I learned my lesson in the eighties. I've ridden since I was 16 and first got my license. (rode dirt before that), and that was in the 70's. At that time, I rode all year long, my bike was my only vehicle, unless there was ice on the road and I couldn't ride.
I was on my way to work at about 6am, half asleep, probably a hangover, and I saw the cars slam on the brakes in front of me. I locked up my rear wheel and went sideways. Nobody ever told me not to do this - so I'm telling you! - I let off of the rear brake while sideways and not touching the front brake. Well - the old timers can tell you what happened next. My bike (an FLHS) whipped around and tossed me right over the bars into the road.
I'm sliding down the road on my chest, hoping no cars run over me, while watching my bike spinning down the road ahead of me in a spray of sparks. Then it got run over by a van.
Anyway, injuries and bike damage aside - one of the requirements when I was given my ticket by the cop, was that I had to take the state riders education course. I went in thinking it was dumb, and a pain in the ***, but it was one of the best things I ever did, and I think it probably saved me more than once in the 25 or so years since. I recommend it, and it is usually free.
My 2 cents - be safe.

 

Damn homeboy...sounds intense. Thats exactly what I am trying to avoid. I plan to take the rider safety course when I get back home. I know there is a lot I still need to learn...especially stepping up to such a large bike, compared to what I am riding down south. I appreciate your input.

Glad to hear you are safe and in one piece after that incident.

 

Been riding for 35 years and had a few close calls in my early years but always managed to keep the bike up on two wheels. Was an MSF instructor for a while and did some track days. Closest call ever was going a little too fast through a turn on the track (about 120) and ended up in a loooooong slide on my knee and both tire sidewalls. Managed to stick with it and get it back on the contact patch and back upright. Huge pucker factor. I pretty much ride with a very close eye on everything going on around me and try to stay away from all the cages.

 

I have been in too many wrecks to count. Some my fault, and others not. I wrecked on the track and the street, and they both suck. I guess some of us do wreck, and others don't.

 

Don't get too comfortable after the first year, I've been hit by cars 3 times.

 

Plus 100 on the MSF course.

I think growing up riding dirt bikes gives you both good and bad habits. I always know it the back of my mind I could go down at any time and have on a dirt bike. On my first street bike I hit a ridge in the road where only one side had been paved and it thru me in the ditch (1987) On my second bike I hit a median and by the grace of god lived. The details are fuzzy. (1990) I sold the bike after that and didn't own a bike for almost 20 years.

I was actually riding my bike to the MSF course and had to lock up my brakes to avoid a car that stopped suddenly. I locked up my back brakes and skid sideways for a couple feet. Not smart with a big twin. After taking the class and learning about front brakes I have totally changed the way I stop and the class has helped my awareness big time.

 

I would LOVE to take this MSF course if they have it near me & it's free!
How do I find out about it.

Don't think just cuz i've never taken a course i'm "green". I took my license road test when I was 19 on a fully bagged honda goldwing (with a bunch of kids my age on rockets & beat every one of em).

 

Been riding for 42 years. 36 years on the street. When I was 18 I had a couple very minor incidents..no injury or damage to bike.

Last May got run off the road by a minivan piloted by a driver who was texting. Little damage to bike, none to me.

Last August got hit by a truck. Totaled the bike and I ended up with a plate and 7 screws in my leg.

Pretty good run of 33 years with no incidents.

There was no way to avoid running off the road to get away from being hit by the texting driver.

There is no doubt that had I been paying better attention I could have avoided the truck hitting me.

 

My bike has been down at 3mph or slower a couple of times jeje BUT I did hit 2 motherFs when they made U turns on highways basicly and backed up or stayed in the middle of the lane!!!!!!!!! but I was lucky just to allmost made the complete stop befor hitting them. For sure my best advise is to improve your braking system!!!! that last time was about 2 months ago and I bet if I didn't have my Brembo on front it would have beed a hole different story!!!!!! I thought I was going to go flying ove the car but insted I allmost stoped before I hit the car.

 

ohhh I forgot I hit the back of my bros bike the first month I was driving, but again sand on the road and a truck turn infront of us... if I had the brakes I have now (I know 7 years of experience now help too) I think I wouldnt have hit him, again I allmost stoped befor hitting him.