stopping my bike and staying upright!

Ger_Le_Chef · #1 Jun 25, 2003, 04:22 PM

hi, i recently purchased a honda goldwing, (my first bike). I find it (of course!!!) to be heavy, and my problem is stopping! I can stop now without falling, but my stops are sloppy, I have to drag my foot before stopping, but would like to try something a little more professional......can you help me out with this proble?...if so i sure would appreciate it, thanks so much for taking time to read this......Gerry

raymond47 · May 25, 2004, 07:47 AM

Come to a nice gradual stop and keep both feet on the bike till it is almost stopped. put both feet down together and keep balance with the balls of your feet not letting either get overbalanced. Just before you stop put bike in 1st gear and keep clutch in. this protects you if you see the vehicle behind you doesnt stop you can at get out of there quickly as opposed to trying to get it in gear to move. Hope this helps a bit. I recommend a good training school as they will show you a lot of tricks you should know.

clueless · Jul 12, 2004, 06:20 AM

good training school is a must. your bike is too big for a beginner but no matter you can still learn on it. Check out this site, it has a lot of useful info http://www.msgroup.org/DISCUSS.asp You should watch what the motorcycle cops do, most of them have good habits and you could learn from them. Also, stop one of them and chat about learning to ride, they'll be happy to point out schools in your area.

When you stop left foot down, right foot on the rear brake, always in first gear. Check to make sure your bike is not too tall for you.

Now to the important subject of trusting the advice of strangers on such important issues. Unless you know the person is an expert in his field don't listen to their input, it's your life on the line. For example what happens if you need to do an emergency stop? What happens then to the "stop gradually" technique? Also, keep dragging your feet and one day you'll hit a pothole and brake one of your legs as it hits the pavement or gets stuck in the hole...

School, is the best way to go... Good luck out there.

Melinda · Mar 22, 2006, 07:02 AM

you're not slowing down enough to come to a "neat" stop.......it's not like a car remember, you have to start gearing down sooner...



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