[briderdt]

…talk about the Duc being used in some MSF classes. Seems a little odd, but whatever. I’d imagine if they can put them in front of absolute newbies in a class setting like that, it can’t be TOO evil.

I have an SV650s with Heli Bars (puts the bars 1.5″ higher and 1″ farther back). I’m okay with it, but it IS the only bike I’ve ever ridden. I have the MSF class a week from Monday, so I’ll have another riding experience to add at that point (a Ninja 250 or Honda 125 most likely). Unless you can get an SV650s with the mods, I’d go with the SV650 (no “s” — the “naked” model). Also, you’ve got to be light on the throttle and really ease the clutch. I have no idea about the Ninja 650, other than I’ve sat on it in a showroom and it was comfortable.

[briderdt]

…was less eventful, and more eventful. I was more comfortable with the speed on the way home (guess that cherry was popped on the way IN to work). But I did notice one particular corner that gave me trouble…

It was a downhill S-turn coming into a stop light. So I’m trying to keep my eyes on a lot of things. There’s a right turn lane, two lanes that go straight through the intersection, and left turn lanes. I’m in the right lane that goes straight through the intersection. The first left-sweeper goes well, but it’s the sharper right-hander that was giving me trouble. And it illustrates the LOOK-lean-go. I found myself drifting out on the turn because I was worried about having to brake for the light in the turn (so I wasn’t leaning, I was trying to steer it). And as I started drifting I was locking on the lane line (target fixation). Bad rider. BAD BAD!!! Anyway, I never crossed the line, and even had I crossed, it wasn’t an oncoming lane, but I know that I need to do two things for the next time (okay, three). One — slow down more so the idea of having to brake for the light isn’t as daunting. Two — LOOK to the curb instead of the lane line, or even the middle of the lane. And three — RELAX!

Otherwise, the only other thing that bugged me was the pickup that was following a bit close on my last 1/4 mile to my house. Guess I shouldn’t be doing the speed limit, eh?

[briderdt]

…so as to avoid having to cross an extra lane to make a left-hander. I’ve got the Hot Bodies undertail, and the rear blinkers are virtually invisible in daylight. I have some LED strips that I’ll be adding to the bike in the next couple days to address the lack of blinker capacity.

[briderdt]

…from Safeco for AMA membership. Also additional discounts for MSF course completion, multiple vehicles, etc.

[briderdt]

…and then get some repair estimates. Those actions should determine what happens after that point — is it repaired or totaled.

[briderdt]

…don’t switch back.

[briderdt]

This coultry wouldn’t be what it is without people like you who stepped up.

Thank you!

[briderdt]

…are always done with the left arm for that reason — throttle control. A right-hand turn or lane change is done with the left arm held out and then bent at the elbow so the hand is up.

And as for letting off the brake when the rear wheel is sliding sideways… Very dangerous. The bike can right itself violently, causing the dreaded “high side”.

[briderdt]

My view of “slow speeds” is maneuvering around at 10 mph and less…

[briderdt]

“Many of you readers may think I’m a wuss for being so careful.”

Nope. Sounds judicious to me.

“and I don’t let roll the throttle as described in some posts – no wheelies by mistake or on purpose”

I think that has a lot to do with the bike you have — it’s throttle manners are much more tame than any supersport. I have an SV650, and it definitely has an “on/off” throttle that seems pretty touchy. I haven’t had ot over 25 yet. But I also haven’t taken the MSF course yet either…

Yes, you have a pretty big displacement bike, but it’s more the rider than the bike.

[briderdt]

“But if we forgot to close the visor before getting on the bike there was quite a bit of yelling form the rider coaches.”

“because they won’t let you ride with your visor down”

Hmm… Which is it?

I have a full-face helmet, and did my parking-lot riding with the shiled up the whole time (NOT in a class). Just wondering…

[briderdt]

…then it might be okay. I’d get a Bohn armour shirt or some strap-on elbow armor, at the least, to wear under it.

[briderdt]

… but I took my bike out in the driveway after work today. Just did some duck-walking getting used to the clutch. I killed it a few times, and over-revved it a few times when I pulled the clutch. I actually found it easier to take it uphill slightly, and even in 2nd gear instead of 1st.

Hopefully I’ll be able to take it to a nearby parking lot on Saturday.

Can’t wait for my class.

[briderdt]

Not a bad choice. But I just don’t care for the styling — needs to be updated.

[briderdt]

Headbanger of the Popes of Hell MC.

Funny, as my father is a retired Lutheran Pastor.

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