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.