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First spin

gerarda

This weekend I am taking my first spin on my bike since recently completing my ibt and theory test. Before my first spin on the road ( on a 650) I was a little nervous to be honest but got the hang of it quite quickly. They (ibt instructor) started me on a 125, then 300 and finished on a 650. Any tips from more experienced bikers are more than welcome, thanks all!

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[Deleted User]

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122327244#Comment_122327244

What's the craic lad, how's the biking going for you ?

I have to say the tmax has given me a lot of practice and compared to day 1 I have improved considerably, I was out on the instructors CF Moto 700 CLX this afternoon for a 2 hr lesson and I could manage it fine even though I'm used to an automatic. He had a CBF600 before and I liked that a lot more to be honest.

I have to improve my shoulder look before signalling and moving, missed this a few times today. U-turn was fine.

I always had heard that the scooter doesn't give you as much control for the slow stuff without a clutch, U-Turns etc, that's nonsense, I find with both bikes that the rear brake is the thing that gives you the most control. The U-Turn on the tmax was hard in the beginning, it is a big tank of a yoke to be honest, never imagines scooters could be so big but it's a maxi so now I know, anyway, I went out a few times to the U-Turn location where the tester is going to take me and doing it on the tmax is no problem and I did it this afternoon on the CF moto too.

When doing slow turns the rear brake helps do it more smoothly, turning right at junctions I find using some rear brake helps a lot.

I've been doing a lot of 60+ Km runs and the longest was a long Wicklow tour around 160 Kms a few weeks ago. It Was great. The Tmax is very comfortable on long runs where as after 2 hrs on the CF moto today I wanted to get off and take a rest.

My test is next Friday !!!! 😯

blade1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122327244#Comment_122327244

Is the cutting out definitely down to you?

When is it happening, when taking off or when shutting off the throttle?

gerarda

Fast forward to today, I've gotten well used to the bike now. I don't push it hard and never break speed limits. Still cuts out the odd time (my fault) bit not as much as it did at first. Really enjoying it and love the feel of it.

[Deleted User]

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122190038#Comment_122190038

Depends on your budget.

RobertM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122180080#Comment_122180080

there's hidden gems on donedeal done deal too. Cant dismiss it when looking at a bike.

dubal2008

Gerarda, why not pop along to Kildare Biker group, they have a meet up every Wednesday evening around Naas to Newbridge Road at Floods Cross

[Deleted User]

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122179074#Comment_122179074

Definitely get from a dealer, there's a lot of sh*te on donedeal and you won't pay much more for a decent bike from a dealer so I wouldn't bother buying private. I bought cheap on done deal, not worth it.

gerarda

2nd hand, I wouldn't buy a new bike as my first bike

[Deleted User]

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122175752#Comment_122175752

fair play, i'm getting more practice on the t-max 500 since i got it back after around 9 weeks of it sitting in the mechanics and nothing done to it. Pissed over that.

Anyway, bends and roundabouts are an issue i need to remember to look in the direction i want to go which would help a lot lol.

i'd really love to change the bike but the cost is too much for now, I have issues with it and had I known how rare bike mechanics are around here I might have bought something more modern.

[Deleted User]

deleted- quoted text missing.

[Deleted User]

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122177328#Comment_122177328

depends, if you want to do test on your bike and applying for a a cb500 won't be allowed at the test because it's under the 50 kw minimum, the 650 on the other hand is a compatible, you can do your test with instructor bike either.

i sat on the z650 rs yesterday and it was a real nice fit, smaller than my t-max 500 but the price new is nuts. im on my toes with the t-max and i don't feel very confident on it at junctions and all that.

if you want to do a2 then the cb500 is fine.

Audioslaven

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122175752#Comment_122175752

Nice going….I have decided to get a bike and have the theory booked and will look to do the IBT. I did ride my brothers bike back in the day so it will be a big move for me and a bit like you, starting out. Just wondering if you bought new? as I am thinking of a Honda 500F/CB650R but maybe that is a mad idea…

muddle84

Well done!!

gerarda

Just an update, we'll I'm getting well used to the bike now, starting/stopping, up and down the gears etc. Getting used to the power too, trying not to develop bad habits! I like big touring bikes and sporty tourers, looking forward to eat up the miles!

[Deleted User]

Enjoy ! I am new to 2 wheels too, took my first long spin from Carlow to Baldricks in Kilkenny 2 weeks ago, it was fun, I only went 80 Km/hr and in fairness it's not slow but cars were really close, they over took me anyway, I think they expect you to move into the shoulder but in the IBT they said never ride in the shoulder because you never know what crap is going to be in the shoulder.

Another thing they though in the IBT is to ride close to the middle line because if cars see an opportunity they will basically force you off the road and a lot of drivers are not aware why bikers ride near the line.

I got a Tmax 500 and love the comfort and automatic, It's got a lot more poke than I expected to be honest. Anyway, it will be a couple of weeks before I have her back and I miss it already as I only got it a couple of weeks ago, I passed the IBT last august, I will go for the A2 license and get the A then maybe by progressive access and I might do the manual test then. For now I am happy to be on two wheels because it really is an incredible experience even if it is a Maxi scooter lol.

I was dreading that big roundabout in Kilkenny as you come in the old N9 from Carlow and sure enough someone pulled out in front of me, it was scary as he clearly saw me.

GBX

Happy days .. good to get into it. Enjoy the spins.

gerarda

Fast forward a few months- getting used to the bike now, have ventured out for longer spins and really enjoying it. Getting used to the feel of the bike too, can't wait for nicer weather !!

Breezin

Just on the comments that a) not everyone will see you and b) not everyone is out to kill you...

I would strongly suggest that you simply assume that everyone is out to kill you. If you do that, you will have a greater chance of escaping the ones who are, even if only by negligence.

Esel

You need a 'softer' foot when going from 2nd to neutral. You don't press as hard as you do coming down the higher gears.

robbie_63

Also check the gear lever position, you can adjust it up/down by loosing a few small nuts.

I had the same issue when I had my first proper pair of boots I couldn't get my toe under the lever properly so was always rough changing gears.

glenfieldman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121341325#Comment_121341325

That comes with time, you will feel the bike settle into it.

gerarda

Another short spin yesterday, can't get the bloody thing into neutral!

muddle84

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121321307#Comment_121321307

Brilliant, well done!!! It's a great feeling of achievement

GBX

Fair play. Start small and work your way to bigger spins. All will help towards experience and getting used to the bike.

gerarda

Well, I did it. I took the bike around my housing estate for about 30 mins or so. I didn't get passed 3rd gear but it was good to go up and down the gears, starting/stopping etc. Enjoyed the experience but you have to watch for people in there own world!

muddle84

Assume that nobody can see you.

Assume that there is a car or tractor or hazard going to come out of every access, gate, field, road that you see up ahead of you.

Assume that if there is an access or road to the right then the car you're thinking about overtaking doesn't see you and is going to turn right.

Forget about who has the right of way, don't worry about that, worry about keeping yourself safe. Plenty of people in the graveyard had the right of way.

Hold onto the bike with your legs around the tank, not your hands on the handlebars.

Don't ride beyond your abilities, your abilities will improve with time, give your ability the time to improve! You're not going to be getting your knee down straight away!

Get on the bike as much as you can to build your experience and confidence.

Enjoy it!

Esel

Don't overtake approaching a junction.

robbie_63

Yep good idea I almost ran into the back of a car on one of my first spins as I totally forgot what to do to slow down haha

gerarda

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121300812#Comment_121300812

Thanks, ibt instructor told me to keep my distance, based in Kildare.

robbie_63

Try to relax and enjoy it not everyone is out to kill you!

Give yourself plenty of space from vehicles ahead while you get used to reading the road and the conditions at this time of year, a sudden stop in traffic can panic a learner rider.

Whereabouts in the country are you, try get out with a more experienced rider if possible.

You will love it, biking is a skill which takes time and practice.