Topic: Looking for some advice about helping a first time rider

[Ayrity]

Hey guys, so after having my 550, my little brother (21 years old) of course had to yet again copy me haha. He likes sport bikes more than I do, I tend to be a vinyl, 1970's sort of guy, so he got a Ninja 250 on my advice. I just put the engine in for him, and we brought it to a mechanic so he could look over everything and make sure it was safe since I am not 100% familiar with the bike myself. It is just about ready to pick up, and I want to go with him on his first ride, just to make sure everything is safe and he is ok with riding it. He took and passed the safety course (again I told him to) but I was wondering if you guys had any advice for our first ride together, other than taking it slow. Like I am unsure if I should go in front or behind him. If I am behind obviously I can watch to make sure he hasnt dumped it or anything, but if im in front I can point out hazards and he can see how I take a turn safely etc. Or anything else you might think of. I really appreciate it, his safety means a lot to me, and I am excited to be able to share the passion of riding with him.

[Cbowers]

I think your on the right track, it is great that you are involved with him and concerned for his safety. I would like nothing more than for my brother to get a bike (he is 23 and I'm 27) but at the same time it scares me to death. I would probably let him lead. Don't push him down the road, yet don't hang to far back that he is staring in his rear view the whole time. I say this because when I started riding the cars coming up behind me scared the hell out of me. You need to act as a blocker, but keep a moderate distance. You don't want to be too close yet you don't want some fool cutting between you two. Stick to country roads, if you have any, He needs to learn how to start and stop but this is not real fun to start with so he needs some open road time. Wear your helmet, even if you don't think its cool. Because he needs to wear one (everybody should) and he doesn't need to be concerned about if he is cool are not compared to you. Maybe you could head to a empty parking lot and practice turns and such. Oh and remember to make a lot of stops, being his first time all the pressure is going to wear him down. stop and take a breather and discuss things you noticed along the way.......Just some ideals Have Fun!

[Stev-o]

Tell him to watch for gravel! That can take you out if you turn or try to brake heavily.

Def go out to the country, but I would have him follow you, so he can learn how to take the corners and drive a safe speed.

Good luck.

[754]

 Tell him to ride like nobody can see him.. cuz a lot of them Dont (notice , I did not say cant)..

 Thats a big one that will never change...

[scottly]

if im in front I can point out hazards and he can see how I take a turn safely etc.

You are right on target here!
Also, before he gets out on the open road, he needs to practice starting and stopping to the point that he no longer has to think about roll off the throttle with right hand, pull in clutch with left, ect. These actions need to become automatic: a seconds hesitation in an emergency is not a good thing! 

[Alan F.]

Yeah once you're comfortable that he's got the basics down, plan a nice route that takes you out into the middle of nowhere. Make several stops along the way, maybe every half hour or so and discuss what's been going on.

Take the lead, he'll challenge you when he's ready.

And eventully have him plan the route and take the lead.

[the technological J]

if your seriously concerned about it do the ride with out your bro first but all the books ive read say to leave the new person out front... just tell him to take all the turns slow till he gets a feel for it

[Cbowers]

We are probably putting too much thought into this...I know I just kinda went out on my own. I took it easy, because I didn't want to DIE! He will pick it up fast, just be there to hang out and bounce questions off of. The issue I see with you being out front is that riding has become natural to you, you may run off and leave him if your not careful. You don't want him playing catch up.

Oh and everybody tried to give me pointers when I started riding, I am thankful of that yet sometimes you need to forget what everybody says and do what comes natural.

[Ayrity]

thanks for all the advice guys! Of course, I actually always wear my full face helmet, and I got him one for his bday. I have a great route in the country planned, and Ill run a few drills with him in the parking lot before hand too. Thanks again!

[scottly]

Good luck, and happy riding with your bro!
I still think the more experienced rider should take the point, so you can point out possible dangers. Use a rudimentary form of sign language. I do it all the time with a guy I have been riding bikes with for over 40 years, mostly in the dirt. The point man points at dangers as he passes them: cactus (instant flat), tree root (instant wash-out of front wheel, resulting in face plant), rattle-snake (instant need of underwear change if it gets whipped up by your tire), car approaching from side street that may or may not stop at the stop sign....     

[dave500]

is there a place near you where you can hire and ride small trail bikes?a couple of hours on dirt is always good fun and gives the skills a work out you cant really do on the road.

[flybox1]

Yeah once you're comfortable that he's got the basics down, plan a nice route that takes you out into the middle of nowhere. Make several stops along the way, maybe every half hour or so and discuss what's been going on.

Take the lead, he'll challenge you when he's ready.

And eventully have him plan the route and take the lead.

+1
find a dry, sunny day, at a time where traffic is at a minimun, and go.  get out in the open road and let him follow you.  you'll be fine checking the mirrors for him.  stay at the posted speed limit. brake and signal early.  he'll start picking up on how you ride, will be able to anticipate what you're going to do, and HOPEFULLY, pick up on your good habits.

[greasy j]

I just learned my girlfriend bout ridin.

she digs the 250, also. good bike.

we set up a course in the parking lot next door a few times, til she knew all the controls and could handle the bike well. I let her lead for the 1st month or so. if you are behind you can block #$%*s who try to tailgate. which is unnerving for new riders. then she took the rider course, and now I lead and she tries to keep up.

confidence will keep him safe more than anything else. reacting quickly can be the difference between flipping someone off or going to the hospital. for instance, if you're going through an intersection with traffic/cars in front and someone runs the light going the other way, a new rider might freak out and lock up, wait to be creamed. quick thinkers would scoot up between 2 cars to safety. those type of reactions come with time and confidence.

good luck!

[dave500]

always always always cancel your turn signals always.

[the technological J]

always always always cancel your turn signals always.

my dad has had his on for miles on every ride we've gone on... the longest that he let it go was 22 miles... its kinda funny cause he shakes his head when he realizes its been blinking a half hour

[KeithTurk]

Always let the new rider lead...  That way they set the pace....  otherwise your dictating what their skill level is...

I can't re-iterate enough the turn signal concept....it's one of the single greatest hazards we inflict on ourselves... ( telling other vehicles what were are doing... then not doing it )...

K

[dunkle]

eliminate asphalt surfing by looking in the direction that you want the bike to go.....this has saved me during high speed turns many of times and I find that beginners often are uncertain on how to make the bike turn.....Dunkle

[Scott S]

eliminate asphalt surfing by looking in the direction that you want the bike to go.....this has saved me during high speed turns many of times and I find that beginners often are uncertain on how to make the bike turn.....Dunkle

 That was one of the hardest things for me to get used to when I first started riding. Target fixation. It still gets me from time to time in tight, unfamiliar curves/turns.
  Tell him to look ahead to where he wants to be. Don't get stuck watching a car or a tree or whatever.

[bluezboy]

And don't forget to teach him how to take off from a stop on a grade, practice in a driveway,etc. A very important skill to know because hill are everywhere you don't want them, especially at traffic lights!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ayrity]

again, all great points guys. Thanks again! He learned a lot of what you suggested in his class, but I will make sure he is practicing it as well. I think I will switch it up behind and in front, depending on the ride area.