Posted by WD on May 15, 2003 at 08:12:42:
In Reply to: Training new rider...suggestions (no MSF please) posted by WD on May 14, 2003 at 11:09:56:
I learned to ride on a rigid, suicide shift (foot clutch/tank mounted hand shift), leaky, bald tired, cracked frame 1936 HD knuckle head. If I still had it (still can't believe someone stole that P.O.S.), he'd be learning on it.
In addition:
1. The state of my bike encourages him to pay closer attention to what he is doing. Without a front brake he's having to learn compression braking, which if done right is more reliable than the poor quality stock disc. Mine has been junk since day one and Suzuki would not fix it under warranty because it is an expendable item. I always delete the front brake from my bikes, it lowers unsprung rolling weight and marginally reduces front end drag.
2. I have nothing to do with the A.M.A. I've been a full patch for 12 years. They don't like my kind, so I ignore their existence. I might ride a metric bike now, but I still hear from my old club brothers.
3. Light bikes handle better in an emergency. Less overall mass = less inertia and a greater response to rider inputs. The ease of overcompensation is also making him have to pay more attention to what he is doing.
4. If you successfully complete the MSF course here, the state may waive both written and riding exams. If the course was available, he'd be in it. I have very little patience, especially where other people on my bike is concerned.
5. The bike is a perfect fit, both size and weight, in it's present form. He is my height (6' 2"), but nowhere near my weight (me 240lbs, him 185 pounds soaking wet). My bike is neither lisenced nor currently street legal (improper lights, meaning blue dot tail and red rear blinkers). Don't have $80 for a new plate and tab (this county charges mondo excise fees, and bikes carry a luxury tax like an RV).
I understand and appreciate your concerns for Robert and my riding safety. When he learns to handle my admittedly unsafe machine, I'll repair the front brake, license it, and get him his bike endorsement. Classroom and closed course instruction does have a place in rider training, however, like any other schooling, things get left out. School of hard knocks seems to tend to sink in better with most riders of my aquaintance. Of the riding friends I've lost on their bikes, the outlaw type were killed due to outside circumstances, the two MSF "trained" riders by thinking they knew everything about bikes after taking the course.
-WD
Let the fur fly. I know I'll catch some flak over this.