KF Help & Suggestion Center Need help with KF? Ask. Have a suggestion to better KF? Tell us here.

do i need a bigger bike

Old Mar 7, 2010 | 09:54 PM
  #1  
lra1451's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Question do i need a bigger bike

I just purchased a 2009 ninja 500 brand new and yes this is my first bike.The problem is on the freeway going over the water,the bike tends to move big time.Anything over 50 and it feels like a tornado is coming.I just recieved my license and have never ridden a motorcycle before,not even a dirt bike.On other roads i can cruise at 60 and no problems.The tires have the proper pressure and it feels great everywhere else.Also this happens with 7 and 8 mph winds nothing more then that.any suggestions would be greatly appreciated....Thanks (LOVE THE BIKE)..
 
Old Mar 8, 2010 | 04:25 AM
  #2  
Dragone#19's Avatar
Administrator
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,288
From: The Silver State
1st Gear Member
Default

Welcome to KF and congrats on the 500.

It does take time to adjust/learn/get comfy on any bike. How are the tire tread, any fork seal leaks, etc? Generally, see if you can learn how to setup a ride for you as in sag, suspension is always a first on my list to know in order to feel comfy on any ride. That just makes the learning process so much better.
Congrats and again welcome to KF
 
Old Mar 8, 2010 | 01:41 PM
  #3  
hoedogg's Avatar
Administrator
1st Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 17,484
From: bay area cali
Default

welcome to KF. please take the msf course. you 'll be glad u did
 
Old Mar 8, 2010 | 03:54 PM
  #4  
Prom's Avatar
Senior Member
1st Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,024
From:
Default

The winds on the bridge are always tougher than other places, even passing by shelterbelts can give you a good jolt. A bigger bike may give you a little more stability but it will still suffer from the same wind effects. Also note that if you use a truck to block the wind for you then you will be in their blind spot, its safer to fight the wind solo than get tangeled up with another vehicle. Another thing to beware of is the road surface. Some bridges use metal grates for the road instead of concrete, and they can be extremely difficult on a bike. Riding takes alot more skill than driving which is why we always respect the two wheels, but some situations you just have to hold it straight and hope you come out ok. Keep riding and keep learning, it will come easier, and the MSF is a great course, and not just for beginners, you will find plenty of people there to ride with and learn from. Welcome to KF, and enjoy the ride!
 
Old Mar 8, 2010 | 09:48 PM
  #5  
jeffzx9's Avatar
Super Moderator
1st Gear Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,350
From: Clarksville, OH
Default

+1^. Well said, Prom.
Welcome to the forums, Ira.
 
Old Mar 24, 2010 | 12:28 PM
  #6  
williamr's Avatar
Senior Member
1st Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 597
From: Cheshire UK
Default

A 500 is on the big side for a first bike.

If you haven't taken the MSF course, do it. If you try to teach yourself to ride you'll develop a shed load of bad habits. Get used to the bike moving about in cross winds. They all do. Over water you just get more of them.

Rob
 
Old Mar 25, 2010 | 06:44 AM
  #7  
MaverickAus's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,483
From:
1st Gear Member
Default

Do a course
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pontiacman63383
Private 'Wanted' Classifieds
0
May 11, 2008 04:26 PM
MIPLAYSTATION
General Motorcycle Discussion
18
Dec 5, 2006 08:50 AM
Eruption
KLX 250S
12
Mar 18, 2006 07:15 PM
flyboy110b
General Tech
2
Feb 24, 2006 09:10 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT. The time now is 10:02 AM.