Back in the saddle, some thoughts
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood, WA
I do find myself "white-knuckling" on the interstate, which seems to make it harder to hold a straight lane position. Once I ease up, it feels good. I mostly just try and stay in gaps, ride in the right third (HOV) and stay away from BMW drivers with a phone to their ear.
Slow speed stop and go is where I feel the weight of the bike. I'm trying to keep light pressure on the rear brake and feather the clutch to keep a steady path. I'm trying to get comfortable with when to stop, when to put my feet down...etc. A couple times I stayed up too long, and too slow and the bike wandered a bit more than I was comfortable with.
Like somebody mentioned earlier, when I was younger I was immortal...or at least rode and lived my life that way. I'm much more aware of my mortality now. Just want to take my time and enjoy the trip.
Also, I ordered Ride like a Pro 5 a couple days ago. I've caught segments on it on YouTube, etc, and it looks terrific. That and everyone on here speaks very highly of it.
Thanks All!
~Mike
Slow speed stop and go is where I feel the weight of the bike. I'm trying to keep light pressure on the rear brake and feather the clutch to keep a steady path. I'm trying to get comfortable with when to stop, when to put my feet down...etc. A couple times I stayed up too long, and too slow and the bike wandered a bit more than I was comfortable with.
Like somebody mentioned earlier, when I was younger I was immortal...or at least rode and lived my life that way. I'm much more aware of my mortality now. Just want to take my time and enjoy the trip.
Also, I ordered Ride like a Pro 5 a couple days ago. I've caught segments on it on YouTube, etc, and it looks terrific. That and everyone on here speaks very highly of it.
Thanks All!
~Mike
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: So Cal - High Desert
Another really good source of info is the book "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. Barnes and Nobles usually has it in the 'Transportation' section. An excellent source of tactics and traps to watch for in modern traffic.
Also, not a bad idea to be very watchful in your six months to year of riding. Watch it all, driveways, cars pulled over with the driver inside (u-turn next?), side streets. Note the traffic patterns and see if you can predict what stupidity will result from the clusterf%ck ahead of you. A really good one is a stacked lane, with an empty one next to it (just watch the cars swapping lanes to get a good spot up front).
I rode too, back in the early 80's and the drivers are even worse now. This forum is an excellent source of advice and sometimes tragic results that I've taken lessons from. Above all, enjoy the hell out of your new ride. You should be stoked!
Also, not a bad idea to be very watchful in your six months to year of riding. Watch it all, driveways, cars pulled over with the driver inside (u-turn next?), side streets. Note the traffic patterns and see if you can predict what stupidity will result from the clusterf%ck ahead of you. A really good one is a stacked lane, with an empty one next to it (just watch the cars swapping lanes to get a good spot up front).
I rode too, back in the early 80's and the drivers are even worse now. This forum is an excellent source of advice and sometimes tragic results that I've taken lessons from. Above all, enjoy the hell out of your new ride. You should be stoked!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 138
From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
Welcome back. Its just like riding a bike.
MikeM
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
From: Central Mass.
I was 60 when I got "back in the saddle" after 30 years. First few months(not weeks) were just as you describe. All of a sudden one day the whole thing came together and it's been "let's go for a ride" ever since. Think I'm a better rider now than I was back then. Enjoy.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood, WA
A fellow rider dropped off "Proficient Motorcycling" on my desk about a half hour ago. I'll dive in to it tonight. Glad to see it recieved a recommendation on here.
Fatigue and dehydration are two things I never really considered when driving a car. I've noticed that after a couple hours, or late in the day, those things are creeping up on me and affecting my coordination. Makes riding a bit scarier, as those minor mistakes and errors in judgment can have serious repurcussions. I'll keep some water on hand and make sure to fill up during the day from now on.
~Mike
Fatigue and dehydration are two things I never really considered when driving a car. I've noticed that after a couple hours, or late in the day, those things are creeping up on me and affecting my coordination. Makes riding a bit scarier, as those minor mistakes and errors in judgment can have serious repurcussions. I'll keep some water on hand and make sure to fill up during the day from now on.
~Mike
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
man, i hope i never do the "be a responsible adult thing" if that means not riding anymore...
Last edited by dogtownmax; Jul 21, 2009 at 08:59 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Lenoir NC
Welcome Back..I stopped back in the late 70's after a nice blue haired lady pulled out in front of me. I destroyed my 750 Honda and Nerves. But been back riding a year Now and at 52 more fun than B-4..
Be safe and enjoy..
Be safe and enjoy..
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post