So after a few runs around my neighbourhood on a few separate days and the fact that my temporary sticker was about to expire and I needed a safety I decided to go for it and head to GP bikes in whitby to get a safety (im in pickering). Wow what a trip.. in the end mission accomplished but not without a few stalls at lights etc. So just a few questions. Driving a Ninja 650 r.. I think it was a windy day and not the norm.. so driving at 70 km/h my rpm was between 3000 and 4000 but sounded like a high rev (sound could of been deceiving) is that what I should be aiming for or should I have put it in a higher gear (I think I was in 4th gear)? Coming to a red light at that speed should I be downshifting and using the lower gears to help slow down or just hold down the clutch and slowdown that way? Should the wind be an issue at that speed because it felt like it was going to blow me over. I was thinking how the hell do you drive on the highway if it felt like that at only 70. Is it just inexperience?
New rider here.. just a few questions after my first experience riding in traffic
- Thread starter +Mindset
- Start date
Yep you get used to the wind, it used to be like that for me too. One piece of advice is to not hold too tight, if your grip is too tight then you are probably making all kinds of unintended countersteering inputs every time a gust of wind hits you. At highway speeds you should be in the highest gear. I'm not sure how the 650 is geared but on my 300 I'm in the highest gear when cruising at anythign faster than about 50 km/h.
sykobish
Well-known member
I hate wind because it's the weirdest feeling when you're going straight but your bike is on an angle. lol What danp said about not holding too tight is good advice. Hold with your knees but keep your upper body loose so the wind isn't making you steer. Definitely downshift when you want to slow down. That way, you are still in a gear if you need to get out of a bad situation quickly and you also save on your brakes. You don't want to not know what gear you are in and just holding in the clutch and stomping if someone doesn't see you and tries to rear end you or turn into you, etc.
Concerning wind, on my 250, I didn't go out in winds that were over 40 or 45km/h.. on the 125, I don't like anything higher than 30 just because it's a lighter bike and feels the wind more. But then again, the more you are experienced in riding in high winds (not tornado type) lol, the more you get used to it and are able to handle it.
Concerning wind, on my 250, I didn't go out in winds that were over 40 or 45km/h.. on the 125, I don't like anything higher than 30 just because it's a lighter bike and feels the wind more. But then again, the more you are experienced in riding in high winds (not tornado type) lol, the more you get used to it and are able to handle it.
Bagel09
Well-known member
As others have said, wind is something you'll get use to. I can't speak much on the gearing on your 650 but cruising at 3-4 RPM sounds about right, but then again, my bike doesn't have a tach. I just go by what sounds right for the bike and what feels right. Wait til you get out on the 400's, I ride on them all the time on my supermoto and could ride one handed if I wanted. Just stay very relaxed and keep yourself gripped on tank and it'll all come naturally.
Like everyone has pointed out, upper body relaxed and grip the tank with your knees in. At times you may have to lean into the wind to go straight. Riding in wind definitely comes with experience. Which way did you take to get to GP - I find taking Bayly all the way across is nicer with less lights except for going through Ajax. PM me if you want to get out in the evenings.
As everyone said, 3-4k is ok even a little on the low side, you should downshift and relax.
Rnoodles
Well-known member
I also learned its much easier said then done as its a natural tendency to grip the bars rather then riding loose. I mostly always ride with legs gripping the tank. It becomes a habit with practice.
It'll come over time
It'll come over time
