Going on my first ride tomorrow a few questions???

[DroidHoff]

Hey everyone! I will be going on my first ride / first lesson tomorrow afternoon and I have a few questions. I have been reading a lot on the internet and on here the website in preparation for my BRC next week and I've also watched a lot of videos on Youtube to try and help. Today I started just trying to get a real basic feel for my bike and where the friction zone on the clutch is, so basically I just practiced slowly letting the clutch out until it grabbed and then stopping the bike backing up and doin it all over again. My question is that when I was finished with this exercise I found it really hard almost impossible to pull the gear shifter up halfway and put the bike into neutral. It just didn't want to shift up either into neutral or 2nd gear. The exception to this was that if I almost fully released the clutch while moving and then reengaged the clutch it shifted into 2nd without a problem and then I could downshift easily into neutral from there. It seemed that on most every video I watched (one was on a GZ) the rider didnt have any problem lifting the gear shifter into neutral from first to turn the bike off. Am I missing something? The bike is brand new and has only a couple miles on it. Thanks in advance for all the helpful responses!

[dhgeyer]

First, let me suggest that if you plan to ride before you take the course, let the first few hours be in an empty parking lot, or similar place with no traffic and lots of room. The exercise you did today was a good way to start. You will find that it is also one of the first exercises you will do when you do take the course.

From your description, I can't tell if you were trying to get the bike into neutral with the engine running, or stopped. At any rate, a brand new transmission will be stiff, and will become easier as it gets broken in. Needing to "fish" for neutral is normal. The easiest way I know to get into neutral from first is to turn the engine off, and lift the shift lever, gently at first and applying more upward pressure as needed, while rocking the bike back and forth with the clutch fully engaged (hand off the lever).

A bit of terminology: the clutch is engaged when the lever is fully released. The clutch is disengaged when the lever is fully squeezed.

To find neutral from first with the engine running, disengage the clutch, apply upward pressure to the shift lever, and slowly and carefully ease the clutch into the beginnings of the friction zone, and then disengage when it starts to grab. Repeat as needed, applying more pressure to the shifter if needed. It's very much something that you get a feel for with a bit of practice.

[Water Warrior 2]

A couple of things to consider. First the bike is new and even machined surfaces require some time to break in and get smooth. Second, you are experiencing a constant mesh transmission hang up. Not to worry though, it is just the design and nature of the beast. Once you are actually on the move things will work as you expect. When the tranny hangs up while the bike is stationary just apply a little pressure to the shifter and ease out the clutch a bit. It will probably just pop into gear or neutral. Also rolling back or frontwards and trying that might be even better. Just part of the learning curve we all go through. After your first oil change at 600 miles it will be even smoother than ever. Take your time and do feel free to ask any question no matter how silly it may seem at the time. You are new and we are here to help.

[Easy Rider]

I have been reading a lot on the internet and on here the website in preparation for my BRC next week and I've also watched a lot of videos on Youtube to try and help.

Finding neutral is always tricky for a new rider; others have covered that.
Your clutch cable may need some adjustment but probably not.

My advice for the course is: Ears and eyes open and mouth shut.

The instructors will just LOVE you (NOT) if you ask a question like: "But it says in Proficient Motorcycling......." If you MUST ask a question like that, do it privately with an instructor. Don't put him/her on the spot in front of the whole class.

A little basic practice on the bike is almost always good. Too much reading ahead sometimes is not.

[Scheezo]

You'll learn to love your bike for its little quirks. These are things that give it personality. When I first started riding a little over a decade ago I didn't even know there was such a thing as a BRC. I wish I had. The best advice I was given after my riding test to get my license was to not go out on the road until I felt absolutely comfortable with the bike. I spent a couple of weeks riding around my neighborhood before I got out on the road. Then when I did I went out with friends. Not to scare you. Just take it easy out there :)

[DroidHoff]

Geez thanks Guys! I love this forum already! I will let you know how tomorrow goes but I'm thinking its just kind of gonna be more of a walk through than anything. I'm hoping to get a little practice just learning how to balance on a motorcycle and get familiar / comfortable with braking and shifting.

[alantf]

Your clutch cable may need some adjustment but probably not.



If I remember correctly, I think it was something like 1000 miles from new when the controls started to feel uncomfortable, & I had to adjust virtually all the cables due to cable stretch. :)

[GZ Jess]

Like everyone else said, neutral is tricky. I've seen seasoned riders on new and old bike have issues finding neutral. With my GZ, definitely rocking the bike helps get it in neutral. My GZ has two other quirks that I thought were my issues when I first started riding, 1. the shifter will not continue to let you downshift if you do not let it come completely up between downshifts. I thought that I was fully releasing it but it wouldn't downshift, now it's second nature to let the lever bounce all the way back up, 2. some times when I first started riding I would finish down shifting sitting at a light and for some reason I would not be able to get the bike in 1st, I would have to roll it a little and "stomp" on the lever. Now I have found that if I finish my downshifting while still rolling to a stop I don't have that problem.

Each bike is going to have it's own quirks and when you figure them out it becomes second nature to do it the way your bike likes LOL. Be safe and practice!

Jessica

[Zackman]

Like everyone else said, neutral is tricky. I've seen seasoned riders on new and old bike have issues finding neutral. With my GZ, definitely rocking the bike helps get it in neutral. My GZ has two other quirks that I thought were my issues when I first started riding, 1. the shifter will not continue to let you downshift if you do not let it come completely up between downshifts. I thought that I was fully releasing it but it wouldn't downshift, now it's second nature to let the lever bounce all the way back up, 2. some times when I first started riding I would finish down shifting sitting at a light and for some reason I would not be able to get the bike in 1st, I would have to roll it a little and "stomp" on the lever. Now I have found that if I finish my downshifting while still rolling to a stop I don't have that problem.

Each bike is going to have it's own quirks and when you figure them out it becomes second nature to do it the way your bike likes LOL. Be safe and practice!

Jessica


I have also found it useful to downshift when you hit the proper speed; just in case you need to start moving again. So on the GZ250, slowing from 55mph shifting to 4th when you hit 40-45, 3rd when you hit 30, 2nd when you hit 20, and 1st when you hit 10.
Maybe that just works for me, but in California the last thing people want is to wait for you to find the right gear to be in when the light turns green all of a sudden.

[DroidHoff]

Thanks for all the tips on shifting you guys :rawk: !!! Here are some of the pictures from my first ride! This was the first time I've ever been on a motorcycle and I still haven't stopped smiling! This motorcycle is very very nice to ride and perfect for someone with little to no experience or someone who just wants to enjoy the riding experience, I Love It!!!
http://s2.postimage.org/yTNG0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsyTNG0)

http://s4.postimage.org/PZGBS.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVPZGBS)

[cayuse]

Congrats, DH! Welcome to the club! :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

Thanks for all the tips on shifting you guys :rawk: !!! Here are some of the pictures from my first ride! This was the first time I've ever been on a motorcycle and I still haven't stopped smiling! This motorcycle is very very nice to ride and perfect for someone with little to no experience or someone who just wants to enjoy the riding experience, I Love It!!!
http://s2.postimage.org/yTNG0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsyTNG0)

http://s4.postimage.org/PZGBS.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVPZGBS)
Looking good. You have probably realized the GZ is an ideal first bike. It loves training new riders and entertaining more experienced riders.
Now on to my favorite subject. PLEASE wear protection for your hands and knees. Only 2 of each are issued at birth so you must take care of them. Maybe better foot wear in the future too. You have a good helmet and a decent jacket by the looks of it so that is excellent. Yup, one of the local safety czars has found you but don't despair I will give you time to save money for gear. Please remember you can't buy back your good health after some major damage. And it will be said by others as well as myself............only you can determine the amount of risk that is acceptable. I will now fall off my soap box in my armored gear. :lol:

[dhgeyer]

I don't know about other places, but in NH they won't let you take the training course without foot gear that protects your ankle bones (some kind of boots - no sneakers), gloves, a DOT approved helmet, long pants (intact), and some kind of long sleeved something, and eye protection. Might be different where you are, but I doubt it.

[DroidHoff]

Thanks for all the tips on shifting you guys :rawk: !!! Here are some of the pictures from my first ride! This was the first time I've ever been on a motorcycle and I still haven't stopped smiling! This motorcycle is very very nice to ride and perfect for someone with little to no experience or someone who just wants to enjoy the riding experience, I Love It!!!
http://s2.postimage.org/yTNG0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsyTNG0)

http://s4.postimage.org/PZGBS.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVPZGBS)
Looking good. You have probably realized the GZ is an ideal first bike. It loves training new riders and entertaining more experienced riders.
Now on to my favorite subject. PLEASE wear protection for your hands and knees. Only 2 of each are issued at birth so you must take care of them. Maybe better foot wear in the future too. You have a good helmet and a decent jacket by the looks of it so that is excellent. Yup, one of the local safety czars has found you but don't despair I will give you time to save money for gear. Please remember you can't buy back your good health after some major damage. And it will be said by others as well as myself............only you can determine the amount of risk that is acceptable. I will now fall off my soap box in my armored gear. :lol:
Thanks for the advice! My jacket is plated at the elbows shoulders and spine, I do have gloves but only got them yesterday and boots are being picked up today they are boots for riding and do protect my ankles. I honestly have never thought about knee protection though!

[Water Warrior 2]

DH, you make me happy with your attitude and actions. I know you will ride as safe as possible and have a long riding career. Carry on young Sir.