How does a short rider back up? - Page 2 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Mavi · 05-07-2007, 10:40 PM

I'm in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Not sure if I'm ready for group riding yet (can't risk stalling the bike in front of the other guys...). It's only been my second day with the bike but already I'm getting more comfortable with it. I know there's still a lot to learn about the riding.

Haven't pushed her more than 80mph/8k rpm.

Can't wait til this winter when I can give her a new paint job, clean up all the grease, etc etc.

Weather was so nice this evening, was so tempted to go riding w/o gear. But put on the helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots anyways.

Came back and saw a bunch of mosquitoes on my helmet visor... good thing I had it on...

ts250girl · 05-08-2007, 12:13 AM

Good for you, wearing gear is a must. I can't stand seeing people ride in shorts and a tank top, I have seen too many bikers get hurt. And eating mosquitoes is not pleasant...

ChicsterMG · 05-08-2007, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palanon

You can learn by watching others

There's a comment I don't agree with. I watch others in group rides. Just the ones that are messed up, because I don't trust them. Too many of them don't care for thier rides, and don't take the time to learn the skills correctly. It's like getting a friend to teach you to ride. A friend that has scratches all up and down the sides of the bike.

Quote:

Originally Posted by palanon

Now I'm going to have to be mean to somebody.

Hey chic !!! you got a tank......

Sure, just fill out the rental agreement and the statement of non-liability as we should be set.

Mavi · 05-08-2007, 07:41 AM

I think I bought my bike from the guy who has the scratches all up and down it. Waiting for winter for repaint and detailing, I think the rear spring can be shortened so I can reach the ground with more of my feet.

Not too worried about group riding, maybe in a couple months when I have a few more miles under my belt.

palanon · 05-08-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicsterMG

There's a comment I don't agree with. I watch others in group rides. Just the ones that are messed up, because I don't trust them. Too many of them don't care for their rides, and don't take the time to learn the skills correctly. It's like getting a friend to teach you to ride. A friend that has scratches all up and down the sides of the bike.

Sure, just fill out the rental agreement and the statement of non-liability as we should be set.

See, you learn something even if it's what not to do. I'm lucky, every now and then I get to ride with some folk that are serious motorcyclists, not just riders. We always set the first session of the day as a learning one. A couple of weeks ago we spent all day as a practice day. Started with safety inspections ( I failed - had to adjust my chain ), then slow speed maneuvers, panic stops, hazard awayness. Then we rode around our area to asses road conditions for damage from winter and the recent floods.

Our next ride is going to focus on lane position on corner entrance and exits. It's amazing how many riders hug the center line and get into serious trouble doing that. I've been practicing the last couple of weeks so I don't embarrass myself.

I have some friends I ride with and those are just for fun. You concentrate on your own thing and enjoy the scenery.

As for the tank, can I get that in "arrest me red" with the leather seats ?

ChicsterMG · 05-08-2007, 09:49 AM

That's pretty cool. Some would even say a bit anal, but if it is what keeps you safe, I say great. It also sounds like it would keep up a good team spirit amoung you, which I'm sure helps with anticipating each others moves while riding.

Just out of curiosity, though; how does one asses the road conditions? I would think this would hurt after awhile, even the best pair of jeans will wear through eventually.

About the tank, we only have "Pimped out Purple" left and they are installing the white walls and the low rider suspension now.

Mavi · 05-08-2007, 10:08 AM

Funny how you mention purple. My Suzuki is Plum Crazy with polished aluminum. I'm not man enough to wear purple, so I wear a solid yellow gear and just tell everyone what a big laker's fan I am.

palanon · 05-08-2007, 10:42 AM

LOL !!! How did that get by spell check.

They aren't my usual group. A neighbor invited me last year and now I try to go with them as often as I can. I really like the focus on safety and riding skills. It's actually pretty fun. Most of the riders are my age or older and someone comes up with a new route or a great place to have lunch.

Would be funny as heck to see you guys do that to a tank. Could you imagine the hydraulics it would take to make it hop !!

palanon · 05-08-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaviGSXR

Funny how you mention purple. My Suzuki is Plum Crazy with polished aluminum. I'm not man enough to wear purple, so I wear a solid yellow gear and just tell everyone what a big laker's fan I am.

Now that's funny !! Purple bike and yellow gear. Every cager will see you even if their half asleep.

Mavi · 05-08-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palanon

Now that's funny !! Purple bike and yellow gear. Every cager will see you even if their half asleep.

Hehe, that's my goal. I've been in the infamous left turn collision while in my car. Ain't taking any chances of that when I'm on the bike.

Eventually I'll paint it yellow w/white design. But for now... blatant yellow and purple it is.

kay · 05-08-2007, 12:04 PM

Plum CrazY!!

That can't go without being noticed!!

Good for you!!

In fact we have a Plum Crazy car. It's the original color! 1970 Dodge Challenger. Oh, no hydraulics, by the way.

On group riding, I like it too. I am fortunate that all my bike friends are serious motorcyclists. Some even race both road bikes and off road. So when I ride with them I try to see where they shift down, where they brake, the line they take (this is VERY important!!) etc. Of course, as we have different bikes, it won't be the same, but I still learn a lot.

I found it easier to keep a good pace and rythm also.

But make sure you don't copy crappy riders!!

mario634gold · 03-08-2009, 12:10 AM

Hello Mavi,

I'm short too (for a guy). I've been riding BMW touring bikes since 1973. They're really to tall for me, but I like them in spite of this problem.

Yeah, you're "doing it" right. There just isn't any other way, but to lean your hip against the bike & push it backwards until you get to where you can ride it forward. Or................you can get a monster touring bike that has a "reverse" gear. I had one of those (a BMW K1200LT), but it was just to heavy (834 lbs.) so I sold it & bought a R1200RT.

Try to "plan" your parking, so you can ride out. This may mean "backing" into the parking space. Sometimes, there's enough room to "do" a U turn into your parking space. Try to make sure the parking place is level or a little "uphill", before you move into it.

Y'all ride safe, "mario"

Easy Rider · 03-08-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mario634gold

Hello Mavi,

And welcome to you too, Mario.

You have passed your newbie test by replying to a thread that is almost 2 years old. Congratulations !!

Porcelina Goddess · 03-08-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavi

Funny how you mention purple. My Suzuki is Plum Crazy with polished aluminum. I'm not man enough to wear purple, so I wear a solid yellow gear and just tell everyone what a big laker's fan I am.

how manly to admit on an internet posting this... ah, you've earned a few man points there just for that!

Rickster · 03-08-2009, 06:59 PM

Ah, you guys/gals do know that Mavi hasn't been active here for the last 6 months don't you.

Porcelina Goddess · 03-09-2009, 12:46 AM

It's still funny

knipdm01 · 03-10-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavi

I just came back from a ride...

It's awful lonely riding solo...

but... I'm in love with the bike now... starting to shift more smoothly... getting into first faster and easier...

I live in the Fort too!

knipdm01 · 03-13-2009, 02:19 PM

Haha. I'm pretty sure I've seen him around town. The only SV560 I've seen at least. Maybe when it warms up I'll ask what his screen name is. lol

Mavi · 03-14-2009, 05:23 AM

Hey now, I'm still around! Holy thread resurrection tho...

FWIW, I traded the purple '95 GSX-R 750 in for an '07 sv650, then promptly totaled the sv650 two months later going too hot into a jug handle cuz I was following a buddy in a strange part of town.

I'm currently on a silver '03 sv650 with red rims. I still have to get off and push (but I'm used to it now). Put about 6k miles on last season and hoping to put on some more this season. Here's an almost recent pic of the bike...

knipdm01 · 03-17-2009, 03:55 PM

What part of the fort did you wreck?

I would love to find a standard sv650

05-08-2007, 12:13 AM	#22 (permalink)
ts250girl In Training Join Date: Apr 2007 Bike: too many to list, 1969-2005 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posts: 145	Good for you, wearing gear is a must. I can't stand seeing people ride in shorts and a tank top, I have seen too many bikers get hurt. And eating mosquitoes is not pleasant... __________________ Julia in Seattle (finally with a new bike and some good weather)

05-08-2007, 09:49 AM	#26 (permalink)
ChicsterMG M-J Master Poster Join Date: May 2005 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: NEPA Posts: 3,737	That's pretty cool. Some would even say a bit anal, but if it is what keeps you safe, I say great. It also sounds like it would keep up a good team spirit amoung you, which I'm sure helps with anticipating each others moves while riding. Just out of curiosity, though; how does one asses the road conditions? I would think this would hurt after awhile, even the best pair of jeans will wear through eventually. About the tank, we only have "Pimped out Purple" left and they are installing the white walls and the low rider suspension now. __________________ Sometimes you need to ask yourself, "WWGD?"...Just be awesome, that's all!

03-08-2009, 12:10 AM	#32 (permalink)
mario634gold Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Bike: BMW R1200RT Location: western Washington Posts: 1	Parking "woes" Hello Mavi, I'm short too (for a guy). I've been riding BMW touring bikes since 1973. They're really to tall for me, but I like them in spite of this problem. Yeah, you're "doing it" right. There just isn't any other way, but to lean your hip against the bike & push it backwards until you get to where you can ride it forward. Or................you can get a monster touring bike that has a "reverse" gear. I had one of those (a BMW K1200LT), but it was just to heavy (834 lbs.) so I sold it & bought a R1200RT. Try to "plan" your parking, so you can ride out. This may mean "backing" into the parking space. Sometimes, there's enough room to "do" a U turn into your parking space. Try to make sure the parking place is level or a little "uphill", before you move into it. Y'all ride safe, "mario"

03-08-2009, 06:59 PM	#35 (permalink)
Rickster Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 4,215	Ah, you guys/gals do know that *Mavi* hasn't been active here for the last 6 months don't you. __________________ 2009 BMW, R 1200 GS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2003 KTM 525 EX/C 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

03-13-2009, 02:19 PM	#38 (permalink)
knipdm01 Clunked into first gear Join Date: Aug 2008 Bike: 2008 Suzuki M50 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 234	Haha. I'm pretty sure I've seen him around town. The only SV560 I've seen at least. Maybe when it warms up I'll ask what his screen name is. lol __________________ "If I can't ride it I'm not interested"

05-07-2007, 10:40 PM	#21 (permalink)
Mavi In Training Join Date: May 2007 Bike: 2003 SV650 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 146	I'm in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Not sure if I'm ready for group riding yet (can't risk stalling the bike in front of the other guys...). It's only been my second day with the bike but already I'm getting more comfortable with it. I know there's still a lot to learn about the riding. Haven't pushed her more than 80mph/8k rpm. Can't wait til this winter when I can give her a new paint job, clean up all the grease, etc etc. Weather was so nice this evening, was so tempted to go riding w/o gear. But put on the helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots anyways. Came back and saw a bunch of mosquitoes on my helmet visor... good thing I had it on...

05-08-2007, 07:41 AM	#24 (permalink)
Mavi In Training Join Date: May 2007 Bike: 2003 SV650 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 146	I think I bought my bike from the guy who has the scratches all up and down it. Waiting for winter for repaint and detailing, I think the rear spring can be shortened so I can reach the ground with more of my feet. Not too worried about group riding, maybe in a couple months when I have a few more miles under my belt.

05-08-2007, 10:08 AM	#27 (permalink)
Mavi In Training Join Date: May 2007 Bike: 2003 SV650 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 146	Funny how you mention purple. My Suzuki is Plum Crazy with polished aluminum. I'm not man enough to wear purple, so I wear a solid yellow gear and just tell everyone what a big laker's fan I am.

05-08-2007, 10:42 AM	#28 (permalink)
palanon No Significant Other Join Date: Apr 2006 Bike: 2003 Bandit 1200S Location: Newmarket, NH Posts: 2,326	LOL !!! How did that get by spell check. They aren't my usual group. A neighbor invited me last year and now I try to go with them as often as I can. I really like the focus on safety and riding skills. It's actually pretty fun. Most of the riders are my age or older and someone comes up with a new route or a great place to have lunch. Would be funny as heck to see you guys do that to a tank. Could you imagine the hydraulics it would take to make it hop !!

05-08-2007, 12:04 PM	#31 (permalink)
kay Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Join Date: Oct 2006 Bike: Kawasaki Zephyr750RS, Suzuki GSX-R600, Ducati 999S Location: Crappy Little Island!!! Posts: 3,650	Plum CrazY!! That can't go without being noticed!! Good for you!! In fact we have a Plum Crazy car. It's the original color! 1970 Dodge Challenger. Oh, no hydraulics, by the way. On group riding, I like it too. I am fortunate that all my bike friends are serious motorcyclists. Some even race both road bikes and off road. So when I ride with them I try to see where they shift down, where they brake, the line they take (this is VERY important!!) etc. Of course, as we have different bikes, it won't be the same, but I still learn a lot. I found it easier to keep a good pace and rythm also. But make sure you don't copy crappy riders!!

03-09-2009, 12:46 AM	#36 (permalink)
Porcelina Goddess We're still thinking up a doozie Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,372	It's still funny

03-14-2009, 05:23 AM	#39 (permalink)
Mavi In Training Join Date: May 2007 Bike: 2003 SV650 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 146	Hey now, I'm still around! Holy thread resurrection tho... FWIW, I traded the purple '95 GSX-R 750 in for an '07 sv650, then promptly totaled the sv650 two months later going too hot into a jug handle cuz I was following a buddy in a strange part of town. I'm currently on a silver '03 sv650 with red rims. I still have to get off and push (but I'm used to it now). Put about 6k miles on last season and hoping to put on some more this season. Here's an almost recent pic of the bike...

03-17-2009, 03:55 PM	#40 (permalink)
knipdm01 Clunked into first gear Join Date: Aug 2008 Bike: 2008 Suzuki M50 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 234	What part of the fort did you wreck? I would love to find a standard sv650 __________________ "If I can't ride it I'm not interested"

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