Chinese Scooter Club

BigGuy · Sat Apr 12, 2008 10:34 pm New to 2-wheels? Here are some riding tips!

Hi Everyone,

I have looked around and didn't find any riding tips for people new to 2-wheels, so I thought I might share some with you:

I'm noticing more and more cycle and scooter riders than I have ever seen on the roads in the last few years, so for the newbies, I wanted to share a few tips on how to balance that thing and keep from dumping it!

There are three styles of riding:

1) Slow speed. At slow speeds, while maneuvering through cars on city streets for example, if you turn your wheel left, you lean to the right. At very low speeds, this gives you wonderful handling.

2) Medium speed. So, you want to go over 5 mph? Okay, the rule of thumb from 5-45 mph is to lean with the scoot. So if you're coming into a sweeping turn to the left at 40mph, your body should be leaning left, maintaining an off-center of gravity, or for better words, let's say the scoot leans 10 degrees to the left, you should also be leaning an equal amount. At medium speeds, you may not have to turn your front wheel at all, just the lean will cause the scooter to turn.

3) High Speed. At higher speed, there are two factors that come into play, balance and counter-steering... yes, you heard right, and a lot people don't even realize they do it, because they do it naturally to stabilize the scooter in turns.

Have you ever watched a high speed crotch-rocket race? Wonder how they keep from sliding out? Simple, they get more rubber on the road! To do this, in a sweeping left turn for example, you lean further to the left to make the scooter turn left, while pushing forward on the LEFT side of the handlebar... watch a high speed race closely around the turns and you'll see the front wheel turning in the opposite direction! Really!

Many of you may not have ever noticed that you do this instinctively. You can't take a sweeping turn at high speed unless you do, or you'll start to wobble.

How to keep the road rash away:

There is an exception to the leaning and balance rule, and that is, turning in the rain or on loose gravel. First off, SLOW DOWN in your turns, or I promise you, you WILL lay down!

With that out of the way, in the rain, the exception to the lean rule applies. If you're making a left turn at an intersection, take it SLOW and lean to the right. This will give you the most traction.

Never use you front brake in the turn, use your back only, or if you're like me, I go into the turn at the right speed and maintain a constant speed throughout the turn, without having to use the throttle or brakes.

Oh, and if the worst does happen, make sure you're dressed for it! Leather, leather, leather... or armor...

Scooter take-downs:

1) Manhole covers. These are made from steel, and when wet, they're like ice. Of course they also have a lip on them, so if you hit one in a turn in the rain, it'll take you down!

2) RR Tracks. Tracks can be an inch or more above or below the road, both creating a dangerous situation. While most tracks can be crossed at a 90 degree angle, this is not always the case. There are times where the tracks are in the middle of the road and run parallel to it, such as the trolley tracks here in New Orleans and San Francisco.

NEVER attempt to cross a RR track at anything less than a 45 degree angle, and even then, you have to be REAL careful! You should NEVER lean when crossing tracks.

3) Metal expansion joints in the road. While these look harmless, some of them are 12-14" across and they are usually smooth steel, so a little water or oil and guess what?

4) ROADWORK AHEAD! Here they come, those dang uneven pavements and grooves in the road! These are truly the best take-down artists around! You've felt these in your car, making it swerve, it'll take down a scooter in a heart beat! Slow down, keep a light steer and try not to counter the grooves and NEVER try and jump up the uneven pavement.

5) The 'Oil Patch'. Ever notice that dark section of the middle of the road? It's oil staining! Ever notice how many pretty colors it makes when it starts to rain? That's the oil rising to the top of the rain water!

When riding on a slick roadway, especially when it first starts to rain, stay AWAY from the center of the road! When changing lanes, do it slowly and carefully, and never at an intersection where cars wait for red lights. This goes TRIPLE for gas stations! Pull up to the pump REAL slowly... there may be some spilled gas there that will take you down in a heartbeat in the rain!

There are plenty of other tips for riding, and I'm sure folks will add to this thread, but the best tip of all, is use common sense!

Scooters are all about having fun, but being safe and aware of your surroundings is just as important!

If you're new to 2-wheelers, practice the counter-steering method and learn how to balance properly. If you do, and you follow the rules, chances are you will never lay down your scoot in any weather.

I hope this helps the people who are new to 2-wheels!

Happy Scootin'

-Rich

Scootin · Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:56 am

Good post! :icon_thumbs_up:

BigGuy · Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:19 am

Thanks for the accolades!

:icon_pray:

avo16 · Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:55 am a biker

I'm used to 2 wheels but I must say to newbies theres a big difference from big wheel bikes and 10" wheel scoots the centre of gravity is very different so dont jump on your scoot as I did thinking theyre the same lol and yes leathers are a must I cringe when I see kids in shorts an t shirts