Tips on first three wheel test drive
So you’ve decided to give Metropolis a try? If this is your first time with a bike or scooter, here are a few tips that will make it more fun and a less worrying experience. I wish I had these when I first drove off on a test ride.
Be prepared
Ask the sales guy to explain what’s what. Turning left handle = gas, both levers and the pedal are brakes. Switch on the right handle turns the tilt lock on (push once to the left) and off (push once to the right).
Switch on the left handle is turn switch, it’s not automatic, so remember to switch it on before you turn and (important!) push it in to switch it after the turn!
If you want – you can read a Metropolis manual before setting off into the sunset – you can find it in our Documents section.
Be gentle
Only in movies they pull that gas handle and drive off in the cloud of dust.
As soon as you roll the gas, two things will happen: tilt lock will switch off and the bike will start to move. Often quicker than you expect.
So make sure your front wheel is pointing forward and you turn the gas handle just slightly (supporting yourself and bike with both legs), while controlling the direction of movement.
If you’re turning the gas and the thing’s still not moving – stop wrecking that bike and switch off the parking brake, it won’t switch off by itself, hehe.
Look where you want to go
Your body will try to steer the bike to the spot your eyes are focusing on. So look up and look forward. Don’t focus on that tree or that curb, or you’ll end up right there. Always look ahead, look into your turns and towards their end point, and not their beginning.
Be ready
When stopping – support yourself with both feet on the ground or be ready to catch the falling 250kg bike – tilt lock is not switching on automatically, you have to do it by hand. Catching Metropolis while it falls sideways is doable, but your wrists will hurt the whole next week.
Learn how a bikes turns before riding one
Metropolis steers like a regular motorbike and not like a car. Steering the bike with just the turning of the handlebar will be tricky and much less direct than you expect. Read a bit about countersteering and other tips on riding motorcycles before that test drive. We will be publishing basic driving tips soon, but meanwhile you can check out LazyMotorbike – it’s a great resource for motorcycle handling tips.
Stay safe
As with all things, start slow. Go as slow as possible first, building up, speed and confidence with every turn. Even a monkey can steer straight and ride quick. But it takes skill to make those first few turns and crossing first roundabout or traffic light. Remember, it’s always easier to take a slow turn and then speed up than to save yourself from a crash in turn you went in too fast. Oh and don’t try to help yourself with your feet in moving turns – you’ll only injure yourself for no particular reason.
