Originally Posted by Checkers10160

Alright so, I recently got my first bike, a '91 CBR600F2. When I got it, it didn't have great tires on it. Sadly I have those same tires on it now, although it's only been like 2 weeks and a combined 5 miles at most of riding. Anyways, the tires need replacing, but there is still some tread. It's shallow, but it's there, so none of it is 'bald'. When I take a corner, even at a fairly low speed (At the limit or below), and even on a slight corner, no rain, etc etc I'm terrified my back tire is going to lose traction, and I'll low side and hit a tree and die or something. Who knows. Anyways, is this a legitimate fear? Or do my tires have to be pretty bad to just lose traction on a sunny, dry day? As soon as I get some money I will be replacing them, which will only be a week or two now. Which leads me to another question. What do I replace first? I sadly can't afford to replace them at the same time. And as a beginner who won't be riding like crazy, can I get cheap tires? Or do I really need the best tires? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just worried.

Originally Posted by shockedimpy

Im nervous just as you are. I just bought my 06 F4i 1 week ago and got the bike dropped off on friday (10/12). I woke up early Saturday morning and was really nervous about it. I had to take it to a parking lot to get comfortable with the seating and feel. The bike is SO MUCH MORE powerful then the Honda Eliminator I was on during the MSF course a month back.

I am considerably nervous about cornering as well. Riding the past few days REALLY helped me out. I am NOT rushing anything and I am driving no faster then 35-45mph. Its a very scary thing riding something so fast and yet so freely exposed. Scary thinking if I have the proper reaction time at speeds over 20mph to slow down or swerve. But cornering is my pet peeve.

I have a brand new rear and almost new front tire. But I'm consistently told that any small thing can cause me to dump the bike on a turn/corner. I sorta feel like the bike will kick out at any issue on the road (water,leaf,oil). Which I am assuming is NOT usually the case. Im assuming the bike can handle its own in corners (wet,etc..) but my mindset is still very catious.

Ive learned to slow down while approaching a corner/turn and then maintain speed while in it, which scared me because what if something happens mid turn or Im already going to quick, what do I do? Apparently lean more, which I cannot comprehend or even picture myself doing. This is all still confusing to me.....

Originally Posted by ChuckRuckus

Technically you would want to bring the bike upright, front wheel straight, then hard brake. That's what I was taught. Coming around a turn too fast, you cannot use your rear brake or you will for sure slide...so stop the turn, ride straight, brake. I've used the maneuver to avoid a car stopped in a turn checking the mail.