[MasterMason7490]

Hello!

My name is Matt and live in Northern New Jersey. I am pleased to say I just purchased a brand new 2012 Ninja 250. I have a lot going through my head.. I am very nervous/scared but also very excited.

Only thing I have ever rode with 2 wheels is a bicycle. Never a dirtbike or a motorcycle. I have been doing a lot of research trying to learn my biggest fear, Turning around sharp turns and balancing my weight without dumping. I am 5'10 and weigh 170. I understand the best way to learn will be actual practice and I am taking the rider safety course at the end of the month but I still dont think that will teach me what I need to learn.

I understand the concept of counter steer with push and pulling, but do you pull or push when going into a big turn? When your pushing what happens if your hand slips or you push to hard to change lanes? Probably stupid questions but if some one had some time to help me feel a bit more at ease and understand how everything works I would greatly appreciate that.

As for safety I am looking for the SAFEST helmet out there (non racing / speed ) I will be strictly commuting and going on rides with some friends eventually. To my understanding SNELL is more for racing where ECE is more for commute riding. Also jackets, Leather or other types? All feedback is greatly appreciated.

I really look forward to learning to ride and have it a passion as well as becoming an active member of this community.

Best Regards and Thank you,

Matt

 

[Zandit]

Welcome Matt and congrats on your new ride.

Firstly, make sure you absorb everything they tell you at safety course, and trust me....You will learn more than you ever thought in that class!
I'm not trying to be abusive, but the moment you think you know more than your instructors will be when you go down!
Take your time, and ask plenty of questions if you are unsure. They will go into finer detail about countersteering, and how you have already been using it for years on your bicycle without even knowing it!

Secondly, well done on looking at gear first before buying mods for the bike. If you are looking at something in particular, let us know as there may be someone here that has already tried it, and they will have an opinion for you!

Stay safe, and keep it rubber side down!

BTW, post up some pics of your new ride. There's not enough pics being posted on this forum for my liking!!

 

[byte2022]

Welcome Matt and congrats on your new ride.

Firstly, make sure you absorb everything they tell you at safety course, and trust me....You will learn more than you ever thought in that class!
I'm not trying to be abusive, but the moment you think you know more than your instructors will be when you go down!
Take your time, and ask plenty of questions if you are unsure. They will go into finer detail about countersteering, and how you have already been using it for years on your bicycle without even knowing it!

Secondly, well done on looking at gear first before buying mods for the bike. If you are looking at something in particular, let us know as there may be someone here that has already tried it, and they will have an opinion for you!

Stay safe, and keep it rubber side down!

BTW, post up some pics of your new ride. There's not enough pics being posted on this forum for my liking!!

Zandit said it good. However, very few ppl on here actually give good advice. That bike is small for your size but u will learn and move up when ur ready. Dont go cheap or a helmet and jacket. Leathers are not required but do give the best protection. Helmets have ratings. Dot is the bare minimum you should get. If it doesnt say at least dot. Dobt get it. For helmets. Id go with hjc being your starting out. Great helmet great protection and last a good bit of time Dont buy joe rocket gear it doesnt last Any questions just ask

 

[earlthepearl]

:welcome2::welcome2::welcome2:

 

[indyjoe7]

Welcome, watch twist of the wrist 2 on YouTube , it will help u to understand counter steering and cornering. Personally I push in the direction I want to go, as for slipping on the bars, you shouldn't , you don't need a lot of pressure to steer, you can do it with one finger.
As for gear, try to stick to the name brands, the quality is there. I just purchased a scorpion exo1100 helmet,ece and dot approved. Very well made, light, many features , lots of ventilation, inflatable cheek pads, internal sun visor. The lense even locks in place and it's thick.

 

[Pete650R2012]

I am new also and match your stats and everything...except i took the course already and started riding my 2012 ninja 650....I have a massive 15 miles on it already!

i can however give a couple reliable tips....
1) you will get practice on a motorcycle in the safety course and most of your concerns including turning fear will abate...mostly. and practice afterwards will build confidence.

2) I suggest hi visibility gear. I bought gear because the course required it and just bought fashionable black everything...but learned about staying conspicuous in the course.. Lucky for me they let me trade up my helmet and jacket..which are whole or partially fluorescent yellow.

3) as mentioned..watch twist of the wrist on you tube and for book I recommend David Hough's books. They were recommended to me by my course instructor.

 

[indyjoe7]

One other thing, there is a difference between advice and instruction. If someone can't explain the advice they gave you it's just that ,advice. When something is explained and does not leave you wondering and examples r given then that is instruction. Time and patience will make u a better rider, each time u go out on the bike your confidence will grow. You don't need a death grip on the bars, always be alert, there are a lot of bad drivers out there who r not paying attention to that little bike zipping around, but at the same time, a bike can be hard to notice, so make yourself noticeable.

 

[earlthepearl]

One other thing, there is a difference between advice and instruction. If someone can't explain the advice they gave you it's just that ,advice. When something is explained and does not leave you wondering and examples r given then that is instruction. Time and patience will make u a better rider, each time u go out on the bike your confidence will grow. You don't need a death grip on the bars, always be alert, there are a lot of bad drivers out there who r not paying attention to that little bike zipping around, but at the same time, a bike can be hard to notice, so make yourself noticeable.

OOOOoooo No... Not IndyJoe giving advice....
:whistling:
Didn't they ban u from this forum?

 

[NefRider]

:welcome2::welcome2::welcome2:

Welcome, Zandit offer great advice. Take your time learn and go at YOUR pace. Every one has an opinion and not all opinions directly relate to you. Absorb what you can from the MSF course and you will learn the basics ... But you will learn the right material.

I never got on a moto before taking the MSF course and I've had great continual learning and enjoyment out of riding my 250.

:NefRider:

 

[earlthepearl]

Just takes a open mind, but common sense....

 

[NefRider]

Just takes a open mind, but common sense....

+1 on Earl! And listen to your heart! You need to be honest with yourself. Having nervousness and a little fear at first is normal. If those feeling persist you need to ask yourself is this for me? Do I feel Can ride safely? Because those fears and nervous tendencies should be replaced with excitement, willingness to learn and keep learning,

:NefRider: