Teaching Someone How to Ride

[BobMielke]

A friend at work approached me last week about learning how to ride a motorcycle. Through the last 5 months we've chatted about my adventures in touring my new home in Oregon. He was so intrigued he bought a used 750 Special. He had the bike serviced by a reputable dealer and put two new tires on it. He attempted to get into a MSF course but found they were booked for 6 months. I took him to a testing facility for the state to go through their parking lot course. He practiced his turns, braking and counter steering. He stalled a lot but as a newbie it's normal. There's nothing like time on a bike to become one with it's quirks.

We then hit the road with him in the lead. I plotted a course that had a wide variety of terrain, traffic and road conditions. We stopped often as I explained counter steering, apex in curves, covering his front brake with as many fingers as it would take to stop the bike quickly & safely. We talked about defensive riding, lane position, intersections and parking lots. We spoke of the need to form good riding habits early and never stop practicing the skills to improve our chances of survival.

The ride covered 200 miles of curves, city traffic and open two-lane highways. Warren had a great time and did fine on his first big ride. He has his learner's permit which requires a licensed ride to be along for the ride. It's not a MSF course but I did the best I could to bring him back home safely and with a huge grin on his face from ear to ear.

http://rmielke.photosite.com/OregonTrip/RidesPlaces/Warren2.jpg
http://rmielke.photosite.com/OregonTrip/RidesPlaces/Warren3.jpg

[Hodag]

better than I got

good job

[PacWestGS]

Good job Bob, have him read some good books between rides.

That's a great Bike for learning on. Good choice.

[username]

nice bob. keep after him to ride his own ride, and be patient. impatience causes crashes. i'd also recommend that he get on the list for the MSF course - it will still be very valuable to him in 6 months. many experienced riders take it every few years just to brush up and stay smart.

using your stops to review the things that went on, hazards encountered, etc will also help him. the mental aspects of riding are what will ultimately separate the old guys from the organ donors.

[nhlkats]

nice job!

[Ozonkiller]

Great job :thumb

Front brake!! Emphasize the front brake!!! If I had my way, I'd saw the rear brake pedal off until any new rider masters the front brake.

Did I mention the front brake? :dunno

Sounds like you've got it under control and it looks like he has been bitten by the bug. As the seat time accumulates and with the MSF course it will only get better. It's a blast helping someone get into this sport/hobby/sickness. I'm excited for both of you.

Rotsa ruck!! :dance

[BradfordBenn]

MSF is worth the wait, so tell him to get in line now! Plus it reduces insurance and learning from more than one person is always good.

[BobMielke]

I am truly blessed to own a 2005 R1200RT with Partially integrated anti-lock brakes. I had an LT before this bike and still had the original brake pads on her after 4 years and 68k. Never touch the rear brake. My friend need to learn the touch necessary to stop quickly & safely without locking the wheels. It takes time & practice. Next week the "Dragon". LOL