Odd request - I need access to a small motorcycle for a short period of time

[sportsguy]

OK, so I'd like to get my wife some exposure to the basic controls of a motorcycle - clutch, shifter, throttle, etc.

The FJR is a big large for her to gain any familiarity safely on, hence my ask.

I know it's a big ask, as well, so I'll buy you a pie if it'll help.

I'm hoping she can used to the friction point on the clutch, maybe see what balancing a bike at low speeds feels like, etc.

This is in prep for her hopefully getting into an upcoming MSF course.

So, if anyone has a small displacement, low seat height, light weight bike and doesn't mine us pawing over it for an hour or so one day, let me know. Did I mention I'll bring pie?

 

[Buckeyechuck]

OK, so I'd like to get my wife some exposure to the basic controls of a motorcycle - clutch, shifter, throttle, etc.
The FJR is a big large for her to gain any familiarity safely on, hence my ask.

I know it's a big ask, as well, so I'll buy you a pie if it'll help.

I'm hoping she can used to the friction point on the clutch, maybe see what balancing a bike at low speeds feels like, etc.

This is in prep for her hopefully getting into an upcoming MSF course.

So, if anyone has a small displacement, low seat height, light weight bike and doesn't mine us pawing over it for an hour or so one day, let me know. Did I mention I'll bring pie?

When I took my MSF course they supplied little Honda Nighthawks. If I still had my Ninja I would let you use it

 

[dcarver]

That's a fair request.. I hope you get some (helpful) response...

 

[n2osx]

Well I tell you what. If the 500 ninja in my back yard was running I wouldn't let anyone ride it anyways. Lol. My buddy wrecked it so now it's a death trap. Lol. But I have a few Yamaha Blaster atv's that you are welcome to use. I have taught a few women how to ride and I find that when they learn the controlls first and get comfy with that then learning the rest, it works pretty good. Instead of trying to learn both at the same time. They have thumb throttles but I have a twist I will throw real quick for her. One of them is bored to a 240cc but the others are stock 200cc.

Carl

 

[Silver Penguin]

The MSF class is designed to teach beginners with no experience whatsoever. You might be better waiting until she has had her classes and THEN borrow a small bike to practice on. Know anyone who has a dirt bike? If she can handle the seat height, the lighter weight of the dirt bike is easier to handle and they don't mind being dropped.

 

[fljab]

The MSF will provide the small bike to teach.

You may want to look at just buying her a used 250-500cc bike; that way she can learn a little bit before her MSF, then ride it for a time after. Lots of them around for low prices. That way, if she drops it in the driveway/parking lot, it's no big deal. Let her ride it a year or three, then move up when both of you know that she's both going to like riding and wants to continue, and can make a good decision on a bigger bike that would be good for her.

Just a suggestion...

 

[sportsguy]

1 - the goal is to help build familiarity and confidence before the course

2 - not buying a bike as we don't know if she'll even want one after the course.

I appreciate the feedback guys, really, I do. It's the collection of many minds that makes this place great and so useful.

That said, I do know exactly what I'm asking for and why I'm asking for it.

If my request bears no fruit, no matter. The course is well designed, as noted. All that changes is I share no pie with anyone...

The good news is some of the ideas noted in this thread align to some of my own thinking, so it helps me to know I'm at least thinking straight... or at least I'm as bent as others here. Bottom line, I'm not alone.

 

[Auburn]

OK, so I'd like to get my wife some exposure to the basic controls of a motorcycle - clutch, shifter, throttle, etc.
The FJR is a big large for her to gain any familiarity safely on, hence my ask.

I know it's a big ask, as well, so I'll buy you a pie if it'll help.

I'm hoping she can used to the friction point on the clutch, maybe see what balancing a bike at low speeds feels like, etc.

This is in prep for her hopefully getting into an upcoming MSF course.

So, if anyone has a small displacement, low seat height, light weight bike and doesn't mine us pawing over it for an hour or so one day, let me know. Did I mention I'll bring pie?

Bear in mind the MSF basic rider course assumes you have never ridden a motorcycle. That being said, we have both Honda XR100 and XR150 motorcycles here at teh house she can come by and try.

 

[Beamer Reamer]

D,

There is no doubt that it would be more comfortable showing up at the MSF course having pulled a clutch and released the brake a few times. It gives a bit of confidence and helps keep a person from going through the learning curve in front of a small audience.

The paradox though, is the reason people learn at MSF for the first time is so they are dropping the training bikes instead of a friends or a recently purchased bike. You don't want a bike you buy dropped during those first few efforts and really, neither do most others. While a dirt bike or something like is a great option, brake levers can still get boogered, etc.

I did let Colleen see what she thought about it all and learn on my first, used, relatively inexpensive bike. She learned she loved being a pillion. While everything went normally and was just fine - I did earn a few extra scratches on the ride.

Last - I know I wasn't the best teacher. A professional at the MSF course has a new group every week and has this down. You and I do it once or twice ever, and sometimes it gets a little personal. I know you asked for a bike to use and not advice - but what the hell: Sign her up for the class, make it fun knowing there might be embarrassment (but no more than anyone else). Be there to help. get there early and get first shot at picking the bike if possible. It will be a good experience and that is what us bike types are all about, adventure and experiences.

 

[happyPuppy]

It is a bit of a ride. but checkout Puget Sound Safety. The have a new class called intro to BRC, that is designed for people just like your wife. Brett that runs it is very knowledgeable and a great guy as well PSS

 

[sportsguy]

See, as the information flows, what I was hoping for plops right into my lap!

Thanks HappyPuppy for the link.

I think maybe that's the way to go for us.

I know things run smoother without my input.

 

[Niehart]

Thought about the Duc but I don't think we should start her with wheelies.

 

[JamesW]

Learning from scratch from an impartial instructor is a good way to go. As a former teacher good instructors usually have their stuff together with a good curriculum and solid objectives. They should know what they are teaching, who they are teaching it to, why they are teaching it, teach at the correct level of difficulty and monitor and adjust. Hubbys and wives can sometimes pull each others chains.

 

[sportsguy]

Thought about the Duc but I don't think we should start her with wheelies.

I'd be more concerned that she'd just keep the bike and I'd be buying a Duc from you...

Learning from scratch from an impartial instructor is a good way to go. As a former teacher good instructors usually have their stuff together with a good curriculum and solid objectives. They should know what they are teaching, who they are teaching it to, why they are teaching it, teach at the correct level of difficulty and monitor and adjust. Hubbys and wives can sometimes pull each others chains.

Exactly.

 

[wheatonFJR]

D,
There is no doubt that it would be more comfortable showing up at the MSF course having pulled a clutch and released the brake a few times. It gives a bit of confidence and helps keep a person from going through the learning curve in front of a small audience.

The paradox though, is the reason people learn at MSF for the first time is so they are dropping the training bikes instead of a friends or a recently purchased bike. You don't want a bike you buy dropped during those first few efforts and really, neither do most others. While a dirt bike or something like is a great option, brake levers can still get boogered, etc.

I did let Colleen see what she thought about it all and learn on my first, used, relatively inexpensive bike. She learned she loved being a pillion. While everything went normally and was just fine - I did earn a few extra scratches on the ride.

Last - I know I wasn't the best teacher. A professional at the MSF course has a new group every week and has this down. You and I do it once or twice ever, and sometimes it gets a little personal. I know you asked for a bike to use and not advice - but what the hell: Sign her up for the class, make it fun knowing there might be embarrassment (but no more than anyone else). Be there to help. get there early and get first shot at picking the bike if possible. It will be a good experience and that is what us bike types are all about, adventure and experiences.

They know how to teach pretty well. Of course I understand your wife's trepidation and wanting some practice before the class...I understand that. Or maybe you are nervous that she will reject the whole thing with a bad BRC experience.

Gunny...my 18YO son took the BRC last fall. Never ever driven with a clutch before.

He's now at work, having ridden there on his XJ600 that we got last weekend from Ohio that has carb problems...with the idle varying between 700 and 3000 rpms on a whim. He is learning very quickly where the friction point is. :lol:

We take it in soon to the local dealer to straighten that carb mess out.

 

[n2osx]

Thought about the Duc but I don't think we should start her with wheelies.

I tell you what, if you ever need somebody to set their butt upon your Duc, please just let me know!! I am there for ya Dave and will happily releave you of that burden!! :dribble:

I can't wait to get back on 2 wheels and occationally 1 wheel. B)

Carl

 

[1911]

[SIZE=12pt] Auburn and Penguin are on the right track. Take ‘em up on the dirt bikes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]My daughter mentioned riding a street bike. I said cool, but you’re gonna ride a lot of dirt first. When you’re on the street and have to react FAST, the basics of m/c operation (throttle, clutch, braking) better be second nature and require no thought. Ride dirt enough and you’ll learn to not freak about front or rear tires sliding (a little bit) and you WILL learn to avoid target fixation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Oh yeah, dirt is FUN [/SIZE]

 

[Harald]

Not to discourage your idea, but my wife just took the BRC and she had no motorcycle experience. She didn't drop the bike and passed the class. She decided that she'd like her own bike, so last month we bought a Honda Shadow 600 for her. Now she's puttering up and down the driveway getting the feel for the clutch friction zone.

So I'd suggest signing her up for the class ASAP. They have state subsidized classes for half price, but you gotta sign up early before they're all gone!