Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....
Login  | |
|
Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 2:10:05 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
while my Sporty is sitting in my garage.....
Was in safety class on 4/26. Bought myself a taxi ride via ambulance to hospital. Backboard is so comfortable.Needless to say I am fine and my class will need to be rescheduled. I had eye, hand, foot coordination issues. Can't find neutral well. Learned that riding a motorcycle is more than just jumping a bike, starting the engine and going like bat outta hell. I let off the clutch too fast I surged. That creates a chain reaction, I forget where the foot brake is, forget where the hand brake is, and forget to reapply the clutch. All of this happened in what seemed like a split second. I hit a light pole with my head after I hit it with the motorcycle. I was going at the most 10-15 MPH. The helmet saved me from traumatic injury of my head. My quad muscles and knees are sore cause I tensed up. As I hit, I hit the gas tank with my pubic area and I have some bruised bone there. I had an x-ray of the pelvis/pubic area - all is fine. Got tested and examined - everything was clear. No broken bones, no blood clots, no blood in urine. All I have is bruises and sore muscles.
Kept replaying things in my mind, thinking about what happened and what I did wrong. Besides my body being sore and bruised, my ego was incredibly bruised. Not telling any of my friends, co-workers, or friends - don't need them throwing this in face and saying "I told you so" and other BS. You would not believe the grief I have been getting from people since I purchased OZ and got him home. Just don't want to hear their crap.
So, after much consideration and seeking the advice of my seasoned motorcycle riding friends I got my learner's permit - even tho Connecticut will charge me again for a full license.
I found a used 1987 clean Honda Rebel on Craigslist. I am learning on this first. Although I am dying to ride my Sporty, I am not ready for that big boy yet. My rescheduled Motorcycle Safety Class is slated to start June 5. I have slowly been practicing in town. My miles travelled have increased with each day. My confidence is increasing. I refuse to let a 600 pound machine defeat me.
This is why the Honda Rebel 250 is my training wheels for my OZ. I am taking my time and not rushing things. Each day is easier and each mile is contributing to my skill level, self confidence, and one step closer to riding my Sporty.
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 2:37:47 PM
|
|
|
coastrider
Posts: 725
Joined: 1/30/2008
Status: offline
|
The important thing Carol, is that you only have minor bumps and bruises. My big bike sat in the garage for two months until I could take the class on a 250 kawa. When you finish the class getting familiar with the big bike will come relatively easy. Be patient. The big bike will be waiting.
Ride Safe.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 3:34:55 PM
|
|
|
mjmangus
Posts: 70
Joined: 5/18/2008
Status: offline
|
After all that and you're still determined to ride, you're gonna be fine. Who cares what you learn on. Have fun with the class and ride safe.
_____________________________
2007 Softail Custom
2005 Road King Classic
1991 CHP FXRP
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 4:59:52 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Thank you Coastrider....
I love my Harley. You see, my dad always had one. This combined with the fact that I am finally doing what I *WANT* to do and not what people *EXPECT* me to do. I eager to put that beautiful machine between my legs...but I am not ready for that big boy yet. He isn't going any where. I know that. I close the garage door every day knowing he is safe, while knowing I am going to be safer learning on something smaller before I ride that bronco. Thank you my new friend...thank you....
Carol
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 5:01:10 PM
|
|
|
Jim34744
Posts: 35
Joined: 4/30/2008
Status: offline
|
I agree it does matter what you learn on. Glad to see that you weren't discouraged. Welcome from Florida.
_____________________________
2008 XL883C
V&H Straightshots, A/C and re-map
Mid height back bar and 5 bar rack
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 5:05:38 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
mjmangus
thank you for your encouraging words...yes at first I was discouraged. For a bit after my crash I had the hardest time walking past my Sporty. Of course in hindsight, it was a good thing that to access my house I go through the garage and I *HAD* to walk by him. As my sore muscles got better and my bruises faded, I began to hold my head higher. I was able to proudly walk past my Sporty, saying to myself that I am not about to let him - that 600 pound machine beat me...I am going to dominate hiim - of course respectfully - but dominate him....
Carol
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 5:13:08 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Jim34744
thank you for your encouragement....
Darlin', where are you in Florida? Lived in Greenacres for 22 years.
Also, it looks like we have the same Harley's....cousins.....
Carol
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 6:34:11 PM
|
|
|
Coffee
Posts: 517
Joined: 4/6/2008
Status: offline
|
Carol,
I have always said that there are two types of riders; those that have gone down, and those that will.
Not a pessamist, just don't trust cagers. Bottom line, there is no shame in getting up close and personal with a light pole and your determination to get back in the saddle speaks volumes about your courage and spirit.
Good luck, and ride, just ride.
_____________________________
Live the dream, enjoy the ride!
Coffee
Rinehart True Duals
Kuryakyn Pro-R Hyper Charger
Screamin Eagle Race Tuner
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 8:35:36 PM
|
|
|
wdg
Posts: 2035
Joined: 3/15/2008
Status: offline
|
well glad you are doing ok you got determination you will be fine congrats and good luck
_____________________________
[image] [/image] 2008 Road King vance & hines true-duals,vance & hines ovals, s/e air cleaner.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/18/2008 10:24:55 PM
|
|
|
jefkat2
Posts: 789
Joined: 3/23/2007
From: Oak Harbor, Washington
Status: offline
|
Way to go Carol......practiced on a Buell Blast while my FLHTC sat in the garage
_____________________________
2007 FLHTC
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 2:28:23 AM
|
|
|
Johan96
Posts: 475
Joined: 5/12/2008
From: Bergen, Norway
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Coffee
Carol,
I have always said that there are two types of riders; those that have gone down, and those that will.
Not a pessamist, just don't trust cagers. Bottom line, there is no shame in getting up close and personal with a light pole and your determination to get back in the saddle speaks volumes about your courage and spirit.
Good luck, and ride, just ride.
And a true biker continue to ride after You have been down!
Welcome from Norway
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 3:18:25 AM
|
|
|
Motown Glide
Posts: 1259
Joined: 6/13/2006
Status: offline
|
agreed! been done a couple times! welcome from Motown!quote:
ORIGINAL: Johan96
quote:
ORIGINAL: Coffee
Carol,
I have always said that there are two types of riders; those that have gone down, and those that will.
Not a pessamist, just don't trust cagers. Bottom line, there is no shame in getting up close and personal with a light pole and your determination to get back in the saddle speaks volumes about your courage and spirit.
Good luck, and ride, just ride.
And a true biker continue to ride after You have been down!
Welcome from Norway
_____________________________
TEAMSTER HORSEMEN Ch. #43(ROAD CAPTAIN),
Live LIFE to the FULLEST, Might NOT be tomorrow Never take it for granted!
http://www.myspace.com/dwilliams66
Ride Hard and Safe and lose the watches!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 4:04:25 AM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Thank you everyone.....
I have to catch myself sometimes....I think there is only one true motorcycle on the road and that is a Harley....everything else is second class. Be that as it may, training wheels are just that....training wheels for the real thing....
I refuse to give in....but through all of this, I have learned that those who think that jumping on a motorcycle is as easy as pie, are completely out to lunch.
An example - I was at the Honda dealer cause I have to replace a tail light. All of these people were there looking at mopeds. I hoeard time and time again - "I don't want to go any bigger than this because I will have to get my motorcycle license." In my mind, those are the kind of people that are more dangerous than the motorcycle rider. They rarely know the rules of the road, aren't very observant of their surroundings and the next guy, and will likely get themselves or someone else hurt.
I have discovered that in the short period I have been riding, my sense are more acute to my surroundings, routes, drivers, road hazards, and motorcyclists....
Thank you again everyone...
Carol
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 6:06:18 AM
|
|
|
Bug
Posts: 860
Joined: 10/27/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline
|
Glad you are alright and that you are not letting it shake you.
It sounds like you didn't get too far in your first class before the crash, so I would just caution you that you really don't want to push things too far with practicing before you take the course.
I don't know what you do or don't know at this point but there are things in the course that they will teach you about turning, swerving and stopping correctly, that if you get in a bind on the street you may not know what to do. Don't want to hear that you down again by being too ambitious.
You might consider staying in an empty parking lot for now and stay focused on getting familiar with the friction zone of your clutch and stick to mostly going in a straight line and such. JMO.
Be safe.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 6:34:29 AM
|
|
|
06flstf
Posts: 66
Joined: 7/18/2007
Status: offline
|
Glad you are ok and determined to get back on the horse.
Just bought the wife an '08 Honda Rebel. She wants to get her license and work up to her future bike which will be an XL1200L sportster. Nothing wrong with knowing your limitiations and taking things at your own speed. While we are all proud of our Harleys and poke fun at any other bikes at the end of the day its about the ride not the image.
Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.
_____________________________
Mike
06' HD Fatboy Softail
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 7:19:24 AM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Bug - babe, your words of caution are taken to heart by this timid (but gaining confidence) newbie. I think that since I have purchased the Rebel, I have put all of 25 miles on it and I got it on May 3. I am working in parking lots, remembering what little I was taught prior to my nose dive, and taking one 1/4 mile at a time. Thank you....
06flstf/Mike, you are a visionary with purchasing your wife a Rebel first. I cannot fault the Harley dealership here, they are here to sell Harley's not necessarily give advice. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have probably done things in reverse. However, what is done is done. I am making the best of my situation - slowly working up to my OZ. Thank you again for your encouragement and support.
Carol
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 10:27:53 AM
|
|
|
Nomad X
Posts: 1333
Joined: 2/16/2008
From: Central FL - for now
Status: offline
|
Keep the faith - Welcome to HDF
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 10:51:11 AM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Nomad
Thanks babe....
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 11:24:51 AM
|
|
|
DeJavu
Posts: 2824
Joined: 6/29/2007
From: Bellville, Tx
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: CarolCasey
I have discovered that in the short period I have been riding, my sense are more acute to my surroundings, routes, drivers, road hazards, and motorcyclists....
Thank you again everyone...
Carol
Carol, I think this is a great observation. I started riding years before I drove a car and noted the same thing. This is probably the most important aspect of riding or driving, those that don't pick up on it are the most likely to have serious problems. It may not keep you out of trouble, but it gives you the ability to minimize a bad situation.
I first rode on a Cushman scooter and worked my way up from there. 
_____________________________
You find out who your bros are when you ride a kick only bike.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 1:56:40 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
DeJavu
Yeah, I think that as we drive in our cars mindlessly, we lose the ability to observe. The change in my transportation mode has shown me that not only do we vegetate on our couchs in front of the television, we also vegetate in our cars - mindlessly going where we have to go, not observing, not paying attention, and just looking straight ahead....what a shame...what a horrible shame. Just about eight years ago I had unexpected open heart surgery for a birth defect that I didn't even know I had and had lived with for so many years. I thought after that I had a renewed appreciation for everything - but really I didn't...I just thought I did. Motorcycle riding has shown me just what I have been missing in my surroundings in so many, many different ways....Gosh, I sound like I am in love....well, I suppose I am....and because I don't have to share with my husband...it is all mine....completely all mine....
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 2:40:00 PM
|
|
|
DeJavu
Posts: 2824
Joined: 6/29/2007
From: Bellville, Tx
Status: offline
|
You can't be to observant on a bike or cage. I saved myself from a Tbone at 60 mph when I saw an oncoming cars front wheel start to turn. I still grazed the rear bumper(trashing my ankle) but had slowed and aimed toward the rear of the left turning car. The smallest details can be the most important. I'm really glad your awareness has expanded. Keep it that way and never become complacent. Good Luck to you and many enjoyable miles.
_____________________________
You find out who your bros are when you ride a kick only bike.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 3:04:44 PM
|
|
|
BG Weasel
Posts: 1613
Joined: 5/29/2006
From: St Louis
Status: online
|
Smart. Then once you're through with it you can sell it to someone else to use as a trainer.
_____________________________
06 FLTRI
Not affiliated with rodents or other critters with the same name.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 3:09:49 PM
|
|
|
Gypsylady
Posts: 312
Joined: 1/6/2008
Status: online
|
Welcome Carol. You're right...A Sporty is NOT a beginners bike. Ride the Rebel until you're comfortable...REALLY comfortable before you get on Oz. Trust me on this. Good luck Dear.
_____________________________
Ride 'Til Ya Rot!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 3:51:25 PM
|
|
|
Airywhisler
Posts: 1402
Joined: 3/6/2008
Status: offline
|
Congrads and welcome from Pa
_____________________________
"''IN GOD WE TRUST"
06 Heritage Classic
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 4:00:00 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
BG Weasel - I got incredibly lucky in the Rebel....1987, 7200 orginial miles. It had been kept in the garage - incredibly clean. I am keeping it in garage also. I am hopeful that I can make a decent deal when I sell it. I have to admit - I refer to him as my "Evil Step Child" since OZ is my baby and a male. I have installed a backrest with luggage rack so that I can travel to and from work with my work crap. Today was my first day - went relatively well. 50 degrees outside, so it felt about 42 in the morning, but it woke me up.
GypsyLady - thank you - it is interesting that HD is promoting the Sporty as a woman's bike. But it sure isn't a beginner's bike.
Airywhister - thank you....beautiful part of the country you are located.....
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 8:48:51 PM
|
|
|
wyoming55
Posts: 19
Joined: 8/21/2007
Status: offline
|
Good move in my opinion, the rebel that is, my wife learned how to ride on a Rebel, heck she put several thousand miles on it, the funny part that she allways laughs about, I had her practicing in a school parking lot, late afternoons and no one there in the summer, she made lots and lots of trips around that lot, she just was afraid to really get out on the road, one day two little boys about 6 rode up to her on their bikes in the lot while she was stopped, and asked her if she minded if they followed her around. She said she made up her mind that day she was going out on the road a little, she called me told me to ride on down, she was ready to try the road a little, the parking lot was just 2 blocks from our house. She's been on the road since, those two little boys never knew that asking that question, caused her to leave the lot, lol, that was 4 years ago, she's put about 8000 miles on since, the last 6000 on a 1200 Sporty, I tried to buy her a Dyna, but she's a hard headed woman, she thought the sporty was just right for her.
_____________________________
[img][URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2315103740059670856odajIE] [/URL][/img]
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/19/2008 10:22:19 PM
|
|
|
donna.1965
Posts: 366
Joined: 5/11/2008
Status: offline
|
Wow, where do I begin? Our local dealer has a "training wheels" class that teaches the absolute basics before taking the Riders Edge beginners class. This for people, like me, who have no clue. I actually failed that class, and was asked to practice more with the clutch and the friction zone before I take Riders Edge.
My husband bought me a 19 year old Kawasaki 454. He would ride it to an empty parking lot, and I'd follow in the van, and drive in straight lines, then put it in neutral and walk it to turn around, and repeat. I got a little over confident, and tried to ride around a turn and laid the bike down. I have the tail pipe burn "tattoo" to remember it by. Took a little while to get back on, but I did. Back to parking lots.
Finally felt good enough to sign up for Riders Edge. Class started on Thursday, and Friday, during the day, I asked my hubby to follow me to the parking lot on his Wide Glide. The next day out on the Rider's Edge course, I locked up the brakes during swerving practice and lowsided.... could have high sided, as apparantly I fluctuated between front lock, rear lock, front lock. Got up and got right back on. Ended up actually getting licensed! (surprised me!)
Then my husband bought me this 1996 Low Rider, and what do I say??? Honey, drive it to the parking lot, so I can practice, because I don't know this bike! Here I am, doing circles again. Got my license one month ago today, I've been around my neighborhood, a little out of my neighborhood, and last Friday, took a 60 mile round trip to a local lake for lunch. Even got back to the Riders Edge course to show off my baby to the instructors. Got there just in time to see one of the current students lock his breaks with his bars turned and take a "high side". I also have a friend who laid the bike down 3 times during riders edge and was asked to go home, and come back another time. She's riding a wide glide now. Started on a Honda Shadow.
OK, I made a short story long. Basically, I'm glad you're OK, I'm glad you are sticking with it, and I'm glad you are smart enough to take your time. I haven't ridden solo, yet, and I'm not in a hurry. My husband follows me where ever I ride, slower than he'd like, but I feel safer knowing he's there. And when I get home, he gives me feedback on what I did well, and what I can do better.
Stay safe out there, and let us know how you are doing.
_____________________________
Donna
If you''re not the lead dog, your view never changes.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/20/2008 6:54:11 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Wyoming....
I am itching to ride my Harley....every time I walk by him in the garage to get on the Rebel, I hear the Harley calling my name. He is getting louder with each call. But I am resisting. I am not ready to ride that broncho just yet. I was just about as hard headed as your wife and that I didn't think I needed something smaller to learn on...that was until I crashed in class....I will get on that Harley....eventually...but I will get there...
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel.... - 5/20/2008 6:56:11 PM
|
|
|
CarolCasey
Posts: 112
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Donna,
I can see we have a lot in common. I can say that I have ridden solo on the Rebel....I am not ready for the Harley, but I will get there....I know...in fact I KNOW I will get there....
_____________________________
Carol
Sportster 883XL Low- on good days HE is named OZ & bad days HE is named SOB
"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Connecticut - where we build submarines and grow college basketball
|
|
|
|
|
Printable Version
