Hey all. New to the forum. Buying my first bike in just over 4 and a half hours from this posting. I am getting a 2002 Softail heritage. Any tips for a new guy? (I am signed up for the CHP class on the 18th, I am not riding till I complete it.)

Just so stoked.

 

Ride on the back roads and side streets till you get really comfortable before trying out the interstates. Be very defensive. Always assume that everyone around you cannot see you or is trying to kill you.

Have loads of fun go on lots of rides and enjoy the hell out of it.

 

WELCOME to a WHOLE NEW WORLD!

Like has already been said, stick to the back roads, ride YOUR ride, don't let another rider or vehicle make you feel like you need to go faster, and assume you are INVISIBLE, because you ARE! My wife hasn't been riding with me long, but one of her observations was how many more bikes she sees now that she's spending time riding on one. You'll have the same experience, I'm sure!

Remember, there are two things that WILL get you hurt or killed.

1) Riding beyond your limits, you'll know them, and they will change.

2) It's not YOUR limits that you need to be worried about, it's EVERYONE ELSES!

Be safe, and be a part of the forum. There are some great guys who share your new found love, and who will help you in any way they can!

 

Congrats! You will love it! Like others have said though.... drive defensive and act like cagers are trying to run you over (because they probably are).

Make sure you post some pics after you pick her up!

 

Welcome and congrats, you will have a blast.

I was driving in the car with my wife last weekend, and a young guy passed me on his sportster, but he kept looking down with one of his hands on his crotch. Turns out he was TEXTING while riding. I turned to my wife and said, that boy is just going to die.

Don't do that.

 

welcome! Ur gunna love it.
Riding is my therapy

 

Tips? Yeah.
1) Bright colored full face helmet.
2) Read the Hurt Report
3) A bike always looks better with a pretty girl on the back.

Welcome and enjoy!

 

Welcome! Have fun, enjoy the ride, take your time and enjoy meeting a whole lot of new friends!!!

 

Welcome aboard from NJ.

Sounds like you're starting off right! Take the course, pay attention and then ride like your life depends on it. Before you know it you'll be feeling "comfortable" on your ride. THAT WILL BE WHEN IT IS MOST DANGEROUS!

BUT - most importantly, welcome to the fold!

 

congrats on the new bike, don't drop it!