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Harley-Davidson Sportster 883: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews
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Jay T
ParticipantUsually over revving the engine comes from having your grip on the throttle side to high. Start out with your right wrist even or lower than the handlebar. That is to say, with the throttle at it’s start point, wrap 4 fingers around the grip and look at where your wrist is. Keep a check on that. People tend to move back to that high wrist position. As far as the straddle walk exercise, MSF has that as one of the first exercises on the first day. Just not having you straddle walk in a tight space and trying to turn at the same time. I would have you turning your head as you are making that sharp turn (looking to the point where you want to end up). Keep your head and eyes up. There shouldn’t be any reason for you to be looking at the tank, front wheel or the ground right in front of the front tire. To start out you will want to find a spot well in front of where you are going. That seems to be a stabilizing factor.
ParticipantIf you can get them to swap, all the better. The problem with swapping in the middle of the class is that you (and the rider you are swapping with) are used to the motorcycle you are riding and it takes rolling time to get used to a different motorcycle. Also if you are allowed to swap, then the rest of the class may find a need to swap, as well. Have you said anything to the instructor before this? Since you are a paying customer, I would expect you to speak up and say what you need and the instructor to do the best to accommodate you. I hate the shotgun start approach to a class. I really think it is important to make sure you are going to be comfortable so you can concentrate on the important stuff. Good luck with that.
ParticipantSorry my computer hicupped.
ParticipantI am really sorry to hear that you are having that problem with the motorcycle that they chose for you. I try to fit students to the motorcycles according to size and experience. If they have a Nighthawk at home I try to get them on our only Nighthawk (still the premier training motorcycle IMO). I get that you are having a problem up shifting. What kind of footwear are you using? I have had SMALL people show up to class with a certain (motorcycle) manufacture specific boot where the sole and heel are so high that they have problems getting a foot under the shift lever. If they were on that manufactures motorcycle they wouldn’t have a problem because there is more room between the pegs and shift lever. (Hint, the manufactures initials are HD). Great boots but, maybe not so much for the class. I would almost rather see a student wear leather, high top, athletic shoes. Low heal and sole. Remember that we don’t send ya home with that motorcycle, so all you have to do is get through the class.
ParticipantDo you fit the motorcycle?? Is the motorcycle fitting your need?? Now the big question. Are you having fun on that motorcycle?? That’s the one and it doesn’t make your butt look big.
ParticipantI have to be careful while I am teaching. I have to separate my personal feelings about equipment from that of MSF,sponsors and the company that I have contracted to. They may not like the S40 or thumpers (1 cyl) because they prefer the smooooth ride of a BMW or the screaming long power band of a Busa. Really think about what they were saying. Was it a bias. Now go another weekend when your instructors aren’t teaching and ask those instructors what they think of the S40. I once talked a student into looking into a Suzi SV650 instead of a Ducati Monster. Purely on the maintenance cost. That was something he didn’t think about. I like all motorcycles. Dealers are really happy to have me demo ride since I get to speak to 40 people a month that haven’t made a purchase decision.
ParticipantWOW, this is one of those questions that sounds like it was asked by a shill poster. Have a look around this forum and kind of get an idea of what folks are getting for beginner bikes. Most of them are not over 600cc. I am with these guys take the class. You will shift a lot there (up to 3rd gear in one exercise). What you are talking about is a bit like taking an elephant gun to rabbit hunt.
ParticipantThere are more CCs displaced in one area. It is like using a bigger hammer. This is great for around town but, on a 1000 mile trip the pounding of one cylinder may cause some pretty fatiguing vibration. It may not be a problem if you don’t know the difference and if you are riding with folks that are understanding. You may have to stop a little more often (to reduce fatigue).
ParticipantYou probably are going to fast. You may want to let the clutch out between gears. Brake sooner. If you feel like you are entering the turn too fast, you probably are. Brake sooner and more gradual. You should be able to roll on the throttle through the turn. Get your self into a parking lot with some green tennis balls cut in 1/2 (as cones). Go to the range where you trained. There are 4 left hand corners painted there, if you ride counter clockwise.
ParticipantI have begun to see more and more of this. “If you are stopped and you are not wearing your seat belt, we will add $35 to your ticket.” Don’t worry, it isn’t really a law, more of a suggestion. You won’t be stopped for not using your seat belt. Now fast forward 4 years. You can be stopped for not wearing your seat belt and it has it’s own points and fine assigned. Under 18 laws are just the tickler to a full blown helmet law. Most states are caving to the seat belt and helmet laws because the Feds say if you don’t, we MAY not be able to help you out with YOUR highway funds that YOU collected for us. Almost a law is a slippery slope. I think wearing a helmet is a great idea, I think being forced to wear a helmet is BS.
ParticipantThe Buell Blast will give you 500cc, more of a sit up seating and you can buy them all day long (2nd hand) for $1800-2500. When you are done with it, someone out there will be anxious to give you back your purchase price.
ParticipantYou may want to look at the Honda Nighthawk. For my size (5’9″ 280#) it works pretty well for me. It is a good upright seating position and I think you can find luggage racks and other accessories for them. Givi may even make a small trunk or saddlebags for the Nighthawk. The motor is the same as the Rebel.
ParticipantYou want to make sure that you are going slow enough to be able to roll on the throttle slightly or keep the throttle steady as you take the turn. You want to be in a low enough gear so that the motorcycle doesn’t bog as you straighten the motorcycle and get along your way (after the turn).
ParticipantThere is a company in Boulder Co. (sorry I don’t have the name right here) They custom make earplugs and they also set them up with some real high quality headphones that will work with any music machine that uses 3.5mm (mini stereo) plug. I expect there are a couple of good companies out there that do the same. I also use the inexpensive foam plugs. You should throw those away every couple of uses or clean them up after every use. This will save you a nasty ear infection.
ParticipantIf you are a danger to yourself or the other students, you get asked to leave. If you are putting out the vibe that you really don’t want to be there but, you are not dangerous, the instructors usually let you come to them. We usually want to do it without you having an accident or getting dangerous. If you don’t think you are doing well, ask the instructor. It is the instructors job to coach and evaluate. If you ask they will evaluate and allow you to make your decision. The biggest problem the first day is to get the rider speeds up. Usually around 12-15 mph is the best learning speed. Just do what they tell you in the instructions and follow the instructors coaching. You will do great. Most people don’t practice before hand and it really isn’t necessary. The class is written for people that have balance but, have never ridden a motorcycle.
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