Advice help for building confidence
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: DFW area, Tx
My advice, as a fellow new reentry...
i rode a Honda Shadow for a couple years about a decade ago. Got a wild hair up my self and went and bought a Harley 2 months ago. Probably doubled the weight, engine size, power going from the Lil bike to my Harley. It was a learning curve. Going to a parking lot and playing around with different manures helped. I took the msf basic course a couple weeks after purchasing and after a few rides. While I can't say I was presented anything I didn't know, the focused coaching and maneuvers made a huge difference. I came out of that feeling more confident and better skilled from the practice and coaching. Two weeks ago I took the advanced riders course. Overall the combination of parking lot and the courses gave me some good tools, confidence, and helped me relax. That and just talking to others about all things Harley helps build your knowledge base.
i rode a Honda Shadow for a couple years about a decade ago. Got a wild hair up my self and went and bought a Harley 2 months ago. Probably doubled the weight, engine size, power going from the Lil bike to my Harley. It was a learning curve. Going to a parking lot and playing around with different manures helped. I took the msf basic course a couple weeks after purchasing and after a few rides. While I can't say I was presented anything I didn't know, the focused coaching and maneuvers made a huge difference. I came out of that feeling more confident and better skilled from the practice and coaching. Two weeks ago I took the advanced riders course. Overall the combination of parking lot and the courses gave me some good tools, confidence, and helped me relax. That and just talking to others about all things Harley helps build your knowledge base.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 102
From: Waukesha, WI
Take an MSF course, even if you have your license. Refreshing skills in a controlled environment is beneficial to all riders, especially if you've been out of it for a while. Also the Ride Like a Pro series has some great info. One pointer - Stay off the front brake at low speeds! Dragging the rear brake and slipping the clutch is the way to go for slow, tight maneuvers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 5,153
From: Louisiana
Same boat here just about a year and a half ahead of you. All of the above advice is good. Put some miles on it in safe places, then take the Harley New Riders Course. "MSF". That's what I did....
I'll take the advanced riders course this coming spring.
I'll take the advanced riders course this coming spring.
Last edited by Down South; Dec 23, 2018 at 09:28 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Take an MSF course, even if you have your license. Refreshing skills in a controlled environment is beneficial to all riders, especially if you've been out of it for a while. Also the Ride Like a Pro series has some great info. One pointer - Stay off the front brake at low speeds! Dragging the rear brake and slipping the clutch is the way to go for slow, tight maneuvers.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,672
Likes: 643
I take the MSF course every couple years as a way to brush up on basics. You’ll always learn, with every ride. Start with some lighter traveled routes for now. Heavy traffic will be a little frightening at first
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 5,153
From: Louisiana
That's a good idea. I've been thinking that I'd take the class again in a yr or two just to brush up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 1,215
From: Fort Myers, Fl
I did pretty much the same thing as you and Im a bit over 2,000 miles on mine since I bought it. I ride daily to work if the weather isnt bad.
I took the class to get my license again and it was a good brush up to go through. I would advise it, its not just for beginners.
As said, just ride man, and RELAX. It will be comfortable before you know it.
I love my street glide, good choice.
Enjoy the ride.
I took the class to get my license again and it was a good brush up to go through. I would advise it, its not just for beginners.
As said, just ride man, and RELAX. It will be comfortable before you know it.
I love my street glide, good choice.
Enjoy the ride.
Last edited by SWFLGuy; Dec 23, 2018 at 11:20 PM.
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