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The “Five to Survive” Rule & Why You Should Use It
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MedicParticipant
Really comes down to what you feel most comfortable with. Personally, I think I’d go with a bigger bike, but if you like the 250s then there’s nothing wrong with that. I rode a scooter for a couple years, but mine was a little 50cc so the Rebel was a step up for me.
I don’t think shifting will be a big deal for you, I never rode a bike before and pretty much hopped on my new Rebel and ran it through a few gears just fine. So maybe you’ll stall it out a few times, but I don’t see that as a cause for concern. More important would be handling I think. I’m new to all this too though, so what do I know? Hahaha
The Rebel’s a great bike and I really like mine so far.
MedicParticipant30 people in my class, I think the “experienced” group is 11 people. Everyone else has never ridden.
We’re ALL there to get on post, there’s actually a few people with motorcycle endorsements already, and one guy used to race bikes. Not sure what circuit or whatever, but thought that was kinda cool.I was supposed to be finishing the course today but that got pushed back. Turns out they were painting the track or some nonsense, so we couldn’t use it. Oh well, I should be done by mid-day Friday, and I’ll probably spend the rest of the day getting my license and getting the bike registered on post.
I’m kinda apprehesive now that I’m in the experienced group, most of these guys are probably going to run circles around me hahaha. But I should do fine and with any luck, we’ll get done faster than the other groups.
MedicParticipantOh yeah guys, don’t get me wrong I’m not worried about the weather. If it aint rainin’ we aint trainin’, right? Hahaha I just get spoiled by these 80+ degree days and I was hoping for that to continue so when I passed the course I could get my license right away and enjoy it.
I don’t care, I’ll be riding regardless, well not so much in heavy rain or anything, I’m not experienced enough for that yet. But cold is fine. Gives me a chance to check out this new jacket I bought.I just couldn’t believe some of the bikes these people are jumping into. Well, we’ll see what happens.
MedicParticipantI have a few uncles in insurance. Well, some I know still do that and some, I’m not sure what the heck they do. They have boat loads of money though. I should probably be nicer to them haha
Anyway its like anything else; they highball who they can and more often than not they get away with it because, for some reason, people don’t haggle with them much if at all.
I know when my parents’ house caught fire, they came out at the end smelling like roses. It was all in who the claims adjuster was. For us, it was my uncle. Yeah buddy, that helps some.
I wish I knew more about the whole thing but to be honest, my uncles are mostly rich snob types and I don’t care for their company nor their constant evaluation much. I’m proud of what I do, but I don’t have what it takes to impress them. Frankly, I don’t want what it takes to impress them. I’m good, thanks.
Anyway, I went through all this because I know alot of people are confused about insurance and end up getting bullied by headstrong jerks like my uncles (some of them anyway). So just remember, YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER. They need your business so they can afford that new “bling” to rub in someone’s face. If you’re not a super high risk, keep fighting for lower rates. You’ll be surprised.
MedicParticipantBuying the bike outright affects your insurance in that you aren’t required to have full comprehensive coverage as is often required by lien holders. The state required liability is all you’ll need. HOWEVER, I would strongly recommend that you consider your options very carefully before foregoing the full coverage, particularly if you’re a new rider or you think theft/vandalism may be a possibility. I’m not required to have full coverage on my bike or my car, yet I have it on both.
Some other things can affect your rates also, like taking the BRC or MSF, integral anti-theft devices (for comprehensive), being a member of some organizations (not sure which, just saw it online), and what type of riding you tell them you’ll be doing. Also, if you have a car you should pay less for the bike insurance since it will be considered a recreational vehicle (tell them you’re just going to take it out for leisurely Sunday drives).
Also, consider your deductible. You can save money on your rate by having a higher deductible, but it needs to be reasonable for you so consider it carefully. A lower deductible is obviously best, so get it as low as you can. A high deductible with full coverage may render your coverage useless to redeem a loss for damages.
Definitely shop around. I found USAA was cheapest for my car, but they don’t do motorcycles. They “farm” that out to Progressive. I got a good quote from them, but I’ll be shopping around before I lock it in. So try every reputable insurance company you can find, and be somewhat aggressive. I’ve found that insurance companies WILL insure you for less than what they originally quote. It never hurts to ask either. Just ask what you can do to get your rates low, what discounts they offer.
Your quote seems high to me. Granted I’m 28 and don’t have a sport bike, but my first quote was 1/10 of yours. Shop around online or look locally. Insurance companies are everywhere. Just make sure you get one that’ll be there when you need them. One last note, if you can pay your premium for a 6 or 12 month period as opposed to paying monthly, you’ll generally save a buck or two there also.
MedicParticipantThanks Loki.
Exactly one week until I start the BRC, I’m really looking forward to it. I have all my high speed gear and I’m itchin’ to get the bike out. Still don’t have pants, but I have been looking around some.I peeled the little warning stickers off the gas tank so now I have some “goo” to remove. No big deal though, maybe I’ll hit it with an alcohol pad or something. I ordered some cool Grateful Dead stickers to put on there instead. Still looking for extra lights/reflectors, but I’ll figure that out soon enough.
I have a feeling my poor Mustang is going to feel neglected this summer haha
MedicParticipantThose really are cool looking bikes. I thought briefly about buying a new one, but I just can’t see myself on that type of bike. I’m definitely more of a cruiser guy.
But they’re cool nonetheless and you can’t really tell the 250’s from the bigger ones.Enjoy the new bike and ride safe.
MedicParticipantICON was what I was going to go with, and I see ALOT of people here wearing that vest. I went with the Scorpion because I liked the way it looked, and I didn’t see too many people wearing it. It was a couple bucks more, but I guess I wanted to be different.
Most of the riders I see here though, to include my squad leader, all have the Icon vest. To be honest, it looks more breathable than the Scorpion vest I ordered.
But I haven’t gotten it yet, so I don’t know for sure.Depending on your needs/requirements, there are cheaper options available. Are you trying to be be legal for post, or just trying to gain visibility?
MedicParticipantThanks Munch, yeah the regs here are tighter. The BRC is required just to get the bike on post, we have to wear an approved vest, etc. No problem since the bike’s off post and I’ll be in reg before long.
I keep wanting to ride it though. I’m at work, just thinking about taking my bike out hahaha. Gotta be good though, no sense in screwing up for a couple weeks wait.
MedicParticipantNext time you’re going to practice, take a few shots of Jack Daniels about 10-20 minutes prior. That should loosen you up.
No?
Ok I don’t really recommend that anyway, actually it’s just plain stupid. But really, you already dumped the bike a couple times, so what’s to be nervous about now? Chances are the next time you dump it at low speed it’ll be just about like it was the last times. You’re still fine, right?
I’m no experienced rider or anything (haven’t been to BRC yet either), but I know being nervous isn’t going to help.
I say do what makes you feel better. If you want to keep practicing with your husband, go for it. If you just can’t relax and make any progress, wait for the course and tell them where you’re at with it so they know how to help you. Then practice more afterward. Maybe low speed stuff by yourself so you don’t feel like you’re under a microscope?Good luck
MedicParticipantThanks for al the advice and well wishes, I really do appreciate it.
Sangria7, do you mean the EFMB? The CMB is not something you go through a course for. It’s a combat badge for Medics (Combat Medical Badge). The EFMB (Expert Field Medical Badge) though, is something people can try for. It’s not an easy thing to get, and I have much respect for anyone holding either badge.
Hahaha, I know what you mean about PT tests, I get all kinds of goofy requests right around that time. My buddies get IV’s, the rest get good advice. There’s only so much I can do with limited supplies. There’s a couple folks a guy should make nice with in a unit, and you already know who those people are.Thanks for the well wishes people, I really do appreciate it. I’ll keep y’all posted when I get my bike and get to ride for real.
MedicParticipantI’ve never seen that before, but I think it’s good info.
I was all over that late apex from the get go, that’s the way to do it for the most part in my inexperienced mind.I can’t stand this waiting stuff man, I need to ride.
Anyway, thanks for the link. I’ll check out what other videos he has. Seems good to me.
MedicParticipantI’m really looking forward to getting in the saddle and enjoying a nice relaxing ride in the Texas countryside.
I know a bike is alot different than a moped, but I used to take my moped on long trips for no reason and just enjoyed the peace when I could get in the country and just enjoy the ride. I think the Rebel will be just a “little” better. It’s all about getting out and unwinding for me.BTW, Cav Scouts are kick ass.
-Medic, 1CD
MedicParticipantIt was a 2001.
Doesn’t matter anymore though, I have officially become a Rebel owner.
I thought alot about what I wanted from a bike and what would be good for me, sat on the one at the dealer quite a bit more, and decided to see what they would do for a new one.I came out with a new ’09 with saddle bags installed and delivered to me (since I don’t have a license yet) for a few hundred under what they first quoted as the “out the door” price.
Maybe not the most amazing deal of the year, but it works for me. And since I’ve been meaning to quit dipping anyway, I figured the payments to be less than what I pay a month for Copenhagen. So as long as I quit (and I am quitting now), I’m saving money.
I’ll spend the time on the Rebel and see if I feel the need to move up from there. But speed isn’t a big deal for me, I just want to get out and ride. And soon I will.
I would like to thank everyone for their input and advice though, I really appreciate the time y’all put forward to help new riders. It really did help alot.
MedicParticipantIt looks like a decent bike, it’s got a dent in the gas tank where he says it was laid down in a garage and no add-ons, 4.4k miles.
I don’t know. -
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