04-21-2010, 12:08 PM | #1 |
Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Here to integrity
Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja
Posts: 7,482
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Teaching newbies to ride.
My GF doesn't know how to ride. She's a spaz (totally). How do I keep her from defaulting to the dreaded "lock up, and careen into nearest object" mode?
I've told her what to do, and I've shown her. Somehow, deep in my heart I know this isn't enough. I have a little 100cc dirt bike for her to learn on (perfect), but she is hitherto completely uninitiated in the use of a clutch, on any vehicle. What suggestions can you folks offer me? What's worked for you guys in the past, when teaching others? I hate spending the day in the emergency room. Should I just not attempt this? Are some just not meant to ride?
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04-21-2010, 12:13 PM | #2 |
Moto GP Star
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,156
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Sign her up for the MSF. My wife never rode anything on 2 wheels and she wanted to ride my 08 GSXR750. I told her to take the MSF. She did and I let her ride my bike with no problems.
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04-21-2010, 12:18 PM | #3 |
moderator chick
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hill Country TX
Moto: Pasta Rockets
Posts: 8,917
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Msf
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04-21-2010, 12:22 PM | #4 |
WERA Yellow Plate
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Moto: F650GS & XT250
Posts: 666
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MSF for sure. Sometimes it is easier to learn from someone who is not your BF/spouse. It will be less stressful for both of you.
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04-21-2010, 12:36 PM | #5 |
WERA Yellow Plate
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tulsa, OK
Moto: 08 WR250R, 12 XTZ1200
Posts: 558
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Take that little dirt bike you've got to the biggest empty field you can find and start her out well away from your truck and pointed the opposite direction
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04-21-2010, 12:37 PM | #6 |
cruiser
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: on the run
Moto: '09 HD superglide, 16 Yamaha FZ 09
Posts: 2,749
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first step is sitting on the bike not running. make her "apply" the brakes and roll off the throttle. people almost always want to roll on the throttle as they go for the brake when beginning.
then on the little dirtbike like that I would take her in the yard or trail and do the clutch out and clutch in thing. let it out to get the bike going then pull it back in after ten feet or so. make her apply the brakes smoothly while pulling the clutch. once she gets used to stopping like that you can let her start some slow laps. all first gear. if she grabs the brakes in the turn she'll go down but it'll be slow speed. oh yeah, MSF as a required response. |
04-21-2010, 12:40 PM | #7 |
cruiser
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: on the run
Moto: '09 HD superglide, 16 Yamaha FZ 09
Posts: 2,749
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04-21-2010, 12:41 PM | #8 |
Soul Man
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Everywhere, all the time.
Moto: '0000 Custom Turbo Cross (with jet kit).
Posts: 6,481
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Toss her the keys, and tell her to aim for the trees.
Women don't listen, so she'll be just fine. JC
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04-21-2010, 12:42 PM | #9 |
Designated Drinker
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: shitville
Moto: 2009 ZX6R
Posts: 1,661
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msf. It is hard for people to teach loved ones anything. She will do much better if you send her to the class. And don't hang around to watch
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04-21-2010, 12:47 PM | #10 |
The Man
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CrabTown USA
Moto: 00 Bimota DB4
Posts: 823
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If'n you want a certain way to find yourself sleeping on the sofa; (or on the sofa in the garage), just try teaching someone you care for to ride.
Guaranteed silent treatment, ugly stares and tears..... MSF, all the way..... ...unless you like the sofa and eating alone....
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