I've taken two rides, not including the trip home from the dealership.

I've had a chance to ride around the neighborhood as well as a four-lane highway (Not interstate).

I am a new rider (rode some friends' dirt bikes and a moped around as a kid), so I'm experiencing several things for the first time.

A few observations:

- Wow!
- The smells - not wow.
- My butt hurts, but it's worth it.
- I didn't expect the wind resistance to be as much as it is. Hadn't really thought about it, so it really shouldn't have come as a surprise. When shifting from 5th to 6th at around 60MPH it feels like my left hand is going to come off the grip as I move to cover the clutch.
- I need something cooler to ride in. My leather (winter) jacket is a bit much for this Missouri heat even with the liner out.

I feel more comfortable each time I ride. Corners aren't quite as intimidating, especially if I know them. I need more slow speed work.

This is awesome. Can't wait to get out again.

 

Welcome to the forum. Give the bike and your back side some time to break in. It all gets better.

 

Congrats! What is your ride? Where you from in St. Louis, I grew up there, mostly north county.

 

Superglide Custom

I live in the Fenton area.

 

Congrats on the ride! If you havent already, I highly suggest taking an MSF course. It's great for new riders or riders getting back into the saddle after a long time off.

Every new ride is a fresh discovery of the bike and yourself.

 

MSF Course.

Mesh with Armor for summer time.

You get used to the bad smells. The good ones make it worth it. Ride through a valley in the evening, see if you can pick up the honeysuckle.

Back and butt are a yearly thing. The first few rides are always the worst. You'll get that every season.

 

Cool, I lived there a couple years too off of Saline road. The good ol' days when Wet *****'s water slide was still around!

Post some pics of your ride bro!

 

It all gets better...except for some of the smells.

 

Thanks for the tips all.

I took the MSF course a couple months back. So glad I did. Had an awesome time.

I'm already eyeing some mesh jackets.

Here is my ride. I need to take it out again and snap some with a better backdrop.

 

Welcome to the forum and HD, nice looking ride.