Any tips for a new rider???

[jcgroves]

I just got an '01 Katana 600 back in June. The first thing I did was take it up and down my driveway to get comfortable with the clutch. Next was the neighborhood. I didn't escape a 4 block radius for a month. I was scared to death on the thing. Now after a few months of having it I'm having fun and am a lot more comfortable. I've even brought it to work a few times on the freeway which I nicknamed "The Big River". I'm still a little spooked at times and am looking for some advice. What lanes do I ride in? What's the best way to approach a stop light? What's the best way to ride "The Big River". etc... Any tips would be great!

[md86]

Damn dude , we could give you a BOOK worth of tips on just those subjects alone ! Here's a little bit of advice ...
Find someone to "show you the ropes" . Preferably a non-squid . Classes are good if you can find them and afford them . You'll get lots of " enroll in MSF" from this crowd (which IS sound advice) . Get some crash gear . Something is better than nothing , trust me , I know from experiance .
Now , on to the tpoics you brought up ...
Ride on the highway similar to how you SHOULD (I say "should" because a lot of people have no clue) drive in a car . Stay in the middle lane , out of blind spots , and never stay next to any vehicle longer than it takes to get by or them get by you . The passing lane is for passing , don't just hang out there , you might draw the attention of a road-rager (like myself) . It's safer to move through traffic , but don't be an idiot and go 110 and say you're just "moving through" traffic . Look ahead for road-gators (semi re-treads) and other debris in the road . If you ride someone's a$$ , you won't see the stuff till you hit it . Keep your high beams on . Improves your visibility . But if you're behind someone more than a minute or 2 be couteous and turn them down .
Stoplights are another "chapter" . When it's warm out , stay out of the middle of the lane . Oil and antifreeze get dripped there , and it will get on your tires . If you're turning , get as close to the signal wire as possible to trip it . They have a hard time sensing bikes .
I'm sure there's alot more , but I'll let some others have a go !

[jcgroves]

Thanks for the advice...what about a situation where I'm on a normal road and some jacka$$ is tailing me pretty hard?

[md86]

Thanks for the advice...what about a situation where I'm on a normal road and some jacka$$ is tailing me pretty hard?

I'd say it depends on WHY he's tailing you pretty hard . Some do it because they belive you've wronged them somehow . And there are lots of things people do about that . If you know you didn't do anything to antagonise him , sometimes slowing down and speeding up again will work . But if he's got a problem with you for some reason , that might just make him decide to squash you . Or just going really slow (though that might REALLY pi$$ someone off !) . Sometimes taking off works well , but that really depends on who is behind you , where you are , and what's up the road (if you know or can see that far) . I usually stay at a constant speed and turn around and glare at the idiot . Usually works well for me . I've spat on a few cars (cruiser riding , open face helmet) , and that sometimes works . Some people like to carry change , nuts , or ball bearings to chuck at cars , but that's not really a great idea (unless you KNOW you can get away !) . Plenty of methods , but choose wisely !

[Katgirl]

look here too

http://www.katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1287

[Batgirl]

Tips?
Stay away from Range
Ah! What a knee slapper. (thats for the big ass remark)




JCGroves...take the safety course....you'll learn lots!

Be careful out there

[jcgroves]

what do you mean "stay away from range"???

[Babs]

what do you mean "stay away from range"???

( See Range - there are places where your reputation does not preceed you. That is good to know. )

Range is our resident gigolo, so regardless of orientation, be prepared to be hit on. He is well-versed in the art of wordplay and a source of constant amusement.

Be careful on the roads. I'm fairly new too and would definately recommend you take an MSF course. Welcome!

[jcgroves]

Cool...I'll look out for Range.

I'll definately take the safety course next season. The bike is in storage right now (Nebraska). I didn't take it this year because, at first, I was scared $hitless on the bike. I didn't know if I was going to keep it. Now I don't think I'll ever get rid of it.

[Range]

I be Range!

[Haggisman]

so now you know of whom to be aware of for bad habits.......

[Range]

#1 tip.....don't get advice from anybody on a forum!

[JaxKat]

#1 tip.....don't get advice from anybody on a forum!

Except MD86 ... Alias " The DEER SLAYER"
Who just got his first deer of the season afew nights ago.
Lucky Guy MD. :blueangel

[md86]

Well SOMEBODY has to . Apparently the hunters around here are slacking .I saw 2 more on my brief ride today .