The German Rider Training thread

[subvetSSN606]

One other thing worth noting.... When I read back through the thread, I found it funny that I reacted to both bikes very badly at first, but warmed up. It seems that it took me a full session to get with the controls and become comfortable. I think the take-home there is that maybe the bike seems weird at first, but it's worth it to give it another try - by the time I got to my exam, I was actually more comfortable on the BMW than on the Kawi. But it took me some time to get there.

Actually, I take back everything I said about the BMW, except the turn signal cancel. I still think that is weird.

A related take-away from that is that when you change bikes... back it down and take some time to get to know it. Don't just jump out there and ride it like it was your old bike and expecting it to react the same.

Tom

[atomicalex]

auf Deutsch, Genauso!!! (exactly!)

[Trials]

I love m BMW turn signals! ...maybe they messed something up on the newer models. Left thumb left turn, right thumb right turn, signal cancel is by thumb OR distance traveled OR by lean sensor.

My understanding is the training course in Ontario is closer to 1 week long and nearly 1000$. Any course is far better than a piece of paper that says you can ride from home straight to the training site the day of the test only, and if you bomb the test start pushing the bike home. That's how it was back in the day and thank goodness I passed first try because home was a 20k push.

Just wait until you ride the Detroit debris field! You'll find yourself avoiding trashed picnic tables, car parts and discarded baby carriages on a daily basis riding the Detroit autobahn's

[guitardad]

Congratulations!!!!!!!! And thanks for letting us ride along with you. This has been a really fascinating thread for me.

[MsPotatoPotatoHead]

I too have really enjoyed reading of your experiences. I really wish the US had such a comprehensive training program.

I remember hating the turn signal system on my R1100GS, but my F650GS (single) had the typical Japanese motorbike turn signals. IIRC, the big BMW had one button on each side to activate the signals, but then there was a third, separate button that was in a really awkward place for canceling either signal. The vintage mine was ('95) did not have auto-cancel, either. I didn't ever get used to that turn signal system.

As far as I'm concerned, the only bike manufacturer that got turn signals right is HD! One button on each side, press once to activate, press the same button again to de-activate, or they will self-cancel after a lean or a certain distance.

[atomicalex]

signal cancel is by thumb OR distance traveled OR by lean sensor.

Well, that would go a long way to explaining the self-cancels that I couldn't explain to myself. Ok, maybe I need to continue re-evaluating....

Detroit isn't that bad.....

I'm glad people have liked the thread.

[Markk9]

As far as I'm concerned, the only bike manufacturer that got turn signals right is HD! One button on each side, press once to activate, press the same button again to de-activate, or they will self-cancel after a lean or a certain distance.

I have a hard time when I go from the V-Rod to the Versys, H-D did get the turn signals right, and they really work well.

[psitzmary]

Oh yes - forgot to note - I PASSED!!!!

Great job! You only had to do it once.


Oh man, does this mean the great stories are over? I looked forward to them. Oh well, now you have to write about your journey out into the world along. Looking towards it.

Mary

[SoCal LabRat]

I agree with you about the cancel signal location. It's awkward. I have had my bike for 2 years and just now am getting mostly comfortable with it.

Otherwise I love everything about it! Except the stock seat.