Brand new rider with many questions (video inside)

[chris-red]

[davethekwak]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

Fwiw I think stinkwheel made some v. good points, as have others.

One thing I really liked about that video - the little wave. Probably not the best thing to do after you just gone wide into on-coming traffic - however, when you get more confident, and especially when you ride bigger bikes (and you're overtaking), a little gesture like that really can serve to diffuse a lot of red mist and resentment on the part of other drivers. I almost always just give a quick wave after passing, and unless evasive action's required, after any slight incident that might've even vaguely inconvenienced someone else. It really does sweeten stuff and disarm people.

The reason I'm pretty adamant about this is because it's not that long ago since I had only a car license - and when a someone on a bike would suddenly be alongside, and back in, it often seemed like the smoothest and fastest riders would offer up a quick wave. I was always impressed by that and thought they looked like they knew a shitload more about what was going on in front, behind and all around. And probably did! Very cool, basically.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[kgm]

Most of us have fixated and ran wide at some point, I wouldn't stress about it. You're looking to learn from it which is good.

I don't have much to add over what has already been said. Positive throttle and look where you want the bike to go. Keep away from the brakes and clutch during the turn. Position should be for the best possible view around the bend, giving care to the road surface. This will generally mean you'll start at the outside of the bend and stay there until you have sight of the apex and then you can bring it in a bit. Many new riders make the mistake of cutting in and 'apexing' too early which means you end up running a little wide, especially if the bend tightens half way round.

If money isn't an issue I would suggest getting on to doing your DAS. The instruction received during it will be valuable rather than trying to learn by making your own mistakes. You can still ride your 125 once you pass if you wish.

Also try and find a copy Twist of the Wrist II by Keith Code - there's a video and a book. It will explain about survival reactions and counter steering, etc. It's definitely helpful but might be information overload at this stage so just take what you can from it. This guy positions fairly sensibly.

[mrmistoffelee...]

[Rogerborg]

[Dave_80]

I would say go and book a couple of lessons and learn anything you're unsure of,maybe do a full course.

Definitely find a car park and practice things that you know need work,it can feel a bit weird at first getting used to the fact the bike will go where you look but it will!

Look for videos on YouTube that give riding advice as these were a big help when going through my test.

Good luck,stay safe.
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Honda CB750 F2X

[matthews1892]

Many thanks once again for all the really good replies, i really do appreciate it. i will have a look at the links/videos posted. and i will be going out tomorrow all day and try to practice tight corners/u-turns/clutch control.

[B0ndy]

There is no substitute for practise
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CBF 125 -> CB400SF -> GSX600F -> ZX6R (G1) -> GSXR1000 K4 -> ZX6R (B1H Stunt bike) -> VFR800 -> R1 5PW -> Sprint 1050 -> Fireblade 929 -> ZX10R C2H

[Rogerborg]

[WD Forte]

I had to laugh at the 'wave'
Not knocking good manners, be polite by all means
but get out of trouble first.

Not too fast IMO, just looked like tension, target fixation, inexperience and all that.
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bikers smell of wee

[Rogerborg]