GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

is it true they make u start off in 2nd gear instead of first?

No, nobody here took it.  And they make you start in 5th.

Why are you asking?


(They teach you to ride, which involves starting in first.)

WTF kind of question is "why are you asking?" i'm just asking a question.

Quote from: RoadstergalNo, nobody here took it.  And they make you start in 5th.Why are you asking? (They teach you to ride, which involves starting in first.)

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bike again today.  :?  :lol:

jdm: Many of us took the MSF course. When I took it, they never had us start off from second gear. It is possible, however, to do so on the GS500....one just doesn't get as GRACEFUL a start as one normally might.  :lol:  :mrgreen:

Quote from: jdmbuiltWTF kind of question is "why are you asking?" i'm just asking a question.

And welcome to the nuthouse.  :cheers:  :)

They didn't make me start in first...

another forum going downhill again.


sad

thanks pandy for the info.  i just bought a purple GS too. :cheers:

Quote from: jdmbuiltWTF kind of question is "why are you asking?"

The kind of question that will get you information that is actually helpful.  If you say you're asking because you heard that starting from second gear is smoother, than we can tailor our answer better.  If you're asking because you lost first gear on your bike and you want to know if it's possible to ride it until you fix it, we can tailor our answer better.  If you're asking because you like to be tied up by someone in leather and told to start from a gear other than first, Dave has some numbers he can forward on to you.

Quote from: snowhowndThey didn't make me start in first...

I'm confused... they made you start in another gear besides 1st, snowhound?

Anyway, when I took it we started in 1st.

Quote from: Roadstergal

Quote from: jdmbuiltWTF kind of question is "why are you asking?"

The kind of question that will get you information that is actually helpful.  If you say you're asking because you heard that starting from second gear is smoother, than we can tailor our answer better.  If you're asking because you lost first gear on your bike and you want to know if it's possible to ride it until you fix it, we can tailor our answer better.  If you're asking because you like to be tied up by someone in leather and told to start from a gear other than first, Dave has some numbers he can forward on to you.

sure, whatever u say.  simple question turned into that.   :roll:

Quote from: jdmbuilt

Quote from: Roadstergal

Quote from: jdmbuiltWTF kind of question is "why are you asking?"

The kind of question that will get you information that is actually helpful.  If you say you're asking because you heard that starting from second gear is smoother, than we can tailor our answer better.  If you're asking because you lost first gear on your bike and you want to know if it's possible to ride it until you fix it, we can tailor our answer better.  If you're asking because you like to be tied up by someone in leather and told to start from a gear other than first, Dave has some numbers he can forward on to you.

sure, whatever u say.  simple question turned into that.   :roll:

didn't you know that the higher your postcount, the more you are right on anything you say no matter what? (works for any other forum btw  :thumb: )

and now that I remember: i took msf, and no, they make you start in 1st gear all the time (since they must teach you how to shift to second while riding).

Quote from: jdmbuiltsimple question turned into that.   :roll:

I answered your question and gave you an opportunity to get more info, and you bitched about it.   :P  :)

Quote from: subc

didn't you know that the higher your postcount, the more you are right on anything you say no matter what? (works for any other forum btw  :thumb: )

and now that I remember: i took msf, and no, they make you start in 1st gear all the time (since they must teach you how to shift to second while riding).

yeah, i noticed that.   :thumb:

thanks for the info about the 1st gear.  i keep hearing different stories.  some people say yes, some say no.   :dunno:

Actually they made us start out in less than first.  :?

The 'ole Neutral duckwalk across the range and back again. Heck, our butts were sweaty before we even started the engine. Actually it was very functional. It gave us a feel for the weight of the bike, the response to the handlebars and grips, and several other sadistic things while in long sleeves, boots, jeans, helmet and gloves in the heat of August in the South Carolina foothills.

By god, by the time we were through, 3rd gear seemed like MotoGP speeds.
I fell in love my Shoei RF-1000 vents. :kiss:

Quote from: starwaltThe 'ole Neutral duckwalk across the range and back again. Heck, our butts were sweaty before we even started the engine. Actually it was very functional. It gave us a feel for the weight of the bike, the response to the handlebars and grips, and several other sadistic things while in long sleeves, boots, jeans, helmet and gloves in the heat of August in the South Carolina foothills.

:?
The only neutral pushing we did was to get the bikes from where they were initially lined up to the lanes where we were going to be doing the Friction Zone Dance...maybe 25 meters, tops (and only for the poor bastard lined up at the front).  Across the range and back by Flintstone power?  Yikes.  I'd think you'd be much more likely to drop it if you've got to muscle it around at low speed when you haven't got the weight managed yet.

And yes, we always started in 1st gear.   You'll spend most of the time in 2nd, except for the low speed exercises...I think we made it into 3rd in only one exercise.  At the time, 20mph felt like rocket racing.  :)

I started off in and used second gear in the figure-8 box so I could adjust my speed using just the clutch without having to worry about the throttle.

mmm duck walking...that was fun on a 250...anything else and it's a workout :lol:  espicaly up a little little 1* incline...

I took the MSF basic class 4years ago before I pass my car test... Took the advanced class later that summer on a stand by opening..this spring I graduated and pass their instructor training class. I had the pleasure to impose upon new motorcyclist the joys of safe riding and techniques. Now granted I live in the middle of no where and the classes arn't usually full unless some of the DC/ metropoliam people travel out this way. N-E-ways back to the subject...

In the Basic class I remember winding out that nighthawk in 3ard gear =30ish mph....The instructor called me speed demon...Funny I pass their skills test w/ no subtractions and no comments, perfect score...Any hoot now that I've got alot of miles under me I feel that the MSF bikes probably have rev limiters on them, have been de-jetted, and reduced performance in every aspect possible "for your safety and others" kinda clause/idea. I would be hardpress to actualaty think that you can start out in 2and...It would take some beginner tallent and clutch control...even then it's a maybe and a long shot.

Ya I was "speed demon" but class average was was like 5 mph. Bikes are very sensitive at low speeds and some people just couldn't comprehend that...Maybe they did after 4 of the 8 class members drop the bike :roll: They still could not master counter balance in the box and for the life of some people I've had to teach you have to lean and push the bike to steer it...One or the other just dosn't cut it through the cones weeves. My personal favorite is a "class member" who just did not want to put his feet on the pegs for anything......I still don't know why he didn't....he had to come back later and improve his skills...never did find out what happened but ya MSF is good safe clean fun on how to operate a motorcycle.

Quote from: dbNncI started off in and used second gear in the figure-8 box so I could adjust my speed using just the clutch without having to worry about the throttle.

I was watching the people in front of me very closely, and it looked like most just held the clutch full in while they did each loop of the figure-8.  In hindsight, I suspect that would have been easier than trying to regulate with the clutch, provided you start at the right speed.  I had a couple shaky moments in the box that a bit more speed would have smoothed right out.

Quote from: Badger

Quote from: dbNncI started off in and used second gear in the figure-8 box so I could adjust my speed using just the clutch without having to worry about the throttle.

I was watching the people in front of me very closely, and it looked like most just held the clutch full in while they did each loop of the figure-8.  In hindsight, I suspect that would have been easier than trying to regulate with the clutch, provided you start at the right speed.  I had a couple shaky moments in the box that a bit more speed would have smoothed right out.

No way, no power would make it much harder. The best is to turn the motor way up, and just apply enough power to accelerate you a tiny bit. If you start to fall, let more power out. That and shift your ass over. It makes it tons easier. I know, I was one of 4 of 12 that passed my BRC. Over half failed the box. No power, foot down, don't turn, or lean, or look where you want to go, or counterweight, tons of reasons they all messed it up. I went really slow, with lots of rpm's and it was tight and smooth. (the u-turns..)

In my class, we also duck walked the bikes several times, and then idled across many more. It was probably 10+ crosses before we put power to the bikes. Although, they were running the whole time.

Quote from: jdmbuiltthanks pandy for the info.  i just bought a purple GS too. :cheers:

:thumb: on the purple beauty!!

You'll find that there are many questions here that will bring you different answers. We can all ride around the same block and have different experiences. Just figure it's like calling the IRS: you'll call the IRS 12 times, and you'll get 12 different answers.  :lol:

If you REALLY want to get things stirred up, ask what sort of oil is best, whether the Ninja or GS is a better beginner bike, or if one should use premium or regular unleaded gasoline.  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
:cheers:

I think a better question is one asking who hasn't taken the course. It's like me and one other person. I think it's the guy who bought an R1 for his first bike.  ;)

Dave  :cheers:

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDXI think a better question is one asking who hasn't taken the course. It's like me and one other person. I think it's the guy who bought an R1 for his first bike.  ;) Dave  :cheers:

:lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDXI think a better question is one asking who hasn't taken the course. It's like me and one other person. I think it's the guy who bought an R1 for his first bike.  ;)

I didn't take the MSF course either, and didn't buy an R1 for my first bike. I just do one handed wheelies with no gear on. I typically do this in the Seattle area  :P

Quote from: PhaedrusI didn't take the MSF course either, and didn't buy an R1 for my first bike. I just do one handed wheelies with no gear on. I typically do this in the Seattle area  :P

Wearing the pink tutu, right?  :P

Original Poster:
We always started off in 1st gear. However, we were given the option to do whatever we wanted. Some poeple started in 2nd for some of the exercises, but since I was terrible at using the clutch I always started off in 1st (and managed a stall in every gear.) I just took the MSF in July.

To everyone else:
I was riding my 04F around the other night and stoped by the MSF course. When I took the class I never completed the figure 8's. I returned to see if my riding skills had improved and was surprised to find out that I could actually do the u-turns. At first I was not leaning the bike over enough nor was I sitting on the outside of the seat to counter steer. After two or three times through it was pretty easy. I tried doing them in 1st using the clutch to control speed, 2nd also using the clutch (this was really hard), and doing them in 1st using the clutch, but mostly footbreak to help control speed. For me 1st w/ clutch was the easiest. The key for me is starting the 1st turn with enough speed to get through without the bike wanting to fall.

I also did the breaking distance test because they have lots of great lines to show you how long it takes to come to a stop. That was pretty fun too.  I hadn't locked the front tire during normal driving and was unsure on just how hard I could break on the GS. I was having alot of fun, but then my bike started to overheat from being in 1st/2nd gear so long and not going very fast. I'm planning on taking the ERC next spring when it gets nice, and then hopefully a track day (for beginners of course).

Quote from: NightRyderNo way, no power would make it much harder. The best is to turn the motor way up, and just apply enough power to accelerate you a tiny bit. If you start to fall, let more power out. That and shift your ass over.

That's what I did...just like the coaches demonstrated, it still led to some tentative moments.  My observation was that there were a number of folks that clearly had the clutch squeezed all the way to the grip through each half of the turn and seemed to get around the box without much excitement.  

One thing I've noticed as I've run practice full-lock circles and 8's is that keeping some speed definitely makes the process easier (just like they said it would).  Of course, not having the lines on the ground and someone watching you with a stern look and a clipboard seems to make it easier as well.

Beware the clipboard...it has powers.

there were 2 things I "missed" on my MSF test thingy. 1. That damn 8. yes badger is right the clipboard has powers! it will haunt you for days after  :lol: .  2. I wasn't going fast enough in my turns. I wasn't doing "18 mph" I was at like 15. they popped a point on for that crap. either way I passed. Now I'm all offical!   :thumb:

Quote from: RoadstergalNo, nobody here took it.  And they make you start in 5th.

Why are you asking?


(They teach you to ride, which involves starting in first.)

What no search?  ;)

......

I never took the MSF and my first street bike was a 1000. I have been to EBRS (racing school), if that counts. Not sure if the MSF was around when I started street riding.

Quote from: dgyverWhat no search?  ;)

Well..she *did* just turn another year older...perhaps she forgot?  :mrgreen:    :kiss:

Quote from: pandyWell..she *did* just turn another year older...perhaps she forgot?  :mrgreen:    :kiss:

What?  Eh?  Speak up!  I can't hear nuttin'... damn kids with their loud music...

Quote from: RoadstergalWhat?  Eh?  Speak up!  I can't hear nuttin'... damn kids with their loud music...

:lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Quote from: pandy...When I took it, they never had us start off from second gear. It is possible, however, to do so on the GS500....one just doesn't get as GRACEFUL a start as one normally might.  :lol:  :mrgreen:

I have discovered, purely by accident  :lol:  that you can start a GS500 in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th.  I haven't tried 5th or 6th yet.  I'm hoping to stay more attentive than that  :?

I took the MSF Basic Rider Course in August of this year, and the Experienced Rider Course about 2 weeks later. I just finished taking the RiderCoach Preparation Course this past weekend.

There is no range exercise in the BRC that involves starting the bike, under its own power, in any gear other than 1st.

Dave Geyer
Merrimack, NH