advice needed
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Lake Arrowhead, ca
RE: advice needed
I had my mc license expire in 96. I didn't know. The DMV made metake the rider's test. I was ridingan old school chopper with way-forward controls and16" apes.
Just getreal used to doing tight circles each way and weaving between 6 foot marks. You'll be fine. But the best is a course - of course.
Good Luck Bud!
Just getreal used to doing tight circles each way and weaving between 6 foot marks. You'll be fine. But the best is a course - of course.
Good Luck Bud!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Olympia. WA
RE: advice needed
Like others have said, Ride Like A Pro DVD, MSF Course..., but if you want to practice on your own... I'll tell you what I did when my son started: we went out to an empty parking lot with some chalk sticks (the fat ones that kids use) and marked out some exercises. Stop lines, sharp curves, weaving guides, etc. I just had him practice for a month. It will help if you have an experienced rider observe and give tips.
Their is no magic. Time in the saddle is the only cure...
Their is no magic. Time in the saddle is the only cure...
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From:
RE: advice needed
I sold a bike to one of my buddies and told him to 1-get a helmet and 2-take the MSF course. He couldn't wait and did just what you are describing. All he remembers was the thumpa-thumpa-thumpa sound when the LifeFlight chopper set down. He lived, but won't ever ride again. It didn't help that there was an experiencedrider with him.
A Sportster is a terrific bike and a terrible choice for learning to ride. If the MSF instructor says you are ready to practice on a Sporty, then you are ready to give it a whirl. Whatever you do, keep safety #1.
A Sportster is a terrific bike and a terrible choice for learning to ride. If the MSF instructor says you are ready to practice on a Sporty, then you are ready to give it a whirl. Whatever you do, keep safety #1.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Olympia. WA
RE: advice needed
ORIGINAL: BWLucky13
I sold a bike to one of my buddies and told him to 1-get a helmet and 2-take the MSF course. He couldn't wait and did just what you are describing. All he remembers was the thumpa-thumpa-thumpa sound when the LifeFlight chopper set down. He lived, but won't ever ride again. It didn't help that there was an experiencedrider with him.
A Sportster is a terrific bike and a terrible choice for learning to ride. If the MSF instructor says you are ready to practice on a Sporty, then you are ready to give it a whirl. Whatever you do, keep safety #1.
I sold a bike to one of my buddies and told him to 1-get a helmet and 2-take the MSF course. He couldn't wait and did just what you are describing. All he remembers was the thumpa-thumpa-thumpa sound when the LifeFlight chopper set down. He lived, but won't ever ride again. It didn't help that there was an experiencedrider with him.
A Sportster is a terrific bike and a terrible choice for learning to ride. If the MSF instructor says you are ready to practice on a Sporty, then you are ready to give it a whirl. Whatever you do, keep safety #1.
Get out and practice, then do it again and again until the skills become automatic.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
RE: advice needed
ORIGINAL: krusr
Some folks may say taking a MSF course is a waste of time and money but Irode for over 25 years thinking I knew how to ride. Got pulled over and ticketed for no MC licence so I took a course.
I could not believe how much I learned orI should say, how much I didn't know.
Do yourself a favor a take one, you'll be glad you did,
Krusr
Some folks may say taking a MSF course is a waste of time and money but Irode for over 25 years thinking I knew how to ride. Got pulled over and ticketed for no MC licence so I took a course.
I could not believe how much I learned orI should say, how much I didn't know.
Do yourself a favor a take one, you'll be glad you did,
Krusr
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
RE: advice needed
Take the course It don't take long and it will save money in the long run. most insurance cos. give a discount. for taking it. Hey! you might learn something.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,526
Likes: 601
From: Raleigh NC
RE: advice needed
ORIGINAL: krusr
Some folks may say taking a MSF course is a waste of time and money but Irode for over 25 years thinking I knew how to ride. Got pulled over and ticketed for no MC licence so I took a course.
I could not believe how much I learned orI should say, how much I didn't know.
Do yourself a favor a take one, you'll be glad you did,
Krusr
Some folks may say taking a MSF course is a waste of time and money but Irode for over 25 years thinking I knew how to ride. Got pulled over and ticketed for no MC licence so I took a course.
I could not believe how much I learned orI should say, how much I didn't know.
Do yourself a favor a take one, you'll be glad you did,
Krusr
I've taken the NSF class after years and thousands of miles... and I learned.... took the ERC after each new bike purchase too... money WELL spent
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,356
Likes: 3
From: 28°31'49.84"N , 82°30'8.56"W
RE: advice needed
nothing will beat experience... drive in places you can do things without being disturbed... the couses are the first thing to do, then put allot of miles on the bike