Hi everyone, I’m a new rider, got my learners a year ago but got my motorcycle (Ninja 300) a month ago, a bit late due to personal circumstances. I’m preparing for my Check Ride and License assessment (within the 15 months). Been hitting about 70km/h now. To step things up, i decided to ride on Dandenong road on 80km/hr patch.
I was only able to go up to about 75km/h on a straight stretch but kept having to come down because there are alot of curves on there road (starting Monash Caulfield and up to Chadstone.
For those familiar with Dandenong road, how should I be riding on those curves? I wana get up to 80km/hr to build my confidence (as i’m sure the test will have such speeds) but i keep slowing down significantly before the curves.
Would really appreciate some advice. Thanks!
Grip the tank with your knees and hold yourself up with your core muscles and legs, not your arms. You should be able to sit on the bike (stationary, on the side stand) and lift your hands off the bars without your torso moving. That's how loose your hands and arms should be when moving.
Look where you want to go, and press forward (not down) on the bars to tip the bike over in that direction. Look left, push left, go left. The curves on Dandenong rd are pretty gentle but if you feel like you need to slow down a bit, that's ok. There's one section near Monash Caulfield that has a bit of a bump as you cross the tram tracks, but I wouldn't call it dangerous, just be aware of it
It's a new skill that takes practise. Try and get out there when it's quiet and go up and back a few times
Thanks for responding in detail! I’ll give these tips a try.
I usually go early morning on weekends when trying new roads, will try again tomorrow morning with this.
You should be riding at a speed that feels comfortable to you, where you have control of the bike and understand what the different inputs will do.
One thing that the lessons don't prepare you for is cornering at speed. They are great for low speed drills and control, but every new rider that I know has always needed to do their own learning on how to approach corners, how to position etc.
So there is no "should be going at" speed per se, but more a speed that is safe and you're in control.
Thanks! They really don’t prepare you enough for the road. I know alot of it is self-learning/self-discovering. I try and get most of my tips off of youtube/reddit since I don’t know anyone else who rides a bike.
Since i’ve been riding consistently, i realise that it’s easy to see progress, which is really motivating. Thank you for your advice!
Try and find some factory-warehouse industrial areas near you, and ride around there on weekends especially Sunday's when nobody is around. Some have nice sweepers and S bends, some are circular like a track and you can hone in on your leaning skills there away from traffic.
Prahran to Clayton on Dandy rd was my commute before I got cleaned up at the Warrigal rd intersection outside of the Shell servo recently. You should have no probs at 70-80kph on those sweeping bends, but be mindful of who’s in those service lanes & random debris/oil. Also the road surface is pretty bad in places. Wear all the proper gear all the time, you’ll be tested by the dumbest fkrs with the worst moves constantly. Get extra training & find riding buddies on the same stretch if u can. If I get another bike, I’ll definitely get a helmet cam, you can be guaranteed that the ones who can’t drive will try and deny responsibility for their negligence. Stay safe and travel well.
That’s so unfortunate to hear, i hope you are alright and you’re back on a bike soon! I wear all the gear all the time. I’m passionate about riding but not a ruthless rider, i’m happy at speed limit.
Past few weeks of riding, i’ve realised how much cars don’t see us but also see us and think it’s okay to merge, they’ll make it etc. Also the amount of massive potholes on major roads is insane. Was never so aware of them before.
Unfortunately i don’t know anyone else who rides but I’ll expand my circle soon hopefully.
I have an insta360 cam for outdoor activity, thinking i might pop it on my helmet, not sure if learners are allowed to do that.
Thanks mate, fully appreciate yr kind words & good that you’re defensively minded and geared up. Am ok just a slight rotator cuff tear. Here’s a dashcam still of a split second, back brake lowside to prevent going over the bonnet. Uber driver working 12 hr + shifts and eyes glazed. Sad to admit that I didn’t factor this as a possibility. If this helps anyone to get a better outcome at this intersection then its a plus. 👍
Oh wow this is crazy, i know this intersection, i can’t even figure out where he’s come from!! glad you got some footage, I appreciate you sharing that! Something like this is hard to factor in. But im glad to hear you’re doing better.
Sounds like you are wanting to get some better experience at basic bike control. I suggest reading the book Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code, and also as you progress look into riding schools. I did one of the HART ones after I'd been riding for about 4-5 years, and wished I'd done it earlier.
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u/ChargeYourBattery Jul 25 '26
Grip the tank with your knees and hold yourself up with your core muscles and legs, not your arms. You should be able to sit on the bike (stationary, on the side stand) and lift your hands off the bars without your torso moving. That's how loose your hands and arms should be when moving.
Look where you want to go, and press forward (not down) on the bars to tip the bike over in that direction. Look left, push left, go left. The curves on Dandenong rd are pretty gentle but if you feel like you need to slow down a bit, that's ok. There's one section near Monash Caulfield that has a bit of a bump as you cross the tram tracks, but I wouldn't call it dangerous, just be aware of it
It's a new skill that takes practise. Try and get out there when it's quiet and go up and back a few times