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New bike rider

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 20:40 — boulevardboy

Hi everybody. I have just moved up to a Suzuki Boulevard S40 after 2.5 years on a 50cc Vespa, and I am loving it. When I bought the scooter I said that I would never want to get anything bigger at all as I wasn't interested in speed or power, and it wasn't long after I got it that I wished I had got the 150cc! I kidded myself for the longest time that I was OK with it though, but finally I took the plunge, after convincing my wife to let me, and went up in the world!

Not had the chance to go on a long ride yet, but I have been commuting 8 miles to work each way for a few days and it is the best thing ever. I can't keep the smile off my face even in the cold wet weather of the Pacific Northwest! Still not got the nerve to go on the freeway, but what the heck - they are totally clogged anyway, so I don't see the point anyway.

Cheers guys

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Introduce Yourself

Thu, 11/27/2008 - 00:26 — Elwood1960

Welcome and congrats!

Have you taken the class yet? If not do it. The one new thing you have is that clutch. You'll be surprised how much you take away from the MSF class that will help you get the most out of that pretty new thumper of yours. (-;.

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state.
Thomas Jefferson
3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store

Thu, 11/27/2008 - 03:59 — boulevardboy

Hey Elwood1960

I took the safety course after I had been riding the Vespa for about a year, so probably late spring of 2007. That was all the experience that I had with a motorcycle clutch, but with me coming from the UK I have driven a stick shift for most of my driving career. I know that it doesn't equate totally to riding a motorcycle, but the whole changing gear thing is not a new sensation.

I am looking forward to some good weather over the weekend so that if I play my cards right my wife will let me out for a few hours. I still can't believe that she let me buy it in the first place!

Cheers, and have a great weekend

Fri, 11/28/2008 - 00:11 — Elwood1960

Also keep in mind you clutch is your power at slow speeds. Not just for shifting. (-: Friction Zone . . .LoL A skill that must be mastered. (-: I got out today while the world ate and worked my full lock weaves, full lock figure 8's, and full lock circles . . all friction zone territory. Then I used the empty industrial areas to just unleash my sporty and play some. Great day to ride!

Happy thanksgiving by the way!

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state.
Thomas Jefferson
3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store

Thu, 11/27/2008 - 17:34 — eon

Hey, welcome to the board from another Vespa rider in the Pacific Northwet from the UK (although since I am from Scotland Seattle does not seem that wet).

How was it adjusting to braking with your foot instead of your left hand? I think that is what I will struggle with when I finally get a real bike.

Fri, 11/28/2008 - 04:27 — boulevardboy

Thanks for the welcome, and the weather is not too rainy for me over here either!

Braking with my foot did take a little getting used to I have to say. I also want to keep holding the bike steady at a stop on an incline with my left hand, until I remember that it is the clutch!

I managed to go out for an hour long ride today while the turkey was roasting, which was brilliant. I had it up to about 70mph on a stretch of the 522 and that was so cool. Enough speed for right now though and I am still not ready for the freeway when there are more than about 2 other cars out there with me!