I wish someone had told be then when I started

[eviljim]

So I have just bought a gas gas ec 300. 1996 from a guy of this forum. A nice stress free purchase. Hope he was a honest as he seemed.

Any way, it's been a while, I used to race school buy mx, but stopped about 20 years ago, so am returning to dirt bikes. Bit of green laining, bit pre race days may be a race next year.

There is always info, tips that are obvious when you know them but not when you dont. So what bit of info could you give me, one heat when you worked it out or were told made you think "I wish someone had told be then when I started"

I have loads of technical quests but I will put them in the relevant place.

Cheers

EJ

 

[Jakobi]

Make sure the fuel is on before you try and start it and the spark plug cap too! Especially important if you ride with a few jokers!

 

[GasTimppa]

Don't start your bike barefooted...

 

[theboogieman]

I'm in the same boat as you Jim, rode as a teen, now back 30 yrs later.
The things I know now that I didn't know then:
How to learn.
Sounds daft, but now I know how to practice techniques in isolation,
(on their own, not me on my own, lol).
How to pace myself.
I think, put simply, now I look at something and can think, why am I not able to get/down/over/up that? and what do I need to learn how to do, to master that.

The other thing I have found second time round is that, Slow is fast!
The hardest thing I have had to learn (still learning) is to be able to stand still on balance anywhere.
It opens up a whole side of your and your bikes abilities that speed alone wont.

Some things are just the same as yrs ago though...
My 2010 ec300 is just as easy to crash as my old 1981 kdx was.
Bruises are still blue and yellow.
And we're all still heros after the ride/race when we're bench racing.

 

[eviljim]

Don't start your bike barefooted...

Love this.

 

[wasp4banger]

There is always info, tips that are obvious when you know them but not when you dont. So what bit of info could you give me, one heat when you worked it out or were told made you think "I wish someone had told be then when I started"

EJ

To finish first, first you've got to finish.
Look well ahead and not at what you are riding over.
Spend time (and money?) getting your suspension right.

 

[oregon pampara rider]

find some patient experienced riders, follow and emulate, ask questions. also buy Shane Watts Dirt wise video, many good basic skill to learm from a master, better yet take one of his weekend classes if he is over on your side of the pond.

 

[Simmo737]

Stand up!

The clutch is not just for changing gears, it has more important uses.

Re -learn to do mono's as soon as possible (not just for show, but mainly)

Be prepared with rediculous but very confident excuses as to why you have to go to the shed again.

Don't skimp on protective gear.

 

[Jakobi]

Stand up!

The clutch is not just for changing gears, it has more important uses.

Re -learn to do mono's as soon as possible (not just for show, but mainly)

Be prepared with rediculous but very confident excuses as to why you have to go to the shed again.

Don't skimp on protective gear.

..I'll just be a few more minutes dear!!

 

[bowhunter007]

Never, ever gripe to the wife about injuries(especially mine). Never discuss how much money you've invested(unless it's body armour)...once again, especially to my wife. Never mind, I can talk all I want...My wife's horse cost me money, everytime it takes a breath

 

[Caravan Monster]

Go riding as much as you can. Find a green laning group to tag along with. There are plenty of clubs and organisations focused on catering for novices to enduro, which are a much friendlier environment than MX. Practice or racing, carpet baggers intimidating beginners in sportsman / clubman events is very much frowned upon by organisers, so go for it and enjoy !

The best maintenance advice I have read on the web is

here

and

here

I wouldn't trust the weirdo who sold the bike though. Everyone says he is trouble

 

[eviljim]

I wouldn't trust the weirdo who sold the bike though. Everyone says he is trouble

Trouble or troubled?

Thanks for a plesent buying experience. Let's hope the riding experience will be just a good.