New rider. Any suggestions for a first big bike?
Discussion
Kent Border Kenny said:
You’re welcome, it’s a lovely bike, and I hope that it starts a lifetime of enjoying biking.
Please don’t listen to anyone telling you that you ought to ride in miserable conditions, you’ve bought it to make you smile, and have all the bike that you need for that, there’s absolutely no need to go out on it when not going out on it would be nicer.
This. I went away over night last week on a two day trip. Forecast said possibility of showers so I risked it but got caught in heavy rain. No fun at all and then my textiles got soaked completely - I hung them up to dry overnight but were still soggy the next day. :-( Took 5 hour ride home to get them dry. Ride back was okay but great roads were still damp from the rain the day before. Please don’t listen to anyone telling you that you ought to ride in miserable conditions, you’ve bought it to make you smile, and have all the bike that you need for that, there’s absolutely no need to go out on it when not going out on it would be nicer.
Being able to ride in the rain and wanting to are very different. Don’t think I will be doing another trip unless it is much more certain that I won’t get rained upon!
Esceptico said:
Kent Border Kenny said:
You’re welcome, it’s a lovely bike, and I hope that it starts a lifetime of enjoying biking.
Please don’t listen to anyone telling you that you ought to ride in miserable conditions, you’ve bought it to make you smile, and have all the bike that you need for that, there’s absolutely no need to go out on it when not going out on it would be nicer.
This. I went away over night last week on a two day trip. Forecast said possibility of showers so I risked it but got caught in heavy rain. No fun at all and then my textiles got soaked completely - I hung them up to dry overnight but were still soggy the next day. :-( Took 5 hour ride home to get them dry. Ride back was okay but great roads were still damp from the rain the day before. Please don’t listen to anyone telling you that you ought to ride in miserable conditions, you’ve bought it to make you smile, and have all the bike that you need for that, there’s absolutely no need to go out on it when not going out on it would be nicer.
Being able to ride in the rain and wanting to are very different. Don’t think I will be doing another trip unless it is much more certain that I won’t get rained upon!
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
The only time I've ridden in really poor conditions was my CBT back in Feb and Mod 2 test where it chucked it down. Both weren't enjoyable experiences so I've decided only to go out when the weather is nice (bike tucked away till Spring now). A mate of mine rides in all weathers and has been taking the mick a bit as I'm a 'fair weather' rider only. He was out last week and had a fairly low speed off on a greasy/wet bend, bike has cosmetic damage and he's broken a rib. I'll stick to the warmer months (although I can appreciate what happened to him can happen in decent weather too).
I do have the kit to make bad weather as easy as possible, Rukka suit, good boots etc, and do enjoy a ride on a mild, sunny winter day, but covering me and the bike in leaves, mud, salt, and animal poo, in the dark is never going to be enjoyable.
Kent Border Kenny said:
If you get an alarm immobiliser, get a good one, the cheap ones tend to just drain your battery and / or permanently immobilise the bike.
Get a disc lock for when you stop to go in a shop, and consider getting a cover.
And now for the controversial bit...
Consider getting a top box. Being able to stick your jacket or helmet in one is game-changing for using it for normal stuff like going to the shops, and if you ever want to go away on it, far nicer than having to use a back pack.
And now for the bit that I never hear people learning about now...
When you feel ready, learn to do a u-turn with the bars hard against the lock, in each direction.
Being unable to use steering to control the wobbles, you have to learn to use the throttle and clutch. Ride round in circles, steering right over, engine spinning a little, and slip the clutch more or less to keep it upright.
It’s a really useful skill. All of slow control is. U-turns standing up, u-turns feet-up in a road no wider than the turning circle.
No rush to do this, but they do make a difference, and can stop many a walking-pace stumble.
Thank you for such sensible advice re: the slow bike control. Regarding the top box, it would be ideal but I might wait for the next bike to get a top box (likely an adventure bike like the Tiger 900 I had planned to buy!).Get a disc lock for when you stop to go in a shop, and consider getting a cover.
And now for the controversial bit...
Consider getting a top box. Being able to stick your jacket or helmet in one is game-changing for using it for normal stuff like going to the shops, and if you ever want to go away on it, far nicer than having to use a back pack.
And now for the bit that I never hear people learning about now...
When you feel ready, learn to do a u-turn with the bars hard against the lock, in each direction.
Being unable to use steering to control the wobbles, you have to learn to use the throttle and clutch. Ride round in circles, steering right over, engine spinning a little, and slip the clutch more or less to keep it upright.
It’s a really useful skill. All of slow control is. U-turns standing up, u-turns feet-up in a road no wider than the turning circle.
No rush to do this, but they do make a difference, and can stop many a walking-pace stumble.
I am going to buy a Litelock for when I am out and about to go with the alarmed disc lock I already have. I will also invest in a massive chain for when the bike is in the garage. I also need to buy a good jacket and trousers (I am thinking Richa or Spidi textiles) as I am using a 14 year old Hein Gericke jacket and cheap textile trousers that I boil in. If anyone has a strong brand recommendation, please feel free to let me know (budget is up to £400 for the jacket and whatever the matching trousers cost on top). I think a trip to Infinity in Wallingford this weekend is on the cards. This is an expensive hobby! If anyone is over there on Sunday morning, come over and say hello to me.
Finally, I scratched my brand new Schuberth C4 Pro today. I forgot how big my head is with the helmet on and hit it off the garage wall. Not a terrible scratch but still very annoying. Let's hope that is the only scratch I ever get from motorbikes.
Edited by ColonelKurtz on Tuesday 3rd November 18:24
ColonelKurtz said:
I think a trip to Infinity in Wallingford this weekend is on the cards. This is an expensive hobby! If anyone is over there on Sunday morning, come over and say hello to me.
Will that be possible? All but non-essential retail closed from Thursday. I doubt they will be open, apart from click and collect. Biking kit is something you should really be trying on for fit, given the expense. Decent range of kit there though, it's fairly local to me. ColonelKurtz said:
Finally, I scratched my brand new Schuberth C4 Pro today. I forgot how big my head is with the helmet on and hit it off the garage wall. Not a terrible scratch but still very annoying. Let's hope that is the only scratch I ever get from motorbikes.
Gah, I suspect we've all done that, I deffo have more than once. PurpleTurtle said:
ColonelKurtz said:
I think a trip to Infinity in Wallingford this weekend is on the cards. This is an expensive hobby! If anyone is over there on Sunday morning, come over and say hello to me.
Will that be possible? All but non-essential retail closed from Thursday. I doubt they will be open, apart from click and collect. Biking kit is something you should really be trying on for fit, given the expense. Decent range of kit there though, it's fairly local to me. ColonelKurtz said:
Finally, I scratched my brand new Schuberth C4 Pro today. I forgot how big my head is with the helmet on and hit it off the garage wall. Not a terrible scratch but still very annoying. Let's hope that is the only scratch I ever get from motorbikes.
Gah, I suspect we've all done that, I deffo have more than once. ColonelKurtz said:
If anyone has a strong brand recommendation, please feel free to let me know (budget is up to £400 for the jacket and whatever the matching trousers cost on top). I think a trip to Infinity in Wallingford this weekend is on the cards. This is an expensive hobby! If anyone is over there on Sunday morning, come over and say hello to me.
Finally, I scratched my brand new Schuberth C4 Pro today. I forgot how big my head is with the helmet on and hit it off the garage wall. Not a terrible scratch but still very annoying. Let's hope that is the only scratch I ever get from motorbikes.
Edited by ColonelKurtz on Tuesday 3rd November 18:24
Kent Border Kenny said:
When you feel ready, learn to do a u-turn with the bars hard against the lock, in each direction.
Being unable to use steering to control the wobbles, you have to learn to use the throttle and clutch. Ride round in circles, steering right over, engine spinning a little, and slip the clutch more or less to keep it upright.
It’s a really useful skill. All of slow control is. U-turns standing up, u-turns feet-up in a road no wider than the turning circle.
I agree. Being unable to use steering to control the wobbles, you have to learn to use the throttle and clutch. Ride round in circles, steering right over, engine spinning a little, and slip the clutch more or less to keep it upright.
It’s a really useful skill. All of slow control is. U-turns standing up, u-turns feet-up in a road no wider than the turning circle.
Yes. I recommended similar earlier in the thread. Being able to throw the bike around at low speed under control, and without consciously thinknig about each control (brake, clutch, steering) separately, helps general bike handling everywhere.
When I did IAM, they set a challenge for people to do a feet-up U-turn in an area 1 parking space long and 3 spaces wide. Many people struggled. I could almost do it in 2 spaces wide, but my bars wouldn't turn quite far enough.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 3rd November 20:12
Kent Border Kenny said:
My older posts probably show pretty well what I view as making a good rider, and the fact that I really don’t think that riding so fast that you keep crashing is commendable, but to keep banging on on the same theme, this (in my view) is what I think brilliant riding looks like.
I agree. More here:
Japanese Police Gymkhana
Great gymkhana riding on a ZRX1200
ColonelKurtz said:
Kent Border Kenny said:
If you get an alarm immobiliser, get a good one, the cheap ones tend to just drain your battery and / or permanently immobilise the bike.
Get a disc lock for when you stop to go in a shop, and consider getting a cover.
And now for the controversial bit...
Consider getting a top box. Being able to stick your jacket or helmet in one is game-changing for using it for normal stuff like going to the shops, and if you ever want to go away on it, far nicer than having to use a back pack.
And now for the bit that I never hear people learning about now...
When you feel ready, learn to do a u-turn with the bars hard against the lock, in each direction.
Being unable to use steering to control the wobbles, you have to learn to use the throttle and clutch. Ride round in circles, steering right over, engine spinning a little, and slip the clutch more or less to keep it upright.
It’s a really useful skill. All of slow control is. U-turns standing up, u-turns feet-up in a road no wider than the turning circle.
No rush to do this, but they do make a difference, and can stop many a walking-pace stumble.
Thank you for such sensible advice re: the slow bike control. Regarding the top box, it would be ideal but I might wait for the next bike to get a top box (likely an adventure bike like the Tiger 900 I had planned to buy!).Get a disc lock for when you stop to go in a shop, and consider getting a cover.
And now for the controversial bit...
Consider getting a top box. Being able to stick your jacket or helmet in one is game-changing for using it for normal stuff like going to the shops, and if you ever want to go away on it, far nicer than having to use a back pack.
And now for the bit that I never hear people learning about now...
When you feel ready, learn to do a u-turn with the bars hard against the lock, in each direction.
Being unable to use steering to control the wobbles, you have to learn to use the throttle and clutch. Ride round in circles, steering right over, engine spinning a little, and slip the clutch more or less to keep it upright.
It’s a really useful skill. All of slow control is. U-turns standing up, u-turns feet-up in a road no wider than the turning circle.
No rush to do this, but they do make a difference, and can stop many a walking-pace stumble.
I am going to buy a Litelock for when I am out and about to go with the alarmed disc lock I already have. I will also invest in a massive chain for when the bike is in the garage. I also need to buy a good jacket and trousers (I am thinking Richa or Spidi textiles) as I am using a 14 year old Hein Gericke jacket and cheap textile trousers that I boil in. If anyone has a strong brand recommendation, please feel free to let me know (budget is up to £400 for the jacket and whatever the matching trousers cost on top). I think a trip to Infinity in Wallingford this weekend is on the cards. This is an expensive hobby! If anyone is over there on Sunday morning, come over and say hello to me.
Finally, I scratched my brand new Schuberth C4 Pro today. I forgot how big my head is with the helmet on and hit it off the garage wall. Not a terrible scratch but still very annoying. Let's hope that is the only scratch I ever get from motorbikes.
Edited by ColonelKurtz on Tuesday 3rd November 18:24
I thought I'd provide an update on my TT600.
I've ridden it for c. 70 miles since I picked it up; work, weather, and the new puppy have prevented me from getting more miles in. Last Thursday, I felt like I hadn't even done the CBT! I was going around corners in a right angle instead of a curve as I was somewhat scared of a slippery road surface (it was more my fear than the road to be honest) and I found the bike strange compared to the CBF125 and the training school SV650/Gladius. The throttle response felt quite binary to me at low speed and a little disconcerting when pulling out from junctions, and the bike feels very powerful too. Also, the riding position is somewhat different to what I was previously used to.
But roll on to yesterday! A lovely clear day, albeit a little mistier than I'd like. I rode out to Henley, through Medmenham, and on to Marlow, taking in some additional backroads randomly. I am starting to get a feel for the bike now. The riding position is not as odd to me, I can now more easily locate the back brake, and I am getting a better sense of just how well the bike steers. The brakes are fantastic with very good feel and the gearchanges are smooth overall (first to second can feel a little agricultural). But, if I say I only briefly got the bike above 9k RPM (on a bike that revs to 14k RPM) you can see how gingerly I am riding the thing. I am also surprised just how comfortable the bike is. The seat is as soft as a couch and my wrists and back are fine so far - but maybe that will change after I spend a few hours in one go on the bike.
In fact, so far I seem to mainly ride the bike at no more than 6k RPM. I am also noticing the fuelling glitch just below 4k RPM; the bike judders a bit, and was a little disconcerting when it happened when I was going around a very tight bend at one point. But I am getting used to this quirk too; I am seeing it as part of the personality of the bike. I also briefly locked up the back wheel after changing down to one gear too low - I think the SV650 was a lot more forgiving as I must have done this before without realising. But, I am assuming over time I will learn to be a better rider by having a bike with minimal safety aids (i.e. brakes and lights).
I decided to keep the v loud exhaust, and have invested in some Auritech earplugs, as I am curious to see the Triumph Trident next year and may decide to sell my bike back to the dealership. But another part of me says keep it and just buy another...
So, baby steps for me so far. But overall I am so happy I bought this bike and am even happier I finally took the time to get my full licence. Thanks again to everyone for the advice and feedback.
I've ridden it for c. 70 miles since I picked it up; work, weather, and the new puppy have prevented me from getting more miles in. Last Thursday, I felt like I hadn't even done the CBT! I was going around corners in a right angle instead of a curve as I was somewhat scared of a slippery road surface (it was more my fear than the road to be honest) and I found the bike strange compared to the CBF125 and the training school SV650/Gladius. The throttle response felt quite binary to me at low speed and a little disconcerting when pulling out from junctions, and the bike feels very powerful too. Also, the riding position is somewhat different to what I was previously used to.
But roll on to yesterday! A lovely clear day, albeit a little mistier than I'd like. I rode out to Henley, through Medmenham, and on to Marlow, taking in some additional backroads randomly. I am starting to get a feel for the bike now. The riding position is not as odd to me, I can now more easily locate the back brake, and I am getting a better sense of just how well the bike steers. The brakes are fantastic with very good feel and the gearchanges are smooth overall (first to second can feel a little agricultural). But, if I say I only briefly got the bike above 9k RPM (on a bike that revs to 14k RPM) you can see how gingerly I am riding the thing. I am also surprised just how comfortable the bike is. The seat is as soft as a couch and my wrists and back are fine so far - but maybe that will change after I spend a few hours in one go on the bike.
In fact, so far I seem to mainly ride the bike at no more than 6k RPM. I am also noticing the fuelling glitch just below 4k RPM; the bike judders a bit, and was a little disconcerting when it happened when I was going around a very tight bend at one point. But I am getting used to this quirk too; I am seeing it as part of the personality of the bike. I also briefly locked up the back wheel after changing down to one gear too low - I think the SV650 was a lot more forgiving as I must have done this before without realising. But, I am assuming over time I will learn to be a better rider by having a bike with minimal safety aids (i.e. brakes and lights).
I decided to keep the v loud exhaust, and have invested in some Auritech earplugs, as I am curious to see the Triumph Trident next year and may decide to sell my bike back to the dealership. But another part of me says keep it and just buy another...
So, baby steps for me so far. But overall I am so happy I bought this bike and am even happier I finally took the time to get my full licence. Thanks again to everyone for the advice and feedback.
Edited by ColonelKurtz on Monday 9th November 11:51
Are the tyres in good condition? If there is not a smooth curve across the whole tread it could steer oddly.
I had a Street Triple that the previous owner had presumably never turned a corner on. I was experience and a confident rider, but my wet ride home from collecting it was bottom-clenching at times. I replaced both tyres and it was transformed.
I had a Street Triple that the previous owner had presumably never turned a corner on. I was experience and a confident rider, but my wet ride home from collecting it was bottom-clenching at times. I replaced both tyres and it was transformed.
As above I'd check the tyres are a nice, smooth profile and not squared off - mine (first big bike) came with a squared off rear which made the trip home very odd-feeling, and I wondered whether it was a good idea to buy it. New rear tyre and everything clicked.
On locking the back wheel, that can happen sometimes if you're braking and banging in the shifts, I've done it a few times, again you'll get used to it.
But baby steps are the way - build up to what you're comfortable with, go out when you want to. If you start tensing up because the conditions are miserable then go home, riding stressed makes everything fall apart imho, it's like an orchestra playing out of tune.
On the fuelling front a lot of bikes with earlyish EFI are a bit rough at light throttle openings, some can be cured with a remap, others might just be that first crack of the throttle and your smoothness. Spend a bit of time in a layby, or your garage, practising that tiny first crack of the throttle, same with the clutch where you just want to take the tiniest bit of slack up. If the bike doesn't have adjustable levers that's well worth considering imho.
I'd also ride it a gear lower than you have been to keep the revs up a bit.
On locking the back wheel, that can happen sometimes if you're braking and banging in the shifts, I've done it a few times, again you'll get used to it.
But baby steps are the way - build up to what you're comfortable with, go out when you want to. If you start tensing up because the conditions are miserable then go home, riding stressed makes everything fall apart imho, it's like an orchestra playing out of tune.
On the fuelling front a lot of bikes with earlyish EFI are a bit rough at light throttle openings, some can be cured with a remap, others might just be that first crack of the throttle and your smoothness. Spend a bit of time in a layby, or your garage, practising that tiny first crack of the throttle, same with the clutch where you just want to take the tiniest bit of slack up. If the bike doesn't have adjustable levers that's well worth considering imho.
I'd also ride it a gear lower than you have been to keep the revs up a bit.
Edited by Krikkit on Monday 9th November 12:49
Sadly, I can't blame the tyres; they are in great condition and nicely rounded. It is my lack of riding experience that is the problem! But I'll get better.
Regarding the snatchy throttle, that is a good idea and I was practising that yesterday. I am also conscious that the bike does indeed prefer to be ridden in a gear that keeps it above 4k RPM - although doing that while riding through towns with such a loud exhaust I expect people think I am trying to show off!
I forgot to mention the new helmet, a Schuberth C4 Pro. All I can say is wow, what a comfortable helmet. I love the flip front and sun visor too. It is a long way from my LS2 Rookie helmet. Pity about the scratch though...
Regarding the snatchy throttle, that is a good idea and I was practising that yesterday. I am also conscious that the bike does indeed prefer to be ridden in a gear that keeps it above 4k RPM - although doing that while riding through towns with such a loud exhaust I expect people think I am trying to show off!
I forgot to mention the new helmet, a Schuberth C4 Pro. All I can say is wow, what a comfortable helmet. I love the flip front and sun visor too. It is a long way from my LS2 Rookie helmet. Pity about the scratch though...
Blip the throttle as you down-shift to avoid locking the back wheel. When you get more confident and have practiced, you wil be able to do it whilst braking with the front wheel.
Don't use the rear brake too much (mostly just for slow manouevring and a bit of balance). The front brake is where all the stopping power is.
Don't use the rear brake too much (mostly just for slow manouevring and a bit of balance). The front brake is where all the stopping power is.
A brief update (if anyone is still interested). I decided, rather than swap the Dominator silencer that was on the TT600 with a fellow forum member, to buy an original TT600 silencer from eBay and keep the Dominator tucked away. I paid my £80 and it arrived on Saturday in perfect condition (a nice surprise). It was easier to fit then I was expecting but, due to the terrible weather, I was unable to go for a test ride.
But yesterday I managed to go for a ride from Maidenhead to Wallingford and the nearby Infinity shop. I was really surprised at the difference the silencer made to the bike! The stuttering below 4k rpm has all but gone (there is a hint in 3rd as you apply the throttle between 3-4k rpm but no more than that), the throttle now feels more linear instead of feeling like a binary switch meaning I feel a lot happier at junctions, and the noise is a lot more subdued but still sounds lovely. The bike does feel somewhat slower accelerating but I am very happy with that as I previously found the bike a little too angry for a first big bike.
There is a tiny exhaust gas leak where the silencer joins the rest of the exhaust, as I didn't have a gasket, but nothing more. I will look to buy some gasket material and see if I can create my own without having a template.
Am I crazy? Can a simple silencer swap cause that much change in the character of a bike? I am more used to cars where the silencer alone would not cause that much difference. Either way, I now think I have a cracking bike I feel more in control of that I can really enjoy learning how to ride.
But yesterday I managed to go for a ride from Maidenhead to Wallingford and the nearby Infinity shop. I was really surprised at the difference the silencer made to the bike! The stuttering below 4k rpm has all but gone (there is a hint in 3rd as you apply the throttle between 3-4k rpm but no more than that), the throttle now feels more linear instead of feeling like a binary switch meaning I feel a lot happier at junctions, and the noise is a lot more subdued but still sounds lovely. The bike does feel somewhat slower accelerating but I am very happy with that as I previously found the bike a little too angry for a first big bike.
There is a tiny exhaust gas leak where the silencer joins the rest of the exhaust, as I didn't have a gasket, but nothing more. I will look to buy some gasket material and see if I can create my own without having a template.
Am I crazy? Can a simple silencer swap cause that much change in the character of a bike? I am more used to cars where the silencer alone would not cause that much difference. Either way, I now think I have a cracking bike I feel more in control of that I can really enjoy learning how to ride.
Yes, changing the can can have that sort of effect. It tends to be that the smaller the engine the more noticeable the effect. The same can happen with a change of air filter. If changing the can (from OEM to aftermarket) it's often worth getting the bike set up on a dyno and you may need a new ECU map or a "piggy back" ECU like a Power Commander.
It sounds like the previous owner fitted the replacement can but didn't get the bike set up properly.
It sounds like the previous owner fitted the replacement can but didn't get the bike set up properly.
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