help needed....complete newbie

jonesie-rs125 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 19 May 2004 Karma :

hey people, i am doing a lot of research before i decided to buy a bike or start taking driving lessons.
it would really help if someone could write up a complete guide to changing gears, revs, and where they are on a bike, i know it probally sounds stupid but i have no idea, cheers.

jonesie
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jonesie

Shaun · Likes 'em bent Joined: 17 May 2003 Karma :

They teach you all of that on the CBT

jonesie-rs125 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 19 May 2004 Karma :

i have sat my CBT but as im 16 i sat it on a scooter
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jonesie

Shaun · Likes 'em bent Joined: 17 May 2003 Karma :

The best thing to do would be to get intouch with a bike school, explain the situation to them and tell them you'd like to take a few lessons to get used to riding a geared bike! Thumbs Up

jonesie-rs125 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 19 May 2004 Karma :

cheers mate, will do
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jonesie

30sumthin gal · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 14 May 2004 Karma :

as a newbie to bikes too, I was just like you, no idea of how to ride, and no idea to the gears etc. I have been driving cars for 20 years, and I would recommend you do the CBT BEFORE you attempt a car.

I have since become a more considerate car driver, and realise just how important it is to treat bikes with much more respect, no-matter how small / large the engine, or whether it has an engine at all! (pedal cycle!)

I would recommend going to a GOOD driving school, ask around, best schools are ones that YOU are comfortable with. Most are willing to do free assessments, and will then give you a better idea of costs etc.

Most of all, think carefully about what YOU feel comfortable with. Bike versus car is not the question, what do you want to be able to drive first is the question. You can (and I am proof of that) that it is NEVER too late to learn new skills, and the one will help the other.

Good luck with your decisions, and let us know how you get on. Thumbs Up

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Ive now passed my test, now I am learning how to ride!!!

carvell · Scuttler Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Karma :

Very quick guide on how to move off:

Start engine when it is in neutral (neutral light on).

Pull in clutch (left hand lever).

Whilst holding in clutch press the gear lever down (left foot pedal).

Bring the revs up to around 2k - 3k.

SLOWLY let the clutch out bit by bit, you'll hear the engine note change and if you keep letting it out the engine will stall.

When you hear the engine note change, keep letting the clutch out as slow as you were before, only bring the revs up a tiny bit more, you should begin to roll off slowly.

Let the clutch out more, and you'll go faster, apply more revs and you'll go faster still.

You need to take some lessons really before going out on the road, or spend some time in a car park messing about with the bike.
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Yamaha TDM 850

Josh · Traffic Copper Joined: 21 May 2004 Karma :

I took my CBT on a ped, got my geared bike and rang up the place I got my CBT with, asked if I could tag along for the morning part of a CBT so I could learn the gears, and it cost like £15 I think, but it was well worth it, and I have no rev counter, so it was difficult, but fun, and the instructors were great, it wasn't just "Change gears like this, now practice and sod off" they were great and helpful, and it only took a couple of hours to get it learned, and yeah, it was great. :>
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
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Jammy-G · Banned Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Karma :

I learned before I went on my CBT so I didn't look like a prat stalling all the time.

When in first, let the clutch out slowly until the bike begins to bite and move slowly forward. Then add some more revvs and let the clutch out more.

Changing up into second/third/fourth is alot easier to get the hang of. After a week on the road you dont even think about the gears.

Took me 30 mintues with no previous bike experience to get the hang of. Oh, and don't go hitting the bike when it stalls Smile

Good luck. Thumbs Up

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RooRoo: just like the time i stuck my finger up my arse with no lube at all and she didnt talk to me for hours

Wave2k · G's Stalker Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Karma :

i actually did my CBT on an automatic
so when i bought my RS i took it to a quiet road and practised stalled it 100000000 times but by the end of the day i was whizzing up and down
Nothing to gears although at first it seems like u will never get used it it
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Ducati 1299 Panigale
2009 Corvette C6 z51
RS125->CBR400->RXS100->GSXR750K2->Ducati749S->CBR600RR5->TL1000R->DRz400->RSVR1000->Honda VTR SP1->CBR400->GSXR1000K6->Honda H100->CBR600RR3->Ducati1299

SDR · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 01 May 2004 Karma :

Had a skooter for year, then on my 17th brthday i picked up my bike, i went across the road, wet around in circles for 10 mins, then went on a 30 minute ride back home, and all was learnt!

Lee_367 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 22 May 2004 Karma :

i learned to ride a geared bike before i rode an automatic
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?It?s mercy, compassion, and forgiveness I lack?not rationality.?

mrchips · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Karma :

I think the best way to learn is on a motocross bike. I learnt the basics on an old KX80 in a field. It is a lot easier when you arn't on the road and don't need to worry about artics!