Korean Job Discussion Forums

[togoastray]

Hi,

I've driven scooters in Seoul for years, now I'm thinking about buying a small motorcycle, but have never driven one. I'm looking for someone who is willing to spend an hour or two showing me the basics (dinner/lunch on me). I live near Sinchon and would prefer to meet close to there. I'm looking to buy something similar to the Daelim Daystar 125, so someone with a similar cruiser style bike would be ideal. If you have time and are willing, shoot me an e-mail at [email protected].

Thanks

[Bibbitybop]

Oh, boy. You are setting yourself up for a world of pain.

I have friends in the state who learned from friends. Sure, they got the hang of it. At least until they needed to use an evasive or defensive technique their friends didn't teach them. And this was in small to medium sized towns. Add Korean and Seoul traffic, pedestrians and potholes to the mix. Make sure you have extra insurance as NHIC doesn't cover motorcycle accident injuries.


It takes longer than a couple hours to properly learn how to ride a motorcycle. And who do you think is willing to let you learn on their precious baby? There's a good chance you'll drop it, especially if they are teaching you safety techniques you need to learn.


The problem is that in Korea, there is no good school for learning MC riding, even in the Korean language. In the USA, you can find weekend long courses that use supplied bikes and the courses are approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They are taught by experts and teach you everything you need to save your skin.


Of all my friends who wrecked in the USA, they were either doing stunts, or were casual riders who never took a true safety class.

[Temporary]

What a load of BS..

I didn't ride bikes for 8 years untill I came to Korea.. 4 Years now that I;ve been driving with out a prob;

[Bibbitybop]

[The Hammer]

Always remember... Safety first!

[Underwaterbob]

While I approve of Bibbity's style of learning from an expert to ensure maximum safety, it's not that hard to teach yourself, especially if you've been driving scooters for years. Practice, practice, practice and avoid heavy traffic until you feel secure enough to maneuver in it.

The biggest difference you're going to find between your scooter and an actual bike is how it handles. My Magma turns like a pregnant cow compared to the 90cc scooter I was riding before. Get out there, start riding and take it slow. On a motorcycle, unless you hit a pedestrian, you're likely to get the worst in any accident.

[MattAwesome]

I took the official MSf class and it was great. since you are a seasoned scooter person, it wont be much different. but instead of using the handle bars to turn the bike you will be pushing on them and leaning the bike to turn it. unfortunately you cannot learn how to ride a motorcycle without one. find a friend and he will teach you the basics. then,build some kind of obstacle course. and learn how to brake. 90% of motorcycle braking is done with the rear brake. also learn fast stopping and basic maneuvering. and dont think anybody will ever see you. if you drive like everyone thinks you are invisible you will be a lot safer.

[togoastray]

Thanks for the replies

[Bibbitybop]

The biggest thing you don't get when learning from friends or by yourself is the combination of the physics of how a bike handles and the training to teach you tactics that feel dangerous or unnatural, but can save your life in an instant.

[the boy next door]

ride high, baby.

[Temporary]

I was self taught. They showed me how to start a bike. If you get a friend to teach you how to ride its not bad if ofcourse your friend is good. Been riding bikes since I was 14.. Its more then half my life. 4 Accidents. 1 Serious motocross accident, 3 in korea I was hit by idiots that didn't look where they were going or they had their head lights off. I wasn't going very fast less then 10kilometers, I know how to bail plus I wear protective gear all the time.

I was hit by cars 4 times in Korea while being a pedestrian. Walking is more dangerous then riding a motorcycle in this country.

[MikeC101]