[Andrew]

You might be able to wheelie one of the TW200’s if you tried I suppose but I don’t think I could. I can’t see the Nighthawk or the Rebel doing wheelies.

Andrew

[Andrew]

Just because it can be handled by a beginner doesn’t mean it should be. Theres some good articles here about learning on a smaller bike to build riding skill and then getting something bigger.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I drive my car defensively and looking at peoples front wheels. Expecting them to be idiots. If someone causes me to take evasive action then I will do that first. I’ll break and hit the horn at the same time if I can. After the collision is avoided is when I’ll give them the eye or a mouthful. So I’ll do everything possible to avoid a collision but that doesn’t make something they did my fault. A bike is similar in that it may be their fault but you have to be able to deal with it. Unlike a car there is no air-bag.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I’m really wondering if I was cornering better on the Nighthawk because it is a standard and not a cruiser like the Rebel I had on the first night. I think it was easier to turn on the slow turns than the Rebel was. Could just be in my head though. I might have just been more confident the 2nd time around. The Nighthawk was more comfortable than the Rebel though.

Andrew

[Andrew]

42% of motorcycle collisions happen from front on. So I’m surprised more people don’t try and add extra reflection to the front of the bike and themselves. Granted theres a limited profile but adding tape to the back of your helmet isn’t doing a lot based on that stat.

Andrew

[Andrew]

The 2nd time we did the slalom the cones had been moved to either side of the center line where they started on a stagger. So it was sharp right, sharp left etc. Thats the one I thought was pretty hard.

Andrew

[Andrew]

Link to Counter steer article:

http://www.ottawamotorcycle.ca/totm24ctsr.shtml

Andrew

[Andrew]

I was ok with the counter steer once I got the hang of it. I was just unsure how to tackle the slower twisting cones in that last exercise. I was steering like I would my bicycle because I felt like it was too slow for me to want to counter steer. Due to the weight difference I felt like I really had to muscle the bike through the tight turns. It was my first time on a bike so it might just be me having to adjust to how a bike handles in general.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I did see an older lady on a Harley the other day with a Helmet secured on the back of her bike but not her head. Maybe it’s just for the grandkids.

Andrew

[Andrew]

So does that mean a CA squid wears a helmet but nothing else. i.e. helmet, t-shirt, shorts and flip flops

Andrew

[Andrew]

No helmet law in IL.

Andrew

[Andrew]

Yes thats what I mean. I might have been using my hips to help since they are a little sore this morning. I started doing that because thinking about the push made it seem very mechanical. I was thinking about it rather than just doing it. I might have still been doing it a little and just focusing on the lean but I’ll keep what you said in mind for the next class.

Another problem I had was remembering the back brake. Maybe it’s all the years of bicycle riding but I had to keep telling myself my back brake was under my right foot and to use it. My instinct was to want to use the front brake.

Andrew

[Andrew]

It’s possible to get a bike for 1500 but you’ll need to be looking at older bikes or ones that need a little work. I saw a ’98 Ninja for $1750 which is just over 10 years. So if you look enough you might be able to snag what your after. Keep an eye on the used listings once it gets colder. I’ve heard winter is a good time to buy.

Andrew

[Andrew]

I’m in IL and 1 in 8 sounds about right for helmets for any 2 wheeled rider. I have seen some scooter riders wearing helmets but they are usually the half helmet style.

Andrew

[Andrew]

Having $1500 for a bike is making life hard for yourself. At least with the bike prices where I live. Thats basically the old bikes and the mechanics specials. Lowest I have seen old Ninja 250EX’s for is 2K on Craigslist. If you keep to 10 years or less in age then your in the 2.5K area.

Andrew

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