I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
ORIGINAL: SgtThump
I already have the chaps and plan to buy several doo-rags soon, but I'm not sure what brand of jeans I should wear to look like a REAL biker. Any advice? I want something that says "i'm a bad ***, so don't f*ck with me" (even though I'm a p*ssy.) Pretty soon, I'll have to ditch the helmet too, because it's impossible to beKeWl with one. Oh wait, I could get one of those tiny novelty helmets for their looks. YEAH! GREAT IDEA.
Chris
ORIGINAL: Candy Azz
Thump, take the class, get a doo-rag, fingerless gloves and a leather vest. Then you'll be a true biker! All true bikers do these things. Otherwise you're nothing! Hehehe!
I don't know, it's been a while, but I took the class and yes, it taught me how to operate a motorcycle, but it did not teach me HOW TO RIDE. I think that just comes with time and experience.
My advice, if ya got one, wear a helmet for now (up to you if you want to wear one later) and try sticking with riding with others. Short solo trips down busier streets worked for me 'til I built my confidence, but it's always safer with at least one other rider to kind of help you along on those longer rides. Then again, and I'll be honest, I did just like you and did it all on my own. I went further and further every day. So, do what you feel comfortable doing. You're a big boy.
One last piece of advice, go to a parking lot and practice slow riding (5 mph) and manuevering. Set up cones or just use painted lines on the lot. I did and it's amazing how much better of a rider you become. You learn control.
Ride safe!
Thump, take the class, get a doo-rag, fingerless gloves and a leather vest. Then you'll be a true biker! All true bikers do these things. Otherwise you're nothing! Hehehe!
I don't know, it's been a while, but I took the class and yes, it taught me how to operate a motorcycle, but it did not teach me HOW TO RIDE. I think that just comes with time and experience.
My advice, if ya got one, wear a helmet for now (up to you if you want to wear one later) and try sticking with riding with others. Short solo trips down busier streets worked for me 'til I built my confidence, but it's always safer with at least one other rider to kind of help you along on those longer rides. Then again, and I'll be honest, I did just like you and did it all on my own. I went further and further every day. So, do what you feel comfortable doing. You're a big boy.
One last piece of advice, go to a parking lot and practice slow riding (5 mph) and manuevering. Set up cones or just use painted lines on the lot. I did and it's amazing how much better of a rider you become. You learn control.
Ride safe!
Chris
Banned
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Sleepy Hollow, IL
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
ORIGINAL: SgtThump
I already have the chaps and plan to buy several doo-rags soon, but I'm not sure what brand of jeans I should wear to look like a REAL biker. Any advice? I want something that says "i'm a bad ***, so don't f*ck with me" (even though I'm a p*ssy.) Pretty soon, I'll have to ditch the helmet too, because it's impossible to beKeWl with one. Oh wait, I could get one of those tiny novelty helmets for their looks. YEAH! GREAT IDEA.
I already have the chaps and plan to buy several doo-rags soon, but I'm not sure what brand of jeans I should wear to look like a REAL biker. Any advice? I want something that says "i'm a bad ***, so don't f*ck with me" (even though I'm a p*ssy.) Pretty soon, I'll have to ditch the helmet too, because it's impossible to beKeWl with one. Oh wait, I could get one of those tiny novelty helmets for their looks. YEAH! GREAT IDEA.
You wear a helmet if you want. Your choice. I don't. My choice. Whatever you feel comfy doing. No wait, gotta play like everyone else...YOU WEAR A HELMET OR YOU WILL DIE!
Know what my brother told me about helmets one time? Difference between a helmet and no helmet is open or closed casket. Funny guy.
In the meantime practice practice practice, but enjoy the damn thing! That's why you got it, right?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 7
From: hollywood, FL
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
of course please continue to ride within your comfort zone. 
most important , though, enjoy that dang ride! 
ohh, and a warm welcome to the great two wheeled world.
most important , though, enjoy that dang ride! ohh, and a warm welcome to the great two wheeled world.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, Ga.
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
ORIGINAL: SgtThump
Also, I've determined that it's impossible for me to start a thread on this board without 5-10 people preaching at me to take the course. I KNOW! I WANT TO TAKE IT!!! I will take it, TRUST ME!However,I'm not waiting until next March when they open up again before I get on the bike. Can't do that. I'd rather be smart about it and venture out a little bit away from home to get some time on it now.
PS - Seriously, I plan to take the course next Spring (as early as possible.)
Also, I've determined that it's impossible for me to start a thread on this board without 5-10 people preaching at me to take the course. I KNOW! I WANT TO TAKE IT!!! I will take it, TRUST ME!However,I'm not waiting until next March when they open up again before I get on the bike. Can't do that. I'd rather be smart about it and venture out a little bit away from home to get some time on it now.
PS - Seriously, I plan to take the course next Spring (as early as possible.)
Banned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 956
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
That feeling only gets better and if you're lucky, it doesn't ever go away. Mine hasn't. I took it slow and easy and tried to be prepared for anything if I could, which I'm sure you already know. Don't listen to some of the church ladies at this place. You're probably old enough and smart enough to do the right things for yourself, without any unsolicited guidance from anyone here. My hat's off to you man. Enjoy!
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 57
From: St. Louis, MO
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
ORIGINAL: kingk9
That feeling only gets better and if you're lucky, it doesn't ever go away. Mine hasn't. I took it slow and easy and tried to be prepared for anything if I could, which I'm sure you already know. Don't listen to some of the church ladies at this place. You're probably old enough and smart enough to do the right things for yourself, without any unsolicited guidance from anyone here. My hat's off to you man. Enjoy!
That feeling only gets better and if you're lucky, it doesn't ever go away. Mine hasn't. I took it slow and easy and tried to be prepared for anything if I could, which I'm sure you already know. Don't listen to some of the church ladies at this place. You're probably old enough and smart enough to do the right things for yourself, without any unsolicited guidance from anyone here. My hat's off to you man. Enjoy!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
I like when there's a mix of riding solo and riding with a lot of friends...
Class or no class all I'm going to say is the most valuable thing I've ever done isfind a safe place to occasionally practice some asskicking panic stops.
Class or no class all I'm going to say is the most valuable thing I've ever done isfind a safe place to occasionally practice some asskicking panic stops.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Graham, NC
RE: I think I finally figured out what it's all about...
Yep. That's how it all starts. One day you forget to be worried and you have the best ride of your life.
In just a few short days you are going to realize that you just took off from a dead stop, made a 90 degree slow turn, didn't cross over the lane, leaned the bike far enough, and rolled on smooth throttle... acelerated nice and clean. Once you get going down the raod you will be like... Damn, I just made a 90 degree righty look easy!
These are just the first of a hundred things that are going to come naturally as you progress and each one will make that ride the best ride of your life.
Oh yeah, that "push left to go left" thing... One day you'll stop thinking about it and the bike will just magically go around the curve.
In just a few short days you are going to realize that you just took off from a dead stop, made a 90 degree slow turn, didn't cross over the lane, leaned the bike far enough, and rolled on smooth throttle... acelerated nice and clean. Once you get going down the raod you will be like... Damn, I just made a 90 degree righty look easy!
These are just the first of a hundred things that are going to come naturally as you progress and each one will make that ride the best ride of your life.
Oh yeah, that "push left to go left" thing... One day you'll stop thinking about it and the bike will just magically go around the curve.