[fl adam]

Great to hear. I was the same way…Passed the MSF course in Dec and did not start riding until I got my bike (’03 650 V-Star Classic) in June. I practiced on side roads until I got the courage to go on the open road. I stalled several times at stop lights and signs. I was getting real frustrated until I slowed down and concentrated on what I was doing. Now I have taken it to work several times and have almost 300 miles on it. Getting more confident the more I ride. The MSF course helped out a lot…

[fl adam]

After some very frustrating visits to some motorcycle dealers, I have finally purchased a bike. Everytime I went to a dealer I asked for a cruiser between 500 and 750CC. I was looking for a Vulcan 500 (dealer would not sell, said loan would not go through) or a Honda Shadow. The Kawasaki dealer could not get the loan to go through but had a used Sportster they said they could sell me. They could not even get it started…Not good for the dealer. One dealer had a reasonably priced Honda Shadow, but it was a 1100CC model…I liked it but did not really want something that big. Finally my brother came through and sold me his VStar 650. It is in great shape, the only problem is I have to go get it, he lives on Long Island. I am in S.W. Florida. I will not have enough vacation until August….That’s a real bitch….

[fl adam]

I went through the same thing. But do not let it worry you. The class is for beginners as I was. I worried about making mistakes, the main thing to concentrate on is to learn. I was never on a bike until I took the class, I had a great time. Am I comfortable riding in traffic, heck no. I am about to get my first bike in a couple of weeks and plan on a lot of parking lot and side road practice….

[fl adam]

I used to do outside sales for western NC and SC. The natives used to call me a “Halfback”. Someone who moves from NY to FL then moves halfway back. I was bacwards and went to NC first….No offense taken, I am pretty easy going. If I had a choice I would live somewhere in the Mountains of NC or Va, very pretty country up there…Been to the JR’s in Statesviille several times….Got a call back from the dealer wanting to do some dealing on the bikes I looked at yesterday. Want to try some other places first, they left a bad taste in my mouth…. This is a Great website, lots of good info and people….

[fl adam]

Where are you at? I used to live in Charlotte (for 17 years). Moved to SW Florida 4-1/2 years ago. Loved NC….Didn’t care for Charlotte though. It’s like a mini Atlanta…Too congested. That’s kind of funny coming from me, an ex NYer.

[fl adam]

Took the class last weekend in SW FL and loved it. Was worried up until the day we started. I would have done better if I just relaxed. Passed but would have done better if I wasn’t trying so hard…Now looking for a decent used bike…Sat on a Honda Shadow and VStar and liked both. Want to try a Vulcan 500 also….

[fl adam]

Passed my MSF BRC last weekend. Never rode a bike before last weekend. Instructors were good, weather OK. (upper 40’s Sat morning, cold for SW FL). Actually Aced the U-turn part, had points taken off for the quick stop and cornering portion. I work 2 jobs (closing the next several nights at the Lowes). Can’t wait to go Bike shopping….

[fl adam]

Be careful on Alligator Alley…Always lots of wrecks…

[fl adam]

Elwwod/Ogre,

Thanks for the feedback. Lowe’s has been cutting back on personnel (Just as everyone else has). With the Christmas season appraching it is going to be a bee atch when we have to man the ole Christmas Tree tent. I only work there part time, have another full time job in sales. So working all the time….Any way I can save money is a plus. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to learn how to ride a two wheeler. Even though gas prices are down right now, I suspect that will not last long.

Ogre,

Already read the thread you posted.

Thanks all for your input/insight.

Adam

[fl adam]

I actually work part time at the Lowes on Pine Island Rd. I will most likely be sticking to back roads until I feel confident enough to try I-75….What do you sell?

[Author]

Posts