From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!npoiv!npois!houxm!houxa!houxi!houxz!hogpc!hsc
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Title: Re: Tips for a novice?
Article-I.D.: hogpc.89
Posted: Wed Mar 16 14:36:20 1983
Received: Wed Mar 23 02:09:21 1983
References: uofm-cv.162 tesla.7

I don't believe in light bikes for beginners.  Handling is more squirrily,
stability is poorer, and crosswinds are a real problem.  Also, the beginning
rider should learn on something sufficiently heavy that it can't be muscled
around; the proper way to control a street bike is with the throttle,
clutch, brakes, and handlebars (and a LITTLE body English).  Learning
on a light bike can start bad habits.  I wouldn't encourage anyone to start
with less than 250cc, and I think 450cc or more would be better.
My 5'4" wife learned on a Suzuki 500 Titan that she couldn't even
hold up at a stop, then got her license on a BMW R60/5 that she could
BARELY pick up if it dropped.  I think this is part of the reason she
can handle anything.
Harvey S. Cohen 1C314 American Bell, Lincroft, NJ 07748 (201)576-6059 hogpc!hsc
PS:  On a big bike, the first lesson should be somewhat different than
on a small one.  The bike is positioned facing a wall, high curb,
or other solid object, about 6 inches away.  The student starts the bike,
drives it to the wall, and stops.  Repeat from 12 inches, 24 inches, etc.
This way, the student learns control before they have a chance to build up
any speed.
PPS: On the other hand, if there is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Beginning Riders' Course offerred near you, by all means take it.