Possible New Rider From Orlando

[orlcurt]

Hi Everyone,

Name is Curt I am originally from Michigan relocated to Orlando Florida about 5 years ago...

Here is how my story begins... How I got the bug...

My friend purchased a Can Am spyder and I drove it around an empty lot and enjoyed it. I used to have a scooter when I was 15 for about 3 years drove that thing everywhere and loved it until it died. That was back in the mid nineties. I have always looked at sport bikes over the years as they pass by me and thought how cool they looked. Well after riding the Spyder I thought perhaps I should get my motorcycle endorsement. (I am registered for a class on December 8th-9th). With the climate here in Orlando I figured it would be a good almost year round for driving.

I have been researching bikes and good beginner bikes I am looking for commuting purposes. (I am not a thrill seeker / racer type) so I figured the honda CBR250R would be a good fit.


I am excited and nervous at the same time. I was not nervous until all my online research including watching videos on you tube has show how frequently people crash them... Aside from that I have never driven a manual car... If I were to guess I would have to say the thing I am most nervous about is learning how to drive manual.. I have been reading tips and advise about how to do it but I also don't want to look or do something stupid especially during my MSF class. I know my friend with the spyder was embarrassed as he did not pass the first time. This was mostly due to not knowing the course well the first time he took it and was outside the boundary.

So long story short I am new to all of this and look forward to it as well as being nervous and don't want to die lol. Any tips someone can provide for the course would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Curt

[Empty Sea]

Welcome. Shifting a bike is easier, to me at least, than shifting a car. You'll pick it up in no time. Good luck.

[ecustu7]

I think its easier to learn to get a bike moving from first gear than it is a manual car, although Its a lot easier to know what gear your in with a car and the front to rear weight shift is more dangerous on a bike.

Best thing you can do is learn from a person who knows how to drive a clutch, how it works and why it works. The more you understand the basic concepts the better you will know what to do, but the best thing to do is take it slow and practice. Don't go out on a busy road until you have a good handle on it!

Later when you get the hang of it you can learn some more advanced techniques.

Enjoy your MSF class, learn a lot and get a bike and enjoy. A little amount of fear is ok, it will keep you alert and alive!

[orlcurt]

thanks I know I'm probably overthinking it.

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[1LAryder]

Before I took my MSF course-I knew zero about driving a manual car. The course moves you step by step thought the process. The instructors (at least in my experience) are extremely attentive and more than happy to answer questions. So never be afraid to ASK THEM-they are there to help.

Many in my class had never even sat on a bike, much less knew how to work a clutch. This IS the place to look stupid and make mistakes so that you can learn to ride safely. Concentrate on smooth steady motions.

Relax, have fun, and learn to ride smart so you can be safe around the dumb and dangerous out on the road! Best of luck!

[Wynne G Oldman]

Welcome aboard Matey.

[LangoPTC]

Originally Posted by orlcurt

.... and don't want to die lol.

That is a very healthy attitude to have.

I second what 1LAryder said.

I read two books in preparation for the course. Motorcycling for Dummies and Motorcycle Foundation's Guide to Motorcyclig Excellence.

You might actually be better off not having driven an auto with a manual transmission before. I have driven a manual transmission auto for 25+ years but for some reason on my bike (granted I am a noob) I have downshifted instead of upshifted a few times - guessing maybe it has to do with always pushing in the clutch pedal on the car...that or maybe I am just a dumbarese.

Have fun, learn all you can, and let us know how it goes.

[pooder7]

Originally Posted by orlcurt

I also don't want to look or do something stupid especially during my MSF class

The MSF class is the BEST place to do something stupid; it's EXPECTED.

If it worries you, maybe you want to do something stupid right away, just to get it over with, and then it won't be hanging over you. Or maybe someone else will do something stupid before you have the chance to and that will take the pressure off.

In any case, enjoy the class and welcome to motorcycling!

[orlcurt]

Thanks for all the positive feedback and knowledge!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Motorcycle.com Free App

[miprofessor]

Good luck! I have a SH150i scooter in Viera (FL)! Took MCF in Oct. and now have CBR250r in MI, too! Both are so much fun to drive! It's takes a bit of practice to master the art of shifting! But it's not hard, and you learn fast !