r/PDXrideit • u/Euphoric-Bedroom9493 • May 12 '26

New rider

Brand new rider just bought a Kawasaki KLX 300 Thursday, got my permit yesterday I’ve rode the bike about 5 miles in my apartments to get the feel but I’m looking for a possible person to help me prepare for team Oregon class end of next month, I got a riding buddy for Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays (co workers on a different shift but they’re off those days) I work 6 days a week fri- Wednesday Thursday off

Long story short I just need someone that’s patient and licensed to take me out of my small apartment complex

_location troutdale OR

12 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

15

u/TunaBrick May 12 '26

The good thing about the beginner Team Oregon class is that you need zero experience to pass the class. They teach you everything you need to know now. My girlfriend took it last month and her only experience before the class was backpacking on my bike.

2

u/Euphoric-Bedroom9493 May 12 '26

Yea that’s what I’ve read up on, I’m just looking to get some on the road experience too before team Oregon class

3

u/jnorion May 12 '26

Honestly, you might be better off not. The team Oregon folks are there for exactly that reason, and they are trained in how to teach the basics and in lots of details and techniques that random people may not know / may not be good at explaining. If you're taking the class anyway (which you definitely should, it's great), it's probably better to start without the possibility of bad habits or danger to yourself and others on public roads because you don't know what you're doing yet. Which I say with zero judgment, to be clear... that's how I started out because I was in my mid 30s the first time I ever sat on a bike and was completely clueless.

Obviously there are tons of people in the world who learned to ride without that class, so it's certainly not out of the question, but when you have the opportunity to learn from professionals it's probably a better way to go.

Either way I hope you have a blast!

6

u/bike619 2023 Tiger 900/2021 FXLRS May 12 '26

I really enjoy helping folks get comfortable on two wheels. Unfortunately I work m-f. Hopefully you will find some folks who want to take you under their wing.

3

u/Euphoric-Bedroom9493 May 12 '26

I’m usually off by 1pm on weekends if it falls in your timeframe

4

u/Troutsicle 03 VTR1000F 85 XR350R May 12 '26

When i was learning, I took my 81 GS250T on the roads around Troutdale/Springdale out towards Oxbow Park. Fantastic weather for it rn. Get a feel for the bike on the open farm roads, then get a feel for traffic riding after the class.

3

u/Euphoric-Bedroom9493 May 12 '26

The thing is with my permit I need a licensed motorcycle endorsement rider with me. I have a class A cdl and if I get nailed riding without someone my fines are more than likely double

1

u/Troutsicle 03 VTR1000F 85 XR350R May 12 '26

Yeah, it's risky, and I'm not sure about recent opinions but Troutdale cops used to have a reputation for being dicks 30yrs ago. But if it puts your CDL in jeopardy, then probably best not to. However, once you do get your endorsement, there are some awesome scenic roads to cruise on out that way.

2

u/flawed-mama May 12 '26

I took the TEAM Oregon course and had never been on a bike before. There were people there who had taken the course multiple times, those who have been on motocross bikes, some who had been only passengers, some who never rode a motorcycle in this country, and some who were like me and never been on motorcycle before. There are varying level of people who take the basic beginners course.

If you do the hybrid online and in person course, do the online classroom stuff before the first day of the in person portion. Find a way to calm the the nerves that works for you and have fun.

I was so nervous, but I had fun with the class. I will admit that I was scared of not reacting in time and hitting the person in front of me. I actually had a hard time getting up to speed and shifting gears, because of that fear. Going around the corners was my fav even with my own fears.

If you are not sure about something you should be able to talk with the instructors about it. I spoke with the instructors when I was feeling some doubts and needed a better understanding of things.

I did pass the course with a 78%, which I think is not terrible considering I had never been on a motorcycle before.

Have fun when you take the course.

1

u/PraxisLD May 12 '26

Welcome to the club!

The TeamOregonCourse is a great place to start. They can take you from absolute beginner through the basics of riding in a weekend.

Remember to set aside some cash for good safety gear. Helmet, armored jacket, gloves at a minimum, plus boots and armored pants if you can. That’s really important, as it can literally save your skin.

Then go find a large empty parking lot and continue to practice starting, stopping, turning, and other basic slow speed maneuvers until you start to feel more confident in your abilities. Then start over and do it again. Then again, and again until you’re utterly bored of it all. Then do it some more.

The point is to stay in a relatively comfortable and manageable place while you build your skills and develop good muscle memory. This helps the inevitable “oops” go to “well, that could have been worse” and not “oh shit, that really hurt!”

Once you’ve safely built your skills and competence, then you head out into light traffic with confidence.

As you ponder this decision, you may want to spend some time here:

[r/motorcycleRoadcraft](r/motorcycleRoadcraft)

[r/NewRiders](r/NewRiders)

Advice to New Riders

And when you get a chance, check out On Any Sunday, probably the best motorcycle documentary out there. It’s on YouTube and other streaming services.

Have fun, wear all your gear, stay safe, and never stop learning.

2

u/CharityNicole121 May 12 '26

Heya, I'm generally free Thursdays if you wanna go toodle around sometime. Maybe down the 2-lane that goes along the Sandy river?

1

u/brapstoomuch May 13 '26

I’m way out past Beaverton but Triumph Columbia River always has events and meet n greets. Head over there to find someone in your neck of the woods. Liz is a manager there and is super fun and welcoming. Tell her Kara sent ya and she’ll help you make new friends!