im getting a ninja650R this weekend. anything i should know? i took the MSF class three weeks ago and ive been practicing on my friends ninja500r.
Know that what you do in a car you can't do on a bike. That 5 second roll on from 30mph you do in your car gets you to 60 or 70... on your bike you're doing more like 100. Assume no one sees you and they will pull out in front of you... and pay attention when stopped at a stop light that the guy behind you is actually going to stop.
You cannot drive in traffic like you do in a car. The above posters advice is worthless about the stoplight. What are you gonna do if they don;t stop? Get smashed. Always stop behind a car at a light. You are more likely to be seen. When pulling into an intersection, don't go out first and alone, use a truck for blocking. Assume no one sees you.
That's another thing, always have a plan for what you're going to do if . You can jump into the intersection depending on what traffic is doing, you can cut hard to one side or the other... or you can bail, and jump off the bike. CaseyH, you're free to resign your fate to the traffic Gods, and it's entirely possible that, by the time you notice someone about to turn you into a speed bump that it's too late. I like to have a plan for the "what if's" and this isn't my tip but one from Tim Carrithers.
When I stop at a stoplight, I always angle my bike so that I'll be able to pull into the space between cars, or onto the median/shoulder/sidewalk in case someone doesn't look like they're stopping. The silhouette of the bike becomes much bigger since I'm angled so cars can see me better. Also, since I am at an angle, my side mirrors usually line up with the traffic behind me, so I get a better view of what's happening.
This is the best advice that anyone can give you. Also remember that motorcycles stop faster in ideal conditions and slower in less than perfect conditions. Nothing gets your attention more than hitting the brakes and not slowing down because you hit a greasy part of the road.
As a driver, lemme tell ya.... Don't split lanes of traffic. Don't weave in and out of lanes unsafely Don't ride without a helmet. Don't tailgate.
watch the turns.... sports bikes makes wide turns compared to an average car. i've dropped one cuz i've overestimated the turn radius.
1. Learn to look at least 5 vehicles ahead of you. Brake lights up there mean those between will be slowing down. 2. Foot brake 1st. In a sudden situation, some have a tendacy to clinch their hands. If you lock up that front brake, your forward momentum will flip you over the front tire. 3. As rockbox said, hitting the brakes on grease or water(grease & water really really suck) sends you in directions undetermined. 4. NOBODY SEES YOU!!!!!
You are now a defensive driver. You will never see the road the same, even if you're in a car. You will always have an exit plan for any situation, an escape route. You will start seeing whole blocks of cars, not just the one in front of you. And when you finally get out of the city, enjoy the wind in your face and the true reason for owning a bike.
