I have been riding for over 30 years, (DIRT), but on the street I'm just a beginner too. I'm not ashamed of that. Dodging chipmonks is alot different than dodging SUV's, and I don't really want to powerslide my new sportster just yet. (OK, I lied, I did it in the meadow out behind the house. Damn slick tires, anyway.) Just keep a healthy respect for the machine, and ride like everyone is trying to kill you, and you will get to be an old biker. I expect to be a beginner for at least a year, and that will be over 5000 miles from where I'm at now.

 

Don't take offense to being called a beginner. You ARE a beginner. You still have a lot you can learn from more experienced riders. I have been riding for over a year now and have over 5,000 miles on my XL1200C. I AM A BEGINNER! When someone calls you a beginner just smile and say "Thanks, and I'm doing great too!".

 

Everyone is a beginner to someone. Look at the good side you have 600 miles more than someone who gets a bike today. Keep riding and learning, best thing is to know your limits and stay within them. Don't push yourself beyond your limits trying to "keep up" with the "Experianced" rider. Remember they are beginners to some too.

 

In your mind stay as a 'beginner', that way you'll keep respect for the bike and 'the others'!

The minute you start feeling you're an 'expert' you'll be proved wrong!--Bikes have a habit of doing that.
Have fun, be safe.
Andy

 

I'm a begiiner at 55. First bike and outside a trip to the end of the block and dopping the bike I was riding when I was making a u-turn when I was 16, no riding experience. I took the MSF course and am getting the feel of my bike. Keep te begiiner attitude, as when people get too comfortable they make mistakes.

 

I'm 53 and bought my bike used a year ago in response to the price of fuel. I did have a dirt bike 30 years ago but sold it to get through school. Anyway, in the past year I've learned:
1. Some people with 20 years experience actually have 1 year experience repeated 20 times
2. This forum is the best tool you'll ever have
3. Go to RideLikeAPro.Com and check out his DVD and Surviving the Mean Streets DVD. Mention this forum for a discount.

 

WHOOT!! Give it up to the beginners!!

Hi I'm Mike and I have been riding aout 3 weeks got 1200 miles under my belt.

The MSF guy said a funny thing. Hes been riding fro 25 years and he says he is intermediate.

There is always stuff to learn aobut everything.

Why not just say your a "Harley Rider" and not worry aobut labels? Then you can dodge the cagers who despite what others may say can see you perfectly well!!


They just all want to kill you! LOL at least it seems that way sometimes!

Keep the shiny side up!

 

beginners have more fun..........they dont worry about its too cold/hot they just want to ride, ride like hell and enjoy it!!

 

i was told years ago that "when you are green, you are growing" Those words apply to riding too. It is when we think we know it all that we are just looking for trouble. Congrats on the new path your life has taken. Hold on and enjoy!!

don

 

So, just spend as much time riding as you can. Gain confidence in your ability to ride and handle your bike. Do what is comfortable for you, not someone else. I've been riding since 1959 if a Sears Moped counts.