Close calls while learning
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
RE: Close calls while learning
You are starting out right by taking the class. My wife took it 2 weeks ago and is now venturing out onto the streets. Every chance we could we would practise the skills presented to her, she is/has gainedmore confidence now in herself. Her first ride on the road, made me more nervous than her. She did an awesome job, but I felt I couldn't protect her and thus probably added to her being somewhat nervous.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20,964
Likes: 19,058
From: The Wasteland
RE: Close calls while learning
ORIGINAL: Paniolo
Where do you live?
Go on line, and find a near by course and take it.
Trying to learn on the road by yourself is not a wise thing. That would be like saying you want toteach yourselfhow to drive a race car, and then trying to do it in the middle of the Indy 500. Please, do yourself and your wife a favor. Take a course.
Where do you live?
Go on line, and find a near by course and take it.
Trying to learn on the road by yourself is not a wise thing. That would be like saying you want toteach yourselfhow to drive a race car, and then trying to do it in the middle of the Indy 500. Please, do yourself and your wife a favor. Take a course.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,478
Likes: 4
From: Toledo Ohio
RE: Close calls while learning
I do things a tad different. I never rode a bike, wanted one, so I went out and bought an 07 Ultra a couple of months before my 50th birthday.
I rode it a couple of times around the neighborhood during the time I was waiting for my MSF class , (I had to wait 3 months). One time I laid it down in my driveway, scratched the upper fairing[:@]. Upon reflection I think I hit the front brake while the handlebars were turned.
So I decided to wait and do some studying. Bought the book, "Proficient Motorcycling" , bought the "Learn to ride the easy way" and "Ride like a pro" DVD's and studied them several times.
The MSF class was a blast! Learned a lot and it was a great confidence builder. Passed the MSF course with only 3 deductions on the riding portion.(You're allowed up to 20).
Been riding back and forth to work foe a few weeks now and am comfortable. I'm sure the learning helped a lot when I had to avoid a moron in a car that pulled out in front of me and stopped a few days ago.
One thing, never stop learning.
I rode it a couple of times around the neighborhood during the time I was waiting for my MSF class , (I had to wait 3 months). One time I laid it down in my driveway, scratched the upper fairing[:@]. Upon reflection I think I hit the front brake while the handlebars were turned.
So I decided to wait and do some studying. Bought the book, "Proficient Motorcycling" , bought the "Learn to ride the easy way" and "Ride like a pro" DVD's and studied them several times.
The MSF class was a blast! Learned a lot and it was a great confidence builder. Passed the MSF course with only 3 deductions on the riding portion.(You're allowed up to 20).
Been riding back and forth to work foe a few weeks now and am comfortable. I'm sure the learning helped a lot when I had to avoid a moron in a car that pulled out in front of me and stopped a few days ago.
One thing, never stop learning.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Sedro Woolley, Wa.
RE: Close calls while learning
Ditto what everyone else is saying. I am 39, wanted a bike forever and a day. finally got my dream bike, (2007 Superglide) took the course. I had made a promise to my wife that I wouldn't ride prior to taking the class, and I didn't. The MSC was awesome. learned so much, but like everyone else is telling you, you need to practice what they teach you. I started out riding to work the next day after the course. It was a bit strange being on a hiway doing 65 at first but you quickly get used to it and start to relax. I have been riding for bout a month now and have put on about 400 miles. It would be more but I am not to comfortable riding in the rain right now.
Keep with it and keep practicing. See you on the road.
Batt
Keep with it and keep practicing. See you on the road.
Batt
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands, TX
RE: Close calls while learning
Greetings Wahoo9,
You say you will take the riding class.....excellent idea......tells me your attitude is right.
Get with some friends who you can ride with. Real friends will not make you push it beyond your abilities but give you a chance to gradually develope your skills and confidence.
Most HD dealerships sponsor HOG chapters and they have group rides for beginners......take them up on it. They will show you how to ride in a group and will take your skill level into consideration as they ride.
Most of all be carefull and just enjoy !!
You say you will take the riding class.....excellent idea......tells me your attitude is right.
Get with some friends who you can ride with. Real friends will not make you push it beyond your abilities but give you a chance to gradually develope your skills and confidence.
Most HD dealerships sponsor HOG chapters and they have group rides for beginners......take them up on it. They will show you how to ride in a group and will take your skill level into consideration as they ride.
Most of all be carefull and just enjoy !!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 0
RE: Close calls while learning
First of all, Riding isn't for everyone.
There's a lot of positive feedback from your fellow forum members here, that's all good; but riding ability isn't the samefor everyone.I'veknown people who took theMSFcourse and still didn't have agrasp of understanding. Some peopleneeded to repeat the course and still couldn't get it.
Maybe your wifeknows something about you that we don't.
If you're not in a rush to buy a streetbike, take your time. Yes, you shouldtake the MSF course but maybe start out with asmall dirtbikeand ride it in an open field. As your ability improvesmaybe get an entry levelstreetbike, 250-500 cc's. Learn to apply your riding skills to real trafficsituations. When you feel confident in your ability, buy a larger bike.
Good luck and RideSafe.
There's a lot of positive feedback from your fellow forum members here, that's all good; but riding ability isn't the samefor everyone.I'veknown people who took theMSFcourse and still didn't have agrasp of understanding. Some peopleneeded to repeat the course and still couldn't get it.
Maybe your wifeknows something about you that we don't.
If you're not in a rush to buy a streetbike, take your time. Yes, you shouldtake the MSF course but maybe start out with asmall dirtbikeand ride it in an open field. As your ability improvesmaybe get an entry levelstreetbike, 250-500 cc's. Learn to apply your riding skills to real trafficsituations. When you feel confident in your ability, buy a larger bike.
Good luck and RideSafe.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Close calls while learning
Parking lot practice. Practice starting and stopping, swerving, etc... over and over. Going fast is easy. Don't take curves too fast, beyond your experience. Beware of the left turning car in front of you. Remember you will go where you're looking. Keep your head up.
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