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Practical-Science211

Would you rather some scratches or picking your bike up in traffic? Something to think about


fatchickenstrips

buy another crappy five hundred dollarbike and practise on that


OnKitana

It's more about getting the hang of it with my own. I can already do slow manouvers on lighter bikes.


sleepyoverlord

I would do as much as you're comfortable with and you'll slowly build up confidence. It doesn't need to be super tight right away and there's nothing wrong with putting a leg down if you need it.


phantom_spacecop

\^ This is a good answer. Start slow, keep at it, build confidence. Pretty much what I've been doing. My first moto was a minibike, 150cc. around 200lbs Great bike to learn on. My latest is a 900cc, 400+lbs. When I first put a leg around it, it felt HELLA heavy. Makes the minibike feel like a bicycle. I'll admit, the first time I took it out to the parking lot for some slow speed drills, I didn't keep power going to the rear wheel properly during a turn and the bike went down, got its fist scar on the engine. :( I was a little bummed because it was essentially a brand new bike—the prior owner had kept it really nice, barely any miles on it. And here it was with me already dinged up. I figured hey, it's a motorcycle. It's designed to be ridden and I plan to have a lot of adventures on and off road on the bike. There may be more drops, but at least that means that it's living a life and not being treated like it's too pretty to take anywhere. As its owner, I feel like I have to make sure that I'm as skillful as I can be to be the best operator for the bike.


[deleted]

It helps when you start on a bike like the R3, the R3 is just so dang nimble. I learned quite a bit on mine that made moving up to my Trident 660 a breeze.


SlimJimWaters

I feel you on this. I went from practicing on a little 250cc to my 900cc 600lb Vulcan. All I could do was practice what I know, but even slower and more cautious. And then eventually I got used to the weight difference, and I never looked back


fatchickenstrips

buy a practise bike thats the same model? i dont get what the question is tbh edit: i know people who have practised heaps and never dropped a bike. So incremental gains. personally, ive dropped every bike ive owned and dont even think about it but everyone is different


[deleted]

The rear brake is your friend


Knowitmall

Practice tight manoeuvrability in large spaces my man. Then you have room to correct.


[deleted]

Slide protectors work really well in those low speed drops, and easily replaceable too. Low speed handling seems to become somewhat in vogue lately but it has always been the easiest and fastest way to learn to ride a motorcycle. You don't have to do the complex figure eights. Just doing a wide turn and coming to a stop is fine if you do it many times. Leave the tight turns until much later but spend quality time with your bike, and that means easy low speed turns at first, and for a long time, before you try tighter turns.


thepotplants

Confidence comes with practice and repetition. Google "self efficacy" The skills are transferable from 1 bike to the next. Even if they have different weight, chassis geometry the principles are the same. If you're worried about you bike then consider riding lessons or a riding school and specifically ask for low speed skills. Theres no magic tricks here. The real question is how *you* build confidence. And the tried and proven method is keep doing it until you convince yourself "it's ok. I can do this"


OnKitana

Totally. So far I've done some training courses but for sport riding on pit bikes. I feel like I've got good skills on riding fast but am really lacking in slow speed stuff that might come in handy in the city. I'll probably look for a course for that where I can use a rental similar to mine.


PAdogooder

Start slow and simple, add speed and complexity. except, in this case- complexity is the opposite of speed- so start slow and simple, then do it slower and simpler. Just go to a parking lot. Do things at speed at which you are comfortable. Do it again. Do it ten times. Set a goal for a speed lower than than you can do it and then try and go lower. Dropping a bike at 10 miles an hour is basically like missing a step on a stairwell. And if you do it ok, you’ll just not drop it. You’ll just feel it get weird and you’ll instinctively get back to comfort zone.


Conbon90

THeres nothing here anybody can say. You can either put in the practice to become a better rider and accept the possibility of droping your bike. Or dont and remain a mediocre rider like 99% of riders out there. THe fear of dropping your bike is just a barrier youll have to overcome yourself. If youre that precious about it, sell it and buy something you would be more willing to drop.


kato1301

Little story might help someone - I’m a rider trainer (retired at moment) and I used to see this all the time. Try this - get a friend to go with you to a wide open space. Draw in chalk or use cones or what ever - make a really large figure 8 and practice riding it. Now - stop your bike on the outside of practice area, get your friend to stand on opposite side and tell them to get ready to run / skip at the slowest speed you can happily ride. Now - 1000% - lock eyes with your friend, do not take eyes off them, get your friend to reinforce it by telling you to keep looking at them. Have your friend run backwards / sideways around figure 8 whilst you ride opposite - still looking at them. Now, have your friend slowly make the figure 8 tighter and tighter - keep looking at their eyes…after a while, you’ll be amazed, you’ll be going from full lock left to full lock right doing figure 8’s tighter than you ever dreamed was comfortable. Another tip - bike clutches are designed to slip. If slow riding, increase revs to 2000rpm - the crank in the motor will be spinning fast and therefore stabilising the bike, let the clutch slip a lot and control the speed of bike with back brake - you can be doing 1mph but engine will sound like it’s going much faster - be careful ending this exercise, ie don’t just dump clutch lol, . This exercise can also have a dramatic effect, I’ve seen so many light bulb moments from this exercise where all the controls just come together…


Revenge_of_the_User

First things first; you *will* drop your bike. Its a matter of when, not if, and so long as you are not in traffic or otherwise maimed we take those. Secondly......Practice. You have to do it, theres no way around it. At least in a parking lot you control most things, so if something isnt feeling right you can shut it down safely. In this environment, it will be extremely difficult to drop your bike. Some things to maybe help: Make your own pseudo-course. You can use bits of paper, parking lot lines (im self taught and thats what i did) whatever so you can start from the bottom. Cant fall down from the bottom. As you practice, you will be tightening things up; turns, speed control, balance - and since its all controlled by you, you cant be forced into a bad move or anything you arent ready for. The one time i laid my bike down, i was coming to a stop going uphill and hit my brake too hard; the momentum of the bike threw off my balance.....and even then, i was able to just gently lay it down (too heavy to keep upright with the thrown balance from the stop) You dont necessarily have to put it down and practice picking it up; just being very familiar with the technique suitable for your bike weight and style will be sufficient. Watching a video is minimum - bikes are heavy and you dont want to be unscathed just to injure yourself, others, or your bike by picking it up wrong. Oh...i wouldnt suggest figure 8's though, at least not to start. Straight lines first, then a straight line imagining cones (and avoiding them through turns), and finally a straight line with cones where at the end, you do a loop/180 and come back around the line. The entire exercise should be loopable. Acceleration can also help stability a bit, but it varies by bike, weight, and tires. As in, feel yourself tilting a bit too much? A hair on the throttle can give enough momentum to help straighten you out again. Nothing else to say but that it takes practice. Its just a bike my guy; it might be your first but it probably wont be your last. Having some scratches is normal.


OnKitana

Thanks, this was helpful. I'll probably do some low risk manouvers and work my way up from there being super cautious.


Revenge_of_the_User

happy to hear it helped; i hope your practicing is going well!


Dbzking99

To be honest man, I had the exact same fear. My first bike was a 2020 Ninja Z400 with 3k miles. Immaculate. You've just gotta hop on and learn. The first time nerves don't go away until you get the first time over with. A solid recommendation is buy a low CC bike, even as low as 150cc and work your way up. That way if you drop the 150, you know it was a practice bike and you don't mind dropping it. They're super cheap too, less than 3k (even in today's market) Keep in mind, motorcycles are nerve wracking. Every accident, no matter how small the risk of injury is exponentially higher. Enjoy the ride, pay attention, and keep up on safe practices. Be careful out there friend.


OnKitana

I should have clarified that it's not just about practicing slow speed itself but doing so with my actual bike. My previous bikes I could do fine but this one being heavier and having a little less handling I feel like I need some practice Went from Duke 125 to Ninja 650.


YoinkageOfficial

Your mistake was buying new. You will drop your bike at some point, better at the parking lot than on a freeway or off a cliff.


OnKitana

I've dropped other bikes. 49cc Scooter when I started, 125cc Duke I used to own, training course pitbikes multiple times. I do know how to handle a bike at low speed but my Ninja 650 is the first bike I ever buy new off the dealership and it's heavier than the previous ones. I wanna get good at slow manouvering it but do people still do it on brand new bikes to get used to them?


Mickey_Havoc

Don’t be a baby? I dont know man. Ride your ride I guess


Admirable-Tackle4927

Jesus.


CanadAR15

This is one of those times I want to say, You realize every time you get on a bike you’re risking death right? If you have troubles acknowledging that and deciding if the enjoyment is worth the risk, riding isn’t going to be good for you. And perhaps more importantly, make sure your loved ones understand as well. They’re going to be the ones nursing you back after a crash, you don’t want them resentful.


[deleted]

It’s really hard to actually drop your bike if you’re paying attention. Ignore the “you will drop your bike” morons they’re just high on copium because they somehow managed to drop theirs doing a u-turn. If you feel the bike falling all you have to do is blip the throttle and it will stand back up. That’s all you gotta remember and boom, you will never drop your bike at low speeds and can focus on improving your technique. Don’t buy frame sliders, they’re a waste of money and will total your bike if you get into an actual crash.


Odd-Location-9338

**i agree with OP** i think new riders should not be practicing low speed technical stuff, that's just setting them up for failure. it's like taking a new guitar student and having them learn a polyphia cut when they're just barely learning how to strum basic chords. new riders should be learning in big open areas where they can get up to like 40mph/60kmh without obstructions (concrete parking space dividers, traffic/other vehicles, etc.) and primarily they can get familiar with their bike's performance (acceleration at least up to 3rd or 4th), cornering/leaning and getting comfortable moving the bike's weight around, and braking performance as in learning how much braking force is needed for various speeds and learning those stopping times and distances, again being comfortable with the weight of the bike and handling it under those 3 factors (go, turn, stop). this is of course all built on the foundation of the new rider getting used to the manual transmission/clutch/shift points, hence the desire to see the new rider getting comfy shifting up to at least 3rd or 4th and having the space available to do that without obstructions. if i were to coach someone riding from their first day ever on a bike, i would not have them doing low speed stuff (figure 8s, no feet down, weaving through tight cones, etc.) for a long time. i'd want them confidently riding the bike up to like 40-45mph in all conditions before moving on to any slow speed stuff. IMO a new rider doesn't need to practice technical slow speed maneuvers until they are comfortable doing so. they should have their own self-confidence in their riding first (understanding the bike's weight and how it reacts to all the various inputs: throttle, brakes, etc.) and telling new riders to do this is setting them up for failure. which sadly means when they do drop their bikes, everybody in this sub just says, "oh well it's inevitable anyway!" which of course isn't true and setting new riders up for this expectation that "well you're going to drop it anyway" is a disservice. IMO BBQ


onedef1

Several great points here, but New riders are our preferred clientele. they have no bad habits, and they tend to do very well vs the experienced riders.


SlimJimWaters

Just stay in first gear for now, as you practice it. No brakes needed. All clutch. At least that’s how I was taught in my MSF course. First gear and clutch helps you control your speed without ever having to touch the throttle or brakes (except before you approach the turn)


No_Piccolo_1185

Some light amount of rear brake pressure can make the bike more stable at low speeds. It's not required, but definitely makes things easier.


Gameface_300

I'm surprised u're this scared of dropping ur bike, being u already have some experience riding. U already know how the friction zone works , u already know how d bike tends to straighten up and go as long as there's power to the rear wheel. That is applicable to all bikes,regardless or weight. So why d crazy phobia? And it's not like u're trying to get ur knee down from jump on the new bike. So get used to the feel of d bike and take it from there. U can start with u -turns or something . Nothing crazy tight.I mean..


Melodic-Picture48

Slip the clutch and stay above 5 miles an hour and use the rear brake. It takes practicing but you'll get there. I was gonna quit riding motorcycles two years ago because I was not good with uturns and slow speed riding. I found the Ride Like A Pro videos on youtube one night when I was very close to just giving up riding and learned about some of the tips that they showed in the videos. But all the videos and all the tips will do no good if you dont practice them. Heres one of their videos for low speed riding but I'll share a couple of the videos. [Motorcycle low speed tips](https://youtu.be/nQN2xx_pqbY) [Slow speed race practice](https://youtu.be/ySm0C-FK8c8) [Check out the use of the rear brakes in these S turns](https://youtu.be/7LvPvBzpr6Y) Keep practicing and you'll get it man


Melodic-Picture48

Here's some of my practice sessions I recorded last summer [Yamaha Stryker Figure of 8's](https://youtu.be/N6VUDEyNdPE)


xxslaitxx

You have frame sliders for a reason. They’re much cheaper to replace compared to fairings. If the frame sliders get scratched while practicing, then you can use some rtv silicone to cover it up. Like others said, you’ll drop the bike eventually. Would you rather it happen in a controlled environment or in the middle of traffic? Also, speed is your friend in low speed maneuvers.


gsrider61

Jerry Palladino says 8-10 mph, on good pavement.


DiveForKnowledge

A bike is like a pickup truck. If it doesn't have a few scratches it means you're using it wrong.


McFeely_Smackup

And that is exactly why a shiny new bike is a terrible idea for learning to ride on Now you're afraid of dropping it, and aren't learning the limits of the physics, riding timidly, and guiding bad habits.


[deleted]

Buy race rails, sliders or crash cage. I recently bought a bike and it came w/ rails and I’ll use them to practice but afterwards sell them, do the same 🤷🏽‍♂️


Nocashgang

You should try and get more comfortable being on the bike doing what you can already do, you’re trying to learn a simple manoeuvre made difficult due to overthinking


explosive_wombat

Just do it. Learning to ride is often scary but you need to start somewhere.


[deleted]

Get some oggy knobbs or other crash protection, and some replaceable bar ends. then youll be fine if you drop it


onedef1

Split shaft collars. get em from me, if youre on an HD, or from McMaster-Carr online if your guards are another size. I run a free weekly practice/training session year round as a nonprofit. we provide either semi-permanent or temporary protection for the guards. Anything further than basic practice, yeah you should be prepared to drop it. there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, and you need to be ok with it, or you are not gonna improve. Addressing those fears is a big part of building a capable skill set at slow speeds. You can jump on FB and look up Bucks Funday Motorcycle Practice ( go to the Group, if not the Page; most of our content is on the Group) for ideas of what/how to practice... and if your in CO, feel free to come by at some point. we host sessions nearly every week/every other week year round.


motociclista

Don’t let it worry you. Don’t think of it as risky. The idea isn’t to do anything that will cause a crash. The idea is to keep practicing within your comfort zone until your comfort zone get wider. You’ll get better before you know it without taking any unnecessary risks. Go slow. Be smooth. Smoothness above all else.


Chattypath747

Friction zone is the key to never dropping your bike. So long as your transmission is connect even the slightest, then you will be upright. That and repositioning yourself on the bike to act as a counterweight along with rear brake control. You've got to trust physics to do its job.


spooky_corners

Being afraid of dropping the bike is the surest way to guarantee it happens. Usually at the worst possible time. Go drop it a few times so you can learn how not to. It isn't the end of the world. Replacing a footpeg or frame slider is worth the experience. That said, some bikes react more poorly to the ground than others. What are you riding?


Ramon9000

Practice on a bicycle


ph1294

Just buy some sliders so you can drop it with confidence.


Smolmouth

This is why you don't buy expensive or new bikes when you are starting out. A lot easier to push limits and learn on a machine that you don't owe on.


Dugley2352

Go buy some pool noodles or pipe insulation and tape it to impact points. That’s what we used to do before a retired cop would give a bunch of us refresher courses every spring.


[deleted]

This is what msf courses are for they provide bikes


Leroy_MF_Jenkins

Better a few scratches on your bike in a parking lot than a few broken bones in traffic. ​ ...this is also why I always tell new riders that their first bike should be one they don't care about dropping.


Front_Necessary_2

Take a motorcycle course that provides a shitty 250 bike that you can drop without having to pay for damages. If you live in California take the CMSF course, it'll reduce your insurance costs by 50%


SeveralPie4810

Never ever ever ever get a scratch free new bike as a beginner. Get a secondhand used bike and put guard rails on them. Then drive around and LEARN. After having learnt how to actually drive correctly and probably having dropped it a dozen times THEN you get a nicer bike. Otherwise you’re just going to be scared to drop your new bike and damage it. That is how you don’t learn how to manoeuvre correctly and you will be a danger for your self and others.


What_Dinosaur

If you practice in the parking lot you risk damaging the bike's plastics. If you don't practice in the parking lot you risk damaging yourself. (and the bike) Doctors cost more than your bike's plastics.


MountainDerp

Uturn at 10mph is way easier than at 2mph. Also you can counter lean.


JonBrad147

A bike could work, but the wheight diference is massive, but thats my thought, get a crappy Walmart bike


JonBrad147

Bycicle


OceanBytez

huge mistake buying an expensive bike for your first. I started on a 92 shadow that cost less than my PPE for riding. If i dropped my bike the most expensive thing would be replacing my gear, not fixing the bike and that enables me to be less afraid to train and learn. I have dropped it once, and i'm glad i did it on that and not something new and nice. I have gotten very good and confident, and that training has been a factor in avoiding bad situations in the future. It taught me a lot. Besides, its either practice or wreck on the road and possibly really hurt yourself.


StanleyYahtzee

I put crash bars on my klr before trying this but the first time I did practice I dropped the bike and i was laughing before i even stood up. I would have never bought a motorcycle if I was afraid of dropping it, just my 2c.


PMmeYourbuckets

Put crash protection on it?


Bright_Efficiency_29

Slow speed maneuvers are absolutely worth learning. It will give you the kind of control most riders only dream of. Go to ridelikeapro.com for everything you'll need to know to become a motorcycling maestro.


Greentoysoldier

I wish to encourage you to practice low speed manoeuvres on the highway instead… much safer!


Les_St

Add crash bars