I wondered how difficult it might be to shift the gears, throttle, brake, and balance. It looks as if a great deal of concentration takes place here. I'm considering to learn, but do not know what type of machine I should learn on.
2007-03-07 08:22:21 · 17 answers · asked by BlakJak 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
it isnt that hard to learn how to ride a cruiser, anyone can twist the wick and get a bike up to 60 mph. the gyroscoptic effect practically holds the bike up for u. the tricky part u might find is, in low speed situations that u'll find in parking lots and stop-n-go/heavy traffic. these situations call for a different technique that's easily mastered with just a little practice.
twisty roads on cruiser's isnt that difficult either. its if u decided to push the machine to its limits is where some skill comes into play...particularly with sport bikes.
i would highly recommend taking the msf course like other's have said. i would also recommend expanding on the msf course by ordering a vid or 2 from 'ride like a pro'. go to http://www.ridelikeapro.com and grab 1. they're worth the coin.
2007-03-07 08:59:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do me a favor (I've been riding for 35 yrs) sign up for a rider safety class. If you live in the united states, you should be able to find one in your city or nearby. Some insurance companies will give you a break on the insurance if you successfully complete the course. Some states such as Ohio, will "give" you the license if you complete the course.
The kicker is you get to use their motorcycles! You'll need minimal gear to take the class. The ones in ohio run $25 and last run 16 hours over 3 days.
Please take the class.
http://www.msf-usa.org/
2007-03-07 16:41:40 · answer #2 · answered by ZRX1200 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with some of the reviews here. Its very easy to learn!!! It really only took me about five minutes to really shift smoothly, then it took me another 3 minutes to really use the signals, horn, light and all that stuff. But like some one said, if you know how to drive a standard car then it should be very simple and fast. If you don't know how to drive stick car then you might want to take the class. I learned on my friends brand new Honda Spirt 750 and realized that I needed a little more power so I got my self a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. In this matter bigger is better but remember to respect your machine!
2007-03-07 17:23:09 · answer #3 · answered by jesse w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can ride a bicycle you can ride a motorcycle. It takes some practice getting used to shifting,but if you have excellent coordination you should learn quickly. If you are apprehensive as you sound by your own admission,then consider buying a used dirtbike to train yourself on first,they are set up (gearing) just like a motorcycle. Remember: asphalt hurts real real bad when your skin comes in contact with it at 35mph,on dirt or grass you walk away with scrapes and bruises most times.
2007-03-07 16:29:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not difficult but by all means go take a course because it is well worth the investment.
I am 5' 4" and 115 lbs. and I can handle my Moto Guzzi Breva with no problem and it was not difficult to learn with an instructor.
My class cost $150 but I was issued my license the day I completed the course.
2007-03-07 16:47:04 · answer #5 · answered by Jen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission first. Once you learn how to shift, riding a motorcycle will be like riding a bike (kinda). If you have to teach yourself how to shift while learning how to ride the bike it will make it a bit more difficult.
Start off with an underpowered bike so you don't loop it and end up on your a$$.
2007-03-07 16:39:18 · answer #6 · answered by NY1Krr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can ride a bike you can learn the balance part, how ever learn on a smaller bike a 250cc or less itmay be easier. You have to learn to lean into your turns as you would with a bicycle, and you are not as visible as you would be in a car so be defensive. It can be very dangerous so proceede with caution. That being said it is one of the greatest modes of transportation.
2007-03-07 16:35:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can ride a bicycle you can ride a motorcycle.
Take an MSF class, they will teach you everything you need to know in a weekend. You can find out about local classes at any motorcycle dealer.
Their classes mostly use 250cc street bikes from yamaha/honda etc..
You wouldn't want to buy a bike that small because you will advance beyond it's abilities in about 1 week.
The MSF class is small $ compared to buying a bike and finding out that your to scared to ride it.
2007-03-07 16:29:34 · answer #8 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I disagree with the comment on starting on a small bike. It's great! I have more fun thrashing a small bike to within an inch of it's life, rather than the bigger bike that won't reach it's limit until you're in a hole in the ground!!
2007-03-07 18:49:52 · answer #9 · answered by baron_von_party 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not too hard its easy once you get the basics down but ometimes thats a little tricky if you have tried a manual car it gives you an advantage in knowing clutch and gas
2007-03-07 16:26:37 · answer #10 · answered by TheOneNOnlyTK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋