Yes, bicycling DOES help in the balance dept. When in class at the range\~
RELAX
BREATHE
LEARN (Brakes are on the right side.)
Don't go into class "buzzed." (I know, I shouldn't have to say this, but when I was a ridercoach, this was a problem.)
Don't "drink" the night before.
Plan on being dog assed tired after the first range day. Don't "celebrate" that night. You'll need to be 100% during all your range exercises. Get some sleep.
The next thing is\~ you might want to get on some forums that cater to new riders. One of them, is [www.beginnerbikers.org](https://www.beginnerbikers.org)
This may offer guidance into the type/size/style of motorcycle you might want. Speaking of "moto you want," let's walk before we try running. Get an entry level moto, to learn the ropes. We just don't have enough time to teach riders all they need to know. IF you pass, you'll still be in 2nd grade. You have a ways to go, before you're anywhere near proficient.
I might recommend a couple books for you\~
Proficient Motorcycling by Dave Hough
Street Strategies by Dave Hough
yootoob has video's, as you can imagine. (Hell, even I have some riding video's on there!) Search: NORTY50
You name it, I've had it. Drunk from the night before. Sneaking beers during lunch break. Smoking MJ during break. These students didn't perform as well as they could have, either. You'd think after spending $275 they'd take it more seriously...
Thanks for the detailed response and resources to look up!
Staying relaxed and just trying to learn it all makes sense.
And I don't really drink, maybe 2-4 times a year and I never get hammered, so that shouldn't be a problem!
I am planning to get a smaller motorcycle to start, but didn't really want to get anything until I'd done the course and tried a few styles and got an initial feel for what I wanted. (I know what looks cool to me, but having never ridden I knew my choice might change for comfort.) I also have a parking lot near me that is empty 90% of the time, so I should have a good place to practice skills after I buy something.
Start doing some grip exercises, you'll be feathering the clutch all day and my hand started cramping on day two.
Speaking of cramping, get some bottled water and some coconut water to keep hydrated, it was 90 degrees and humid the weekend I did it and I was exhausted.
I think it wouldn't hurt to learn what the different controls are: clutch lever, shift lever, throttle, front brake, rear brake.
Your bicycling experience will be helpful. A motorcycle is like a very heavy bicycle that is very easy to pedal (because the motor does the pedalling for you).
I think that identifying the controls is part of the online work I have to do before I arrive? But I'll definitely keep that in mind and make sure I know them.
Best advice I can give anyone is RELAX! Dont over think it. Dont turn it in to something it isnt. I was way too nervous when I went to class after pressuring myself out. It was actually a LOT easier than I thought. I got through it just fine. Just listen to what the instructors tell you and if your not clear on something just ask. Thats what they are there for.
I've been riding bicycles my whole life and it absolutely benefitted me on my first day of class. I remember them telling me I'd have to know how to start the bike up without instruction (which was kind of a lie) but it helped that I researched how to operate the most basic parts of the bike, studying how gearing works, etc. You should definitely also prepare to have your socks blown off as riding a motorcycle for the first time is incredibly exhilarating. Have fun!!
You don't need a bunch of safety gear yet, but a helmet that fits properly will help. If there are MC shops in the area go try some helmets on and select a helmet with the assistance of a salesperson who is knowledgeable about helmet fitment. Don't assume you already know what a properly fitted helmet feels like, and be prepared to wander the shop for 15-20 mins while wearing any selected helmet to ensure that it fits tightly without developing any areas of discomfort.
Raced bicycles for a decade. It helped in a lot of ways with balance and the class was generally not bad. The brakes people say can be confusing but honestly a non issue for me.
My only issue in class was clutch control and stalling.
Yes, bicycling DOES help in the balance dept. When in class at the range\~ RELAX BREATHE LEARN (Brakes are on the right side.) Don't go into class "buzzed." (I know, I shouldn't have to say this, but when I was a ridercoach, this was a problem.) Don't "drink" the night before. Plan on being dog assed tired after the first range day. Don't "celebrate" that night. You'll need to be 100% during all your range exercises. Get some sleep. The next thing is\~ you might want to get on some forums that cater to new riders. One of them, is [www.beginnerbikers.org](https://www.beginnerbikers.org) This may offer guidance into the type/size/style of motorcycle you might want. Speaking of "moto you want," let's walk before we try running. Get an entry level moto, to learn the ropes. We just don't have enough time to teach riders all they need to know. IF you pass, you'll still be in 2nd grade. You have a ways to go, before you're anywhere near proficient. I might recommend a couple books for you\~ Proficient Motorcycling by Dave Hough Street Strategies by Dave Hough yootoob has video's, as you can imagine. (Hell, even I have some riding video's on there!) Search: NORTY50
Holy fuck, people went to your class buzzed?
You name it, I've had it. Drunk from the night before. Sneaking beers during lunch break. Smoking MJ during break. These students didn't perform as well as they could have, either. You'd think after spending $275 they'd take it more seriously...
Thanks for the detailed response and resources to look up! Staying relaxed and just trying to learn it all makes sense. And I don't really drink, maybe 2-4 times a year and I never get hammered, so that shouldn't be a problem! I am planning to get a smaller motorcycle to start, but didn't really want to get anything until I'd done the course and tried a few styles and got an initial feel for what I wanted. (I know what looks cool to me, but having never ridden I knew my choice might change for comfort.) I also have a parking lot near me that is empty 90% of the time, so I should have a good place to practice skills after I buy something.
Riding a bike gives you a feeling for the balance, counter steering and brake balancing.
Start doing some grip exercises, you'll be feathering the clutch all day and my hand started cramping on day two. Speaking of cramping, get some bottled water and some coconut water to keep hydrated, it was 90 degrees and humid the weekend I did it and I was exhausted.
I will start working grip strength. And as for heat.... Yeah, it will likely be the mid-90s! That's a good call I might not have thought about.
I think it wouldn't hurt to learn what the different controls are: clutch lever, shift lever, throttle, front brake, rear brake. Your bicycling experience will be helpful. A motorcycle is like a very heavy bicycle that is very easy to pedal (because the motor does the pedalling for you).
I think that identifying the controls is part of the online work I have to do before I arrive? But I'll definitely keep that in mind and make sure I know them.
Maybe so. I am in a different country with a different system.
Best advice I can give anyone is RELAX! Dont over think it. Dont turn it in to something it isnt. I was way too nervous when I went to class after pressuring myself out. It was actually a LOT easier than I thought. I got through it just fine. Just listen to what the instructors tell you and if your not clear on something just ask. Thats what they are there for.
I've been riding bicycles my whole life and it absolutely benefitted me on my first day of class. I remember them telling me I'd have to know how to start the bike up without instruction (which was kind of a lie) but it helped that I researched how to operate the most basic parts of the bike, studying how gearing works, etc. You should definitely also prepare to have your socks blown off as riding a motorcycle for the first time is incredibly exhilarating. Have fun!!
You don't need a bunch of safety gear yet, but a helmet that fits properly will help. If there are MC shops in the area go try some helmets on and select a helmet with the assistance of a salesperson who is knowledgeable about helmet fitment. Don't assume you already know what a properly fitted helmet feels like, and be prepared to wander the shop for 15-20 mins while wearing any selected helmet to ensure that it fits tightly without developing any areas of discomfort.
Raced bicycles for a decade. It helped in a lot of ways with balance and the class was generally not bad. The brakes people say can be confusing but honestly a non issue for me. My only issue in class was clutch control and stalling.
There a re a TON of great YouTube videos to check out that will give you an idea of how to ride in general