Topic: Riding Techniques for cb550

[BomberMann650]

Something far too many beginner riders do is let their ego get in the way of common sense. Motorcycles are fun. Riding motorcycles through twists is great fun. Laying motorcycles down is never fun.

Ride to your abilities, and don't let ANYONE convince you to ride above them. It happens all the time...the guy who's been riding for 2 years trying to keep up with the guy who's been riding the same canyon for 20 years.

I ride my CB hard, but never beyond mine or ITS abilities. The adrenaline rush comes a lot quicker on these old bikes than it does on a brand new GXSR (which is another conversation, and why I think anyone under 25 should be riding a vintage bike and not a modern sport bike). Just enjoy what you're able to do, and what your bike is there to do.

Yep, it's a good thing cb550's arent the fastest.

[Kevin D]

I'd slow down and study that road a little better.
Here is the MSF handbook.

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/BRCHandbook.pdf

Check out the part about self awareness and risk offset.

[camelman]

Step one, read a book like Twist of the Wrist (1&2)
Step two, go to a track day
Step three, you will always be learning on a motorcycle
Step four, forget everything we tell you. 

The amount of bad information I've received on proper riding is incredible. Also, the way you might understand a concept versus how someone else needs to have it explained can result in two completely different interpretations of the lesson. The best way to learn is to research, practice, take classes, and pay attention every time you ride so that YOU learn what you need to know. I've ridden over 80k miles in my life on motorcycles, and many more on mountain bikes, road bicycles, and my old BMXs. I still improve with every turn I take and every brake/throttle transition. If you don't find that you are learning/improving with every ride, then you are doing yourself an injustice. Learn the physics, learn the feel, and learn your limits.  Oh, and enjoy!!! 

[BomberMann650]

I did a little digging and found an outfit that hosts track/instruction days at pacific int'l raceway just a few counties over.

However.  I have to get some additonal gear and fix the damn shifter seal leak before i could participate.

I appreciate ya'lls concern for safety!

[Duanob]

I think we've all seen enough motorcycle accidents that any intelligent person would say "I don't want that to happen to me!" Although I do see guys riding like they haven't got the message or think they are invincible. One crash on two wheels will ruin your day.

You can take a saturday trainer course that provides bikes and be done all in a day. It costs around $125 and once completed you don't have to do the state test.