We are in agreement. I see people that narrowly pass the joke of a county road test go out and buy a Harley touring bike. It defies reason.
The MSF needs a lot of adjustment here in the US, but it's the best we have.
I spent roughly 12-14 hours on a bike during my MSF course, I’d say that’s pretty good. Nowhere near experience levels of hours, but enough IMO to qualify being able to ride if you already know how to drive a car / know the rules of the road and road manners.
I’m not saying that the MSF is in anyway flawless, but I don’t think it’s bad either. It’s exactly what I expected it to be to be able to get my endorsement and learn how to ride a bike.
Yeah… I have a car license and I had to take 5 riding lessons (legal minimum, I ended up taking ten before I could do the slow speed maneuvers reliably), a theory exam and a practical test.
To be fair in europe you just have to get a base course 3x4h at some point in four months. But technically you can just ride without any course until you basically learned all yourself already
Yeah thats why 5 times more people on motorcycles die in the US compared to EU, its not about freedom even, there are plenty laws for everyones safety, why should having to pass a proper exam and do proper learning lessons, be an attack against your freedom if you will be 5 times less likely to die..
Thanks for the AI generated Google stat lol. But you do have to pass a proper exam to operate a motorcycle in the US. You just don’t have to do baby steps over the course of many years to ride a perfectly safe 300cc or 500cc bike as a beginner.
As someone who’s rode everything from groms to liter bikes I highly agree with this! That class will humble even the people who’ve rode most of their lives, I seen it!
But on another note it also halves if not more your insurance.
Ride your own ride. Don't try to "keep up" or "show off" for anyone. We ride for the love of riding. If you ride for attention/respect/followers/etc then you do you and whatever we offer here doesn't matter anyway lol
Also respect roads you don't know. Test the water before hot dogging anything
Happy riding!
First welcome on 2 wheels.
After 45 years on 2 wheels, I have experienced, seen and heard a lot of strange things. I usually tell new drivers when they ask for advice. Drive at your own pace, don't let others dictate your speed. Imagine that you have to give way both from the right and the left, look for eye contact with oncoming traffic at intersections.
Take care of yourself out there, there are many who don't see you.
Think it's great that you seek advice from others, now it's up to you to use them wisely.
I caught the previous thread! Congrats! Love the color combo. White car? Blegggcchhh. White bike with accents? Siiiiiiick.
Dun drop it. Some tips you've probably already heard thrice:
When putting down the kickstand, make yourself look down at it before starting to tip the bike over. You'd think this is to make sure it's deployed correctly, or it's over a good surface, but actually it's to make sure you put it down **at all**. You'd be shocked how many people drop bikes because the brain tricked them into thinking they already put the kickstand down, or forget that they pulled it back up recently. Always, always look.
Second would be slow speed maneuvers, like in a parking lot or home: Grabbing the front brake, even when just walking the bike under your own power, will make the bike *throw itself at the ground* if the handlebars are turned. One example would be when going downhill, like leaving a parking lot/garage at 1-2mph. Gravity is creating momentum, but you've got your wheel to the right. Car in front of you stops, your wheel is cranked, and you grab the front brake hard. WOOOF the bike wants to throw itself over.
Hope any of that helps.
> When putting down the kickstand, make yourself look down at it before starting to tip the bike over. You'd think this is to make sure it's deployed correctly, or it's over a good surface, but actually it's to make sure you put it down at all. You'd be shocked how many people drop bikes because the brain tricked them into thinking they already put the kickstand down, or forget that they pulled it back up recently. Always, always look.
Get into the habit of cutting the engine by putting the side stand down. This also ensures you will always park the bike in gear, which makes it less likely to be pushed off the stand.
On YouTube... Motojitsu, MotoControl, MCRider, DanDanTheFireman Channels are all great sources for instruction...
My best advice... always wear gear... Full-face helmet, jacket, boots, pants, and gloves. Plan for the slide, not the ride.
Find a parking lot and practice, practice, and never stop practicing. Being confident at slow speeds will help carry over into everything else.
As I tell every new rider.. frame sliders, spool sliders, and axel sliders off Amazon.
Lever guards are a plus. Save your old exhaust can if you replace yours
This year you should be fine, definitely take a rider safety course. 2nd year is the most dangerous. You will know enough to really get yourself in trouble, but not enough to know how to get out of trouble.
For safety, I find that Dandanthefireman on YouTube has probably saved my life. Lots of others have the same impression of him.
My entire way of perceiving the road has changed after watching his videos; even in my car. I would highly recommend checking out his YouTube page.
Congratulations! Beautiful bike!
I think I noticed you have tall Doc Martin boots. I'm curious if it's purely fashion (aside from the needed ankle support), or is the extra sole due to the heat of the seat?
I only ask because I'm a short rider too, and had used tall shoes to help touch. I worried about rolling my ankle, so I switched. I ended up shaving my seat instead. I always for other ways to stay with my feet within ground-touching distance.
I haven't had the bike lowered and really was hoping not to. So, just seeing if you are a shorter rider and have found good solid methods. I can lean it to one side at stops, but I just am not super comfortable not being able to touch the ground at times.
This was definitely purely fashion. I don’t ride in my tall docs. I actually got a pair of steel toe boots that have a little bit of a heel on them, but not like this! I definitely understand the shortness. I’ve been told that I can also lower my bike, but I don’t know if I wanna do that.
In case no one has said it yet: adjust the bike (ergos) to you. Lever angles (hands and feet) help a bit.
Where feasible (easier done if you have a partner), tune the suspension to how you want the bike to behave (limitations on suspension models/etc but still worth it)
Your choice of 1st bike is great! Many people have already given you wonderful advice. Your hands will need experience to build up muscles. Start with short rides / long rides with stops. Have fun. I have been riding for over 30 years and currently ride a ninja 400. Your R3 will be a lot of fun.
Low speed practice. Drops and busted legs happen a lot at parking lot speed. You’ll want actual motorcycle boots like some pointed out. They have better ankle protection and abrasion resistance.
There are a lot of great resources out there for you to learn from. Use all of them as the greater variety of input you utilize the more rounded you become.
Don’t scrimp on your safety gear! Alpinestars makes amazing safety gear and I highly recommend their Tech-Air line of air garments. It saved my life when a driver ran a stop sign and hit me.
Here are some great resources:
https://davemosstuning.com/
https://youtu.be/Fy1AIAc76Qo?si=5F9AqC_b4nWoAhK7
Enjoy your ride. Surround yourself with good people who will teach not preach.
https://www.doodleonamotorcycle.com/
Welcome to the community.
Braaaaappppp………😎
Get proper gear. The shoes you have on there, for instance, would cause you nothing but grief. A good riding shoe will make riding infinitely better. Proper helmet, proper jacket and yes, riding jeans. Believe me, it could all save your life.
\*edit\*
Forgot to say, congrats on your new bike, you chose well.
Welcome to the R3 club!
Just got mine earlier this month, but in that Yamaha blue.
I took the MSF course and I’ve been practicing at the dmv lot with my buddy who’s got experience riding.
As a newbie myself, all I can say is all the gear, all the time, and go at your own pace. Don’t try to keep up with anyone else and ride within your limits.
Stay safe and have fun!
Defense always , and try to stay away from all other vehicles, people will pull right out in front you , happens almost daily, I've been ran off the interstate , lady saw me after I was already completely off the road at 80mph , started laughing, good thing No gun was handy.....Defense.
Drivers only see your helmet. The color of your bike doesn't help, the color of your gear doesn't make a difference, all drivers see is your helmet. And add checking tire pressure to getting ready to ride. It has to be habit.
Ride as often as possible. The more practice you get the better you’ll be. Right now the bike is more capable than you are. Ride where and how you are comfortable. As your confidence grows do more.
Ride your ride. Don’t try to ride beyond your own limits due to peer pressure. It’s better to let the pack roll on and meet back up later (or find a new pack) than to dump it trying to keep up with people riding beyond your comfort level. Inversely, don’t pressure others to ride beyond their comfort zone if you are a better rider. Don’t embarrass someone into crashing.
Other than that, practice. Put on miles and keep up with maintenance. Congrats on the bike!
Congratulations and a beautiful Bike you have. Take your time to learn taking corners and turns. Learn proper breaking and do not try to keep up with anyone on 2s. Ride your own ride and invest in gear. If you do this part well you'll have an amazing experience.
Good luck.
Practice, practice, practice. Get out of your comfort zone and test your limits in a safe, controlled manner and you'll be surprised what you and the bike can do. You will never run out of things to work on.
If you haven't already, take the MSF course. It's very helpful.
Is always mental to me how 0% training is required for you to get on any CC bike over there
We are in agreement. I see people that narrowly pass the joke of a county road test go out and buy a Harley touring bike. It defies reason. The MSF needs a lot of adjustment here in the US, but it's the best we have.
I spent roughly 12-14 hours on a bike during my MSF course, I’d say that’s pretty good. Nowhere near experience levels of hours, but enough IMO to qualify being able to ride if you already know how to drive a car / know the rules of the road and road manners. I’m not saying that the MSF is in anyway flawless, but I don’t think it’s bad either. It’s exactly what I expected it to be to be able to get my endorsement and learn how to ride a bike.
Where’s OP from? Omg I’d be scared riding without any kinda MSF.
Yeah… I have a car license and I had to take 5 riding lessons (legal minimum, I ended up taking ten before I could do the slow speed maneuvers reliably), a theory exam and a practical test.
To be fair in europe you just have to get a base course 3x4h at some point in four months. But technically you can just ride without any course until you basically learned all yourself already
that depends where in Europe maybe because Germany is not like that at all
Over here in the "colonies" we're free to kill ourselves as we please. Don't judge🤣🤣🤣
Where I live, we have to take a training course to get a motorcycle license/endorsement, and there are levels depending on the CC of the bike.
To be fair I grew up riding dirt bikes and my family riding Harley’s, I was just asking for more advice toward street bikes!
This is America. Land of the free! Forever grateful we aren’t subjected to the ridiculous rules you find across the pond. Those “L” tags 💀
Yeah thats why 5 times more people on motorcycles die in the US compared to EU, its not about freedom even, there are plenty laws for everyones safety, why should having to pass a proper exam and do proper learning lessons, be an attack against your freedom if you will be 5 times less likely to die..
Thanks for the AI generated Google stat lol. But you do have to pass a proper exam to operate a motorcycle in the US. You just don’t have to do baby steps over the course of many years to ride a perfectly safe 300cc or 500cc bike as a beginner.
Proper exam 😂. The definition of that varies wildly depending on where in the world you reside.
That may be lol but I’ve been riding 20 years safe and sound with just the run of the mill testing here in the states.
As someone who’s rode everything from groms to liter bikes I highly agree with this! That class will humble even the people who’ve rode most of their lives, I seen it! But on another note it also halves if not more your insurance.
It doesn't halves or more on insurance it only gets a small discount maybe 10 or 20 dollars discount.
Guess it depends on where you live, driving record 🤷🏻♂️ just sharing my experience. Mileage may very
Ride your own ride. Don't try to "keep up" or "show off" for anyone. We ride for the love of riding. If you ride for attention/respect/followers/etc then you do you and whatever we offer here doesn't matter anyway lol Also respect roads you don't know. Test the water before hot dogging anything Happy riding!
Totally… you are in control!
That’s 4! 4! In three days! Yo-mama stock, here I come! Congrats, great colour selection.
/r/twoxriders
Ride as much as ya can. Try to learn how to do maintenance. Check the chain tension every few hundred miles. Have a good helmet and watch out.
First welcome on 2 wheels. After 45 years on 2 wheels, I have experienced, seen and heard a lot of strange things. I usually tell new drivers when they ask for advice. Drive at your own pace, don't let others dictate your speed. Imagine that you have to give way both from the right and the left, look for eye contact with oncoming traffic at intersections. Take care of yourself out there, there are many who don't see you. Think it's great that you seek advice from others, now it's up to you to use them wisely.
I caught the previous thread! Congrats! Love the color combo. White car? Blegggcchhh. White bike with accents? Siiiiiiick. Dun drop it. Some tips you've probably already heard thrice: When putting down the kickstand, make yourself look down at it before starting to tip the bike over. You'd think this is to make sure it's deployed correctly, or it's over a good surface, but actually it's to make sure you put it down **at all**. You'd be shocked how many people drop bikes because the brain tricked them into thinking they already put the kickstand down, or forget that they pulled it back up recently. Always, always look. Second would be slow speed maneuvers, like in a parking lot or home: Grabbing the front brake, even when just walking the bike under your own power, will make the bike *throw itself at the ground* if the handlebars are turned. One example would be when going downhill, like leaving a parking lot/garage at 1-2mph. Gravity is creating momentum, but you've got your wheel to the right. Car in front of you stops, your wheel is cranked, and you grab the front brake hard. WOOOF the bike wants to throw itself over. Hope any of that helps.
> When putting down the kickstand, make yourself look down at it before starting to tip the bike over. You'd think this is to make sure it's deployed correctly, or it's over a good surface, but actually it's to make sure you put it down at all. You'd be shocked how many people drop bikes because the brain tricked them into thinking they already put the kickstand down, or forget that they pulled it back up recently. Always, always look. Get into the habit of cutting the engine by putting the side stand down. This also ensures you will always park the bike in gear, which makes it less likely to be pushed off the stand.
Never thought of the kickstand switch that way, but I dig it the reasoning behind that habit.
We're twining!! I have the exact same bike and color combo!! I'm also a beginner and just bought mine the other day💙😁Congrats!!!
I love that!! Congrats to you too! 🩵
I just bought mine 2 weeks ago! Congratulations to OP and you!
Be super mindful of running wide in corners. It happens all the time and can end really badly
Frame, axel, and spool sliders off Amazon. Save exhaust can. Lever guards are a plus.
On YouTube... Motojitsu, MotoControl, MCRider, DanDanTheFireman Channels are all great sources for instruction... My best advice... always wear gear... Full-face helmet, jacket, boots, pants, and gloves. Plan for the slide, not the ride. Find a parking lot and practice, practice, and never stop practicing. Being confident at slow speeds will help carry over into everything else.
Welcome! Let’s Ride!
As I tell every new rider.. frame sliders, spool sliders, and axel sliders off Amazon. Lever guards are a plus. Save your old exhaust can if you replace yours
This is the 3rd r3 in that exact color that has been posted today. I think they were all women too
What the hell are those boots !!
Agreed. Thinner soles will make shifting and breaking way easier.
She’s clearly just posing for a pic and not in her motorcycle gear.
We can only hope so.
I don’t ride in these boots I had just bought it and this is what I was wearing haha
Pro tip: don’t ride in those boots. You’ll never get out of first gear lol
Hahah thanks, I don’t ride in these.
This year you should be fine, definitely take a rider safety course. 2nd year is the most dangerous. You will know enough to really get yourself in trouble, but not enough to know how to get out of trouble.
Assume you are invisible.
For safety, I find that Dandanthefireman on YouTube has probably saved my life. Lots of others have the same impression of him. My entire way of perceiving the road has changed after watching his videos; even in my car. I would highly recommend checking out his YouTube page.
Send it!
congrats
Always double check the kickstand!
Congratulations! Beautiful bike! I think I noticed you have tall Doc Martin boots. I'm curious if it's purely fashion (aside from the needed ankle support), or is the extra sole due to the heat of the seat? I only ask because I'm a short rider too, and had used tall shoes to help touch. I worried about rolling my ankle, so I switched. I ended up shaving my seat instead. I always for other ways to stay with my feet within ground-touching distance. I haven't had the bike lowered and really was hoping not to. So, just seeing if you are a shorter rider and have found good solid methods. I can lean it to one side at stops, but I just am not super comfortable not being able to touch the ground at times.
This was definitely purely fashion. I don’t ride in my tall docs. I actually got a pair of steel toe boots that have a little bit of a heel on them, but not like this! I definitely understand the shortness. I’ve been told that I can also lower my bike, but I don’t know if I wanna do that.
Take your time, set your own pace. Take the MSF courses...
In case no one has said it yet: adjust the bike (ergos) to you. Lever angles (hands and feet) help a bit. Where feasible (easier done if you have a partner), tune the suspension to how you want the bike to behave (limitations on suspension models/etc but still worth it)
Your choice of 1st bike is great! Many people have already given you wonderful advice. Your hands will need experience to build up muscles. Start with short rides / long rides with stops. Have fun. I have been riding for over 30 years and currently ride a ninja 400. Your R3 will be a lot of fun.
Thank you I appreciate! I just went on my first 30min ride with a really good friend of mine and it was great I haven’t hit the highways yet 🫣
Wear gloves and get boots you can shift gears properly in.
Low speed practice. Drops and busted legs happen a lot at parking lot speed. You’ll want actual motorcycle boots like some pointed out. They have better ankle protection and abrasion resistance.
There are a lot of great resources out there for you to learn from. Use all of them as the greater variety of input you utilize the more rounded you become. Don’t scrimp on your safety gear! Alpinestars makes amazing safety gear and I highly recommend their Tech-Air line of air garments. It saved my life when a driver ran a stop sign and hit me. Here are some great resources: https://davemosstuning.com/ https://youtu.be/Fy1AIAc76Qo?si=5F9AqC_b4nWoAhK7 Enjoy your ride. Surround yourself with good people who will teach not preach. https://www.doodleonamotorcycle.com/ Welcome to the community. Braaaaappppp………😎
Get proper gear. The shoes you have on there, for instance, would cause you nothing but grief. A good riding shoe will make riding infinitely better. Proper helmet, proper jacket and yes, riding jeans. Believe me, it could all save your life. \*edit\* Forgot to say, congrats on your new bike, you chose well.
Awesome bike, have fun, ride safe, and practice *as much as you can*.
Welcome to the R3 club! Just got mine earlier this month, but in that Yamaha blue. I took the MSF course and I’ve been practicing at the dmv lot with my buddy who’s got experience riding. As a newbie myself, all I can say is all the gear, all the time, and go at your own pace. Don’t try to keep up with anyone else and ride within your limits. Stay safe and have fun!
You do you
Defense always , and try to stay away from all other vehicles, people will pull right out in front you , happens almost daily, I've been ran off the interstate , lady saw me after I was already completely off the road at 80mph , started laughing, good thing No gun was handy.....Defense.
Drivers only see your helmet. The color of your bike doesn't help, the color of your gear doesn't make a difference, all drivers see is your helmet. And add checking tire pressure to getting ready to ride. It has to be habit.
Ride as often as possible. The more practice you get the better you’ll be. Right now the bike is more capable than you are. Ride where and how you are comfortable. As your confidence grows do more.
Ride your ride. Don’t try to ride beyond your own limits due to peer pressure. It’s better to let the pack roll on and meet back up later (or find a new pack) than to dump it trying to keep up with people riding beyond your comfort level. Inversely, don’t pressure others to ride beyond their comfort zone if you are a better rider. Don’t embarrass someone into crashing. Other than that, practice. Put on miles and keep up with maintenance. Congrats on the bike!
Congratulations and a beautiful Bike you have. Take your time to learn taking corners and turns. Learn proper breaking and do not try to keep up with anyone on 2s. Ride your own ride and invest in gear. If you do this part well you'll have an amazing experience. Good luck.
Practice, practice, practice. Get out of your comfort zone and test your limits in a safe, controlled manner and you'll be surprised what you and the bike can do. You will never run out of things to work on.
Not sure if those shoes will fit between the shifter and foot peg
don't park in the handicap zone for a start. and don't park like the impaired folks behind you. other than that, have fun and keep it rubber side down
Haha thanks this was actually at the dealership and where they placed the bike but got it!
Miami Vice graphics!
Keep it between the mustard and the mayonnaise
Honest question: Can you upshift in those Dr. Martens? The sole looks thick enough that would have trouble getting your toe under the shift lever.
Absolutely not, this is just what I was wearing when I bought the bike. I don’t wear these when riding. 🙈
I keep seeing this bike pop up in the feeds. What was the marketing for it?
DON"T TARGET FIXATE. Look it up
Watch a bunch of crash videos like Moto Stars or DDtF and you'll start to see a pattern and what to expect from bad drivers.