Curious
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: South Okanagan, BC
Curious
....as to how many of you learned to ride, withOut any courses? How many had a friend, mentor, spouse etc, that taught them, or at least just coached them? And who have still had no "formal" training?
And would you say you are as good as the others?
And would you say you are as good as the others?
Banned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,397
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From:
RE: Curious
Taught myself to ride the bike you see there in my sig. Haven't dropped it either. I just took it slow, went at my own pace, and all was well. Don't worry about how bad you seem at first...hell, I couldn't make it 2 feet without putting my feet down when I first started learning. I do think a course like the MSF is definitially beneficial though, and I plan on taking it in a few months.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge, VA
RE: Curious
Nope, no training... My bro-in-law had an old 350 suzuki he let me ride once. He said, 1 down 4 up. I says huh? Clutch on the left hand, shift with left toe, brake first with right hand then right foot and said go for it. That was 40 years ago (I was a late starter... lol) Since then, been back and forth across the states, moved from Idaho to VA on a bike (920 Virago) with everything I could pack (really bad divorce) and consider myself a pretty decent rider provided I can go faster than 10mph. Thinkin about taking a class, how much would it help? Lots? A little?
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
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RE: Curious
I've ridden since I was probably 12 but mostly dirt and sport bikes - although I've ridden other bikes, I got my first Harley last year. I did the Rider's Edge class and as a bonus they waive the driving test if you pass.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 187
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From:
RE: Curious
Ihave been riding since I was about 10 yrs old. But my kid started talking about getting a street bike (he's 21) and I signed both of us up for a riders safety course. He too had been riding all of his life. I was surprised what all I did learn in those 2.5 days. I would recommend a riders safety course to anyone. I am a firm believer in Training and listening to others view points. You never get enough information and when it comes to correct braking and cornering techniqes for a motorcycle it may some day save YOUR life. The little time and money may be well spent.
Dog
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From:
RE: Curious
Learned by hoppin on and goin but that was in the late 50's. Different deal out on the roads these days and more powerful bikes, would recommend the courses to any new riders. Have a lot of bad habits ingrained and learned a lot the hard way.