First time on a motorized bicycle with little to no experience.

[Your-Majesty]

I'm mechanically savy, so putting the kit on the donor bike is going well (I am having to do it in a few sessions because of my schedule). One thing that I am not well versed in however is the actual operation of 2 wheeled vehicles with motors strapped on. I know how to ride a bike, don't get me wrong, it's the whole, bicycle w/motor thing that I am completely new to. I've read the manual, It's coming together well, i know the fuel ratios, local laws, etc. I drove a moped, once, years ago but have since forgotten all but turning the key.

I am interested in the recollections and advice of those of you who, never having operated a similar vehicle before, mounted a motorized bicycle and gave it your all.

Let's have it. Loosing your MB Virginity?!?!

 

[Schwinn-Locura]

Well my first time driving as about 3AM in the morning right after putting it together. The tire was hitting the chain and the master link fell off. Was still awesome though.

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

Do your first several runs in large, EMPTY lots that are on FLAT ground. It helps if you familiarize riding this specific bicycle BEFORE you motorize it, so you automatically know how to ride it.

There are extra levers on your bike, like clutch and throttle levers, maybe even a speedometer and extra brake lever you just added. Changing to a lever that activates both front and rear brakes gives you one less item to find and manipulate.

Familiarize yourself with your bike the night before, all the levers and instruments, where the brakes are, etc.

Carry your bike to that secluded area in a van or truck. In case you break down, you have a way home. Bring drinking water, your tools and extra gasoline, and snacks. Make it a day to have fun and relax.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT!!! Use a helmet and gloves. I also use kneepads that carpetlayers and tilesetters use on the job.

Eat a meal before you ride your bike. You'll be so excited, you'll forget to eat.

Plan your day. Start in early morning or late afternoon, leave in a couple hours.

Bring a friend and a camera.

Ride your bike around the empty lot with full gear on. Pedal your bicycle around the lot, check out the scene for potholes, objects on the road. Clear the area, if need be. Watch out for dips and speed bumps.

Take your time! Enjoy the planning, check and double check all functions, THEN execute the ride!

Try not to go full throttle, until you get the hang of things. Immovable objects approach you REAL fast on a motorized bike.

Stay off the road and ride in secluded areas until you are TOTALLY familiar with your bike and comfortable riding it.

If you have a motorcycle license, this is just like riding one.

Have fun, take pics and share with us!

 

[Your-Majesty]

@Schwinn-Locura: Lol. That's kindof disheartening! I'd hate for it to just all end abruptly like that. But..:
@5-7HEAVEN: Bringing tools is an excellent idea to prevent it from all ending so soon.

I live right next to a park with a small concrete sort of depression in the ground. Skaters use it but are rarely there during the week. I guess that's where I'll begin.

I'm stoked! Can't wait to get going. Pictures is a good idea. I'm a video blogger in my other life so perhaps I'll vlog on this as well.

Oh BTW, 5-7, I love your quote. I still haven't broken the news to my wife that there is a potential death trap being assembled in the garage. At 6 months pregnant and nesting, she's gonna be POed. LMAO!

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

@Schwinn-Locura: Lol. That's kindof disheartening! I'd hate for it to just all end abruptly like that. But..:
@5-7HEAVEN: Bringing tools is an excellent idea to prevent it from all ending so soon.

I live right next to a park with a small concrete sort of depression in the ground. Skaters use it but are rarely there during the week. I guess that's where I'll begin.

I'm stoked! Can't wait to get going. Pictures is a good idea. I'm a video blogger in my other life so perhaps I'll vlog on this as well.

Oh BTW, 5-7, I love your quote. I still haven't broken the news to my wife that there is a potential death trap being assembled in the garage. At 6 months pregnant and nesting, she's gonna be POed. LMAO!

I carry a 25lb. military hydration backpack with all my tools and a cellphone wherever I go. That backpack is my rear-mounted crash/air bag, for when I fall. I also carry a 15lb. FUGETTABOUTIT motorcycle chain, bandolier-style, and a 6-ft. cable to secure my wheels. Darn thieves got me paranoid!

Death is my co-pilot, and sometimes I think my bike is really trying to kill me! The bike chain jammed once, and it threw me off at 25mph, just to scare me. I rolled off the bike onto the ground, when the front wheel hit the curb. All I got was a giant mouse on my forearm that looked like a second elbow for a while. No rips, tears or blood. Not even dirt on my clothes or hands! No damage to the bike. Even the mirrors were still in position. An hour later, I was donating blood at the Blood Bank. All I did was wash my hands and my new mouse, which was already subsiding.

Last week, my engine was giving me carbon monoxide poisoning, until I changed the muffler and rerouted the exhaust.

Death is my co-pilot, especially when claiming the lane at 35mph, surrounded by cars who are stunned that you're riding alongside them.

Sometimes it's safer for me to ride ahead or alongside them in my own lane, instead of hugging the curb. Then even the little old lady will think nothing of squeezing you off the road, into the curb/gutter/signpost.

But I DO ride it to work, which is like a 25-minute amusement ride TWICE a day!

What a way to end the work day!

When you ride on the streets, ride like every driver is flat-out crazy!

I always consider myself an obstacle to the other drivers' next traffic stop.

 

[Your-Majesty]

Death is my co-pilot, especially when claiming the lane at 35mph, surrounded by cars who are stunned that you're riding alongside them.

But I DO ride it to work, which is like a 25-minute amusement ride TWICE a day!

What a way to end the work day!

When you ride on the streets, ride like every driver is flat-out crazy!

This is all too Hilarious!!!

....To work, eh?! 35mph at 25min. That's like fifteen miles give or take. I could probably pull that off once i get comfortable with the riding and the gear. Food for thought. Thanks Bruva!

 

[Virginian]

My advice is, be cautious.

I have ridden pedal bikes all my life - over 50,000 miles. Things happen a lot fasted on a motorized bike. I have so far avoided any problem on my motorized bike only because I have well-developed reflexes on how to handle difficult situations. It's automatic. I don't even have to think. It just happens like a reflex.

Until you develop the right reflexes, you are vulnerable.

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

This is all too Hilarious!!!

....To work, eh?! 35mph at 25min. That's like fifteen miles give or take. I could probably pull that off once i get comfortable with the riding and the gear. Food for thought. Thanks Bruva!

Nah, more like 5 miles, 35mph spurts, stop-and-go-traffic is REALLY bad. Then there's the elevator ride to the 4th floor, the walk down the hall, etc. Actual ride is maybe 18-20 minutes.

 

[RedBaronX]

This is all too Hilarious!!!

....To work, eh?! 35mph at 25min. That's like fifteen miles give or take. I could probably pull that off once i get comfortable with the riding and the gear. Food for thought. Thanks Bruva!

my commute is 15 miles, and it takes me 40 minutes give or take-- less in the morning, more in the evening, based on traffic.

it's getting cold here in Milwaukee, but the sheer terror of riding this danged sketchy thing keeps me warm

 

[untamed]

beware of your brakes, mine dont stop as fast as id like it to.gonna have to add some