[joeal]

Hi guys, Just wanted to introduce myself to the group here. I joined a while back and simply felt I needed to hold off on saying hi until I actually got a bike. I am currently breaking in a 2013 650. I am actually enjoying noodling around town, giving it a few hard pulls (while keeping it under 4K rpms). I know that this baby wants to run fast but honestly I can wait for that time, until I pick up some skills. Like most, I took the MSF course and it was a good start. Now looking forward to learning. I'm from the San Gabriel Valley and hope you meet up with some of you locals in the near future.

 

[Witch]

Hi guys, Just wanted to introduce myself to the group here. I joined a while back and simply felt I needed to hold off on saying hi until I actually got a bike. I am currently breaking in a 2013 650. I am actually enjoying noodling around town, giving it a few hard pulls (while keeping it under 4K rpms). I know that this baby wants to run fast but honestly I can wait for that time, until I pick up some skills. Like most, I took the MSF course and it was a good start. Now looking forward to learning. I'm from the San Gabriel Valley and hope you meet up with some of you locals in the near future.

Welcome to the site and congrats on the new ride!! Be sure to put up some pictures of it, everyone around here loves pictures ha. Good luck and safe riding!

 

[joeal]

Thanks, I certainly will start taking pics. Appreciate the positive thoughts.

 

[NefRider]

Welcome J, if you want to be on our good graces post pics ... haha, kidding, you are already on our good graces by saying hi, you do need to post pics though, we are a people of pics ...

 

[joeal]

Thanks, I will not only post pics of my bike but of my dog which has been given extra treats for keeping an eye on it. I honestly know what you mean. before taking the bike home, I lived off of others cool pictures.

 

[TreyMesa]

Don't feel bad one bit by babying the bike and keeping it slow for a while until you get the hang of it, ALL of my buddies clowned on me for weeks because I wouldn't lean heavily to either side, or wouldn't get over 70mph. I probably hold the record for the funniest start on a bike, but all it takes is practice. The best way to get to know your bike and get over the fear of whatever's in the road is to get out and experience it first hand. I only have about 20k miles of exp under my belt but its an addiction you'll soon come to love and enjoy. Just remember, assume no own sees you... Make your presents known on the road in traffic by staying visible. Take it easy!

 

[joeal]

Thanks Trey, I will remember that and practice it. Sad thing this weekend, I saw a guy who just bought a brand new Ninja 650 total it. This happened this Saturday in front front of Berts in Azusa, CA. The guy was trying to make a right hand turn, on a divided 4 lane road. He grabbed a hand full of throttle and tried to get ahead of some cars. Instead of turning, he shot across the divided curbed center, popped across, grabbed more throttle and continued to shoot across to the sidewalk. There was a huge grassy mound and he shot up in the air and landed short of a family in a car waiting in the drive through. The guys was walking but he opted for be taken by ambulance. It was a beautiful green ninja which is now totaled

From what I understand, in talking to the Sales Rep at Bert, the guy did his MSF course. I'm sure if he did a few practice laps around the parking lot, this would have been avoided by getting to know the clutch/throttle action on this 650.

Please be careful out there, especially if you are new to riding. Take the advice of Trey. Thanks again Trey.

 

[joeal]

I had a great time riding solo (and slow). My bike took me to Chantry Flats, above Arcadia, CA.

and of course our dog kayla

 

[TreyMesa]

No problem, and cornering is the leading cause of motorcycle crashes from my understanding, if not leading its right up there. I did bungee up in Azusa when I was there so I know exactly where you're talking about, it's a shame really. When in doubt, don't speed up, disengage the engine by simply fully clutching. You won't be rapidly losing speed, and will able to corner at a better rate then if you speed up.

Notice: the slower you go the bike wants to lean side to side with less effort... when you speed up, the bike wants to stand itself up if the proper cornering techniques aren't used to maintain a lean. I hate to use this rider as an example but as you said the more throttle he grabbed the straighter he went... Go figure. It's good to hear that the rider is ok, as most motorcycle accidents are horrific if not fatal. Crawl before you walk, or in our case 20-30 mph leaning around town before you try 50-60+ mph jumping on an ramp to a hwy. Don't be discouraged!!!!! All accidents can be prevented through practice and awareness.