[Nighthawk Lovers] New member intro

[Dan Cook]

Hi, Dan here. Nice to "meet" you all.

I am 44 and have always wanted to ride and am finally doing it! Took the
MSF course 3 weeks ago and just bought a 2008 Nighthawk 250 this week.

Yesterday evening was my first time riding outside of a parking lot. I had
to be careful on the dirt roads because, of course, it's pretty easy to
skid out. I did not want to go down on my first day! (Or ever.) That worked
out. I had to go slow and turn carefully.

I had to ride on a 45-50mph road for a half mile or so, and, I've gotta
say, it was scary. Very scary knowing that a twitch of an arm or a rock in
the road could put me on the pavement. I'm curious if this is normal for a
beginner? That 45-50mph road is the main one in town and I'll need to drive
it to get anywhere.

I'm looking for some reassurance! I'll get comfortable with this, right?

I'll be looking into how to change the oil next...

Dan

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New member intro

[Dan Cook]

Working on it! Thanks for the responses. I'm in western Massachusetts, by
the way.

On Jul 29, 2016 2:03 PM, "Dave duChêne" <duchen...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Stephen's advise is right on, also relax and be one with the bike.
> Dave
>
>
> On 29 July 2016 at 14:14, Stephen Hill <sph...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hey congrats on the riding course--great start most people won't take the
>> time to learn the right way. Don't know much about the 250 but my 650 is
>> absolutely horrible off the pavement. I've been riding since i was about
>> 10-12 years old and my advice is 1. Dont be scared of the bike 2. Don't
>> think you ever know it all and get cocky 3. Use your turn signals and
>> always assume a car or truck does not see you-even when they are looking
>> directly at you. 4. Use the appropriate safety gear when riding in case you
>> do take a spill 5. Keep your bike up to snuff especially the
>> tires--especially the tires and brakes!! Of course you've heard all that
>> stuff in the class but people who care enough about you to be instructors
>> have you best interest at heart. When things get tense remember your
>> training and you should be fine. Congrats again on passing your classes.
>> Hope to see you soon out on the road.
>>
>>
>> On Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11:27:36 AM UTC-4, Dan Cook wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi, Dan here. Nice to "meet" you all.
>>>
>>> I am 44 and have always wanted to ride and am finally doing it! Took the
>>> MSF course 3 weeks ago and just bought a 2008 Nighthawk 250 this week.
>>>
>>> Yesterday evening was my first time riding outside of a parking lot. I
>>> had to be careful on the dirt roads because, of course, it's pretty easy to
>>> skid out. I did not want to go down on my first day! (Or ever.) That worked
>>> out. I had to go slow and turn carefully.
>>>
>>> I had to ride on a 45-50mph road for a half mile or so, and, I've gotta
>>> say, it was scary. Very scary knowing that a twitch of an arm or a rock in
>>> the road could put me on the pavement. I'm curious if this is normal for a
>>> beginner? That 45-50mph road is the main one in town and I'll need to drive
>>> it to get anywhere.
>>>
>>> I'm looking for some reassurance! I'll get comfortable with this, right?
>>>
>>> I'll be looking into how to change the oil next...
>>>
>>> Dan
>>>
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>>
>
>
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New member intro

[Dan Cook]

I'm in New Salem, right by the Quabbin Reservoir and close to UMass
Amherst. I'd love to meet up but definitely need some more time to learn
how to ride better first. I am comfortable going 55 now!

On Jul 30, 2016 11:57 PM, "Javier Garcia" <jajgar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Dan, I am in Belmont, MA. Where in MA are you? If you are not too far
> we can try to get together for a ride. There are other members of the group
> in the area, we could all try to meet.
>
> Javier.
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 30, 2016 at 10:55 AM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Working on it! Thanks for the responses. I'm in western Massachusetts, by
>> the way.
>>
>> On Jul 29, 2016 2:03 PM, "Dave duChêne" <duchen...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Stephen's advise is right on, also relax and be one with the bike.
>>> Dave
>>>
>>>
>>> On 29 July 2016 at 14:14, Stephen Hill <sph...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hey congrats on the riding course--great start most people won't take
>>>> the time to learn the right way. Don't know much about the 250 but my 650
>>>> is absolutely horrible off the pavement. I've been riding since i was about
>>>> 10-12 years old and my advice is 1. Dont be scared of the bike 2. Don't
>>>> think you ever know it all and get cocky 3. Use your turn signals and
>>>> always assume a car or truck does not see you-even when they are looking
>>>> directly at you. 4. Use the appropriate safety gear when riding in case you
>>>> do take a spill 5. Keep your bike up to snuff especially the
>>>> tires--especially the tires and brakes!! Of course you've heard all that
>>>> stuff in the class but people who care enough about you to be instructors
>>>> have you best interest at heart. When things get tense remember your
>>>> training and you should be fine. Congrats again on passing your classes.
>>>> Hope to see you soon out on the road.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11:27:36 AM UTC-4, Dan Cook wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi, Dan here. Nice to "meet" you all.
>>>>>
>>>>> I am 44 and have always wanted to ride and am finally doing it! Took
>>>>> the MSF course 3 weeks ago and just bought a 2008 Nighthawk 250 this week.
>>>>>
>>>>> Yesterday evening was my first time riding outside of a parking lot. I
>>>>> had to be careful on the dirt roads because, of course, it's pretty easy 
>>>>> to
>>>>> skid out. I did not want to go down on my first day! (Or ever.) That 
>>>>> worked
>>>>> out. I had to go slow and turn carefully.
>>>>>
>>>>> I had to ride on a 45-50mph road for a half mile or so, and, I've
>>>>> gotta say, it was scary. Very scary knowing that a twitch of an arm or a
>>>>> rock in the road could put me on the pavement. I'm curious if this is
>>>>> normal for a beginner? That 45-50mph road is the main one in town and I'll
>>>>> need to drive it to get anywhere.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm looking for some reassurance! I'll get comfortable with this,
>>>>> right?
>>>>>
>>>>> I'll be looking into how to change the oil next...
>>>>>
>>>>> Dan
>>>>>
>>>> --
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>>>> Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group.
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>>>> an email to nighthawk_lovers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
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>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
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>>>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Good thought, Jeremy. I'll keep that in mind. Definitely going to check out
the book and video.

On Aug 10, 2016 4:07 PM, "Jeremy" <jman2...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Don't look at it as steering.  It's lean/tilt.  Lean right, push right
> grip, go right.  Lean left, push left grip, go left.  Telling you though
> twist of the wrist is a great video, and also reading proficient
> motorcycling 1&2
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 9, 2016, at 12:02 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Yes to what Jim said. I didn't really know what it was when I dropped the
> bike, and now realize that if I had known I could have easily avoided it. I
> haven't had a chance to practice it on my bike yet because it still needs a
> new gear shifter. But I tried it on a bicycle and it really works. I'm
> going to need a lot of parking lot hours practicing this.
>
> Here is a good start to understanding the concept:
> http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/10/25/know-how-to-countersteer-correctly
>
> On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 9:44 AM, Jim Bolen <jim.playofli...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Countersteering-
>> Push left, go left. Push right, go right. It only works after about 12-14
>> miles an hour.
>> What you are doing is putting the tire on edge, so it has no choice but
>> to go that way (layman's terms). The more you push, the more you lean.
>> Bikes can handle more lean than you think they can (as long as road
>> conditions allow).
>>
>> This is a hard concept at first for my students to grasp, but once they
>> do, it's a major light bulb moment. One great way to practice it is to do
>> weaving drills. Set cones about 15 feet apart, go at about 15-20 mph and
>> just practice it. Pretty soon it becomes second nature.
>>
>> Seeing as most of the single vehicle accidents are in the corners (too
>> much speed, lack of countersteering), this is a crucial concept to learn.
>>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. Got the new shifter yesterday and all
is well now. Gears shift, no transmission issues. I might have rode to work
today but it's a sauna out there and I can't wear gear in this crap.

When I went down I put the headlights out of whack and there was dirt in
there. Turned on the bike (at night) and the headlights seemed to be
pointing to the damned sky. I tried to adjust by removing it, but could not
figure out how to change the vertical angle. Any thoughts?

On Sat, Aug 6, 2016 at 1:56 AM, Paul <p...@hondanighthawks.net> wrote:

> So glad you chose to write about your mishap Dan. I completely agree with
> everything the guys said here...once you get back on the bike just take
> your time and only go as fast as you're comfortable going. I'm teaching my
> wife to ride right now and she's picking it up fast, but we constantly have
> to talk about what to do in various situations.
>
> My son also rides and after he took the safety course he had a small
> mishap similar to yours. (He was even riding a NH 250 and bent the
> shifter.) We took it off and had a body shop bend it back into shape and it
> worked just fine. But replacing it is also not a bad idea.
>
> So get the bike fixed up and get back on the road. You're already going to
> be a smarter rider because of this. Hang in there! :)
>
>
> *Paul LeBoutillier *
> *www.hondanighthawks.net <http://www.hondanighthawks.net/>*
> Honda Nighthawk Lovers Email group
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/nighthawk_lovers>
>
> On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 11:18 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I found the right part, I am 99% sure:
>>
>> http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-24701-KBG-000.html
>>
>> I'll look into Clymer's manual. Thanks.
>>
>> On Aug 6, 2016 1:10 AM, "Jim Bolen" <jim.playofli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Oh, and get yourself a Clymer's shop manual. You'll thank me later. :-)
>>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Thanks for the offer but we're talking the oldest boy to his first year of
college tomorrow.

On Aug 13, 2016 5:57 AM, "EGrider"  wrote:

> The headlight is held on by two bolts. There are positioning nicks on one
> side that you match up for the correct position. Loosen, align nicks or
> otherwise position to taste (easier to do at night), and tighten. This is
> all I've ever done.
>
> I'm going to be riding through your area tomorrow on my way to NH if you'd
> like me to stop by.
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Figured it out. Thanks again!

On Aug 13, 2016 1:41 PM, "Dan Cook" <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks for the offer but we're talking the oldest boy to his first year of
> college tomorrow.
>
> On Aug 13, 2016 5:57 AM, "EGrider" <gevan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> The headlight is held on by two bolts. There are positioning nicks on one
>> side that you match up for the correct position. Loosen, align nicks or
>> otherwise position to taste (easier to do at night), and tighten. This is
>> all I've ever done.
>>
>> I'm going to be riding through your area tomorrow on my way to NH if
>> you'd like me to stop by.
>>
>> --
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>

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Got vice grips. Will try!

On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 4:11 PM, Graham Rogers <grahamjoanrog...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Dan, the gear shifter indeed can be bent back. If you have a vice and vice
> grips you can do it. You may even be able to do it with it still on the
> bike.
>
>
> On Thursday, August 4, 2016, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I introduced myself here a week or so ago...
>>
>> I’m a 44 year old male and have always been insanely curious about riding
>> motorcycles. I never had a dirtbike as a kid, though I got to ride them
>> (and couple scooters) on occasion and loved the feeling. So, each summer
>> for the past decade or so I’ve considered taking the local MSF course to
>> learn how to ride and get a sense of whether I’d be comfortable moving
>> forward with this. This year I decided to do it. My oldest son is going to
>> college and my youngest is starting high school. Time is marching on.
>> Mid-life crisis behavior is in order!
>>
>> I took the class in mid-July. It was difficult, and after the very long
>> first day I was questioning the whole idea. The class was difficult! But
>> the second day went better and I passed, losing points only for not quite
>> being able to do a figure 8 without going outside the lines. I ended up
>> buying a bike a little over a week after the class – a used Honda Nighthawk
>> 250, the same bike I rode in class.
>>
>> We live on a dirt/gravel road in a small town that has only one main
>> highway going through it. It’s a 45-50mph road with lots of twists and
>> turns. hat bothered me at first because I wanted to go slower, say 30mph,
>> to get comfortable. In fact, I was literally shaking the first time I took
>> the bike out and got the speed up to 45 mph because I felt like any little
>> movement would send the bike (and me) to the ground. I thought about this a
>> read a bit and realized that I could relax – the bike isn’t nearly as ready
>> to topple over at those speeds as I feared. So, a few days of riding on
>> that road made me feel much better. I did very little slow practice, though
>> I did stop in a parking lot for a few minutes (after riding about 8 miles
>> going 50 mph…)
>>
>> I’d had the bike for about a week and decided to drive to work for the
>> first time yesterday. The road for the first half of the trip is very
>> similar, the same road that I take in town. Two lane, twisty, tree-lined
>> highway with 45-50mph limits. Then some slower roads, and not too much
>> traffic – one light! – and then I’m at work. So I made it to work. I even
>> stopped off and got the bike inspected on my way in. I wore my gear
>> (boots/pants/jacket/gloves/helmet) and changed and worked all day.
>>
>> Then came the ride home…
>>
>> I was in a bit of a hurry because we were having “family night” (with the
>> oldest off to college, this is one of our last full family nights and we
>> were going to see a movie.) I don't think that affected my driving, though,
>> and everything was going fine, as I’m sure it usually is before an
>> accident. Then, on a 35-40mph road that I have driven the car on daily
>> for 17 years now, I completely underestimated a curve. I probably should
>> have entered the curve at 15-20mph, but must have entered it at 35mph or
>> so. There came a point that I remember distinctly when I realized that I
>> had messed up. Perhaps if I had more experience I could have leaned more
>> and made the turn. But I decided to just brake while going straight off the
>> road. The second I hit the dirt/grass on the side of the rode, I went down
>> hard on the pavement. (I was hoping to stop in the grass but the bike had
>> other ideas.) Pretty much instantly I knew that I was okay. Nothing hurt
>> much, and I got up and moved the bike off the road. The car behind me
>> stopped and helped. Of course, I was embarassed beyond belief and shaking
>> with panic, but assured the guy behind me I was okay. I called my wife (who
>> is not a big fan of this motorcycle thing, by the way) and told her what
>> happened. I couldn’t ride the bike because the gear shifter had bent too
>> much. She came with my eldest son and we were able to roll the bike into
>> our pickup truck and take it home. We even made it to the movie, though a
>> later screening than we’d planned.
>>
>> Obviously, I’m feeling a complete lack of confidence. I’d like to get
>> right back out, but there was some damage to the bike (the gear shifter
>> mentioned, also one of the front blinkers broke, and possibly other
>> problems I haven’t noticed.) I need to get it

Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

OUCH.

On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 4:12 PM, 'Ross M. Jamison' via Nighthawk Motorcycle
Lovers! <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com> wrote:

> Welcome.
>
> There is a saying I was taught - If you haven't been down, you're either
> lying or you haven't been riding long enough.
>
> I'd say less than an hour after I had bought a used Kawasaki KZ-175, I
> accidentally popped a wheelie and went on the ground. The bike had hardly
> been hurt. I picked it up but forgot it was still running. Next thing I
> know I'm now heading east when I was going south. Legs flying behind me.
> That back in 1972. I've dropped my bike out in the driveway & had to get my
> son to help me get it back up. I have a 1992 Nighthawk 750.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 4, 2016, at 3:01 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I introduced myself here a week or so ago...
>
> I’m a 44 year old male and have always been insanely curious about riding
> motorcycles. I never had a dirtbike as a kid, though I got to ride them
> (and couple scooters) on occasion and loved the feeling. So, each summer
> for the past decade or so I’ve considered taking the local MSF course to
> learn how to ride and get a sense of whether I’d be comfortable moving
> forward with this. This year I decided to do it. My oldest son is going to
> college and my youngest is starting high school. Time is marching on.
> Mid-life crisis behavior is in order!
>
> I took the class in mid-July. It was difficult, and after the very long
> first day I was questioning the whole idea. The class was difficult! But
> the second day went better and I passed, losing points only for not quite
> being able to do a figure 8 without going outside the lines. I ended up
> buying a bike a little over a week after the class – a used Honda Nighthawk
> 250, the same bike I rode in class.
>
> We live on a dirt/gravel road in a small town that has only one main
> highway going through it. It’s a 45-50mph road with lots of twists and
> turns. hat bothered me at first because I wanted to go slower, say 30mph,
> to get comfortable. In fact, I was literally shaking the first time I took
> the bike out and got the speed up to 45 mph because I felt like any little
> movement would send the bike (and me) to the ground. I thought about this a
> read a bit and realized that I could relax – the bike isn’t nearly as ready
> to topple over at those speeds as I feared. So, a few days of riding on
> that road made me feel much better. I did very little slow practice, though
> I did stop in a parking lot for a few minutes (after riding about 8 miles
> going 50 mph…)
>
> I’d had the bike for about a week and decided to drive to work for the
> first time yesterday. The road for the first half of the trip is very
> similar, the same road that I take in town. Two lane, twisty, tree-lined
> highway with 45-50mph limits. Then some slower roads, and not too much
> traffic – one light! – and then I’m at work. So I made it to work. I even
> stopped off and got the bike inspected on my way in. I wore my gear
> (boots/pants/jacket/gloves/helmet) and changed and worked all day.
>
> Then came the ride home…
>
> I was in a bit of a hurry because we were having “family night” (with the
> oldest off to college, this is one of our last full family nights and we
> were going to see a movie.) I don't think that affected my driving, though,
> and everything was going fine, as I’m sure it usually is before an
> accident. Then, on a 35-40mph road that I have driven the car on daily
> for 17 years now, I completely underestimated a curve. I probably should
> have entered the curve at 15-20mph, but must have entered it at 35mph or
> so. There came a point that I remember distinctly when I realized that I
> had messed up. Perhaps if I had more experience I could have leaned more
> and made the turn. But I decided to just brake while going straight off the
> road. The second I hit the dirt/grass on the side of the rode, I went down
> hard on the pavement. (I was hoping to stop in the grass but the bike had
> other ideas.) Pretty much instantly I knew that I was okay. Nothing hurt
> much, and I got up and moved the bike off the road. The car behind me
> stopped and helped. Of course, I was embarassed beyond belief and shaking
> with panic, but assured the guy behind me I was okay. I called my wife (who
> is not a big fan of this motorcycle thing, by the way) and told her what
> happened. I couldn’t ride the bike because the gear shifter had bent too
> much. She came with my eldest son and we were able to roll the bike into
> our pickup truck and take it home. We even made it to the movie, though a
> later screening than we’d planned.
>
> Obviously, I’m feeling a com

Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Yeah, we got into countersteering and target fixation. I didn't
countersteer enough because I saw myself heading for the side of the road
and that is where I looked and kept looking. Definite target fixation. I
should have been looking through the curve.

So, I was taught it, just didn't learn it...

On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 4:53 PM, Kyle Munz <kyle...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Going down bruises your ego far more than your body. I felt like a
> complete failure for months after I turned mine upsidedown on the freeway.
> You have to get back on it before you lose your nerve though. In your turn
> going slower might have helped, leaning might have helped, but I have to
> ask, did your MSF course cover countersteer and fixation?
>
>
> -Kyle
>
> On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 3:12 PM, 'Ross M. Jamison' via Nighthawk Motorcycle
> Lovers! <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com> wrote:
>
>> Welcome.
>>
>> There is a saying I was taught - If you haven't been down, you're either
>> lying or you haven't been riding long enough.
>>
>> I'd say less than an hour after I had bought a used Kawasaki KZ-175, I
>> accidentally popped a wheelie and went on the ground. The bike had hardly
>> been hurt. I picked it up but forgot it was still running. Next thing I
>> know I'm now heading east when I was going south. Legs flying behind me.
>> That back in 1972. I've dropped my bike out in the driveway & had to get my
>> son to help me get it back up. I have a 1992 Nighthawk 750.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Aug 4, 2016, at 3:01 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> I introduced myself here a week or so ago...
>>
>> I’m a 44 year old male and have always been insanely curious about riding
>> motorcycles. I never had a dirtbike as a kid, though I got to ride them
>> (and couple scooters) on occasion and loved the feeling. So, each summer
>> for the past decade or so I’ve considered taking the local MSF course to
>> learn how to ride and get a sense of whether I’d be comfortable moving
>> forward with this. This year I decided to do it. My oldest son is going to
>> college and my youngest is starting high school. Time is marching on.
>> Mid-life crisis behavior is in order!
>>
>> I took the class in mid-July. It was difficult, and after the very long
>> first day I was questioning the whole idea. The class was difficult! But
>> the second day went better and I passed, losing points only for not quite
>> being able to do a figure 8 without going outside the lines. I ended up
>> buying a bike a little over a week after the class – a used Honda Nighthawk
>> 250, the same bike I rode in class.
>>
>> We live on a dirt/gravel road in a small town that has only one main
>> highway going through it. It’s a 45-50mph road with lots of twists and
>> turns. hat bothered me at first because I wanted to go slower, say 30mph,
>> to get comfortable. In fact, I was literally shaking the first time I took
>> the bike out and got the speed up to 45 mph because I felt like any little
>> movement would send the bike (and me) to the ground. I thought about this a
>> read a bit and realized that I could relax – the bike isn’t nearly as ready
>> to topple over at those speeds as I feared. So, a few days of riding on
>> that road made me feel much better. I did very little slow practice, though
>> I did stop in a parking lot for a few minutes (after riding about 8 miles
>> going 50 mph…)
>>
>> I’d had the bike for about a week and decided to drive to work for the
>> first time yesterday. The road for the first half of the trip is very
>> similar, the same road that I take in town. Two lane, twisty, tree-lined
>> highway with 45-50mph limits. Then some slower roads, and not too much
>> traffic – one light! – and then I’m at work. So I made it to work. I even
>> stopped off and got the bike inspected on my way in. I wore my gear
>> (boots/pants/jacket/gloves/helmet) and changed and worked all day.
>>
>> Then came the ride home…
>>
>> I was in a bit of a hurry because we were having “family night” (with the
>> oldest off to college, this is one of our last full family nights and we
>> were going to see a movie.) I don't think that affected my driving, though,
>> and everything was going fine, as I’m sure it usually is before an
>> accident. Then, on a 35-40mph road that I have driven the car on daily
>> for 17 years now, I completely underestimated a curve. I probably should
>> have entered the curve at 15-20mph, but must have entered it at 35mph or
>> so. There came a point that I remember distinctly when I realized that

Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

So, I think that maybe I should focus more on countersteering, huh?

I use countersteering successfully on the main road in town, but the curves
aren't as sudden or as drastic as the one I went down on. Fortunately, the
speed limit was slower where I went down.

But countersteering needs to be second nature, and clearly it is not. I
drove the same route yesterday and it's pretty obvious that I should have
been going slower, but in the situation I was in, had I been confident and
ready to countersteer I would have easily made it through the corner.
Instead I panicked, focused my eyes on the side of the road, and you know
the rest.

Gonna hit the parking lot (not literally) once the bike (and I) is
road-ready again. Thanks for all the thoughts and support!

Dan

On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 8:48 AM, Kyle Munz  wrote:

> I agree with Jim, you should certainly practice more countersteering.
>
>
> -Kyle
>
> On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 11:55 PM, Jim Bolen 
> wrote:
>
>> Don't try to bend the shifter back in place. The metal has been
>> compromised, so you need a new one (pretty cheap). You don't want the
>> fatiqued metal to snap during a ride.
>> I'm an instructor, and we preach countersteering. Practice in a big empty
>> parking lot, then when it feels comfortable, practice some more.
>> Then, the next day when you're feeling confident about it, go practice
>> countersteering some more. Not kidding. I can't tell you how many times
>> it's saved my bacon (mostly from dumbasses in a cage).
>> Also, practice (A LOT!) looking where you want to go, not at the
>> obstacle. Easy to make a habit from every day riding.
>> Oh, and I almost forgot- practice countersteering. ;-)
>>
>> --
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>
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[Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

I introduced myself here a week or so ago...

I’m a 44 year old male and have always been insanely curious about riding
motorcycles. I never had a dirtbike as a kid, though I got to ride them
(and couple scooters) on occasion and loved the feeling. So, each summer
for the past decade or so I’ve considered taking the local MSF course to
learn how to ride and get a sense of whether I’d be comfortable moving
forward with this. This year I decided to do it. My oldest son is going to
college and my youngest is starting high school. Time is marching on.
Mid-life crisis behavior is in order!

I took the class in mid-July. It was difficult, and after the very long
first day I was questioning the whole idea. The class was difficult! But
the second day went better and I passed, losing points only for not quite
being able to do a figure 8 without going outside the lines. I ended up
buying a bike a little over a week after the class – a used Honda Nighthawk
250, the same bike I rode in class.

We live on a dirt/gravel road in a small town that has only one main
highway going through it. It’s a 45-50mph road with lots of twists and
turns. hat bothered me at first because I wanted to go slower, say 30mph,
to get comfortable. In fact, I was literally shaking the first time I took
the bike out and got the speed up to 45 mph because I felt like any little
movement would send the bike (and me) to the ground. I thought about this a
read a bit and realized that I could relax – the bike isn’t nearly as ready
to topple over at those speeds as I feared. So, a few days of riding on
that road made me feel much better. I did very little slow practice, though
I did stop in a parking lot for a few minutes (after riding about 8 miles
going 50 mph…)

I’d had the bike for about a week and decided to drive to work for the
first time yesterday. The road for the first half of the trip is very
similar, the same road that I take in town. Two lane, twisty, tree-lined
highway with 45-50mph limits. Then some slower roads, and not too much
traffic – one light! – and then I’m at work. So I made it to work. I even
stopped off and got the bike inspected on my way in. I wore my gear
(boots/pants/jacket/gloves/helmet) and changed and worked all day.

Then came the ride home…

I was in a bit of a hurry because we were having “family night” (with the
oldest off to college, this is one of our last full family nights and we
were going to see a movie.) I don't think that affected my driving, though,
and everything was going fine, as I’m sure it usually is before an
accident. Then, on a 35-40mph road that I have driven the car on daily for
17 years now, I completely underestimated a curve. I probably should have
entered the curve at 15-20mph, but must have entered it at 35mph or so.
There came a point that I remember distinctly when I realized that I had
messed up. Perhaps if I had more experience I could have leaned more and
made the turn. But I decided to just brake while going straight off the
road. The second I hit the dirt/grass on the side of the rode, I went down
hard on the pavement. (I was hoping to stop in the grass but the bike had
other ideas.) Pretty much instantly I knew that I was okay. Nothing hurt
much, and I got up and moved the bike off the road. The car behind me
stopped and helped. Of course, I was embarassed beyond belief and shaking
with panic, but assured the guy behind me I was okay. I called my wife (who
is not a big fan of this motorcycle thing, by the way) and told her what
happened. I couldn’t ride the bike because the gear shifter had bent too
much. She came with my eldest son and we were able to roll the bike into
our pickup truck and take it home. We even made it to the movie, though a
later screening than we’d planned.

Obviously, I’m feeling a complete lack of confidence. I’d like to get right
back out, but there was some damage to the bike (the gear shifter
mentioned, also one of the front blinkers broke, and possibly other
problems I haven’t noticed.) I need to get it to a shop since I’m not
mechanically-inclined at all. My main takeaway from this, other than BE
CAREFUL ON CORNERS, is that I’d have been hurt much more if I didn’t have
all that gear on. I have a nice big raspberry rash on my arm and can only
imagine how bad that would be without the jacket’s protection. I have a
sore left wrist, a bruised rib, and a slightly sore left ankle. But it
could have been so much worse.

I know the saying – there are riders who have dropped their bikes and those
who will drop their bikes. But I didn’t want this to happen within two
weeks of buying my first motorcycle, on the very first day I decided to
drive to work. I thought I had cornering fairly well under control…

I have no specific question (though – can a gear shifter be fixed by
bending it back??) but mostly just wanted to share my experience. My
decision not to lean further but to go straight off the road and stop there
did not turn out well. And I know the real 

Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Thanks, Tommy!

So, I got the bent shifter lever off. Any recommendations for where to buy
a new one? It's worth mentioning that I would like a bit more vertical
space between the peg and the shifter to fit my fat boot in there more
easily. (That may just be an adjustment I can make...)

Just for kicks, what do you all think... Is everything going to work fine
with the transmission once I replace this? Or could my adventure have
caused more tranny damage?

On Aug 5, 2016 9:34 AM, "Tommy Hill"  wrote:

Nice write up, Dan. Thank you for sharing. I hope you get the bike and you
on the road quickly.

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

I do know it somewhere in my melon. I have crashed bicycles before, too!

On Mon, Aug 8, 2016 at 11:56 AM, Javier Garcia <jajgar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I think you are right Kyle, because it is very intuitive to me :). People
> sometimes forget that CS also works on bicycles, so if you have ever ridden
> a bike faster than 10mph or so you know how to CS.
>
>
> On Mon, Aug 8, 2016 at 11:53 AM, Kyle Munz <kyle...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Countersteering is *very* counterintuitive, unless you're a physicist.
>> My advice is don't try to understand it, just practice it over and over
>> again until it becomes natural. When you get it right on a long sweeping
>> turn though, nothing feels better.
>>
>>
>> -Kyle
>>
>> On Mon, Aug 8, 2016 at 10:49 AM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks again, everyone. I'm trying to wrap my head around
>>> countersteering. It's a little bit counterintuitive.
>>>
>>> The bike is still not ready to be ridden - need the part to come in the
>>> mail, then hopefully all will be well. Then I'll head to a parking lot for
>>> awhile. Many times.
>>>
>>> On Sat, Aug 6, 2016 at 9:30 PM, Jeremy <jman2...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> First thing, you walked away.  Huge plus.  I've had two crashes, one
>>>> the day before my MSF course on my sisters buel blast, could barely walk on
>>>> my right foot and never had it checked.  Still went to the corse the next
>>>> day.  Second crash was my cousin jumping on the back of my VFR attacking me
>>>> ( long story) full throttle and dumped the clutch as I screamed " you wana
>>>> go for a $@$( ride". Threw us both off the bike quick.   Hurt him I was
>>>> fine, bike was okay.
>>>>
>>>> I recommend watch twist of the wrist by Keith Code.  A bit hokey acting
>>>> but It's focused on race cornering and throttle control however it can be
>>>> applied to street also.  It was a major help to my riding,   lots of tips.
>>>> I believe you can YouTube it.
>>>>
>>>> Again glad your okay, don't beat yourself up over it, get back up and
>>>> go.
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
>>>> On Aug 4, 2016, at 4:01 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I introduced myself here a week or so ago...
>>>>
>>>> I’m a 44 year old male and have always been insanely curious about
>>>> riding motorcycles. I never had a dirtbike as a kid, though I got to ride
>>>> them (and couple scooters) on occasion and loved the feeling. So, each
>>>> summer for the past decade or so I’ve considered taking the local MSF
>>>> course to learn how to ride and get a sense of whether I’d be comfortable
>>>> moving forward with this. This year I decided to do it. My oldest son is
>>>> going to college and my youngest is starting high school. Time is marching
>>>> on. Mid-life crisis behavior is in order!
>>>>
>>>> I took the class in mid-July. It was difficult, and after the very long
>>>> first day I was questioning the whole idea. The class was difficult! But
>>>> the second day went better and I passed, losing points only for not quite
>>>> being able to do a figure 8 without going outside the lines. I ended up
>>>> buying a bike a little over a week after the class – a used Honda Nighthawk
>>>> 250, the same bike I rode in class.
>>>>
>>>> We live on a dirt/gravel road in a small town that has only one main
>>>> highway going through it. It’s a 45-50mph road with lots of twists and
>>>> turns. hat bothered me at first because I wanted to go slower, say 30mph,
>>>> to get comfortable. In fact, I was literally shaking the first time I took
>>>> the bike out and got the speed up to 45 mph because I felt like any little
>>>> movement would send the bike (and me) to the ground. I thought about this a
>>>> read a bit and realized that I could relax – the bike isn’t nearly as ready
>>>> to topple over at those speeds as I feared. So, a few days of riding on
>>>> that road made me feel much better. I did very little slow practice, though
>>>> I did stop in a parking lot for a few minutes (after riding about 8 miles
>>>> going 50 mph…)
>>>>
>>>> I’d had the bike for about a week and decided to drive to work for the
>>>> first time yesterday. The road for the first half 

Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Thanks again, everyone. I'm trying to wrap my head around countersteering.
It's a little bit counterintuitive.

The bike is still not ready to be ridden - need the part to come in the
mail, then hopefully all will be well. Then I'll head to a parking lot for
awhile. Many times.

On Sat, Aug 6, 2016 at 9:30 PM, Jeremy <jman2...@gmail.com> wrote:

> First thing, you walked away.  Huge plus.  I've had two crashes, one the
> day before my MSF course on my sisters buel blast, could barely walk on my
> right foot and never had it checked.  Still went to the corse the next
> day.  Second crash was my cousin jumping on the back of my VFR attacking me
> ( long story) full throttle and dumped the clutch as I screamed " you wana
> go for a $@$( ride". Threw us both off the bike quick.   Hurt him I was
> fine, bike was okay.
>
> I recommend watch twist of the wrist by Keith Code.  A bit hokey acting
> but It's focused on race cornering and throttle control however it can be
> applied to street also.  It was a major help to my riding,   lots of tips.
> I believe you can YouTube it.
>
> Again glad your okay, don't beat yourself up over it, get back up and go.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 4, 2016, at 4:01 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I introduced myself here a week or so ago...
>
> I’m a 44 year old male and have always been insanely curious about riding
> motorcycles. I never had a dirtbike as a kid, though I got to ride them
> (and couple scooters) on occasion and loved the feeling. So, each summer
> for the past decade or so I’ve considered taking the local MSF course to
> learn how to ride and get a sense of whether I’d be comfortable moving
> forward with this. This year I decided to do it. My oldest son is going to
> college and my youngest is starting high school. Time is marching on.
> Mid-life crisis behavior is in order!
>
> I took the class in mid-July. It was difficult, and after the very long
> first day I was questioning the whole idea. The class was difficult! But
> the second day went better and I passed, losing points only for not quite
> being able to do a figure 8 without going outside the lines. I ended up
> buying a bike a little over a week after the class – a used Honda Nighthawk
> 250, the same bike I rode in class.
>
> We live on a dirt/gravel road in a small town that has only one main
> highway going through it. It’s a 45-50mph road with lots of twists and
> turns. hat bothered me at first because I wanted to go slower, say 30mph,
> to get comfortable. In fact, I was literally shaking the first time I took
> the bike out and got the speed up to 45 mph because I felt like any little
> movement would send the bike (and me) to the ground. I thought about this a
> read a bit and realized that I could relax – the bike isn’t nearly as ready
> to topple over at those speeds as I feared. So, a few days of riding on
> that road made me feel much better. I did very little slow practice, though
> I did stop in a parking lot for a few minutes (after riding about 8 miles
> going 50 mph…)
>
> I’d had the bike for about a week and decided to drive to work for the
> first time yesterday. The road for the first half of the trip is very
> similar, the same road that I take in town. Two lane, twisty, tree-lined
> highway with 45-50mph limits. Then some slower roads, and not too much
> traffic – one light! – and then I’m at work. So I made it to work. I even
> stopped off and got the bike inspected on my way in. I wore my gear
> (boots/pants/jacket/gloves/helmet) and changed and worked all day.
>
> Then came the ride home…
>
> I was in a bit of a hurry because we were having “family night” (with the
> oldest off to college, this is one of our last full family nights and we
> were going to see a movie.) I don't think that affected my driving, though,
> and everything was going fine, as I’m sure it usually is before an
> accident. Then, on a 35-40mph road that I have driven the car on daily
> for 17 years now, I completely underestimated a curve. I probably should
> have entered the curve at 15-20mph, but must have entered it at 35mph or
> so. There came a point that I remember distinctly when I realized that I
> had messed up. Perhaps if I had more experience I could have leaned more
> and made the turn. But I decided to just brake while going straight off the
> road. The second I hit the dirt/grass on the side of the rode, I went down
> hard on the pavement. (I was hoping to stop in the grass but the bike had
> other ideas.) Pretty much instantly I knew that I was okay. Nothing hurt
> much, and I got up and moved the bike off the road. The car behind me
> stopped and helped. Of course, I was embarassed beyond belief and shaking
> with panic, but a

Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Thanks, Joey, aka God's Gift to Women (for a brief moment.)

I don't really think I was going too fast - a good rider could have easily
made it through that curve. But, I was going too fast for me (obviously) at
this stage. Someday, making a curve that tight will hopefully be second
nature. I watched a video on youtube of a rider on a curve who ends up
hitting a fire truck head on because he keeps steering right to go right,
causing the bike to stand up and drift further left. The guy survived, but
it's a pretty chilling video. Anyway, that's exactly what I did, only in
much luckier circumstances - and going the other way.

On Mon, Aug 8, 2016 at 2:33 PM, Joey Kelley  wrote:

>
>  You mentioned that you felt you were 'going too fast into the
> curve' - although I cannot say for sure (I wasn't there, don't know the
> curve etc) most of the time, a motorcycle can comfortably take a curve at
> speeds that would be difficult with a car - because you can lean into the
> curve. A common mistake - and one I've made before - is to forget one of
> those other things they tell you in the MSF course - roll on the throttle
> through the curve. (or at least, don't try to back off) You brake before
> you get to the curve - then maintain or accelerate through it whenever
> possible. The motorcycle is more stable the faster you go - so slowing down
> too much can make a curve problem worse.
>  Hope that helps!
>  -Joey
>
> -Joey Kelley
> JoeyKelley.com - My Life Online
> JoeyKelleyPhoto.com - Photographing Today, For Tomorrow
>
> On Mon, Aug 8, 2016 at 12:55 PM, Javier Garcia 
> wrote:
>
>> Exactly Tommy. You must be doing it otherwise you couldn't ride a
>> motorcycle at normal speeds. I don't know the exact speed at which CS
>> becomes apparent, but is not very high (maybe is more over 15-20 mph?). For
>> those who are still unsure, next time you are on your bike on a long
>> stretch, try pushing one side of the handle bar forward (a gentle push). If
>> you push the left side, the bike will lean and go left, and if you push
>> right, it goes right. This is all that there is. You are effectively
>> counter steering because pushing left (right)  is really turning your
>> handle bar to the right (left) when stationary or at low speeds.
>>
>> On Mon, Aug 8, 2016 at 12:00 PM, Tommy Hill  wrote:
>>
>>> I have never taken a motorcycle class. I don't think they had them 30
>>> years ago. But seeing everyone talk about them, I am considering it. I
>>> figured out counter steering as well as most of the concepts of which you
>>> speak on my own and in large part by trial and ERROR. Didn't even realize I
>>> was doing them.
>>>
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>>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

I found the right part, I am 99% sure:

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-24701-KBG-000.html

I'll look into Clymer's manual. Thanks.

On Aug 6, 2016 1:10 AM, "Jim Bolen"  wrote:

Oh, and get yourself a Clymer's shop manual. You'll thank me later. :-)

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Yes to what Jim said. I didn't really know what it was when I dropped the
bike, and now realize that if I had known I could have easily avoided it. I
haven't had a chance to practice it on my bike yet because it still needs a
new gear shifter. But I tried it on a bicycle and it really works. I'm
going to need a lot of parking lot hours practicing this.

Here is a good start to understanding the concept:
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/10/25/know-how-to-countersteer-correctly

On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 9:44 AM, Jim Bolen  wrote:

> Countersteering-
> Push left, go left. Push right, go right. It only works after about 12-14
> miles an hour.
> What you are doing is putting the tire on edge, so it has no choice but to
> go that way (layman's terms). The more you push, the more you lean. Bikes
> can handle more lean than you think they can (as long as road conditions
> allow).
>
> This is a hard concept at first for my students to grasp, but once they
> do, it's a major light bulb moment. One great way to practice it is to do
> weaving drills. Set cones about 15 feet apart, go at about 15-20 mph and
> just practice it. Pretty soon it becomes second nature.
>
> Seeing as most of the single vehicle accidents are in the corners (too
> much speed, lack of countersteering), this is a crucial concept to learn.
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

Holy crap...countersteering is FUN.

On Sat, Aug 13, 2016 at 4:01 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Figured it out. Thanks again!
>
> On Aug 13, 2016 1:41 PM, "Dan Cook" <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the offer but we're talking the oldest boy to his first year
>> of college tomorrow.
>>
>> On Aug 13, 2016 5:57 AM, "EGrider" <gevan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> The headlight is held on by two bolts. There are positioning nicks on
>>> one side that you match up for the correct position. Loosen, align nicks or
>>> otherwise position to taste (easier to do at night), and tighten. This is
>>> all I've ever done.
>>>
>>> I'm going to be riding through your area tomorrow on my way to NH if
>>> you'd like me to stop by.
>>>
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>>

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

This thread has been immensely helpful to me as I get back on the "horse."
There is so much to think about when riding. I'm still getting used to
that, and perhaps always will be.

This weekend I spent some time in an industrial park riding in circles and
it was extremely enjoyable. I told my wife I was going to ride to work
today (20 mile commute, mostly country roads) and she said she thought I
should do some more "short rides" before I take the bike to work.
Considering that my accident was on the way home from work, I think she may
be onto something.

My car is parked outside...

Wife does not like this new hobby, so I have to give sometimes.

On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:42 PM,  wrote:

> I like where this discussion has gone.
> It also proved a helpful little seed in the back of my mind recently.
>
> I've been riding for a pretty long time now.
> I'm old, experienced and capable of some occasional cocky behavior,
> leading some to believe that I am accomplished.
>
> But there is always something that will help you recall what scary feels
> like, how precarious two-wheeled travel really is.
>
> They are patching roads around here, and sometimes they decide they will
> fill a gap between old road surface and patch with a little strip of tar.
> NOW they have decided to dribble some coarse sand over the top of these
> lines of tar. This makes them look like the older hardened patches, but
> they are not. On a hot day they are little road traps waiting for
> motorcycles.
>
> I was on one of our local two-lane curves, laid over the appropriate
> amount and hit one of these lines. Like a banana peel, that crust on top of
> the tar slid right out from under my front tire. It catches you so very
> off-guard and shoots adrenaline everywhere.
>
> The normal response, in that split-second of panic, is to come off the
> throttle, come out of the turn/lean which will take you into oncoming
> traffic, or off the road, depending on which direction you are turning at
> the time. Fortunately there was no oncoming traffic, it was a curve right.
>
> It is right after this that I needed the reminder of this whole thread
> lurking in my mind. In the next split second, still in panic mode now
> because I am going into the other lane, I had to tell myself to stop
> reacting and continue to counter steer to re-align myself and get out of
> the path of oncoming.
>
> I am very confident with the application of, and even the mechanics
> explaining counter steering. However, I am not so experienced that I can
> handle all of those "hitting a banana peel" moments as though they are
> routine. I'm not sure I really want to get that experienced at it either.
>
> This thread is timeless.
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: It took less than two weeks...

[Dan Cook]

I can definitely sense that countersteering will be second nature at some
point. When I was riding recently I was in a curve *exactly* like the one I
went down in, and I had the exact same brief panicked feeling I did when I
crashed, but knew what to do and it was no problem.

It rained the day before I was out on the road this weekend and there were
several spots with dirt/sand on the road. That was scary.

I read this on a website about motorcycle safety and found it very
interesting. Seems like good advice.

3. Play a mental game where you imagine everyone is trying to kill you and
make it look like an accident.   For example, if this person suddenly
darted out into traffic, could I stop in time?   If this person swerved to
avoid a dog, would they hit me?   If I had to slam on my brakes right now,
could I stop without dropping the bike?If these cars go here, do I have
more than one way out? If this guy got brake checked and then slammed on
his brakes how would I survive behind him? If this person made a left turn
right now into my path, could I avoid it.  If that kid suddenly ran into
the street.   etc... you get the idea.You must stay 100% alert, always.

On Wed, Aug 17, 2016 at 10:33 AM, Kyle Munz <kyle...@gmail.com> wrote:

> There is a lot to think about, but things like countersteer shouldn't be
> one of them. The more you practice it the more it just happens without
> thinking. The main thing to think about while riding is how exactly every
> single other driver on the road is planning to kill you. MSF teaches you to
> pretend the driver can't see you, which is wrong. You should always assume
> that they can see you, and are only pretending that haven't yet to lure you
> into complacency and into their alleged "blind spot" where they will
> POUNCE. It can get tiring but every car I pass I'm constantly thinking of
> what sneaky move they're going to pull to run me off the road.
>
>
> -Kyle
>
> On Wed, Aug 17, 2016 at 9:22 AM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> This thread has been immensely helpful to me as I get back on the
>> "horse." There is so much to think about when riding. I'm still getting
>> used to that, and perhaps always will be.
>>
>> This weekend I spent some time in an industrial park riding in circles
>> and it was extremely enjoyable. I told my wife I was going to ride to work
>> today (20 mile commute, mostly country roads) and she said she thought I
>> should do some more "short rides" before I take the bike to work.
>> Considering that my accident was on the way home from work, I think she may
>> be onto something.
>>
>> My car is parked outside...
>>
>> Wife does not like this new hobby, so I have to give sometimes.
>>
>> On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:42 PM, <mark.wf...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I like where this discussion has gone.
>>> It also proved a helpful little seed in the back of my mind recently.
>>>
>>> I've been riding for a pretty long time now.
>>> I'm old, experienced and capable of some occasional cocky behavior,
>>> leading some to believe that I am accomplished.
>>>
>>> But there is always something that will help you recall what scary feels
>>> like, how precarious two-wheeled travel really is.
>>>
>>> They are patching roads around here, and sometimes they decide they will
>>> fill a gap between old road surface and patch with a little strip of tar.
>>> NOW they have decided to dribble some coarse sand over the top of these
>>> lines of tar. This makes them look like the older hardened patches, but
>>> they are not. On a hot day they are little road traps waiting for
>>> motorcycles.
>>>
>>> I was on one of our local two-lane curves, laid over the appropriate
>>> amount and hit one of these lines. Like a banana peel, that crust on top of
>>> the tar slid right out from under my front tire. It catches you so very
>>> off-guard and shoots adrenaline everywhere.
>>>
>>> The normal response, in that split-second of panic, is to come off the
>>> throttle, come out of the turn/lean which will take you into oncoming
>>> traffic, or off the road, depending on which direction you are turning at
>>> the time. Fortunately there was no oncoming traffic, it was a curve right.
>>>
>>> It is right after this that I needed the reminder of this whole thread
>>> lurking in my mind. In the next split second, still in panic mode now
>>> because I am going into the other lane, I had to tell myself to stop
>>> reacting and continue to counter steer to re-align myself and get out of
>>>

Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Germany

[Dan Cook]

I don't eat burgers OR drink

On Mon, Feb 6, 2017 at 11:04 AM, EGrider  wrote:

> I don't eat burgers, so maybe coffee! Yeah, my buddy called me up Saturday
> and said, "Have you checked out the temperature in Texas in August?" Me, I
> don't suffer the heat much--I'm much more sensitive to cold and always
> bundle up. Back in the 80's I rode my CB550K to Arizona in the summer. I
> remember I went into the campus book store in Tempe to buy a Sun Devils T
> shirt and my bike was so hot I couldn't touch it when I came back out. I
> know that's no big news to you...
>
> But to answer your question, July or August. Not ideal, but I'm not quite
> retired yet and August is the best month for me to get a replacement at
> work. If my buddy backs out, I go solo again. I want to ride the Rockies
> from Big Bend to Banff. What could be better than that?
>
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Tire pressure

[Dan Cook]

Actually the tires were down to 25, not 27.

On Sep 3, 2016 4:01 PM, "Dan Cook" <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:

> About 2 weeks ago I checked my tire pressure and it was way low, like 15
> psi. So I filled the tires to 29 as instructed in the 2008 Nighthawk
> manual. (I didn't notice as much of an effect on traction as I expected.
> Another story.)
>
> Checked the tires again yesterday and they were down to 27 psi. Do I have
> a leak or is this normal?
>
> Thanks,
> Dan
>
> PS I rode past where I dropped my bike a few weeks ago and that curve was
> nothing!
>

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[Nighthawk Lovers] Tire pressure

[Dan Cook]

About 2 weeks ago I checked my tire pressure and it was way low, like 15
psi. So I filled the tires to 29 as instructed in the 2008 Nighthawk
manual. (I didn't notice as much of an effect on traction as I expected.
Another story.)

Checked the tires again yesterday and they were down to 27 psi. Do I have a
leak or is this normal?

Thanks,
Dan

PS I rode past where I dropped my bike a few weeks ago and that curve was
nothing!

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Tire pressure

[Dan Cook]

Will do. Thanks!

On Sep 3, 2016 9:05 PM, "Javier Garcia" <jajgar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> +1. Those valves tend to crack rather easy. If you happen to replace it,
> look for the L-shaped valves. They make your live so much easier.
>
>
> On Sat, Sep 3, 2016 at 8:59 PM, Kurt Nolte <vturbine.po...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Inflate the tire to 29, then slop some soapy water on it around the bead
>> and valve stem. Look for a steady stream of tiny bubbles.
>>
>> Kurt
>>
>> On Sep 3, 2016 5:49 PM, "Dave duChêne" <duchen...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> try filling them with nitrogen
>>> Dave
>>>
>>> On 3 September 2016 at 17:02, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Actually the tires were down to 25, not 27.
>>>>
>>>> On Sep 3, 2016 4:01 PM, "Dan Cook" <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> About 2 weeks ago I checked my tire pressure and it was way low, like
>>>>> 15 psi. So I filled the tires to 29 as instructed in the 2008 Nighthawk
>>>>> manual. (I didn't notice as much of an effect on traction as I expected.
>>>>> Another story.)
>>>>>
>>>>> Checked the tires again yesterday and they were down to 27 psi. Do I
>>>>> have a leak or is this normal?
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>> Dan
>>>>>
>>>>> PS I rode past where I dropped my bike a few weeks ago and that curve
>>>>> was nothing!
>>>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>>
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Noob stuff

[Dan Cook]

Hi all,

A few things on my mind as I enter month two of riding. Any thoughts?

- should I ride in the center of the lane whenever possible? I've heard
varying ideas here. Generally I'm more comfortable in the center. Oncoming
traffic could destroy me. Gravel or other crap on the side of the road is
no good either. But I have still heard people say that the center isn't the
place to be.

- if I see gravel on the road and there's no avoiding it, what's the best
course of action? My instinct is simply to avoid braking or accelerating
and just try to roll on over it. In corner, obviously this is more
dangerous.

- when not shifting or braking, balls of the feet on the pegs, or remain
ready to brake/shift?

- how important is leaning in a curve? My very limited experience
(including a corner lowside) tells me that countersteering is plenty for
any corner.

- I wear contact lenses. However, for about a month I've been out of them
and had to wear my glasses. How do you put your helmet on with glasses? I
have to take off the glasses, put on the helmet, then snake the glasses
between the helmet padding and my ears until I find the right spot. It's
really a pain in the ass. I wonder if my helmet is a little too tight.

Thanks!
Dan

(And this is all relevant to this list, of course, because I'm wondering
all this while on my Nighthawk 250.)

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] 88,888.00

[Dan Cook]

I'm approaching 2,222... Got a ways to go!

On Oct 5, 2016 5:25 PM, "'Hawaii Sean' via Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <
nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com> wrote:

> So my bike hit 88,888.8 miles on Saturday.  This made me wonder how many
> miles some of the riders have on their bikes?
>
> I'm hoping / planning on hitting 99,999.9 on my bike.
>
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[Nighthawk Lovers] Vibrations

[Dan Cook]

Hi all,

So I am finding that the bars on my 2008 250 tend to vibrate quite a bit
when I get up to about 45mph or higher. Is this normal? I weigh about 250
as well, so maybe I'm too big for this bike. Or maybe something else is up.
Just wondering...

Thanks,
Dan

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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Vibrations

[Dan Cook]

Thanks. Sounds like something I should look into (meaning bring to shop.)

On Oct 6, 2016 8:14 PM, "Javier Garcia" <jajgar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> The wheel might be off balance.
>
> On Thu, Oct 6, 2016 at 4:29 PM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> So I am finding that the bars on my 2008 250 tend to vibrate quite a bit
>> when I get up to about 45mph or higher. Is this normal? I weigh about 250
>> as well, so maybe I'm too big for this bike. Or maybe something else is up.
>> Just wondering...
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Dan
>>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Noob stuff

[Dan Cook]

Thanks, Kyle!

I watched a chunk of the Keith Code video. We have limited GB per month at
home, so I haven't watched the whole thing yet. I did watch the shorter
version, where he shows a rider trying to steer with locked handlebars,
just by leaning. (It doesn't work...) That was interesting. And, not to be
too grim, but I watch videos of motorcycle accidents on youtube just to try
to get a feel for situations to avoid.

Good to hear about the gravel. I like when my instincts are right. (Unlike
countersteering! Though I'm getting there.) In general, I need to relax
when I'm riding and avoid being tense. Working on that too.

Dan

On Thu, Sep 15, 2016 at 1:40 PM, Kyle Munz <kyle...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Most people try to avoid the center of the lane because the theory is
> that's where cars drop their oil and so it will be slicker. Honestly I
> spend more time trying to avoid seams in the pavement and let that decide
> my lane position.
>
> In gravel try not to make any changes in velocity or direction. No brakes,
> no acceleration, no sudden maneuvers. If you're in a turn or going straight
> just try to keep on keeping on. Also relax your body and let the bike pick
> its own way through the patch. The tendency is to tense up but try to avoid
> that.
>
> Feet position on the pegs is personal preference, when I'm cruising I'll
> sometimes put my feet back on the passenger pegs for a change of position.
>
> When you countersteer, you are leaning. Did you ever watch that Keith Code
> video?
>
> Some helmets actually have a groove at the temples to allow for glasses. I
> know my Shoei does but my less expensive Bilt does not. Best to just stop
> by Cycle Gear if you have one near and try the different helmets on.
>
>
> -Kyle
>
> On Thu, Sep 15, 2016 at 11:23 AM, Dan Cook <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> A few things on my mind as I enter month two of riding. Any thoughts?
>>
>> - should I ride in the center of the lane whenever possible? I've heard
>> varying ideas here. Generally I'm more comfortable in the center. Oncoming
>> traffic could destroy me. Gravel or other crap on the side of the road is
>> no good either. But I have still heard people say that the center isn't the
>> place to be.
>>
>> - if I see gravel on the road and there's no avoiding it, what's the best
>> course of action? My instinct is simply to avoid braking or accelerating
>> and just try to roll on over it. In corner, obviously this is more
>> dangerous.
>>
>> - when not shifting or braking, balls of the feet on the pegs, or remain
>> ready to brake/shift?
>>
>> - how important is leaning in a curve? My very limited experience
>> (including a corner lowside) tells me that countersteering is plenty for
>> any corner.
>>
>> - I wear contact lenses. However, for about a month I've been out of them
>> and had to wear my glasses. How do you put your helmet on with glasses? I
>> have to take off the glasses, put on the helmet, then snake the glasses
>> between the helmet padding and my ears until I find the right spot. It's
>> really a pain in the ass. I wonder if my helmet is a little too tight.
>>
>> Thanks!
>> Dan
>>
>> (And this is all relevant to this list, of course, because I'm wondering
>> all this while on my Nighthawk 250.)
>>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] New Honda

[Dan Cook]

You think automatic transmission bikes will ever be the norm?

It's awful trying to find a standard transmission car these days!

On Sep 16, 2016 5:42 PM, "Paul"  wrote:

> Honda confirms adventure scooter for 2017
> 
>
>
> *Paul LeBoutillier *
> *www.hondanighthawks.net *
> Honda Nighthawk Lovers Email group
> 
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Noob stuff

[Dan Cook]

Thanks, Lar. I did take an MSF course this summer. No way I'd be on the
road without having taken that. But if we learned about lane positioning, I
must have zoned out. I don't recall any questions about it on either my
permit test or the written MSF test.

Regarding countersteering and leaning... I get that the act of
countersteering does cause the bike to lean, so it really is a way of
leaning. I should have phrased my thought differently. I'm really wondering
more about body positioning. When I go into a corner, I am most comfortable
staying pretty much upright and letting the countersteer take care of the
lean. I get a better view of what's ahead, for one, and I feel more stable
on the bike than if I lean my body too. However, I've read and seen videos
that say to lean your body as well. I guess I'm just wondering how you all
feel about this.

On Sep 16, 2016 6:05 PM, "Lar Lar" <ameg...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Left part of your lane is called the "blocking position" and should be
> used if any car is behind you.  Motorcycle test here would put a mark
> against you if your were in any other position.  If it's a 4 lane highway
> and your in the left lane then you should be in the right part of that
> lane, again you would be tested for that in a proper motorcycle license
> test. Center of a lane has chances of oil on your tires which will be very
> dangerous.  Consider taking a motorcycle course if there is one in your
> area, it could save your life.  Motorcycles are fun but what you don't know
> can bite you hard down the road.
>
> Counter steering is what motorcycle and even bicycles are all about.
> Gravel on the road, just roll over it.  If it in a corner, you should be
> looking farther ahead into the turn so you can drop speed before you come
> to it.
>
> Glasses, yup put the helmet on and wiggle the glasses in there, it only
> take 10 seconds.  Sound to me like your helmet is the right size, it's no
> good if it's too loose and helmets will loosen up with use.
>
> Cheers
>
> On Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 12:23:17 PM UTC-4, Dan Cook wrote:
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> A few things on my mind as I enter month two of riding. Any thoughts?
>>
>> - should I ride in the center of the lane whenever possible? I've heard
>> varying ideas here. Generally I'm more comfortable in the center. Oncoming
>> traffic could destroy me. Gravel or other crap on the side of the road is
>> no good either. But I have still heard people say that the center isn't the
>> place to be.
>>
>> - if I see gravel on the road and there's no avoiding it, what's the best
>> course of action? My instinct is simply to avoid braking or accelerating
>> and just try to roll on over it. In corner, obviously this is more
>> dangerous.
>>
>> - when not shifting or braking, balls of the feet on the pegs, or remain
>> ready to brake/shift?
>>
>> - how important is leaning in a curve? My very limited experience
>> (including a corner lowside) tells me that countersteering is plenty for
>> any corner.
>>
>> - I wear contact lenses. However, for about a month I've been out of them
>> and had to wear my glasses. How do you put your helmet on with glasses? I
>> have to take off the glasses, put on the helmet, then snake the glasses
>> between the helmet padding and my ears until I find the right spot. It's
>> really a pain in the ass. I wonder if my helmet is a little too tight.
>>
>> Thanks!
>> Dan
>>
>> (And this is all relevant to this list, of course, because I'm wondering
>> all this while on my Nighthawk 250.)
>>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Tire pressure

[Dan Cook]

Thanks for the advice. Stupid spokes

On Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 9:04 AM, jrhoyt0895  wrote:

> I wouldn't bother filling the tires with nitrogen.  They're already filled
> with regular air, which contains about 78% nitrogen.
>>
>>
> Yes, I think you have a leak, and since you're riding a bike that has
> spoked wheels (a 2008 Nighthawk 250, right?) I recommend you install a
> fresh innertube and after finding and removing the offending object that
> caused the leak.
>
> On spoked wheels, the rims often have sharp bits that press against the
> innertube.  It's the reason you're supposed to install a new innertube
> every time you install a new tire.  Look for those sharp points and file
> them down while you have the tire off.
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Tire pressure

[Dan Cook]

Just curious, can non spoked wheels be put on a 250? Dumb question?

On Sep 21, 2016 9:05 AM, "jrhoyt0895"  wrote:

> I wouldn't bother filling the tires with nitrogen.  They're already filled
> with regular air, which contains about 78% nitrogen.
>>
>>
> Yes, I think you have a leak, and since you're riding a bike that has
> spoked wheels (a 2008 Nighthawk 250, right?) I recommend you install a
> fresh innertube and after finding and removing the offending object that
> caused the leak.
>
> On spoked wheels, the rims often have sharp bits that press against the
> innertube.  It's the reason you're supposed to install a new innertube
> every time you install a new tire.  Look for those sharp points and file
> them down while you have the tire off.
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New from Honda

[Dan Cook]

You would blow me and my 250 off the road!

On Nov 17, 2016 7:24 PM, "Paul"  wrote:

> I own a Maxi-scooter (650cc) and I can tell you after owning MANY
> motorcycles, my Suzuki is one of the most enjoyable bikes I've EVER ridden.
> It handles incredibly well, I can keep up with freeway traffic and it's
> comfortable.
>
>
> *Paul LeBoutillier *
> *www.hondanighthawks.net *
> Honda Nighthawk Lovers Email group
> 
>
> On Thu, Nov 17, 2016 at 1:12 PM,  wrote:
>
>> Whoa, found the words.  745 cc in-line twin engine!!!
>> Not so scooter-y.
>>
>
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Re: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Tire pressure

[Dan Cook]

Thanks Kurt. Nah, that's too much, especially for a bike that I think is
too small for me...

On Oct 10, 2016 5:34 AM, "Kurt Nolte" <vturbine.po...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Can they? Yes. It's a question of how much work and money you want to
> apply.
>
> You would need to find a wheel+bearing+ brake combo that would work with
> the rest of the bike. Similar diameter, correct axle size, same brake
> placement. On the 250 it'll be even harder, as if I'm not mistaken those
> are still drum braked up front. Not a whole lot of options for front drum
> brake alloys.
>
> On Oct 10, 2016 1:26 AM, "Dan Cook" <drylightn...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Just curious, can non spoked wheels be put on a 250? Dumb question?
>>
>> On Sep 21, 2016 9:05 AM, "jrhoyt0895" <jeremy.r.h...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I wouldn't bother filling the tires with nitrogen.  They're already
>>> filled with regular air, which contains about 78% nitrogen.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Yes, I think you have a leak, and since you're riding a bike that has
>>> spoked wheels (a 2008 Nighthawk 250, right?) I recommend you install a
>>> fresh innertube and after finding and removing the offending object that
>>> caused the leak.
>>>
>>> On spoked wheels, the rims often have sharp bits that press against the
>>> innertube.  It's the reason you're supposed to install a new innertube
>>> every time you install a new tire.  Look for those sharp points and file
>>> them down while you have the tire off.
>>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group.
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