JackImpact Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Just looking for input on areas of improvement for myself as a new rider. I have only the miles on this bike as my total experience on a street bike. I come from a 0 experience motorcycle family. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tonik Posted March 4, 2016 Popular Post Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) If you are looking for criticism, you came to the right place. Get your hand off the clutch unless you are shifting. Down shift as you come to a light or turn, don't pull in the clutch and coast/brake. You need to be engaged so you can throttle brake or accelerate quickly to avoid an asshat. Jesus, give it some gas as you take off. It's a sportbike it can take HUGE rpm's. Stop doing wheelies. Start doing your corners correctly. Outside to inside to outside. I know they are not big corners and you are not flying but you need to develop the habit so it just happens. Not full outside to inside on the street...more like the middle half of the lane. So on a right hander get in the left tire track as you approach...then slide to the right tire track as you go through the curve and then slight back to the left one as you exit. And the big one, you need to look around more. I saw several lights where you took off on green, you gotta look both ways for red light runners or you will die some day. That would make me sad. Your head needs to be on a swivel the whole time you are riding...look look look. Then if you need to escape you already know where everything is and can react more quickly. Edited March 4, 2016 by Tonik 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) I dont give it a lot of gas so I can avoid doing the wheelies lol Also the reason I have been pulling the clutch in, although I know I shouldnt, is because of the heavy engine braking which I just need to get used to as I practice revv matching to downshift without getting bucked around. I will be spending my breaks at work in my garage doing clutch practice, which I have neglected for a few weeks. Thanks for the helpful information Tonik! Edited March 4, 2016 by JackImpact Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonik Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 19 minutes ago, JackImpact said: Also the reason I have been pulling the clutch in, although I know I shouldnt, is because of the heavy engine braking which I just need to get used to as I practice revv matching to downshift without getting bucked around. Don't need to downshift that much on that bike probably. It has a long range of rpm's in each gear, so roll off gently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Will do! Weather is coming up to get out more. Just did 10 minutes on break of clutch practice in the garage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gixxus Christ! Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Is that an fz09? They are notorious for having very heavy engine braking due to gas being completely shut off during idle while in motion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 14 minutes ago, CrazySkullCrusher said: Is that an fz09? They are notorious for having very heavy engine braking due to gas being completely shut off during idle while in motion. FZ07! Close! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinNck1 Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 One thing to keep in mind is to keep slow, smooth movements, nothing sudden. A buddy of mine struggled with the downshifting and engine braking when he first started, we spent several nights in a parking lot just going up and down through the gears for him to get adjusted to the rpms and using the clutch. To the stalling in traffic, just try to keep a cool mind and not get frustrated. And, of course ride, ride, and ride some more. Best of luck to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiggAudi Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 If you haven't already please take the MSF course. Also read Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well https://www.amazon.com/dp/1620081199/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_9FD2wbGZC5K2T To add to what Tonik said, it looks like you have to work on doing everything smoothly. Having good throttle control and identifying that friction zone. Also I noticed with at least one of the turns it sounded like you didn't accelerate (could just be the audio on your vid) and just coasted through. Usually a no no. Giving smooth throttle through the turn (and often lightly increasing throttle) sets your suspension, gives you stability and helps counter steering work appropriately. Be mindful of your surroundings, look where you want the bike to go, counter steer and be smooth in all things. Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad324 Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) 2 minutes ago, JustinNck1 said: To the stalling in traffic, just try to keep a cool mind and not get frustrated I stalled so many damn times in the first couple weeks riding that I almost sold the bike and said screw it I'll never get the hang of this. Decided I was going to go to a parking lot one last time and try and get it right before I sold the bike and I finally did. So if I could make that happen, anyone can! Edited March 4, 2016 by Bad324 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonik Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 And then you sold the bike anyway. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiggAudi Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Also, if you have a death grip on the handle bars (you were stretching your throttle hand) then relax. All you are doing is wearing yourself out, giving unnecessary input to the bike and probably transferring every bump into your arms. If you need more grip on the bike use your lower body. Your arms are just for counter steering Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 15 minutes ago, BiggAudi said: If you haven't already please take the MSF course. Also read Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well https://www.amazon.com/dp/1620081199/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_9FD2wbGZC5K2T To add to what Tonik said, it looks like you have to work on doing everything smoothly. Having good throttle control and identifying that friction zone. Also I noticed with at least one of the turns it sounded like you didn't accelerate (could just be the audio on your vid) and just coasted through. Usually a no no. Giving smooth throttle through the turn (and often lightly increasing throttle) sets your suspension, gives you stability and helps counter steering work appropriately. Be mindful of your surroundings, look where you want the bike to go, counter steer and be smooth in all things. Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk Signed up for the MFS course in April. You are correct, I did coast. I wont do that anymore. The shuttering of the bike because of the degree of engine braking is what makes me do that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 5 minutes ago, BiggAudi said: Also, if you have a death grip on the handle bars (you were stretching your throttle hand) then relax. All you are doing is wearing yourself out, giving unnecessary input to the bike and probably transferring every bump into your arms. If you need more grip on the bike use your lower body. Your arms are just for counter steering Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk Its the gloves. The seam around the wrist is just slightly too tight and at the angle my wrist is at, it cuts off circulation a bit. Trying to think of a clever way to stretch it, gloves fit well other than that one spot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wojo72 Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Try to relax. I found myself doing dumb shit because I was over thinking every little movement and getting amped up over mistakes. The class will help. I signed up for the ARC in April to continue the learning process. I still have a shit ton to learn after one season. Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpoppa Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 5 hours ago, Tonik said: Start doing your corners correctly. Outside to inside to outside. I would agree with that if we were talking track. I would strongly advise outside to inside on the street. IMO this is the ideal street line. Anyone who's ridden with me and bothered to notice, would see that is my line through almost every curve. There are many reasons why a street line shouldn't the same as a track line. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad324 Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 2 hours ago, Tonik said: And then you sold the bike anyway. ...a year later so I could buy the VFR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 2 hours ago, Wojo72 said: Try to relax. I found myself doing dumb shit because I was over thinking every little movement and getting amped up over mistakes. The class will help. I signed up for the ARC in April to continue the learning process. I still have a shit ton to learn after one season. Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk Think a lot of it just comes from not having time on the bike. I just went out during lunch and practiced making tighter and tigher u-turns and becoming more comfortable with just how far I can turn and lean to bring that turn tighter. It was great to see how wide my first ones were compared to near the end of my little practice session. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket226 Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 I take it you're riding on temps? Definetly take the course. Like the others said, keep your head on a swivel! I tell myself that every time I throw a leg over the bike. Check your mirrors at stop lights too, especially until you get your clutch figured out. Never know when someone texting on their cellular and not paying attention, could ass-end you! Be careful, enjoy the ride! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 Already signed up for the course April 14th-17th. Surprisingly have used my mirrors more than I thought I would. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted March 5, 2016 Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 (edited) I think your putting too much thought into your shifts if that makes sense. It should almost be one mindless fluid movement, clutch in - shift - clutch out, should all be happening with in one seconds time. Honestly seat time is what you need most. The throttle and clutch feel and response and just getting all you movements fluid and smooth will come in time and experience. Like others have said don't be scared to rev that bitch and use the engine brake. And head on a swivel and always assume the car in the intersection is going to pullout in front of you. I like to see the drivers eyes when i roll up on a cager that might make me have a bad day. Edited March 5, 2016 by 2talltim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gixxus Christ! Posted March 5, 2016 Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 Yeah the fz07 and 09 have horrible mapping. The gas off during idle while moving is a real bitch to get past. There's a way to reflash the ECU to give it idle gas while moving but it is expensive. Barring that I'd work on your fine motor skills as far as control inputs. Practice practice practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackImpact Posted March 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 27 minutes ago, CrazySkullCrusher said: Yeah the fz07 and 09 have horrible mapping. The gas off during idle while moving is a real bitch to get past. There's a way to reflash the ECU to give it idle gas while moving but it is expensive. Barring that I'd work on your fine motor skills as far as control inputs. Practice practice practice. Was going to buy either an EJK, Bazzazz or Fuel Commander 5 anyway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gixxus Christ! Posted March 5, 2016 Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 I'm pretty sure that won't keep the ECU from shutting off the gas while in motion at idle throttle. That's why it drags so hard, well that and it's a 700cc twin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiggAudi Posted March 5, 2016 Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 Was going to buy either an EJK, Bazzazz or Fuel Commander 5 anyway. If you get the EJK make sure to message Dobeck Performance. You can get $25 off the price of a new one since you're a member on the fz07 forums Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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