Any tips or tricks for a new rider? Thanks?

Question

I am pretty close to buying a 2008 Ninja 250R. The dealership close to me has a used on with 1000 miles for $2999. The only thing that has stoped me is because I have never riden. How hard is it? Any good tips on how to ride. Good ideas on things to do to practice? Anything at all that may help a new rider is appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Take  your  Safety course and ride that tiny 250r then get yourself a motorcycle. Even a 250 from other brands is more of a motorcycle. People always tell 250r riders no one can tell if it is a 250 or not. We all know

Answer 2

Go take a riders course before you get on the bike.

The life you save might well be your own.

Answer 3

Wear good safety equipment, if not the entire set then a good pair of gloves and a helmet. And go to a rider school.

Answer 4

As a new rider, take a riders safety class. Remember, you have to get a feel of the bike.

NO, NO, NO cutting up. This is serious business. YOUR LIFE IS AT STAKE.

Practice at slow speed, starting & stopping, taking turns. Choose an empty parking lot.

No showing off. No good ever came from a practice session that starts with "Hey watch this"

Remember, you have to drive safely, drive as tho' every car on the road was out to kill you.

Assume the other drivers are going to try & scare you & drive you off the road.

Wear the right corrective gear & be safe.

It's been awhile but I'm thinking about getting a bike again due to the high gas prices. But I remember why I gave it up. Hitting bugs & birds are 50 miles an hour. Rain, wind, sand trucks, cold, heat, cars running you off the road........

Be health, be well & remember to be SAFE.

Answer 5

be a very defensive driver, always watch the next person. you might think drivers of cars and trucks can see you, but you have to think like they don't! be prepared when approaching intersections, and vehicles parked on the side of the road. if you can, go practice in a big open parking lot, get a good feel of your bike. it also helps if you have access to a dirtbike or atv, go out and learn how to shift, and brake. it doesn't hurt to put a louder exhaust on the bike, (loud pipes save lives!) hope this helps you some. keep the rubber side down, and ride safe!

Answer 6

I have been a rider for allot of years while living in the country, moving to the city i have realized that i need to take a motorcycle class. I have ridden a variety of bikes and my favorite is my Honda Rebel 250. My husband has a Harley Roadking, but he still enjoys the ride of my small bike. Just be careful and good luck. please take the course, the KCKCC has a very good course.

Answer 7

shiny side up, rubber down.......

Answer 8

Pretend that you are invisible when riding - half the time others claim they didn't see you - if you're invisible, the only one to blame in an accident is yourself.

Be aware of your surroundings - play the what if game - what if a kid came running out between those cars up ahead? or What if the guy waiting at the light up ahead in oncoming traffic, decides to make a left in front of me?

Always leave yourself a way out - if the guy in the other lane cuts into mine, I can swerve to the left to avoid him.

Keep a good distance between you and any other vehicle - will give you a few extra seconds of reaction time.

It's called defensive riding and should be practiced by automobile drivers as well.

Enjoy your new bike.

Answer 9

Sport bikes are not for beginners

Its just like riding a bicycle only cars are trying to kill you

Answer 10

Contrary to what others have said, the Ninja 250 is a very beginner-friendly bike, despite the fact that it is technically considered a racing bike.  Most experienced riders will recommend the Ninja 250 for a first bike because it's easy to learn on, forgiving of new-rider mistakes, and you will want to ride it even when you move up simply because it is a fun bike to ride.  I learned how to ride on a Ninja 250 and still own it (even though I've since bought a bigger bike).  Visit ninja250.com to find perhaps the largest motorcycle family on the internet.  

You should really look in to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) approved course.  Not only will you learn how to ride the bike and techniques to save your hide, but many states require you take a course before you can even take the motorcycle test.

If you have some time to practice before you can get in the course (the popularity of saving money on fuel has sent people flocking to motorcycle schools), I recommend you go to your bike shop and see if they have any of those MSF safety booklets.  In the back, they have a section on how to set up your own practice course.  These exercises will not only make you a better rider, many of the exercises are taught in the MSF course, so you'll be a step ahead.

Last thing: don't be a squid.  Squid is a derogatory term that stands for " Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Ignorant and Dangerous."  The jury is out on protective gear (everyone has their own opinions) but one thing everyone can agree on is that motorcyclists need to be responsible.

Good luck.