First ride on my Fat Bob
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 455
Likes: 38
From: San Diego
First ride on my Fat Bob
Picked up my bike yesterday from the dealership after finishing my Riders Edge course, and getting my license and insurance. The ride home was scary, but a lot of fun. Thankfully there is back streets. After I got home and ate I went back out to a school parking lot and practiced riding in the friction zone for about 45 minutes.
Well, after getting off work today I went out for a ride. Felt much more comftorable this time, after riding around the neighborhood I went on a major street and rode.
And just got back from another ride, this is a blast. Some things I have learned;
Friction zone is my friend
Cant be wimpy with the throttle when I shift up. I was also missing gears a couple times and could feel the bike chugging.
Stalled out a couple times too, but I figured it would take time.
What a blast, and I'm really glad I picked up RLAP. And most off all, I am having a lot of fun.
Well, after getting off work today I went out for a ride. Felt much more comftorable this time, after riding around the neighborhood I went on a major street and rode.
And just got back from another ride, this is a blast. Some things I have learned;
Friction zone is my friend
Cant be wimpy with the throttle when I shift up. I was also missing gears a couple times and could feel the bike chugging.
Stalled out a couple times too, but I figured it would take time.
What a blast, and I'm really glad I picked up RLAP. And most off all, I am having a lot of fun.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Yeah, getting on the road is way scary at first and when I started out 150 years ago there was hardly any other traffic on the roads!
Stay safe and keep at it.
A long, loooong ride will get you into the groove quickly.
Stay safe and keep at it.
A long, loooong ride will get you into the groove quickly.
I've been riding for 45 years and the best advice I can give you is have some freind take you out for a ride reminding them up front before the ride that you are a beginner and for them to take it slow. The more you ride the more comfortable you will become. Take it slow, know your limits, stay aware of your surroundings, and be alert. Avoid taking chances like lane splitting, riding in the center of the lane, tailgating, and stopping directly behind any vehicle. Leave your ego at home because it can hurt you. If someone is tailgating you pull over and don't let them push you to ride over your limits.
Lastly don't forget to have fun.
Bob
Lastly don't forget to have fun.
Bob
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 415
Likes: 2
From: Wichita Falls, Texas
Congratulations on your new lifestyle. You may not know it yet, but things will be different. After getting to know your ride (it may take a while), you will begin to get the "fever" to modify. We all get it and it is a disease that will slowly sap your bank account. It will start slowly. First your will want to do small modifications. Maybe some chrome (or maybe powdercoat). Then, a few small additions for looks. Later, you will feet the need for some performance upgrades (tuner, intake, exhaust). Eventually, you'll "need" cams and a big bore kit. Maybe some Apes, or maybe suspension upgrades.
Wait a minute, why am I giving you advise, I need to go check out "Ethel", she "needs" some mods right now. Oh damn, here we go again.
Seriously, try to ride every day and you will quickly feel more competent on your new bike. Take it slowly, don't put yourself in situations where you're uncomfortable. You'll be amazed how addicting it is.
Wait a minute, why am I giving you advise, I need to go check out "Ethel", she "needs" some mods right now. Oh damn, here we go again.
Seriously, try to ride every day and you will quickly feel more competent on your new bike. Take it slowly, don't put yourself in situations where you're uncomfortable. You'll be amazed how addicting it is.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 571
Likes: 8
From: Alexandria, VA (via Northern CA)
When you get the hang of things and start to feel more confident is when you really need to start watching out. Enjoy and ride safe.
Trending Topics
It is the area of the clutch pull where the clutch grabs but isn't locked out. You know, for low speed maneuvering you kinda "ride" the clutch sometimes - that is known as the "Friction Zone"
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Congratulations we r all happy to have a new member to our community and way of life listen to Afone he's right, don't take chances because your friends do, keep the rubbers down and always watch out for the invisible man that's "you", because you are invisible to most car drivers.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
My guess was that the friction zone was where the foot pegs start to grind ! LOL