Quote:
Originally Posted by jojo5199
I have zero experience with motorcycles but would like to get in to it.
Is it a good idea to get started with motorcycling here?
Is it even realistic to do a trip like that under the given circumstances (no experience?) or should I rather go back to Germany make a license and return in a couple of years when there is time for it?
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I love traveling by motorcycle and hate to discourage anyone interested in it, but I have to agree with brclarke. I see that you have some doubts and I think you would be wise to heed them.
You might be able to do this but it does invite disaster.
For example:
- as you come to stop at an intersection you are using the clutch repeatedly (left hand) to downshift,
- and the shifter lever (left foot) to change gears down to first.
- You are operating the throttle (right hand) to maintain smooth forward progress.
- At the same time you are applying the front brake (also with right hand),
- and the rear brake (right foot),
- and modulating the two brakes separately to slow and stop without locking up either wheel.
- You are maintaining your balance, which gets trickier as you slow and no longer have the centrifugal force of the wheels to keep you tracking straight and upright.
- Meanwhile, you are watching for and avoiding sand, oil spots, painted lines, metal sewer covers, potholes, etc- all of which can cause a slip and a tip over.
That's actually a lot to do and requires quite a bit of concentration for a new rider. In fact, for a new rider: just deciding when and where to put your foot down (left or right?) will take some attention.
Notice that you haven't yet given a thought to traffic behind you, to the side, or oncoming; which direction do you need to turn, what lane do you need to be in; One way streets, detours, people pulling out of unseen driveways, pedestrians, dogs, kids, trucks, bicycles........can you sort out the chaos if you still have to look at your hands to find the clutch lever?
This is all requires concentration and makes riding hazardous for at least a few thousand miles (and IMO much longer.) Even in your home country, where you know where you are going, and you are familiar with local traffic patterns and roads/intersections to avoid, you are at a fairly high risk as a new rider. In a foreign country- you are tempting fate.
Riding motorcycles, especially as a mode of travel, is an awesome thing to do and everyone here loves doing it. I would recommend that you get the mechanics of riding under your belt before you venture out into foreign traffic. It is a truth that experienced riders are hurt and killed on a regular basis at home and abroad.
Others will disagree with me and say just go for it! In the end ,of course, you will make your own decision.
Hope to see you out there , safe and having fun.
.............shu