New Rider
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
New Rider
Hi guys,
I just joined this forum about a month ago and have learned a ton since. I have my heart set on a 09 street bob in vivid black within the next year. The wife is set on a 883 sportster in black.
We are both taking the HD Riders Course this summer at our local dealer (Anchorage House of HD). I am stationed here in AK, and even though our riding season is only 4 months long, I can't wait to enjoy it. The biggest reason I want the SB is because of the feel. No other bike I sat on felt comfortable (6'3" 205lbs). It's just a plus that the bike looks awesome even from the factory.
My question is, what are some basic tips you guys would give to new riders? Anything that might just be good rule-of-thumb info.
Thanks for all the help!
Brian
I just joined this forum about a month ago and have learned a ton since. I have my heart set on a 09 street bob in vivid black within the next year. The wife is set on a 883 sportster in black.
We are both taking the HD Riders Course this summer at our local dealer (Anchorage House of HD). I am stationed here in AK, and even though our riding season is only 4 months long, I can't wait to enjoy it. The biggest reason I want the SB is because of the feel. No other bike I sat on felt comfortable (6'3" 205lbs). It's just a plus that the bike looks awesome even from the factory.
My question is, what are some basic tips you guys would give to new riders? Anything that might just be good rule-of-thumb info.
Thanks for all the help!
Brian
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
Anticipate, don't react. Always scan ahead for someone who might not see you, if you get in trouble don't look at what you might collide with, look where you want to go to avoid obstacle. The bike will go where you look. Know your limits. I would avoid group rides at first. You will learn lot's more in the class.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 2
Hardest thing to master is going to be slow speed maneuvering, turns from a full stop and U Turns. Taking the time to do alot of empty parking lot practice will be well worth it's weight in gold. You can get alot of helpful exercises and riders tips on youtube by searching that will be useful in mastering low speed technics.
Also learn and practice countersteering. Searching online will give you a more comprehensive explanation of the properties involved. It will really make riding much more enjoyable and safe once you get comfortable with this element of riding.
Also learn and practice countersteering. Searching online will give you a more comprehensive explanation of the properties involved. It will really make riding much more enjoyable and safe once you get comfortable with this element of riding.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay
I agree with Madden23. Don't assume that others see you even if you look them directly in the eye. Take a riders class. Practice, practice practice and have fun!!
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Hardest thing to master is going to be slow speed maneuvering, turns from a full stop and U Turns. Taking the time to do alot of empty parking lot practice will be well worth it's weight in gold. You can get alot of helpful exercises and riders tips on youtube by searching that will be useful in mastering low speed technics.
Also learn and practice countersteering. Searching online will give you a more comprehensive explanation of the properties involved. It will really make riding much more enjoyable and safe once you get comfortable with this element of riding.
Also learn and practice countersteering. Searching online will give you a more comprehensive explanation of the properties involved. It will really make riding much more enjoyable and safe once you get comfortable with this element of riding.
++1
First thing I did after taking the course on the little bikes they provide, was to take my bike to the course and practice the things they taught me . Full on stop. slow manuvering etc.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Don't ride two up until you are totally comfortable with the controls. Before entering a corner, slow or fast, check the road surface for sand, gravel, oil slicks, moose. Wear protective gear. Go to an empty parking lot and practice weaving back and forth until you can change directions without effort. You will automatically learn to counter steer. I used to go on a empty highway and weave between the center strips and go faster and faster until I couldn't make it between the strips. If you do this, first make sure the road is clean. Watch out for those studded tire groves in AK. Transitioning between the high and low spots can lead to loss of control. Assume that you are invisable. People will turn in front of you__ always assume they will. This is a given. All the bright lights and load pipes will not prevent this. They will also change lanes when you are next to them so if you are on a multilane road be careful when you pass even when coming up to a stop sign. Again a given. It will happen and if you live in a town with a lot of boneheads, like Atlanta, it will happen every day.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
I was driving home with the wife last night and was looking at the road and noticed just how deep the studded tire grooves are. I am kinda worried about changing lanes with all the high and low spots in the road. Any advice? What about roundabouts?