re touching the chain. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242261
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-An-Old-Newbie
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,236 Likes: 56
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,236 Likes: 56 |
Quote:
Quote:
Hey Brian... I resurrected this again for ya!
I skimmed through the whole thread (again) and didn't see this one... don't for gawd sake ride like a maniac, newbie or oldie. (I tell myself this after every Kootenay RAT Rad. )
Great advice here.
As an old fart who learned to ride on a Yamaha 305 Sport in the 70s but hadn't ridden on the road for 30 years, riding the America is nearly starting over but for a few lessons remembered from the 305 and that piece of road gravel still under the skin of my left elbow reminding me to wear leather no matter how hot it is.
I read this thread start to finish, but saw no mention of the first safety item I added to the America - a headlight modulator that works on the daytime high beam. I use it in town traffic and flip it on along the road when I see a car with the potential to pull out in front of me, and I know from seeing a few other bikes on the road with one that it does get your attention.
If everyone used them, the effect would probably be diminished, but as a starting over newbie I think it helps me to ride safer while I am re-learning the other advice in this thread.
I put one on my Speedie after someone crossed my path to make a T-off time. It makes you much more visible just remember to turn it off cops will pull you over and try and give you a ticket siting an alternating headlight rule. If it is a normal cop car you can point out that in fact it's lights are alternating right left and yours is modulating. Only emergency vehicles can have alternating lights.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2 |
I'm guessing most of these great tips apply to both single and double riding, but being a newbie with about 800 miles experience on our 2005 Bonneville America we got back in Oct 2012, (my first street bike) just wondering if there are specific tips to consider when operating a bike and riding double as a newbie? My wife has probably thousands of miles as a passenger and I really cannot tell she is there, but I'm very aware of the potential consequences if I make a mistake and I'd love to see more tips that may apply to riding double. We did take the beginners motorcycle safety course together at the local college and have already safely handled a car backing out in front of us and a pesky groundhog that timed his road crossing perfectly for being in my lane when I got there, but I realize this is just the beginning and I will take any suggestions that may better prepare me for safely riding double. Just an FYI, the whole motorcycle thing was my wife's idea, but since she supports my ATV addiction, I went along with this, but now I'm hooked thoroughly! We've met a lot of great people and had a blast so far.
We completed our first ride in a group a couple weeks ago and had a very fun experience on that 120 mile trip. The info from the safety course has been a real eye opener, but nothing like hearing from those who do this every day! I'll keep digging through your posts and thanks for looking out for us!
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
The first thing I'd say about riding double is: is your passenger also new at this or experienced? If they're new, make sure to talk about what's going to happen first. (hold on this way/lean with me/a couple simple hand signals) I prefer to back up the bike solo & then have my passenger get on. Hold the front brake on while they're getting on. Makes it more stable. Be more gentle with the gas/brakes/manuvering. Remember you take longer to brake than normal. Make your passenger's first few rides short ones. If they finish the ride happy/thrilled instead of scared, they'll want another ride soon! 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Come on folks, lest not scare 'em off...it's good fun too out there
Al
Last edited by moe; 08/06/2013 8:07 AM.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Come on folks, lest not scare 'em off...it's good fun too out there
Al
Sometimes a carefully administered dose of fear has a prophylactic effect.
Went through the whole thread, noticed this missing, or maybe I overlooked it:
When you're going down a road with left or right side roads or a crossover, and there's a vehicle sitting at or pulling up to the stop sign I ALWAYS assume the vehicle WILL pull out in my path. I slow down, cover the controls, look for an escape route, even if it means looking for a soft spot on the side of the car. This happens to me half the times I ride. Usually the cager pulls up to a stop sign real fast, head goes back and forth like an owl, and if they have a dang cell phone stuck to their head also you can just about bet they WILL pull right out in front of ya! Always try to make eye contact-there's no guarantee this works, but at least you know that they do see you, but still be on guard. (had a lady starin' right at me once and she waited 'til I was right on her 'fore she pulls out and my front wheel stopped just at her driver door)
These folks are yakkin' away and thinkin' about what to fix for little Bubba's dang burfday party and YOU IS INVISIBLE!
A cell phone on the head is a sign to beware- sorta like teeth and claws on a panther.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Good stuff Wade. I would add there's now a danger worse than the cell phone glued to the head. And that's texting or reading Facebook while driving. I see this more commonly now than talking on the cellphone (which is illegal here). You can tell because the head is slightly tilted down as they hold the phone where you (and so the cops) can't see it. They will glance up every few seconds but most of their gaze/attention is on the phone. Not surprisingly this is mostly young females (I said mostly) and in my opinion is much more dangerous than driving drunk, but they think its ok obviously. My strategies to guard against these potential murderers is to cover the controls (brake, horn, clutch) flick on my headlight modulator which usually gets their attention from their peripheral vision. I have a very loud horn I don't hesitate to use (but you can scare them into doing something impulsive) and assume they are going to be homocidal/suicidal.  rant completed 
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Well said, Richard. I'm amazed at the things folks do in their cars while driving. Hauling asphalt around Atlanta in my dump truck I've seen: (and this is in heavy traffic on an interstate highway at 65+)
- a man engrossed in his newspaper spread all over the dash of his Towncar
- a lady with the visor/mirror down with a full spread of eye makeup going on WITH an eyelash clamp
- a man shaving his stupid face in the mirror
- a TOTAL office all over the seat and lap in a Mercedes coupe with a laptop open on the steering wheel AND talking on the phone while driving and typing on the computer.
- and that's just a sample of the stuff folks will do in the car. Why the heck can't they just get up 15 minutes earlier and do that stuff AT HOME !!
It's scary out there, folks.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
If the Govt is going to force upon us black boxes in our cars, they might as well add texting jammers to the lot.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
If the Govt is going to force upon us black boxes in our cars, they might as well add texting jammers to the lot.
THIS IDEA is ABSOLUTELY A-F'IN-MASING!!!  
ABSOLUTELY!!! WHY NOT, and it should be easy to do.
RYK FOR PRESIDENT! 
Seriously, BRILLIANT!
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
This is nothing new.
I can remember 8-track players in the glovebox & drivers
leaning waaaay over while driving to change a tape or mess w/ the player...
It's the same ol' Stupid, just a new version.
I have turned this into a Facebook page & I tell the Newbies the #1 save-yer-butt tip is:
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL!!!
The sooner you see it, the better you can deal with it.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Agreed its not new, but finding a tape or fiddling with the stereo would be a short-lived (pun intended) distraction but the texting or Facebook stupids are doiing it their whole trip.
I seriously considered mounting a medium range jammer on the bike but finally decided it would probably make their distraction worse as they fiddled to regain their lost signal/connection.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1 |
Total newbie here. Less than 150 miles on my first cruiser-2006 America.And have read all 16 pages of advice. Thanks for the info./insight/advice posted here.I just want to be as safe as possible, and am scheduled to take the MSF course in the next month. Hope this thread keeps going with the education.
Cheers!
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Welcome Blueford ! If you pass the MSF course, most insurers will give you a 10 or 15 percent discount on the bike. But it has to be an accredited course.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Not going to read through the whole thread again but anything metal, manhole covers, open grate bridges etc can be very slippery especially when wet. Painted road markings are also very slippery in the wet, leaves too.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
|
|
Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
The best advice that can be given is wear sunscreen. Make liberal use of it, and dri k lots of water, clear clean and preferably cool. If you do that you so not get sunburn which can happen even in cold weather, and you will not dehydrate. Both of which are horrible and you do not want, at all.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
If you are going a distance in hot weather, baby wipes will stave off monkeybutt, if you let yourself get rashed, the ride isn't much fun. Chad is right on about the sunscreen, I let my arms get sun and wind burnt in S Dakota, they looked like they caught on fire and was extinguished with a friggin rake.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,236 Likes: 56
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,236 Likes: 56 |
Hasn't rained in a while and then it does stay off heavily trafficed streets if you must drive during the rain. They get Real slick when wet before the grime has a chance to wash off.
Today coming back from the International Plowing Match we came in to Ottawa on Bank St/highway 31, at a traffic light in the south of the city I put my feet down on dry pavement and my boots wanted to slide out from under me.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
Wear all the gear all the time. Some idiot just down the street can hit you just like some idiot far from home. I've been down twice in forty years and both times the hide I left behind came off a cow instead of me.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
|
|
|
Re: Operation Sav-A-Newbie
|
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 20
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 20 |
when I started to ride, about two years ago I found this forum and I read all postings about Operation Sav-A-Newbie.
What a great advice for us as new riders. I can only emphasizes about getting a Motorcycle safety course and using proper gear. keep riding and be safe.
|
|
|
|
|
