How to ride a motorcycle -part 2-

[moham7ad]

so when you downshift do you have to rev match just like in cars? if you don't will it lock up the rear tire?

[Earlosaur]

if any of you are having trouble or can't understand how to use a clutch.. ask one of your friends (who has a manual trans vehicle) to take you out into a parking lot and play around with the friction point/switching through the gears etc. It wont directly translate to a motorcycle, obviously, but will give you a general idea of how the clutch works.

[neko819]

Just bought a manual bike after years of scooter riding. Can't tell you how much this helped me! I used to drive a manual bike when i was in elementary school lol but i forgot how (dirt bike). Thanks so much!

[BT3rry]

Im getting a bike soon and want to know this might be a dumb question but is the friction zone thing only for first gear?

[steelhorseclub]

@BT3rry Every gear has a friction zone but it becomes easier to find in the higher gears.

[Goliath1886]

You should always keep it in 1st gear when you park your motorcycle, it prevents it from moving freely.

[shwackatai123]

your motorcycle is beautiful man!!!!!

[caseymyhro]

You should really consider charging people to give them lessons. You are by far the the best instructor I've seen on Youtube!

[StayOLDSchool]

Wait im confused, so when you want to stop you HAVE To hold in the clutch?

[steelhorseclub]

@StayOLDSchool Yes, until you put it in neutral.

[bigchrisram]

@steelhorseclub you dont always wanna put your bike in neutral when you get to say a stop light, most bikers keep it in first and put both feet on ground until they start to go say 5-10mph then put there foot on the pegs and get ready to shift up.

[jinyuan0]

you go up the bike from left because your kick stand is on your left.

if you go up your bike from right when your kickstand is on your left, accidents like dropping th bikes will fall on you.

[wishihadaname94]

How do you know when you should shift up? is there like a set MPH to shift?

[steelhorseclub]

@wishihadaname94 You typically look at the rpm.

[rasey077]

@steelhorseclub

This is a good video series. I couldn't help but think though, people watching you from the street thinking "ok, he's practicing....but why is he waving his hands who is he talking to?!?"

[TheRealPrizeRebel]

@wishihadaname94 You should keep your bike in its 'happy spot' as my friend calls it.. For my bike its between 2k-4k RPM, depending on your speed RPM will increase and decrease. To increase RPM down shift to decrease up shift. Pretty simple.

[yuskjr]

the best advice BY FAR in this video is the part explaining how to position your hand on the throttle; this is because new rider's are inclined to start off with their hands curled in the wrong way. the low-wrist method you showed is key for a new rider to use in case they panic because they will not be able to pull/floor the throttle.

PLUS, that method of keeping your wrist low makes learning the clutch much easier & more controlled, so a new rider is relaxed & less worried about flying away.

[jimlafa]

i'm 1.73 cm tall..(i dontknow in foot how much it is sorry)..Is this bike too tall for me??

[steelhorseclub]

@jimlafa go to a dealership and sit on one. Its really the only way to tell for sure.

[jimlafa]

@steelhorseclub i'll follow your advice.thanks

[nextstopzion]

hot tall are you? I am 6'1" would love a 250r.. thoughts?

[steelhorseclub]

@nextstopzion 5'11'', I would recommend sitting on one, to make sure you don't cramp up.

[miloridge]

I PASSED the MSF course here in PA this past Sunday! Your vids and Relic's vids helped out a ton! Thanks, man! Keep them up! And to the viewers..listen and replay these vids. It helps a lot being in the comfort of your home to soak in the tips Steelhorseclub offers. When you're out there on lot they go through things fairly quickly. Watching these vid a great proactive way to jump on passing the rider skills test. Peace. ♠

[steelhorseclub]

@miloridge Wow, glad I could help.

[rodrigodda]

so from neutral do 1º, you push down, and from 1º to 2º>3º>4º>5º its all way up?

[steelhorseclub]

@rodrigodda you got it.

[Sozos9038]

the reason you should get on the bike from the left side is due to kickstand positioning, it prevents you from pulling your bike towards the right side and tipping it over.... at least this is what the regulation suggests...

[slipknotmetalhead13]

U stole rebelyells bike LOL

[steelhorseclub]

@slipknotmetalhead13 yeah, and he was really upset when he realized it was missing from his garage.

[Crackn81]

you always get on the bike the side of the stand, if you get on and off from the opposite side of the stand, you have the risk of catching your foot on the seat and tipping the bike its side.

P.S enjoying your vids mate, cheers.

[tervorj]

@Crackn81 depends if its left or right hand drive lol

[spargus18]

quick question about the msf course u said that everyone should take it ok do u have 2 take it 2 b able 2 ride a motorcycle like as far if u get pulled over by the cops? like i plan on taking it cuz it lowers ur insance n cuz u can learn something u might not kno!

[steelhorseclub]

@spargus18 it depends on your area. In north LA. we had to take it,

[anthonycdm1]

question: i'm running a high speed my bike was on 6th gear then to a complete stop, is that ok to shift all the way to 1st pulling the clutch then break to a complete stop to a stop light? i dont us engine break, do you think its safe for the bike engine?

[steelhorseclub]

@anthonycdm1 Yeah its fine.

[gable00015]

@steelhorseclub its not gonna hurt your engine but you should keep it in an appropriate gear in case you suddenly need to put it in gear to avoid an accident or something.

[iGatorNation]

I love the Ninja 250r alot. And i went to a dealership and the guy said its a perfect bike. I really want to get one but i have really no time ever riding one. Is it hard to start driving? Is the gear shifting hard to do? I've got a car that im learning how to drive stick and i wanted to know if its the same ideal way. Would you suggest someone getting gloves suit and gloves boots everything when someone buys a bike?

[steelhorseclub]

@iGatorNation Its not hard to learn, and yes, get full gear.

[guns511]

@steelhorseclub Leathers or textile?

And jeans or proper trousers?

Oh and what sort of footwear do you wear? :/

I've seen people riding with trainers or boots but not many with proper motorbike footwear.

[steelhorseclub]

@guns511 Leathers are recomended but can be really hot in the summer. Textiles are ok as long as they have ce approved armor. Never wear shoes with laces. I use official motocycle boots. Protection of your ankles is key.

[guns511]

@steelhorseclub Thanks. I know leathers can be very very expensive so I am going for textiles.

[hondaaccourd5]

you mount on the left so that if you get off and your clothes hooks on to something then the bike would still be standing via the kickstand but it you were to say go off on the left it would tip over

[8TBALL]

AWESOME, AWESOME, ADVICE. THANKS

[Erekai]

Thanks for making a video like this. I would really like to get a bike just like this one for my first bike, but I admit that I have VERY little experience in actually riding them, so it was a good little tutorial to watch, and pretty informative. I learned quite a few things I didn't know before.

Hoping to get a bike in the Spring!

[steelhorseclub]

I wouldn't worry about it to much. When I got this bike the MSF course was the first time I had ever been on a bike. Its easy enough to adjust to it.

[DieAllWhoOppose]

I really hope to get the exact same bike soon. You make me feel confident about getting this one simply because you make it look fun to start with this bike. I'm definitely a beginner for bikes. I had a gas powered bike I built which got me into the idea of something with multiple gears and it's good to see that people really enjoy this machine and respect the fact that a huge bike isn't all that necessary.

[steelhorseclub]

This was a great bike. I know you would injoy it.

[tomcatdcn]

If I were to be carefull... would a cbr 600rr be acceptable as a first bike?

[steelhorseclub]

Of course it would be fine. But you should ask yourself why you want that much power?

[tomcatdcn]

Yea, kinda because I would go to that much power anyway after I used a 250 or something like that and it's not really worth spending the extra money. Thats just my opinion though. :)

[KardKaper]

I learned on a 125CC bike and i don't regret it. A 600CC bike is way to much power for a beginner i think. I'm tierd of seeing motorcycle accidents due to people not knowing how to control the power of the bike they're riding.

[yuskjr]

i have to admit, im learning on a 600cc bike & the throttle is pretty crazy/sensitive, but i wouldn't say it's too much - it's more so that it's just too tempting. if you are honestly trying to be careful & learn at a slow & steady pace [instead of flooring it because you think you don't have to take your time & learn properly..] then you can control the gas & get used to a medium bike over time.

people cant expect to jump on a 600cc bike & be an expert overnight - exercise patience & practice.

[StylzBSK]

It's possible. If you somewhat care about your life. I don't mean to come off as rude or anything, I'm just saying. :)

[tabeetha10]

the 600rr is maybe out of your league but you should try to ride your friends bikes or just ride on some bikes and get comfortable on a bike..but to be honest with i started with a Honda cbr 1000rr..but i have been around bikes for many years....cuz its all about control of the bike so in theory you can start with a 1000cc bike but take lessons first and don not be a asshole and try to impress people with the bike when you are not experienced

[JayzBeerz]

Yes but respect the power that it has and you will be fine.

[papasmurf1086]

you mount the bike from the left because the bike leans to the left. if you mount form the right you have the possibilty of tripping over the seat and takin the bike down to the ground

[fcytud6]

quick question how long did it take you to brake in your bike??

because im gonna be getting one in a couple months and im gonna be a noobie lol

[steelhorseclub]

It took me like a month. I chose an easy breakin method.

[fcytud6]

which method would that be?

[steelhorseclub]

Keeping it under 5000 rpm

[LostNbound]

just to clarify you need to let off the throttle when you shift right? i know that's how you drive a standard car because my trucks a 6 speed. you didn't mention doing that when you shift so i was wondering if you need to on a bike as well.

[steelhorseclub]

Yeah, its the same as an automatic car. Thanks for pointing it out.

[cowboys1983]

hey dude great video, im taking the ccrider course here in La i wanted to ask you first do you recommend this bike as a first bike. second can you do a video on turning on low speeds and high speeds im confused  when to aply counter steering. thank you

[steelhorseclub]

Yeah, its a great first bike. Check out my videos. I did a couple on countersteering.

[Toastmaker]

you mount the bike from the left side because the kick stand is on the left side. if you mount it from the right it's easier for you to drop it if you loose your balance . at least that's what my driving instructor told me. anyways, feels wierd mounting it from the right side too if you ask me.

[PaulaChristie4]

Love your videos! I just bought my 1st bike ('09 Ninja 250 Special Edition.) I'm having some trouble with braking. I put the brakes on a little harder than I need to, which makes the bike jerk when I stop. Could you please post some parking lot maneuvers that would help me brake easier, so that I stop smoother? Also, can you post something about the proper way to put your feet down when coming to a stop? All pointers will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[lunytunez619]

quickie.......what happens if u brake without holding the clutch?

[steelhorseclub]

nothing, but if the bike slows down enough it will stall.

[MuchHarry]

quick question

what if u turn off the bike in like 5th gear??

[steelhorseclub]

nothing. Just make sure to hold in the clutch when you turn it back on,

[Cinema24]

Hey nice vid. Got a question for you. Say your cruising in 5th gear and you need to come to a stop. When you pull the clutch in to downshift can you go down multiple gears like say, 5th to 3rd, while keeping the clutch held in the whole time?? If that makes sense.

[steelhorseclub]

yeah, I do it all the time.

[givuhcky22]

is it bad to hold the clutch in the friction zone a long time?

[steelhorseclub]

no, its just where the gear catches.

[MaliceMizery1]

best way to break a bike is is to ride it how youre

going to continue riding it. back roads, i stay in 3rd gear, speeds around 80+.

intersate i usually will go into 4th or 5th depending

how hard im riding. but it all depends on the type

of rider you are and stuff. some ppl cruise and go

through all gear, but i keep mine near powerband range so i can always hammer on. btw i ride an 08 zx6r

[thegoodtruth]

horses get hot exhaust pipes too? lol. but yeah, its cus of the exhaust.

[givuhcky22]

fast ones do...

[ctemple01]

If motorcycles really are easier to use than a standard car, then I'll probably do fine. Best 8 minute video on how to use the clutch I've seen haha.

[NhRoyoshio]

My dad thinks i won't be able to use the clutch when i get my dirt bike. pfft

[steelhorseclub]

lol, I thinks you'll do ok.

[sobaidi]

Out of all the "How to" vlogs I think your explanations and tutorials are the bests... thanks brother!

[ilivestrong25]

do you get your motorcycle license at the end of the MSF courses?

[steelhorseclub]

No, you have to take an additional test at the dmv.

[lazychynksta]

I got my motorcycle license after the MSF course I took. I didn't take an additional test at the dmv but maybe it depends where you're from?

[Cypher0236]

Yeah, I've been looking around (been thinking bout starting out with a ninja ...) depends on what the state says. Texas you have to go to DMV to take written exam.

[DodgeMan360]

Your the first person I've heard make sense of how to use the clutch LOL

[dende145]

you have to get on your bike from the left side because :

1. if the the exhaust pipe is hot theres a chance that it can burn through your pans and burn you.

2. your bike can fall down,

3 your bike can fall on you and you can hurt your self specially when the bike is wormed up

[gerg8888]

do the 08-09 250r's come with helmet locks?

[steelhorseclub]

yeah, but I have never used it.

[lorddragoono]

what helmet lock

[MuchHarry]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!

ur honestly a good teacher,, i can understand what ur saying lol,, good job keep it up!

[PaulRancourt18]

I'll just let you know that if you don't use the clutch to shift up gears its not good for the transmission. You may be forcing the synchronisers to engage into a gear while the transmission is still engaged to the engine

[steelhorseclub]

Thanks, I didn't know that.

[PaulRancourt18]

np. I didn't know how engines or transmissions worked until I took shop class at school (I'm 16 going on 17 and am in high school) I'm glad I took shop class because now I know a lot of stuff I never would've known until further on in life. Your vids are awesome by the way! I'd love to do that but I have 2 problems, my parents probably won't let me and well I don't have the money once I get the bike to get a camera because of all the expenses after I buy the bike. I got too much stuff to buy.

[steelhorseclub]

I hear ya, well as long as your dedicated you'll get it eventually. I didn't untill I was 25.lol

[PaulRancourt18]

well I want to be a mecanic once I'm older so yea... if you have any questions on motors or transmissions (I only know standard never learned automatic) feel free to send me a message or something. I'll see if I can help you out. Helping a fellow rider is something I like to do, can't wait for another month to get my ninja 250R :O Red and everything too... then going to have to pay 800$ worth of insurance but anyway :P lol. Keep posting those videos! Still haven't finished watching all of yours.

[steelhorseclub]

cool, I will have questions I am dumb when it comes to issues like that. You'll love the bike when you get it. gauranteed.

[steelhorseclub]

who is your insurance carrier?

[PaulRancourt18]

I'm not sure who we're going through for insurance but we're covering the whole bike, for theft, fire, colision and all that stuff... and I'm under the age of 24 or 25 so insurance is higher and I have no driving experience :P I'll figure it out from my dad to see who the insurance company is...

[steelhorseclub]

the right carrier is important, for example I was going to use my car's insurer, progressive, they quoted me 150 for full coverage. But then I tried allstate and they quoted me 50. so I would shop around if I were you. your age will not make that big of a difference as long as you take the MSF.

[PaulRancourt18]

50? per month or per year?

[steelhorseclub]

month

[PaulRancourt18]

now that makes more sence :P us its yearly toll and you have to pay all of it up front... most we'll pay will hopefully be 750$, that comes up to about 63$ a month so its not too bad... but here we have to pay the full amount right there and then or they don't insure you

[steelhorseclub]

yeah they give you the bill for the whole year, but we only pay month to month. Thats why I usually think about it like that. It would be safer for the insurance companies to do it like that here but I'm glad they don't.

[PaulRancourt18]

lucky, I wish they would give us a choice to pay it month by month and you can pay more than the month's due to get it over earlyer or pay lump sums at once and stuff because well... the hard part is you have to save for the bike AND insurance, you can go month by month and take it out of the paychecks after every month but oh well :P My dad is going to help me out on that side

[monkeyboy441]

You get off from the left so if you clip your foot and/or fall it wont pull the bike over. This video brings back memories of the excitement when I started riding :). I was taught to not to use the cut off switch in a non-emergancy situation though but you guys over the pond are taught to always use it, right? Small thing though. Nice vids, I'm sure it'll help a lot of people :).

[UH8ME]

The MSF course is awesome!

[Rskin4life21]

I've needed to get this answer so badly, how fast can the bike go up to.

you are by far my favorite video blogger.

Thanks!

[steelhorseclub]

Wow, thanks alot. In a short burst I have seen the ninja reach 110. But on the interstate it is comfy around 65.

[GearLN]

Good vids, i will be taking the msf course but i was always wondering if they expect you to be able to drive a standard really well before taking it since i haven't had to much time driving a standard car or anything.

[steelhorseclub]

no, as long as you've spent time on a bicycle you will be all right.

[34luna]

great vid!

[apollo33]

If YOU'RE upshifting you would release it; for downshifting you might not, to help match RPMs.

[jarreau2001]

Some courses don't teach friction zone because they use those 250 cruiser bikes with the anti-stall mechanism. You can just sit there in gear without giving it any gas and it won't stall. Huge disadvantage!

[slowfaller]

I wish my bike had a steering wheel. Just messing with you man good video.

[SpacedTime]

lol you guys are really over thinking the reasons for mounting on the left. The reason is because the bikes lean to the left on the stand. You just have to stretch more to get on from the right.

Some bikes have pipes on the left, and others have exhausts both sides.

[billmaa]

it's a hold over from horse mounting, which stems from the cavalry guys carrying their swords on the right side & not wanting to stab themselves. The pipe stuff isn't true, until the early 80's most streetbikes had pipes on both sides (just look at the 07 ninja 250 ;) The reason is because the bike is leaned towards u because of the kickstand placement, its just tradition & human interface. Another good example is you'll notice that 99% of studio pictures of bikes are taken of the right side.

[steelhorseclub]

cool, thanks for the info, I didn't know that.

[billmaa]

Ah yes my young Padawan, for you too will someday be a motorcycling Jedi..ok, that was dumb joke..lol

[brageritu]

what's the MSF course?

[o0heavyb0o]

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course...a highly recommended course if learning how to ride a motorcycle. Waves the license test as well which is a huge plus and discounts on insurance!

[steelhorseclub]

The MSF should be offered near where you live, prices may differ,lol

[twh2009]

MSF = Motorcycle Safety Foundation

"MSF Course" he's refering to is the BRC which means "Basic Rider Course"

[PepsiMaxFTW]

call the "friction zone" the biting point when the gear catches in the engine.

[Trinith]

Mounting from the left tends to be more intuitive, as most of us are right handed. It's kind of strange, but that's how I've always seen it. You're not going to burn yourself by mounting from the right unless you lean on it for a bit. Denim will protect you from the minor contact you might get from contacting the pipe.

[IPhantomLordI]

A lot of motorbike pipes are very very hot once the bike is up to temperature. My old Hyosung GT250R would burn your leg through denim very quickly. I think there are a few reasons for mounting on the left. It would also make sense to mount on the left because the bike is already leaning into you. This is because it is on the stand. This means you don't have to swing your leg over the highest part of the seat on the bike at that angle, then push off your left foot to push the bike upright.

[steelhorseclub]

yeah, I agree I think its because of the lean.

[Trinith]

Of the 5 motorcycles I've owned over the years, not one would burn covered skin instantly. After a few seconds, sure....I've had exhaust pipes laying on my leg after 2 hours of riding, no burn. Little pain, pretty warm, but no burn. Ofcourse I got my leg out from under the bike as soon as possible...

[bolt4life619]

Awesome video, Thx!

[WyckA]

It's a great movie for beginners.Good job steelhorse ! ! ;-] but why there is no HD quality button on this video ? :-O

[Iroquois14]

doesn't appear for about 15 minutes after the video is posted.

[steelhorseclub]

there should be now.

[falcoxcore]

first view again lol