We were thinking about getting training wheels just to stay up right. You can only go very short distances at VERY slow speeds. We know that walking is safer and easier, but no fun. We tried to ride with our feet on the ground while going at a slow pace, but we felt non lady like in our appearance. We did another parade where we staggered our riding. We found this was a little easier, but it felt awkward. Does anyone have any suggestions. Can't add too much to what the guy above me posted. The RLAP video is pretty good and I suggest you buy it.
The size and weight have little to do with low speed handling. Other factors come into play. Some bikes are top heavy, and some are not. The top heavy bikes will always feel like their going over and the others will have less of a tendency to tip. Simple physics.
It doesn't matter if you're riding a 125cc scooter, or a 502 c.i. V8 Boss Hoss that weighs in over 1100 pounds dry. It comes down to skill and ability. You are born with "X" amount of ability, but you can certainly increase your skill level through practice. And practice. And more practice. Did I mention it takes a lot of practice? I just say that in case I forgot to mention it takes a lot of practice.
Keep your head up, eyes forward. Look where you want to go. If you look down to the pavement, guess where you're going? If you like the taste of dirt and pavement, keep looking down. Maintain bit of forward lean, a relaxed posture with you elbows down and flexible, a little rear brake and use the friction zone on the clutch. Don't fuss over clutch wear. Assuming you have a clutch and this is not some auto tranny scooter contraption. If that's the case, then I can only guess that you need to find the "happy spot" where the clutch or torque converter is somewhere between engaged and disengaged.
Feet dragging is a dangerous habit that many low skilled poor weekend warriors use all too frequently that have predictable outcomes.
I must admit, I had to practice my low speed maneuvers and operation a lot. I sucked. I felt perfectly safe and in control dragging my pegs or floorboards at 40 or 50 mph and leaving metal dust or sparks on the road. In fact I was quite good at it. Low speed U-turns of figure 8's? Awful. Well, I practiced and became fairly good at it.
I should close by saying that these low speed maneuvers might take some practice and coaching from an experienced rider or better yet a MSF instructor.
Did I mention you should practice low speed riding? Lastly, if I had neglected to mention it you might consider finding an empty school parking lot and practicing your low speed riding techniques.
practice practice practice. You just have to drive faster and go in circles.
enjoy!
Moshavnick.
http://www.paidsurveys.scanfile1.com feather the rear brake, enough that u can feel it slightly hold the bike back. rpm's should be about 2x's above normal idle speed, or 2,000 rpm's. this technique is much easier on a standard bike than an auto, only difference is, u are using just enough clutch to supply power to the rear wheel.
just like riding at speed, the rule of 'look where u want the bike to go' still applies. ur instincts will tell u to look down at the front wheel. this is wrong. look at least 200 feet down the line. at slow speed doing a turn, if u look at the ground, u will be on the ground.
take a look at what is said here: http://www.ridelikeapro.com
i have a video from them, and i can guarentee what he says works on any street bike from first hand experience. |
