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Got my bike
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February 25, 2009 at 2:22 pm #2564japac1Participant
last night. a 2003 Virago. I am looking forward to the first ride. There are some parking lots and an empty street (new construction) nearby, however, I’ll have to drive on a fairly active street to get there. Were you guys nervous that first time on the main roads?
February 25, 2009 at 2:52 pm #16721MattParticipantMost people are, and it is healthly. I worry about the person who feels no fear of nerviousness at throwing themselves into traffic on a basically-unprotected vehicle, that will require skills they don’t have yet.
Spend some time on your street practicing engaging the clutch and turns so that you will be as ready as possible before you hit that main street.
February 25, 2009 at 3:07 pm #16725megaspazParticipantI was scared shitless the first time i took to the public roads…
February 25, 2009 at 3:07 pm #16726Clay DowlingParticipantCan ride it to a parking lot for you, where you can practice. One of my friends offered to do that for me, before he knew I had a church parking lot close by.
February 25, 2009 at 6:47 pm #16729japac1Participantof that (having a friend drive it over, however, I don’t know any close by riders.) I think my street, a cul-de-sac, with a fairly nice straight a way and a small island to practice curves, may be the best place to start. But, boy I am nervous. And I am glad I am, too….but also very excited!!!
February 25, 2009 at 9:13 pm #16731CandiceParticipantI was very nervous just riding in my rather quiet neighborhood. For about a week I would ride my motorcycle everyday and anytime I came to a stop sign, I would stop of course, and then if someone was coming to my right or left I would just sit there and wave them through and then when it was all clear I would continue on my way. Finally, I told myself, if I don’t stop doing that then I should return the motorcycle so then I drove like a normal person after that and went on busier streets one at a time that encircled my neighborhood. Then I was still scared of traffic so I just started running little errands like to go get a lotto ticket at the gas station, or I went to the library and got a book, stuff like that. It gets easier pretty quick. Good luck!
February 26, 2009 at 4:50 am #16743IanCParticipantI was scared at first although after taking the MSF class I bought my Rebel about 2 weeks later and rode it home 12 miles. I did have my gf in a car following covering my rear. When I went out the next day by myself it was much more stressful especially when I had a car following me. Just plan short rides and when you start feeling tired stop for the day, don’t push it.
February 26, 2009 at 7:46 am #16747eonParticipantI did not feel any fear, just excitement. I picked it up just after 5pm in downtown traffic and while I could have pushed it to my condo (I live next door to the dealer) I immediately went out on a ride. Admittedly I headed straight for the nearest quiet residential area to practice but I could not wait for the traffic to die down. Also it is a scooter so that helped a lot, no worries about clutch or gear changes.
February 27, 2009 at 1:48 am #16757SantaCruzRiderParticipantMy first ride on a street bike (not a moped) was when I went to pick up my new HD Sportster 883 at the dealer.
Dealer rolled it out front, showed me where the clutch and brakes were, showed me how to start it, and away I went. I rode around a couple of blocks in the neighboring industrial area and then, confident with my newfound expertise (LOL), I hopped on the main highway to ride home. This involved 10+ miles on a two-lane strip of asphalt with open lava fields on either side riding at 70+ mph.
Toughest part was when I had to turn off the highway and climb up the hill to my house. I’m surprised now that I didn’t get into trouble.
I remember being nervous, but not scared. Otherwise, I never would have made it home.February 28, 2009 at 3:24 am #16782PhilUpParticipantI was definitely nervous the first time hitting the streets after the MSF. After the first ride, I realized that I actually had learned something in the class and was pretty comfortable. I just needed to take some time to get the basics down. I am not as nervous now, but still have that “everyone’s out to get me” mindset.
February 28, 2009 at 7:00 pm #16809a beginnerParticipantMy first ride was on a TW200 on a big grassy area. I was so stiff on the bike I ended up with a heavy duty backache that lasted a couple weeks. That wasn’t discouraging because I knew that would pass. When I started riding daily the first few days were limited to 15 minute sessions. That built up to 2 hours a day with half of that practicing.
There’s a silent partner on the bike that nobody talks about, the human balance system which includes the Vestibular, the Visual and the Somatic Sensory Systems. It’s worth taking some time to learn about those. That system does more than just manage lean angle. It also feels changes in traction (which may also be felt as very slight changes in lean angle). The sooner changes in lean angle and/or traction are felt the easier they are to manage. The balance systems can’t feel the bike very well in the beginning (feel of the bike also declines with any short layoff) and that’s a big part of why newbies feel insecure and unstable. The balance system need months and years to reach it’s potential to feel the motions of the bike. Progress is faster by doing drills and exercises.
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