How long did it take...?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 1,967
From: PA
The ink on my newly stamped license from the MSF class was still wet, when I jumped in the car and drove 100 miles to look at what would be my first Harley a few days later. I had a friend ride it home for me. Fortunately I live in a closed private community, so I had miles of roads to ride around on without being "out in traffic."
I remember feeling nervous every time I looked in my rear view mirror and saw a car, just like you. I recognized early on that I had to work on making right hand turns from a stop, and just keep practicing and getting more familiar with everything.
My first day out on public roads was a few days later because I needed to get gas. Each time out was a new experience. With each improvement, I'd come face to face with another weakness I needed to work on. I still remember the first time on the highway, trying to go at least 55-60 so other cars wouldn't run into me, lol.
This was all 5K miles ago. Now I worry about running into the cars in front of me (kidding...). Like others said, keep practicing.
Don't forget to practice low speed maneuvers in empty parking lots too. (Ride Like a Pro stuff). Those are handy skills at the gas station, etc.
Never let your guard down out there!
I remember feeling nervous every time I looked in my rear view mirror and saw a car, just like you. I recognized early on that I had to work on making right hand turns from a stop, and just keep practicing and getting more familiar with everything.
My first day out on public roads was a few days later because I needed to get gas. Each time out was a new experience. With each improvement, I'd come face to face with another weakness I needed to work on. I still remember the first time on the highway, trying to go at least 55-60 so other cars wouldn't run into me, lol.
This was all 5K miles ago. Now I worry about running into the cars in front of me (kidding...). Like others said, keep practicing.
Don't forget to practice low speed maneuvers in empty parking lots too. (Ride Like a Pro stuff). Those are handy skills at the gas station, etc.
Never let your guard down out there!
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 64
Likes: 14
From: Wisconsin
Getting used to the bike and dealing with traffic at the same time is tough. Do you have an industrial park nearby? Or a factory with a big parking lot? Go there on Sunday morning when the lot is empty and just drive around. Left turn, right turn. Stops. Downshifts. Backing up to park. The next time, maybe bring something you can use for cones and lay out a little course.
When I was learning I lived very near the technical college where the MSF practice course was. I rode that. You'll get more comfortable with time and practice, and then you'll be ready to go out and deal with the homicidal morons on the road.
When I was learning I lived very near the technical college where the MSF practice course was. I rode that. You'll get more comfortable with time and practice, and then you'll be ready to go out and deal with the homicidal morons on the road.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,613
Likes: 7,087
From: SoCal / AZ
My wife follows me and I worry about clearing intersections, side streets, driveways etc...
I have also noticed than when we are together, cars for the most part keep their distance behind her. She is getting used to riding in traffic, but with me helping her she can concentrate more on fundamentals right now.
If you can ride with someone with experience, it would probably help you a lot.
I have also noticed than when we are together, cars for the most part keep their distance behind her. She is getting used to riding in traffic, but with me helping her she can concentrate more on fundamentals right now.
If you can ride with someone with experience, it would probably help you a lot.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,021
Likes: 7,147
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Hey guys,
I'm a new rider and bought my Iron about a month ago. I passed my MSF course two weeks ago and have taken my bike out twice so far. The first time was ok, I was a little nervous but the 2nd time I was a little shaken because I practice in a school parking lot that's about 2 1/2 blocks from my house and on my way there (which I try to go during the least amount of traffic time), driving about 20 mph, a car came up behind me driving very close and I became very nervous and when turning left into the parking lot I rolled on the throttle and sped up onto the curb and on the sidewalk. I was a little scared but I did regain control of the bike and made it safely in the parking lot. On my way home I kinda lost my confidence. I guess my question is how long did it take for you to get comfortable riding and where did u practice?
I'm a new rider and bought my Iron about a month ago. I passed my MSF course two weeks ago and have taken my bike out twice so far. The first time was ok, I was a little nervous but the 2nd time I was a little shaken because I practice in a school parking lot that's about 2 1/2 blocks from my house and on my way there (which I try to go during the least amount of traffic time), driving about 20 mph, a car came up behind me driving very close and I became very nervous and when turning left into the parking lot I rolled on the throttle and sped up onto the curb and on the sidewalk. I was a little scared but I did regain control of the bike and made it safely in the parking lot. On my way home I kinda lost my confidence. I guess my question is how long did it take for you to get comfortable riding and where did u practice?
Then set up a "weave", cones 15 feet apart all in a line. Do that a bunch of times. (It's ok to smile under your helmet.)
About 10-12 mph and 1st or second gear. Try using the clutch to regulate engine torque. Then try the rear brake only to regulate speed for this. Experiment! See what works for you. Play. And then play some more.Don't worry about any "box." The "box" is not a life saving skill. BRAKING IS. That, and swerving. Try to go out and ride when there are less people on the roads, say early Saturday or Sunday morning.
Remember to look where you want to go, do not focus on what you want to avoid (remember that curb?)
Have fun with riding.
BREATHE.
You can do this stuff whether you've been riding for 50 minutes or 75 years.
Last edited by NORTY FLATZ; Mar 3, 2016 at 10:32 PM.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 1,967
From: PA
Go out to the interstate. Go down the white dotted line doing about 75-80. Pretend the cars are "cones" and weave in and out. You'll get the hang of it in no time!
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IDIOTIC THINGS IN THIS POST.
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IDIOTIC THINGS IN THIS POST.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 454
Likes: 33
From: Here
I'd suggest you ride behind her. This makes her ride her own ride instead of just following you. She needs to be making her own decisions out there. It also lets you observe her actions better allowing for better constructive critiques.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
That was sad.