Got my first bike

[Marcg868]

Well today i picked up my Honda NSR125 up,and being my first time on a geared bike it was very very scary!Well it took me 3 stalls and 20 mins to get 3 miles across Bolton Town centre Im getting used to the gears slowly,but i keep knocking it in Neutral going up from first. Any tips and advice ?
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JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[meyrick]

Nice one There was no way I'd make a journey like that after my CBT. Took me a few car park runs to make it out into the 'real' world.

As for the gear change. Hmmm...I'm not an expert by any means, but the only way this would happen on my bike is if I lifted the gear lever too slowly. I would suggest being a bit more forceful with your foot when you change. Give it a good shove (don't go mad) until you get used to the force needed to get it through neutral.

That said I'm sure someone with NSR experience will come along with more specific advice. Hope this helps.

Paul.

[Marcg868]

Well yeah i tried being a bit more forceful today and its working. My only real problems now are my downshifts arent smooth. I will not be put off tho,because this time in a few weeks i should be fine. Not looking forward to my first rush hour traffic run!
____________________
JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[paulodd]

For the gear changes, use hard shoes. It is harder to do a gear change with trainers and soft shoes. Get a pair of bike boots or hard boots. Then the gear change is easier and less effort.

Get some pictures up on here of her!


Paul
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Paul
1999 Yamaha R6
www.coventrybikers.co.uk / www.norfolkriders.co.uk

[Bendy]

Practice makes perfect, you'll get the hang of it in time.

[Marcg868]

Well,update for you. I have had my bike 3 days now,and im really starting to love it . I have finally got used to shifting up nice and smoothly and downshift smoothly as well. She's going to have a nice wash and polish on Sunday . Im glad to be part of the biking world now and off the scooter,just wish id have done it sooner!
____________________
JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[.....]

Glad you're enjoying it

[Marcg868]

Very much,might make a trip up to Rivvy Barn if the weathers ok on sunday. That would give me some practise . Also how long do you reckon i should wait before going in for my test?
____________________
JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[mchaggis]

2000 miles is what is commonly reckoned to be the minimum people should have ridden for before they're 'ready'.

Basically, whenever you feel confident enough of your abilities and have had plenty of road experience. The U-turns still take lots of practise though. I'll be doing my test after basically a year of riding.
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I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[Krs]

[Zoffo]

[zip70]

[J]

Ive just got a nrs125 for my 18th, owned rs50 be4 like u?
have not even started it up yet, not nervous just; over the limit

[Marcg868]

I love my NSR ,i have been out riding on her while my gf was working. Really getting my confidence up and starting to hit higher speeds.
____________________
JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[mooseman]

i had the same problem on my 50 it just takes time thats my only advice
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M005E M4N

[Marcg868]

Right after riding for the past 3 days and still learning,whats the best way to change gear,when i bring the clutch all the way in it jerks,but if i pull it in slightly its fine. Also hill starts which is the best method?
____________________
JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[thuganomics16]

like you i have only been riding for 3 days, just up and down my private drive at the moment though as im still waiting for my provisional, so obviously i havent done my cbt yet!

ive had nobody at all to teach me how to ride, ive just learned from mistakes that i made so im probably not the right person to give you advice but as for hill start i find it easiest to start the bike up, pull in the clutch engage first gear (but do not touch the throttle yet) then gently and slowly ease out the clutch (ready on the throttle) untill you reach the biting point. you will notice a drop in engine tone, as you hear this change, slowly on the throttle and away you go.

as i said i might be doing it totally wrong but before i tried this method i was making lots of noise (without moving) before finally stalling to the ammusement of everyone watching

please tell me if im doing it all wrong guys.

[Stu_666]

Yeah I'd probably get a few miles in first before doing the full test. I also find the u-turn a pain in the arse to do so perhaps give that plenty of practice. Also I'll probably do the test in the summer as the weather conditions I'll be nicer and no slippery sh*t on the roads for me to make excuses for f*cking it up

Still, its good feeling getting out on the bike for the first time eh?

[THCi]

I was taught a slightly different method to that; give the bike 1/8 - 1/4 throttle, pull in the clutch, engage first, then slowly release the clutch, at this point the bike will start to move, then release the clutch. Open the throttle, then carry on up the gears as needs be.
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Past: GZ 125 K4 Marauder, VL 125 LC Intruder, FZS 600 Fazer. Present: GSF 600 N K3 Bandit, GSX-R 600 X(soon)
"We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so...very...pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

[meyrick]

Maybe everyone is assuming it's a no-brainer, but nobody has mentioned having the rear brake engaged for a hill start ?

I have my foot on the brake. I then let the clutch out and turn up the revs like I'm pulling away on the level. Just as the revs start to drop sharply I let the brake off and keep turning up the revs and letting out the clutch until I'm away. I just made this up (when I came to my first hill start), so there may be a better way, just thought it was a good idea to mention the brake for a hill start

[Marcg868]

Seems like a good solution. Im still learning and will find the right balance eventually. I just hate the misrible huff and puff car drivers. Sorry i stalled get over it im out of the way so go round me!
____________________
JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[THCi]

Its a good idea to have your foot on the break (or hand, depending on what kinda bike your riding) when your at a standstill, even on a level.

If you get shunted, your imediate reaction will be to pull the break (after the "WHAT THE @~@~@@£$*&£$ WAS THAT!?" part). This will help you to stop being launched from the bike, atleast thats what I was taught.
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Past: GZ 125 K4 Marauder, VL 125 LC Intruder, FZS 600 Fazer. Present: GSF 600 N K3 Bandit, GSX-R 600 X(soon)
"We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so...very...pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

[pipnet11]

[mrchips]

In a few weeks you'll be able to ride without thinking about it. Take your time and don't concentrate on going fast until you can pull away and go through the gears smoothly. Don't drop the clutch out, just feed it out and you will have smooth changes.
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Northern Irish? www.nibikers.com

[Marcg868]

Well im getting there,im just scared of looking like a right pratt in the middle of the rush hour by stalling. Still im enjoying riding and getting smoother everytime i ride. I love riding
____________________
JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.