Simple question, simple answer (hopefully)
25/08/2010
Simple question, simple answer (hopefully)
Finally got my hands on my first bike after doing my CBT.
Got myself an '07 Honda Shadow VT125C in immaculate condition. Just one question though, are there any tips or suggestions for getting into first gear after you've slowed down to a stop, so you are ready to move off again when the opportunity arises? I keep an eye out for the magic neutral light but either I've got big clunky feet or not doing it right.
I found myself stalling the bike a few times on my ride home after picking it up, and it certainly didn't help to have the boys in blue behind me at a junction on the B roads pissing themselves with laughter as I stalled it a couple of times then get applause when I managed to move off! I had to do a 76 mile ride home in the chucking rain so it was a bit of a character building ride.
I had the same problem on the CG125's so it's me and not the bike. Probably something simple I know but better to ask than to continue messing around making a fool of myself!
Hello,
Your simple question does have a fairly simple answer (but with a complex background) and that is: planning and practice.
Unlike car gearboxes, motorcycle gearboxes rely more on the rotation of the gears to aid changing up and down. Therefore it is always best practice that when you approach a roundabout or set of traffic lights, you think well ahead and start your down changing in advance, rather than stopping at the junction in fifth gear and then trying to change down through the gears at a standstill whilst also assessing the state of the junction. This will just leave you in a panic trying to get it into first gear and you'll make more mistakes like stalling (as what you think is 1st gear is probably 2nd or 3rd).
Reading the situation and down changing as you approach a junction will allow you three things:
1. More control of the bikes speed as you approach, using the engine braking as well to slow you instead of just the brakes
2. It gets all those gear changes out the way
3. Leaves you more time to think about the up-coming junction.
By down changing through the gears as you approach, your speed will reduce with the gear changes meaning that by the time you reach said roundabout or lights, you will be at a suitable speed and and in the right gear, ready to adapt to the situation; by either snicking it into first gear before coming to a complete stop OR taking advantage of the lights going green/a gap in the traffic and moving off with out stopping.
I hope this answers your question, but remember - practise makes perfect.
Possible update.
Having spent a bit more time on the bike practicing, it could be that I was dumping the clutch while trying to move off.
So something for other new people to consider if they have similar teething problems as me. It might not be the gears, it could be just a little more TLC on the biting point.
Looking forward to some more experience out and about at the weekend!
They say that practice makes perfect ;)
I still remember my first attempts with my scooter... Oh dear :D
Let us know how it goes!
hi when will i be able to ride
Hi lowri123, have you booked your free ride yet?