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2016 Honda CB500X ABS: Another Perfect Beginner Motorcycle
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ranetteParticipant
Finished up my riding year last weekend by taking the BRC in New York, of course the weather was unseasonably cold-mid 20’s to mid 30’s and windy. We all knew there was a risk of that signing up for a class so late in the season, but we all managed to avoid frostbite.
As for the class, I got a good deal out of the classroom time not by what was covered in the book-most of that I had drilled into my head when I took my permit test-but by my and a few others asking specific questions to the instructors. I found the first day’s riding, similar to someone who took some grief for saying this in a previous thread, pretty basic for anybody who had spent a little time riding. I do realize that the course is designed so that even if you’ve never ridden you can complete the course so that was not unexpected. The second day of riding I found to be very useful. If there was one thing that I learned that I was doing wrong it was not looking through my turns quite enough. Though I was looking in the proper direction I was looking down at the road a little too much. The instructors, who were incredibly perceptive, picked up on that immediately and gave me no leeway. Of course I listened to all of them, but one was an ex cop-he really had a way of making you take note. With neither a sense of false modesty nor being too high on myself, I would say that I was probably the strongest rider in the group, then again I certainly had the most experience. I did disappoint myself in that I didn’t get a 100 on the skills test, my clutch control let me down in the double u turn and I went outside the line and put my foot down. After that I was fine but that bungle cost me 6 points giving me a 94. So, I can say I thought I was the strongest rider in the group all I want, however, someone who had never before thrown his leg over a motorcycle ended up getting a 100, so who’s to say.
During some down time I did ask one of the instructors about my particular road to this class, making the jump from a scooter to a Ducati. He said that he would normally recommend something smaller to start on-though not necessarily a 250-but that he felt the approach to learning was just as important as the bike you start on. The one question I was curious about was whether he thought that starting on a larger bike had hindered my development. He told me he couldn’t tell for sure but that for somebody with a little over a thousand miles on a motorcycle I was doing fine. Hopefully next year I’ll find the time to take the Experienced Rider Course.
As for the bikes, we were on Suzuki GZ250’s. Definitely a different animal than my GT1000. Again I’ll make a skiing analogy. There are days when you push yourself a little bit, skiing in terrain a little above your comfort zone, with people who are stronger athletes than you are. When you go back to your comfort zone it almost seems too easy. I guess that is how I felt about the 250 after riding a 1000, it was so small and easy to handle I can see why people enjoy riding them. That being said I can’t wait to get back on the Ducati come spring. The one thing I didn’t like about the GZ250 was the forward controls. On their website Suzuki classifies it as a standard, but it is definitely more of a small cruiser. I didn’t like the position of the controls nor the fact that I really needed to bend at the ankles, or even lift my foot off the pegs to either shift or apply the rear brake. On my bike the movements seem significantly more efficient.
So that’s my season, from a total beginner to a slightly more experienced beginner, and proud graduate of the BRC. Looking forward to that first twist of the throttle this coming spring.
ranetteParticipantAbout 1200 miles on the Ducati and about 1500 on my scooter, so a little under 3000 two wheeled miles under my belt and they’ve both been put away for the winter. A couple of maintenance issues, due to Italian “character” rather than newbie misuse, but no drops and no scares. I can honestly say this is the first time, certainly the first time since I’ve lived in Vermont, that I’ve been sad to see the first flakes start to fly. I guess I’ll have to satisfy my need for the wind in my face and a little adrenaline in my blood the same way I have since I’ve been a kid, on a pair of skis. However I am hanging on to a few last bits of autumn, finally taking the BRC this Friday. I guess I’ll finally get to see what all this fuss about 250’s is about.
ranetteParticipantWelcome to the board. I commented on your thread in the General Discussion but this quote really caught my eye, “I’m quite frightened about my motorcycle when I’m off of it, but never frightened when I’m riding it.” I had that feeling for quite a while. For the first few weeks my Ducati looked so damned huge; it scared the hell out of me every time I passed it by. But much like you I never felt intimidated by it once I was in the saddle. From my experience, a couple of hundred additional miles, ridden conservatively and successfully and that methlab protecting pitbull in your driveway will begin to look like a trusty golden retriever.
ranetteParticipantHey man, you’ve got some set of walnuts to step right in here and steal my thunder. https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/forum/forum-topic/1372/ready-be-flamed Just kidding of course, but you can read my thread for a variety of opinions on my choice, which was pretty similar to yours. To me it sounds as if we have similar mindsets, respecting the bike, proceeding at a pace that feels comfortable. Personally, I’m very happy with my choice and happy with my progress as a rider over the last couple of months. While urging you to keep that respect, to ride very carefully and within your abilities, I’d also urge you to ignore anyone who tells you, whether on this board or anywhere else that starting on a large displacement bike is tantamount to a death sentence. In my very limited experience I do feel that with the right approach it can be done, and done well. Good luck with the Buell, it is a beautiful bke, and “Ride it like you borrowed it.”
Randy
November 2, 2008 at 1:49 pm in reply to: favourite bikes (OMG someone lock away my credit cards !!!!) #14511ranetteParticipantI guess I just have a thing for Italians, in this case the Moto Guzzi Griso
ranetteParticipanthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxxXXxuCNq0
All of it is hilarious, but the part relevant to Rupmisc’s incident starts at 3:55 and lasts for about a minute. It is George Carlin, so if you might be offended by any particular words you probably might not want to watch.
ranetteParticipantAlthough my driving style, and probably riding style, is different than the OP’s I have the exact same feeling, and I truly don’t believe it is because I am not paying attention. At one point, maybe because of my inexperience, maybe because of an idiot I happen to be sharing the road with, I expect to have the crap scared out of me and I am not looking forward to it. All of the emergency braking and swerving practice will hopefully serve me well, but until you’re battle tested, until you have that first Holy @#$% moment, you’re going to wonder how you’ll react in a true emergency situation. I may know how to brake properly, but how quickly will I recognize true danger and apply what I have learned? It is certainly something I’m not looking forward to, but after it happens I think I’ll feel a little more confident in my ability to evade an incident(that is if I do evade it).
ranetteParticipantWhen I first got my insurance I asked my agent about doing that. He said that in Vermont the rates were adjusted to account for the fact that we can only ride for half of the year up here. When I checked the Progressive website, sure enough the monthly rate was slightly more than 1/6 of the yearly rate.
ranetteParticipantBest of luck, I know you had mentioned in an earlier thread that it was one of the bikes you were considering.
Sucks to see a place go out of business, but it’s always nice to get a good deal.
Any difficulties with the seat height? Like I had mentioned previously, I feel once you get used to some basic body maneuvers it becomes a very minor issue. Certainly something to consider on your first bike, but probably far down the list of priorities after that.
October 10, 2008 at 11:07 pm in reply to: New NYC rider. My sordid tale of two wheeled redemption…flame bait? #13706ranetteParticipantThis is where I’m taking the course, http://www.ridemss.com/. I’m pretty sure if you’re legal to ride a motorcycle you can take the course. I’m taking it the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of November.
I grew up in Westchester, lived in Manhattan(Gramercy and Chelsea) for 15 years but have lived in Vermont for the past 9 years. The courses in Vermont end in October and don’t work with my schedule so I’m taking the class on my semi annual pilgrimage to New York. Won’t have my bike in NY this time, I may ride down in June.
ranetteParticipantIf you’re using a full face helmet, and I would assume everyone on this site would be, just open the visor and put the cable through the opening and under the chin bar. Unless they bring a bolt cutter to cut the cable that is pretty secure.
ranetteParticipantGlad to see I was finally of some use.
Randy
ranetteParticipantI can’t speak for all bikes but for my scooter and motorcycle, after turning the wheel all the way to the left to lock it, I then turn the wheel just a drop to the right and the key frees up. On both of my bikes if I leave the wheel as far to the left as I can turn it, the key will not come out of the ignition, maybe it is the same on yours.
October 9, 2008 at 6:50 pm in reply to: New NYC rider. My sordid tale of two wheeled redemption…flame bait? #13619ranetteParticipantFamily of 4 on a scooter? I was in India in April and swear I saw a family of 6. Dad driving with 4 year old on his lap, mom riding side saddle with a kid on each knee, not holding them mind you, she was eating, they were balanced, and an infant, I shit you not, on the handlebars. There are things you see on the roads over there that would put a North American driver behind bars for years that are simply accepted practice.
Back to your post I’m surprised that none of the flame bait has caught fire. “Utter lack of soul” “bloated rotten corpse of Harley 75’s” “Canal Street ripoff of a Ducati Monster” them’s fighting words my friend. Not fighting with me, the only insult you hurled at my ride is that it is overpriced, at least until I sell it when it becomes the equivalent of a “used Fiat.” Actually pretty funny stuff but I’m kind of looking forward to someone taking serious offense at something up there.
I know you have your endorsement, so do I, but if you are interested in taking the BRC I’m taking it in the Bronx in November, they told me they have plenty of seats still available for most weekends in Nov.
October 9, 2008 at 5:55 pm in reply to: Where’s Elwood????………I hope you alright out there buddy! #13617ranetteParticipantI would say a combination of definition 2 and the modern one, about 50/50.
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