Getting the Wife into bike world

[Knuckle Dragger]

Just bought a ZX9R today and gave the GSX-R 600 to the wife in hopes she will pick up the hobby. Does anybody have any info on some safety classes that I can enroll her in? Hope to make a hobby of this so hope to see more of you all some more.

[Beotch]

Congrats...that's like the opposite of us...I got a TLR last spring and taught the dick(head) to ride the 600 :D
Anyways, classes are up to you/her and learning styles. There are the usual MSF and ABATE courses that one can take, however, downside (especially for someone starting out on a 600cc sport bike) are that they use 250 night hawks (which feel nothing alike), and don't give a whole hell of a lot of "real world" experience. When I was learning (as I posted on another thread with a similar subject the other night) I think I learned more from two backseat rides with an experienced rider on a similar sportbike than I did in 3 days of MSF courses. However, I am a pretty mechanically and speed minded chic, and I learn best by watching and doing (and I don't take baby steps either :lol:).
When we taught dick(head) to ride, we just chilled in parking lots and neighborhoods getting the feel of the clutch, acceleration off lights, and "street" turning capabilities and he did just fine.

Oh yeah, and if she doesn't like the hobby, you can always make the 600 into a track bike, or donate it to Mel's track bike fund :D

[leviathin]

freeway, hit the freeway :D

[Beotch]

Mel ---> :slap: <--- Ken
:p

[Knuckle Dragger]

Thanks for the info I was thinking just getting out and doing will be the best teacher (not the only). We were kind of doing that over the summer but it got hard to run along the bike when she got it up around 15 for a period of time, hence the new bike. If she does not take this up then I will take both bikes and trade them in on one really nice bike.

[mtnairlover]

Here's another suggestion: http://www.frontrange.edu/FRCCTemplates/FRCC7.aspx?id=1252#Motorcycle

[vdubguy2k]

freeway, hit the freeway :D

When I first started riding I was so intimidated to ride on the highway. One weekend I had to go somewhere and took the bike...backroads most of the way..until I came to a point where I had to get on I-25 then go to hwy 34. I was nervous at first, then enjoyed the hell out of it! I love riding on the highway now....think it just took me doing it to figure that out!

But on subject...yea just teach her what you know, take it slow and make sure she has fun doing it so she will want to ride with you and share your hobby (addiction).

[RYBO]

I can't say enough good things about taking the class. I came to denver with about 10 years of riding experience in more rural environs. I took an advanced riders course to sharpen my urban skills and it was the best move I could have made.

I've had good experience with this company

http://t3rg.com/

best of luck to you

[*GSXR~SNAIL*]

:imwithstupid:

I'm with Scott on this...t3rg is a fine school.

[ten31]

Thanks for the info I was thinking just getting out and doing will be the best teacher (not the only). We were kind of doing that over the summer but it got hard to run along the bike when she got it up around 15 for a period of time, hence the new bike. If she does not take this up then I will take both bikes and trade them in on one really nice bike.

I have Twist of the Wrist 2 on PDF for you if you want it. It gives exercises to conduct in parking lots and discusses a lot about safety and whatnot. If you want any help, ill be glad to set up a parking lot.

[pauliep]

I have Twist of the Wrist 2 on PDF for you if you want it. It gives exercises to conduct in parking lots and discusses a lot about safety and whatnot. If you want any help, ill be glad to set up a parking lot.

Can ya send that to me?

[Knuckle Dragger]

I really apperciate all these nice replys and information, thanks for making a person feel welcomed here.

[Scruff Dog]

Thunder Mountain (Loveland Harley dealership) does a intro motorcycle riding course out at the dog track parking lot. I believe they use the 500cc Buell Blast. It used to be instructed by two Larimer County bike cops.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Best of luck to you both, and follow the suggestions and links here. these guys got ya covered!

[konichd]

Get the proper gear and head out to the track! There's no traffic to worry about, and you'll have plenty of people to help give her tips/pointers to improve her riding techniques. One solid track day is a tremendous learning experience and she'll learn alot more about her and her bikes capabilities in a safe environment. :)

[TurboGizzmo]

I have Twist of the Wrist 2 on PDF for you if you want it. It gives exercises to conduct in parking lots and discusses a lot about safety and whatnot. If you want any help, ill be glad to set up a parking lot.

I like riding slow and in parking lots! I am going to have to learn all over again since i barley have a year under my belt....

[TurboGizzmo]

Can ya send that to me?


If you dont get it I can pass it to you, but i recommend buying it when you get a chance its a good reference manual.

[Knuckle Dragger]

Just an update we just picked her up a white and black Icon jacket from Fort Collins Motorsports today and she is picking up the manual to study for her permit this week.

[elbromisto]

I'm trying to get my fiancee to learn to ride, too. I'm leaning toward the beginner MSF course since she's only been on the back of a bike, and I learned the hard way with my last ex not to teach her myself.