Advice for a newbie
Discussion
Hi all,
I recently passed my test and I'm about to take delivery of a Suzuki SV650S. I'm very much aware that now is the time when I'm most likely to do something stupid to the bike/hurt myself, due to my lack of experience. Any advice on likely mistakes and how to avoid them from the more experienced amongst you (i.e. pretty much everyone) would be very welcome.
Cheers,
Steve
I recently passed my test and I'm about to take delivery of a Suzuki SV650S. I'm very much aware that now is the time when I'm most likely to do something stupid to the bike/hurt myself, due to my lack of experience. Any advice on likely mistakes and how to avoid them from the more experienced amongst you (i.e. pretty much everyone) would be very welcome.
Cheers,
Steve
The Sv is a good choice for winter use. The power deleivery is smooth, you don't need to rev it too hard. Good things.
Just watch the brakes, but as you're going to be sensible and keep to town limits, and not top 120 on the NSL roads, braking ought to be fine. Just remember that you can use the gears to control your speed, and that gentle use of the controls at all times is essential.
Corners are surprisingly good, even in winter - so long as you don't push your luck. If you drive at "car speeds", eg with the traffic you're almost certain to get round that wet corner. When you get a dry stretch, you can do it a bit faster...
Change up early if you feel any hint of wheelspin. Change down using lots of revs to "balance" the gearbox speeds - prevents locking the rear wheel.
Remember that the front brake squashes the fork, so your headlight won't point so far ahead, and that if you brake gently, then more & more, the tyre deforms to a bigger contact patch = better braking.
If you brake sharply, the forks & tyre won't help you, infact you may lock up if the fork compresses to maximum.
Back brake to stabilise the frame.
Take it easy !
Carl
Just watch the brakes, but as you're going to be sensible and keep to town limits, and not top 120 on the NSL roads, braking ought to be fine. Just remember that you can use the gears to control your speed, and that gentle use of the controls at all times is essential.
Corners are surprisingly good, even in winter - so long as you don't push your luck. If you drive at "car speeds", eg with the traffic you're almost certain to get round that wet corner. When you get a dry stretch, you can do it a bit faster...
Change up early if you feel any hint of wheelspin. Change down using lots of revs to "balance" the gearbox speeds - prevents locking the rear wheel.
Remember that the front brake squashes the fork, so your headlight won't point so far ahead, and that if you brake gently, then more & more, the tyre deforms to a bigger contact patch = better braking.
If you brake sharply, the forks & tyre won't help you, infact you may lock up if the fork compresses to maximum.
Back brake to stabilise the frame.
Take it easy !
Carl
just keep on board what they taught you to get the licence.
dont front brake on bends (until your good)
leave big gaps to the vehicle in front, always think of an escape plan in case of emergencies, the gap gives you more time for decisions, and better visibility.
stay off the white paint.
dont overtake when theres a turning on the right, no matter how small, even house driveways. I learnt that one the hardway (1 month on crutches). anyone can decide to turn at any time. you takes ya chances, 9/10 they arent, but it only takes one.. even if it there fault, it doesnt stop you spending your life in a wheelchair.
wear earplugs if you want to keep your hearing (tinnitus is permanent)
check the bike over regulary and properly, a chain jamming, a nail in the tyre, steering bearings failure.. all potentially lethal.
basic common sense and respect for your biking will pay dividends in the future.
not trying to sound gloomy, just being honest.
oh yeah... nod at other bikes.
dont front brake on bends (until your good)
leave big gaps to the vehicle in front, always think of an escape plan in case of emergencies, the gap gives you more time for decisions, and better visibility.
stay off the white paint.
dont overtake when theres a turning on the right, no matter how small, even house driveways. I learnt that one the hardway (1 month on crutches). anyone can decide to turn at any time. you takes ya chances, 9/10 they arent, but it only takes one.. even if it there fault, it doesnt stop you spending your life in a wheelchair.
wear earplugs if you want to keep your hearing (tinnitus is permanent)
check the bike over regulary and properly, a chain jamming, a nail in the tyre, steering bearings failure.. all potentially lethal.
basic common sense and respect for your biking will pay dividends in the future.
not trying to sound gloomy, just being honest.
oh yeah... nod at other bikes.
Steve, you may want to look at this, I saw this on another forum and it will open your eyes to how good and how bad some rider's are?
www.vtr1000.co.uk/movies/
You'll need media player or something like media? to view. Will take a minute to load but well worth a look?
Good luck and have fun on your new bike.
Alex
www.vtr1000.co.uk/movies/
You'll need media player or something like media? to view. Will take a minute to load but well worth a look?
Good luck and have fun on your new bike.
Alex
...and don't forget your lifesaver look over the shoulder when turning - it's saved me more times than I care to remember.
Also, always assume that the car on the side road WILL pull out. They seem to do this much more frequently than when you're in a car. Perhaps they feel safer.
Oh, and have fun!
Also, always assume that the car on the side road WILL pull out. They seem to do this much more frequently than when you're in a car. Perhaps they feel safer.
Oh, and have fun!
Hi Steve, I have just purchased an SV650s as well, got it on Saturday. Not exactly the best weather to be running it in at the moment but ho hum, hopefully it will brighten up soon.
In case you haven't found it already the site www.sv650.org is very useful, plenty of advice available for sv owners mostly UK based.
Happy riding!
Mags
In case you haven't found it already the site www.sv650.org is very useful, plenty of advice available for sv owners mostly UK based.
Happy riding!
Mags
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff