Reassurance on junctions

[TheSmiler]

I'm doing my first run in rush hour tomorrow, so just wanted to post a few questions/checks to see if I'm doing this correctly.

My main problem has always been traffic lights/junctions (going for lessons when they have space in January) fully booked at the moment.

Btw Ignoring indicators because it is the clutch/brake/acceleration I'm checking.

So when approaching a junction say in third (been traveling at 30 and prefer third) this is what I do slow down drop into second, then into first, hold the clutch in slight acceleration. Whilst holding the back brake with my right foot.

This is continued till the front of the queue then when it is my turn to move release the clutch slightly to friction point and then move on opening up even more.

Now just checking if this is correct, main query is because I am feeling like the bike wants to go forward quite fast so just checking. I know this is kinda newb stuff but I aint ridden her in about 4 weeks now that much.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I find first is usually best to use to pull away.

You'll be fine, just take it stedy to begin with and don't filter if you don't feel comfortable enough.
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[weasley]

I never (or extremely rarely) drop to 1st when still moving. 2nd is perfectly good for pulling away from a slow rolling start, using a bit of clutch slip if necessary to get the revs up. At least this way you don;t immediately have to then change up to second in the middle of the manoeuvre (or scream it in first until you feel safe to change up).

If you use appropriate observation and approach speed you can often avoid the need to stop or slow down too much.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[Teflon-Mike]

Your problem is you dont like revs, and you are a bit heavy handed on the clutch (and front brake for that matter!)

You dont give the bike enough revs. It ticks over at 12,000 rpm, revs to over 12,000 rpm and you try doing everything in the range 1,200 to 3,000!

Thing doesn't start actually making useful power until 6,000 rpm.. fact that you 'manage' is tesiment to the fact that the bike has such useful low and mid range, for such a little bike!

SO, first of all, get over that throttle aversion, start using the engine, or you might as well have pedals!

Next; you need to get a bit more 'delicate' on the clutch and brakes' start using the revs, it will come naturally.

Other wise your 'tickling' technique isn't far off... just like I had you doing in ASDA car-park really.

YES it does feel like it wants to 'creep' or launch on you; and that does not help your rev aversion.... but that's becouse you are going fdrom the engine reving 'off' load to taking load; as its 'off' load, its trying to rev, as you load it, feels like its going to bog, so you have to open the throttle, but as you open throttle it FEELs like it wants to race and accelerate hard.....

Its JUST the throttle/clutch balence, and as you do it more and more, it will start tro come easier and feel more natural.

Take it your launch technique is improving, and you aren't stalling as much?

Remember this thread: Low speed cornering (junctions etc)

That's your next one, doing the 'launch' through a turn. And its a matter of using some lean, and balencing the bike against acceleration, as well as balencing clutch & throttle, but you KNOW from car-park work how low that bike will lean, at silly slow speeds, as well as how tractible it is on the throttle.

Its all patting your head and rubbing your tummy..... and it will 'come'..... just needs practice and familiarity, and a little confidence.

You pretty much 'have it', your just a little heavy handed and a tad 'clumsy', and probably making generic newbie mistake of 'over-thinking'!

Just get on and DO IT..... 'go with the flow'....and don't sweat the small stuff!
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[The Artist]

I think the best thing is to just find your own technique. Just go with the flow, don't ride the clutch and learn to use engine braking.

[TheSmiler]

Thank you everyone for the posts, well survived today obviously was having a few problems this morning with the choke on the bike. But managed to find a technique that starts it every time correctly in one go. Which is great.

Only had one two stalls on the way to university one which was at the entrance to a roundabout came down to a stop holding clutch in, whilst holding the front brake and back brake.. Yeah one problem here didn't have enough accelerator to keep it going. This was the same with number two stall as well however this was on another junction.

[mistergixer]

[Teflon-Mike]