Introduction - As new as you get

[Moedad]

Originally Posted by RichInFla

As for MoesDad comment about "riding" versus "driving", I had a really politically "incorrect" instructor at my MSF class. He was a blast and funny, but said "I never understood while they call it "riding", because "driving" assumes you're controlling the bike, where "riding" means the bike is controlling you, and you're just along from the ride depending on what the bike does".

I tend to agree on that score, but one must do what one can to differentiate between one's self and the general motoring public. Cagers drive, bikers ride. Never the twain shall meet, hopefully.

[RichInFla]

Sarris,

I'm over here on the east coast in Melbourne. I don't get off work until 5, and usually the rain starts around 3:00. I'm hoping for good weather tomorrow so I can finally get out !!

Also everyone, is there a way to adjust the "height" of the rear brake pedal ?? I'm finding that I really have to lift my right foot a lot to get to it. I think if I could "lower" it just a little, it would be easier to get my foot on it.

Thanks,
Rich

[primal]

Originally Posted by RichInFla

Also everyone, is there a way to adjust the "height" of the rear brake pedal ?? I'm finding that I really have to lift my right foot a lot to get to it. I think if I could "lower" it just a little, it would be easier to get my foot on it.

Thanks,
Rich

I had the same problem when I took the MSF course (I rode a GZ250 during the course). At first it seemed a little high, but I got used to it and I don't think I'd want it any lower. My main concern is, if I ever adjusted it lower and had to make an emergency stop, I would have to really stretch to depress the pedal enough to get decent braking.

If you download the manual (over in the General Maintenance forum, I believe), it does have instructions on adjusting the pedal, I believe.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by RichInFla

Also everyone, is there a way to adjust the "height" of the rear brake pedal ??

Yes but there are at least 3 adjustments that need to be made.
Do you have an owner's manual?
If not, you really should get one.......or download the one here.
In my '06 manual, it is pages 7-24 and 7-25.....adjusting the pedal and brake light switch.

In the direction you are going, you might have to tweek all 3 adjustments some and then make a second pass to get it where you want. If you try to move it too much at once, you might break something.

Or, to put it another way, push the pedal down gently. When you feel resistance, that's as far down as you can go in a single adjustment pass.

[RichInFla]

Yes, I have the manual. Did look into it, and it does seem you have to adjust a few things. My neighbor (Harley) offered to do it, or maybe I'll get used to it. In either case, looks like nice weather tomorrow morning, so I'm ready to do a few practice laps around the subdivision.

Thanks everyone for all your responses. I'm sure this is going to get addicting !!
Rich

[rexolio]

Did you get to take those practice laps around the subdivision? How did it go?

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by rexolio

Did you get to take those practice laps around the subdivision? How did it go?

Yes, finally got out last weekend for about 2 hours. After about 10 miles, felt so much more comfortable. I think I was trying to "countersteer" the turns rather than leaning with them. Did my quick stops and U-turns. Still need work, but was feeling really good on my way home, trying not to be "over-confident". I figure, as long as I don't put the bike over by myself and work on it, it'll only get better !

I just wish it wouldn't rain every afternoon so I could go around my own subdivison after work !!

Starting to really look forward to the weekends !!

Thanks.

p/s: I just added my avatar...It's my 3-year old son..."Little Richard" (no relation, LMAO)...

[countrydad]

Cute kid! Welcome and enjoy. You are off to a proper start.

[RichInFla]

How did I get from "newbie" to "member", LMAO....I guess it's because I'm still a "newbie" to riding, but now have become a "member" of the forum !! Is that like going from "white belt" to "yellow belt" in Karate (yeah, I'm sure I got the colors wrong) !!

Just glad to be here !! Thanks.

[rexolio]

Rich - are you getting to ride a little more? Man, I feel like I'm missing out whenever there's a day I don't get to ride. It's simply unexplainable to people who don't ride. Love it!