I've gotten back on the horse, but I need some riding tips

[fangirl]

It's been 8 weeks since I laid my scoot down and landed in the hospital, but today I got back on the scoot.  I am learning from the accident, but not letting it dampen my enthusiasm for learning to ride a scooter.

Today, I started the MSF basic riding course.  Tomorrow, we will be on our bikes the whole day.  I am the only one on a scooter, so I have to "adjust" some of the instructions to fit my ride.  (i.e. I have an automatic transmission and no neutral gear)  Biggest issue that I am having is how to properly brake.  How do I consistently apply the front brake/right brake lever without accidentally engaging the throttle?  Without having a neutral gear, every time that I hold the right grip, I am in danger of engaging the throttle.  My instructors are that familiar with scoots, so I thought I'd go to the "experts" with this basic question.

Thanks for all of your help with my beginner questions!

[CosmoKorny]

Good for you for getting back on.

I'm not entirely sure I understand the question. The biggest difference between the scooter and motorcycle is the need to apply rear brake in slow speed maneuvers, as the motorcycle has a friction zone and the scooter does not. 

The MSF course will teach releasing the throttle so that it "snaps" closed, while keeping the thumb wrapped under the hand grip and placing all four fingers on the brake lever.  However the thumb can still twist the throttle if you're not careful, so it's just a matter of developing proper habits and being aware of what you are doing.

Good luck tomorrow and remember to have fun!!   

[CosmoKorny]

another very important piece of advice is to not listen to every bit of advice you get on this forum.      The MSF basic rider course is very solid and their instructors are very good, they are your gods for the next few days.

[GLV55]

My wife and I went through the MSF course and were the only 2 on scooters. We found that we didn't need to brake as much as the motor cycle did, simply because rolling off the throttle on a scooter has the same effect as gearing down on an mc because of engine braking of the CVT. Even so, when stoping quickly, just apply both brakes together evenly and smoothly, then as the weight transfers to the front, ease off the back brake so you don't lose traction on the rear tire. We really learned a lot of riding and awareness skills that made us better riders. Have fun with the rest of the course, and learn  from the instructors.

Congrats on getting back on the scoot. I was involved in a hit and run with a drunk driver about a month ago that totaled my scooter, so I know what you are going through. Don't let the other jerks in cars ruin the fun of riding for you. I just got a new scooter last week and it's still a hoot to ride a scooter despite the accident.

[fangirl]

Thanks for the advice and support!  Yes, the instructors are awesome, they are just not as familiar with scoots as motorcycles.  From your comments and reading past posts, it seems that I will just develop a feel for the bike after I've practiced more.

Glad you're ok GLV55!  I was excited, but quite nervous to get back on the scooter yesterday.  My experience with 3 broken ribs and punctured/partially collapsed lung haunts me a bit.

Now... to gear-up and get back to class!   

[GLV55]

Glad you're ok GLV55!  I was excited, but quite nervous to get back on the scooter yesterday.  My experience with 3 broken ribs and punctured/partially collapsed lung haunts me a bit.

Sounds like I got off far better than you did - I only had a sprained wrist. I hope you make a full recovery from your injuries.
Happy riding!

[ScooterCommuter]

Not accidentally engaging the throttle is why the MSF guys make such a big deal about not riding with a high wrist. Just lay your hand flat across the grip with your fingers relaxed and slightly curved around the lever. Look at your wrist position. If you never, EVER, lift your wrist above that position, you wont accidentally throttle up reaching for the lever. However, anytime your grip is in a position where your wrist rises above the handle to fully close the throttle, you probably WILL gas it if you have to reach for the lever in a hurry.