Riding in first? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Riding in first?

Sig_Girl

Sig_Girl

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I just took the bike out for the first time. (2012 cbr250)

I was nervous so I rode around the block in first gear. Now driving to working, I'm thinking I might of done something stupid by keeping it in frst gear. I was riding about 20-30km/h for about 4km.

My issue is I got my m2 last year and got my first bike last week, so I forgot much of the basics, but I called rti today and enrolled in there m2 class to refresh my skills?

So what are the chances I hurt my bike by riding in first?
 
it should be fine many of us ride in first or 2nd for a while when traffic is real bad going to work in the morning time downtown Toronto
 
Take your bike to a parking lot and spend the time to get used to the clutch and once you've done that try and shift to second in the parking lot, then practice going back and forth from second to first including stops. Once you start shifting gears again all the stuff you learned from the course might all come back to you fairly easily
 
Second gear should be less jerky and easier to handle than 1st. Just don't panic and remind yourself to pull in the clutch if you do. Just don't make the mistake of trying to stop the bike with your feet (like the Flintstones). Believe it or I've seen it.
 
Sig_Girl said:
I just took the bike out for the first time. (2012 cbr250)

I was nervous so I rode around the block in first gear. Now driving to working, I'm thinking I might of done something stupid by keeping it in frst gear. I was riding about 20-30km/h for about 4km.

My issue is I got my m2 last year and got my first bike last week, so I forgot much of the basics, but I called rti today and enrolled in there m2 class to refresh my skills?

So what are the chances I hurt my bike by riding in first?
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Your bike is fine. At around 20-30km/h you were around 5-7,000 rpm. Redline on those bikes is somewhere north of 10k i believe so its not that big of a deal.

Ideally you dont want to keep it at high rpm for a long time and instead shift into 2nd and 3rd etc...

As others already have recommended go to a parking lot and practice your shifting. If you're not sure when to shift get a more experienced rider to come along and show you how its done
 
Perhaps you should avoid driving to work. Generally this would Put you in higher traffic and also creates some stress as you have a schedule.

Maybe heading out after work for short rides in familiar areas would be best for the first week or two.
 
Don't worry be happy about it, everybody starts in first.
 
Sig_Girl said:
I just took the bike out for the first time. (2012 cbr250)

I was nervous so I rode around the block in first gear. Now driving to working, I'm thinking I might of done something stupid by keeping it in frst gear. I was riding about 20-30km/h for about 4km.

My issue is I got my m2 last year and got my first bike last week, so I forgot much of the basics, but I called rti today and enrolled in there m2 class to refresh my skills?

So what are the chances I hurt my bike by riding in first?
Click to expand...

if you can handle that P220, im sure you can handle the CBR250.

no one is going to tell you more coaching is bad, but just relax and it will come back.

fire me a pm...maybe i can convert you to like Austrian plastic.
 
As an owner, I wouldn't recommend riding around in 1st as it's geared so bloody low (I doubt you could do more than 20-30km/h before you hit redline), but I doubt you did any damage once or twice. How come you didn't want to/try to shift? Arguably it's easier on a bike than on a car (as you don't even have to worry about riding the clutch).
 
Unless it was screaming at the top of its lungs, it's fine.
 
Staying in first the bike will be really wound up, could aid in making your ride feel jerky and "tense". A simple pop to second and you might find it easier and smoother, less "stressful".
 
First gear on that bike maxes out at 52kph (indicated....I tried it this week) and its bouncing off the limiter. At 20-30 you're fine it first but it gets very twitchy. How far is work if you can make it there in first gear!? That's a nice short commute!

Anyway just practice in your neighbourhood and you'll get used to it very quick! Be safe and have fun!
 
good thing its not a two stroke lol someone took one of mine riding without my knowledge and rode in first gear the whole time. in a more extreme manor likely it got so bad there were needle bearing bits inbedded right into the sides of the piston, and the cyl walls were shot and badly scored too lol the whole engine needed tear down and machine work and parts it wasnt even worth fixing
 
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Wish I could ride in 1st without lifting the front end... :tongue3:
 
We have a resident cop here in tiny town who doesn't like that I ride sport bikes. I proceed to roll through town in 1st every time I know he's sitting there just to annoy him :D

Your bike will be fine but don't make it a habit or anything.
 
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