Observations of a New Rider
#52
03-26-2016 | 12:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,872
From: Bedford UK
#53
03-26-2016 | 01:53 PM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: Alexandria, Virginia
I gotta agree this is not the bike I should have started with. It has a big feel to me, which I'm getting used to, but I definitely could have gone smaller and I think w/a lower center of gravity. It just feels high to me.
If I don't feel I'm getting to where I need to be in terms of comfort level on various terrains, I'll sell it and by something more appropriate -- before I give up. I guess I bought a Harley with that idea in mind i.e. if I don't like it, at least it would not be too hard to sell. Pretty stupid reason I think, but at least that option is available.
If I don't feel I'm getting to where I need to be in terms of comfort level on various terrains, I'll sell it and by something more appropriate -- before I give up. I guess I bought a Harley with that idea in mind i.e. if I don't like it, at least it would not be too hard to sell. Pretty stupid reason I think, but at least that option is available.
#56
03-26-2016 | 04:56 PM
Ok, I've been riding now for about a month and overall its been a lot of fun. There have been a few scary moments like when I was turning and let the clutch out too fast and ran the bike onto a neighbors lawn. I learned that if you don't get your leg out before the bike falls, you might break your ankle.
No big deal, I knew I had to get back on that horse quick and two days later I was riding again.
There are two things I've found that really scare me: 1) wind, not from in front, but from the side as in a sudden gust that pushes you and the bike over to the other lane. I don't like that at all. And 2) going over 55. I just can't do it either because of a lack of faith in the bike or more likely in myself, but it just doesn't feel safe -- even on an open road.
I'm not sure much can be done about the first, but will I eventually be able to feel as comfortable at 60 as I do at oh, 35 or so?
And, it seems insane to me to take a bike out on a four lane highway and have to go 70 mph or whatever the speed of traffic is. Do you guys really get used to this?
No big deal, I knew I had to get back on that horse quick and two days later I was riding again.
There are two things I've found that really scare me: 1) wind, not from in front, but from the side as in a sudden gust that pushes you and the bike over to the other lane. I don't like that at all. And 2) going over 55. I just can't do it either because of a lack of faith in the bike or more likely in myself, but it just doesn't feel safe -- even on an open road.
I'm not sure much can be done about the first, but will I eventually be able to feel as comfortable at 60 as I do at oh, 35 or so?
And, it seems insane to me to take a bike out on a four lane highway and have to go 70 mph or whatever the speed of traffic is. Do you guys really get used to this?
#58
03-26-2016 | 06:40 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 678
Likes: 60
From: Albany, NY
I gotta agree this is not the bike I should have started with. It has a big feel to me, which I'm getting used to, but I definitely could have gone smaller and I think w/a lower center of gravity. It just feels high to me.
If I don't feel I'm getting to where I need to be in terms of comfort level on various terrains, I'll sell it and by something more appropriate -- before I give up. I guess I bought a Harley with that idea in mind i.e. if I don't like it, at least it would not be too hard to sell. Pretty stupid reason I think, but at least that option is available.
If I don't feel I'm getting to where I need to be in terms of comfort level on various terrains, I'll sell it and by something more appropriate -- before I give up. I guess I bought a Harley with that idea in mind i.e. if I don't like it, at least it would not be too hard to sell. Pretty stupid reason I think, but at least that option is available.
#59
03-26-2016 | 08:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: Alexandria, Virginia
"Most folks would not admit they are not comfortable on their bike, so for that I commend you."
I think having broke my ankle on day 3 helped me admit I wasn't 'comfortable'. And the pedals are forward. I'm 5'9" and the reach seems about right. Only thing is I keep resting my heel on the muffler until I smell rubber burning. I may need metal tipped heels.
Every time I've gone out, I've gained a small, but noticeable, measure of confidence. I'm feeling more comfortable on the bike and easing my grip on the handlebars. Can get up to 50 now and even got into 5th gear! I'm on my way baby!!
(But I take the warning that it is when you start to gain real confidence that you're in the most danger. Forewarned is forearmed...)
I think having broke my ankle on day 3 helped me admit I wasn't 'comfortable'. And the pedals are forward. I'm 5'9" and the reach seems about right. Only thing is I keep resting my heel on the muffler until I smell rubber burning. I may need metal tipped heels.
Every time I've gone out, I've gained a small, but noticeable, measure of confidence. I'm feeling more comfortable on the bike and easing my grip on the handlebars. Can get up to 50 now and even got into 5th gear! I'm on my way baby!!
(But I take the warning that it is when you start to gain real confidence that you're in the most danger. Forewarned is forearmed...)
#60
03-27-2016 | 10:00 PM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 1,784
From: PA
Problem #1: Why on earth would you try to control 600-800-1,000+ pounds of bike plus rider with one hand?!? That makes no sense whatsoever. Always, and I mean always, use both arms at the same time. One side pulls and one side pushes. You won't believe how much smoother and more controlled your turns will get, particularly as your speed gets higher.
Problem #2: The classes teach you that if you're in a curve and you realize you're not turning enough, to "push more". I guarantee, if your brain is screaming PUSH PUSH, you're pushing, at least a little bit, with both arms. Countersteering does NOT WORK if both arms are pushing, or even if one arm is pushing and the other one is tensed up from panic. Your arms must be soft and relaxed, and you must both push and pull. Think PULL with the outside arm. Practice that. It will save your life.
Problem #3: As your speed increases, your body posture and position on the bike becomes increasingly important. This is not taught. You are taught to turn your head and look where you want to go. This is absolutely correct, and is a critically important point. However, it's not enough. If you want to go faster, and go faster with control, you must lean your body forward at the waist and in the direction of the curve, so that your body is not vertically in line with the bike, but is leaning inside the bike. The most common tip is to move your chin forward and in towards the inside mirror. Excellent advice, but, again, this will not happen unless your core, torso, and shoulders and arms are soft and relaxed. Tense muscles are a killer. The first time you turn your head all the way, soften up your torso, and lean inside the bike, you'll notice an amazing thing happens: the bike leans less and curves more. You'll just make an effortless swing through the curve. Unskilled riders do the exact opposite; they keep their body more vertical, above the bike, which causes you to unintentionally push the bike down, into more lean, and then you start dragging parts. Then the really bad things start to happen.
Obviously, I'm a little concerned about talking about how to go faster with a beginning rider, but these techniques apply all the time, and will help you ride safely and in control. Again, I strongly recommend practicing smooth curves with only one hand on the bars. On the "pull" side of the curve, it will really be an eye-opener. Then use both arms, and focus on relaxing your muscles so you can properly turn your head and move your torso.
Problem #2: The classes teach you that if you're in a curve and you realize you're not turning enough, to "push more". I guarantee, if your brain is screaming PUSH PUSH, you're pushing, at least a little bit, with both arms. Countersteering does NOT WORK if both arms are pushing, or even if one arm is pushing and the other one is tensed up from panic. Your arms must be soft and relaxed, and you must both push and pull. Think PULL with the outside arm. Practice that. It will save your life.
Problem #3: As your speed increases, your body posture and position on the bike becomes increasingly important. This is not taught. You are taught to turn your head and look where you want to go. This is absolutely correct, and is a critically important point. However, it's not enough. If you want to go faster, and go faster with control, you must lean your body forward at the waist and in the direction of the curve, so that your body is not vertically in line with the bike, but is leaning inside the bike. The most common tip is to move your chin forward and in towards the inside mirror. Excellent advice, but, again, this will not happen unless your core, torso, and shoulders and arms are soft and relaxed. Tense muscles are a killer. The first time you turn your head all the way, soften up your torso, and lean inside the bike, you'll notice an amazing thing happens: the bike leans less and curves more. You'll just make an effortless swing through the curve. Unskilled riders do the exact opposite; they keep their body more vertical, above the bike, which causes you to unintentionally push the bike down, into more lean, and then you start dragging parts. Then the really bad things start to happen.
Obviously, I'm a little concerned about talking about how to go faster with a beginning rider, but these techniques apply all the time, and will help you ride safely and in control. Again, I strongly recommend practicing smooth curves with only one hand on the bars. On the "pull" side of the curve, it will really be an eye-opener. Then use both arms, and focus on relaxing your muscles so you can properly turn your head and move your torso.