senorgrand wrote: Sun Sep 08, 2019 4:16 pm
As someone who has never ridden, what advice would you have for a noob?
As someone who started riding in 1976 a few things:
1) learn how so circle left and right and do figure 8s in a space the wide of as standard side street--one lane each direction. You'll want to be able to do all 3 repeatedly WITHOUT putting your feet down.
2) At anything other than very slow speeds, you steer by leaning AND by steering the opposite direction--I know it sounds crazy but it makes the bike lean over.
3) Most accidents happen in the first 6 months of riding a new bike--regardless of experience.
4) 70% of your braking is your front wheel...on Can-Am 3 wheeler that % is even higher
5) Before you do ANYTHING else, find a local Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) class and take the beginner's class. It used to be a 2 day class and they provided the bikes. It's actually a whole lot of fun! I took the Experienced Rider class after I went down in 2004, after re-hab. It was also a lot of fun! Before the class, I suggest you buy a good, full-coverage helmet, the best you can afford. It's best if it's Snell Foundation approved--it will have a yellow sticker inside that says SNELL. It should be snug, but not tight, but will loosen--slightly. You'll be wearing it a LOT so...and your foam ear plugs will be an asset!
6) Remember: You are INVISIBLE to most cars and trucks, and too many of the rest aren't too fond of us. Something like 90% of car ("cagers") vs MC accidents are the cagers' fault.
7) YOU MUST ALWAYS BE ALERT TO EVERYTHING AROUND YOU!
8) Despite all that, riding is one HELL of a lot of fun, about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on!
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."