Nervous 1st Timer
#41
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I took the MSF course in 2004. I had never ridden any kind of bike before that. I borrowed a Virago 250 and rode 70 miles on country roads. It was intimidating.
The next week my friend lent me his 99 Electraglide Standard. We went on a five hundred mile trip on 2 lanes and Interstate. Looking back that was incredibly stupid. I wasn't ready. I had trouble leaning the bike over on the entrance ramp to the Interstate, while being tailgated by a pickup. I had a huge adrenaline rush the first time my friends passed a slow car on the 2 lane. Accelerating from 55 to 80 is great fun now, but it was scary the first day, back in 04.
The next summer, I bought a Vulcan 750. I am glad I put 20k miles on her, before buying my 03 Ultra Classic. Things that I think would have put me down on the big bike, that I was able to handle on the smaller bike:
Gravel.
Tar snakes
Wet road paint (turning arrows, crosswalks, etc..) like oil on a teflon pan. Hit square and slow (under 15 mph) when turning in the rain.
Stay out of the middle of the lane. Oil and transmission fluid accumulates there.
Don't stomp on rear brake in panic stops. Ease it on while maxing front brake. Otherwise you will lock up rear and slide rear sideways.
I learned a lot from following my more experienced friends. But ride your own ride. Don't try to keep up when you are above your comfort level. Meet em down the road if necessary. Good luck.
The next week my friend lent me his 99 Electraglide Standard. We went on a five hundred mile trip on 2 lanes and Interstate. Looking back that was incredibly stupid. I wasn't ready. I had trouble leaning the bike over on the entrance ramp to the Interstate, while being tailgated by a pickup. I had a huge adrenaline rush the first time my friends passed a slow car on the 2 lane. Accelerating from 55 to 80 is great fun now, but it was scary the first day, back in 04.
The next summer, I bought a Vulcan 750. I am glad I put 20k miles on her, before buying my 03 Ultra Classic. Things that I think would have put me down on the big bike, that I was able to handle on the smaller bike:
Gravel.
Tar snakes
Wet road paint (turning arrows, crosswalks, etc..) like oil on a teflon pan. Hit square and slow (under 15 mph) when turning in the rain.
Stay out of the middle of the lane. Oil and transmission fluid accumulates there.
Don't stomp on rear brake in panic stops. Ease it on while maxing front brake. Otherwise you will lock up rear and slide rear sideways.
I learned a lot from following my more experienced friends. But ride your own ride. Don't try to keep up when you are above your comfort level. Meet em down the road if necessary. Good luck.
#42
#43
#44
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Take your time, get the 'Ride Like a Pro' DVD set and practice what's taught there. You'll be ok. Yes, it's a big first-timers bike, but they're actually fairly nimble for their size. Don't let the size intimidate you. They're very manageable with the right knowledge and practice. Have fun!
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#46
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Haha funny you say that. I have my friend coming to drive it home to my garage for me. I've committed to not driving it until I have completed the safety course which is going to be very hard. I live in a rural area that I can ride without much traffic until I get a good feel for it. I am taking my nervousness as a good thing as it will keep me on my toes from a safety standpoint. It seems a lot of people who have never ridden a bike have a lot of opinions. Thats why I wanted to post here to get actual experienced people to give advice.
I can tell you that no one looks stupider in class than those that profess to already riding a bike, but can't do the exercises in class. I've taken the class twice (1995 and 2008) and I haven't seen a complete newbie fail or have a truly horrible experience, but I've seen "riders" fail and fail badly - talk about a blow to the ego!
Sounds like you have the background to have confidence in yourself after the class teaches you the basics, so I think that the SG will be just fine for you.
#47
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Haha funny you say that. I have my friend coming to drive it home to my garage for me. I've committed to not driving it until I have completed the safety course which is going to be very hard. I live in a rural area that I can ride without much traffic until I get a good feel for it. I am taking my nervousness as a good thing as it will keep me on my toes from a safety standpoint. It seems a lot of people who have never ridden a bike have a lot of opinions. Thats why I wanted to post here to get actual experienced people to give advice.
When I did venture out of the neighborhood it was to incrementally larger roads as I felt comfortable. Just take it slow and do not put yourself in any situations that above your skill level. It can be done safely and without putting a scratch on the bike!
Good luck!!
#48
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Take the course is a great first step. You bought the bike you like so that is a second great step. Next, relax, ride in quiet areas to get the feel and perhaps with an experienced rider as support. Take your time, be safe and you will be fine. Your choice of bike is excellent. Congratulations.
#49
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I don't think a full size touring bike is a good choice for a first-timer rider with no experience. I would suggest you park the big one and borrow a smaller light weight bike to at least get through the MFS course.
Having said all of that, if you have a good sense of balance you may get through it ok without to many scraps and dings in your new scoot.
Having said all of that, if you have a good sense of balance you may get through it ok without to many scraps and dings in your new scoot.
#50
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Congrats on the new ride.My opinion is you will be fine,but having said that,I have a suggestion for you.Get yourself a set of the roll bars for the front of your saddle bags.If you do happen to drop or lay the bike down it will save you from damaging your bags.As stated previously in this post,slow speed is when it will happen.