Close calls while learning
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Stage II
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Close calls while learning
Greetings to everyone.
I am really interested in learning how to ride. I have no experience and my wife is not too hot on the idea of me doing this, but overall has been supportive. However, I am a little concerned with it as well. My goal is to just have some nice joy rides and enjoy the 10 minute commute I have to work. I don't plan on ever doing crazy things, and I don't see myself flying in the fast lane weaving in and out of traffic. I realize many accidents come from poor drivers, but what about picking it up with no experience? Obviously, I don't want to lay the bike down, but how many of you did while learning? Just FYI, I am enrolled in the driver safety course to gain some experience before I go out and purchase a bike. Thanks in advance for your help.
I am really interested in learning how to ride. I have no experience and my wife is not too hot on the idea of me doing this, but overall has been supportive. However, I am a little concerned with it as well. My goal is to just have some nice joy rides and enjoy the 10 minute commute I have to work. I don't plan on ever doing crazy things, and I don't see myself flying in the fast lane weaving in and out of traffic. I realize many accidents come from poor drivers, but what about picking it up with no experience? Obviously, I don't want to lay the bike down, but how many of you did while learning? Just FYI, I am enrolled in the driver safety course to gain some experience before I go out and purchase a bike. Thanks in advance for your help.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: Close calls while learning
Welcome to the Forum, this is an excellent place to learn many things about Harleys and riding in general.
Excellent idea to take the MSF course first, you'll learn some very crucial things about the safe operation of a m/c on the street.
You don't mention how old you are, but the main thing is start out slow and easy and don't ride beyond your abilities. Riding with friends may or may not be a good idea as the temptation to keep up with them might get you in trouble at first.
There are books and video's you can learn alot from also. Log onto this Forum daily and read the posts and you'll learn TONS from these folks here too!
Excellent idea to take the MSF course first, you'll learn some very crucial things about the safe operation of a m/c on the street.
You don't mention how old you are, but the main thing is start out slow and easy and don't ride beyond your abilities. Riding with friends may or may not be a good idea as the temptation to keep up with them might get you in trouble at first.
There are books and video's you can learn alot from also. Log onto this Forum daily and read the posts and you'll learn TONS from these folks here too!
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
RE: Close calls while learning
I agree with what was said before but the class is a great place to start you will get all the basics on safe riding and teqniques on how to stay safe. Also when you start out ride within your abilities and take it slow. But that said its a lot of fun. Good luck and heve a great time.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
RE: Close calls while learning
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Close calls while learning
I was in the same boat as you, I had no experiance riding. I went out and took the MSF basic riding course and an hour after taking the course I got on the heritage classic I bought and went out with a friend down some windy mountain/country roads, then the next day was on the highway going to work, took a 300 mile + road trip thru vermont last week and am doing fine.
The course will get you comfortable with handling the bike, after that its up to you in how you feel out riding in whatever situation. Once you get out, take a nice long roadtrip and you will get really comfortable. Its not that hard to pick up, just be cautious of the idiots in cars and you will be fine, I look at every car and expect them to pull out in front of me or do something stupid and its kept me safe so far.
The best part of the class was learning how to quickly swerve around obstacles, had to put that little move in effect the other day to avoid a big old dead skunk in the road that would have made me and my bike smell real good.
The course will get you comfortable with handling the bike, after that its up to you in how you feel out riding in whatever situation. Once you get out, take a nice long roadtrip and you will get really comfortable. Its not that hard to pick up, just be cautious of the idiots in cars and you will be fine, I look at every car and expect them to pull out in front of me or do something stupid and its kept me safe so far.
The best part of the class was learning how to quickly swerve around obstacles, had to put that little move in effect the other day to avoid a big old dead skunk in the road that would have made me and my bike smell real good.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
RE: Close calls while learning
Hey just adding to what i said earleir. I'm 24 also and I learned to ride not too long ago and had no previous experience. Take the course for sure and if you can find a more experienced rider to ride with at first, someone who is responsible enough to set a safe pace for you, For me it was my dad whose been riding for quite awhile now, you will be better off. They can set a pace for going into turns and watch for obstacles ahead so it help. Just don't ride with anyone who is going to push you past your abilities. Where do you live. Perhaps you could find someone on the forums to ride with if you don't have anyone already
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Close calls while learning
All good advise. I have almost 5000 miles of riding now and I never took a course. I realized how stupid I have been so now I'm taking a course in September. I'm in Iraq right now so that's what's keeping me from doing it till then. The problem I had learning was I picked it up really fast then started riding with other guys and we rode hard. Too hard for my ability. Don't put yourself in a situation where you need to keep up. You're gonna love riding and it's gonna become a way of life. You'll see. Have fun.
SSG Neil Bailey
07 Super Glide
SSG Neil Bailey
07 Super Glide
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Close calls while learning
Just remember when you finish your MSF course you will be short of one important thing and that is experience. The course doesn't automatically prepare you for the road, it teaches you the things you need to practice, practice, practice to become a more efficient rider when on the road.
Good luck. Riding is a joy!!!
Good luck. Riding is a joy!!!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Jonesboro, Ga.
RE: Close calls while learning
Welcome Robert - I've only been riding about 3 months now and it has been a joy in learing. MSF course is a MUST to build confidence. My suggestion would be after the course find a huge parking lot and practice what they teach you over and over until you are comfortable with it then hit some isolated back roads for awhile for more confidence. The people on this forum are great and have great info for all us newbies. Enjoy and ride safe.