Beginner....how long?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: Beginner....how long?
I've learned that it is a lot safer (and a LOT less painful), to UNDERESTIMATE my abilities rather than to OVERESTIMATE them.
Happy trails and we'll keep the porch light on for you!
Happy trails and we'll keep the porch light on for you!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Beginner....how long?
ORIGINAL: Cigar Aggie
One thing I remembered in one of the courses about side streets....if you see a car waiting to turn, don't assume the driver sees you if he is looking at you, watch his tires.......just a tip that has saved my a** several times already....
One thing I remembered in one of the courses about side streets....if you see a car waiting to turn, don't assume the driver sees you if he is looking at you, watch his tires.......just a tip that has saved my a** several times already....
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Campbellton NB
RE: Beginner....how long?
Good advise mentioned above!
Another piece of advice, you'll get lots, when you get on the bike ask yourself if you are in the right frame of mind to stay alive today. If you are worried about all kinds of other stuff and you can't stop thinking obout it, you might be better off taking the cage or the bus. You have to be tottaly focussed on the task of riding and staying alive.
Have fun.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,481
Likes: 4
From: Triangle, VA
RE: Beginner....how long?
Screw the label...take the MSF course, read this forum (one hell of a lot of great advice), and enjoy. Sometimes beginners are better riders than "experienced" riders because they're more aware of what's going on and are concentrating on riding.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix area
RE: Beginner....how long?
ORIGINAL: Cryptoboy
I took the MSF and got my license about 3 1/2 years ago now, and started thinking of myself as a novice rider. I would plan on considering yourself a beginner rider for a year or two; it's the experience, which is usually a combination of miles and time, that differentiates between a 'beginner' and/or a 'novice' or 'experienced' rider. My wife for example is still a beginner, even though she got her license when I did, because she hardly rides (especially now I have the Glide. She rode alot when we had the Buells, and the Lowrider). I have about 20k miles at this point on the different bikes I've owned (about 7k/year).
I've actually heard the most dangerous time is between the 1 and 2 year mark, because you start to gain confidence, and sometimes too much unfortunately.
Don't worry about labels, just go out there and ride, be careful, and have fun!
I took the MSF and got my license about 3 1/2 years ago now, and started thinking of myself as a novice rider. I would plan on considering yourself a beginner rider for a year or two; it's the experience, which is usually a combination of miles and time, that differentiates between a 'beginner' and/or a 'novice' or 'experienced' rider. My wife for example is still a beginner, even though she got her license when I did, because she hardly rides (especially now I have the Glide. She rode alot when we had the Buells, and the Lowrider). I have about 20k miles at this point on the different bikes I've owned (about 7k/year).
I've actually heard the most dangerous time is between the 1 and 2 year mark, because you start to gain confidence, and sometimes too much unfortunately.
Don't worry about labels, just go out there and ride, be careful, and have fun!
Cryptoboy, you REALLY need to fix my computer. hehe
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14,849
Likes: 7
From: Fortville, IN
RE: Beginner....how long?
You seem really concerned with the "beginner" lable. Why? Everyone has been a beginner at one point. Just keep riding and forget about what everyone thinks.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Beginner....how long?
The best thing you can do is be a beginner and stay a beginner for a long time. Take getting used to your bike on your terms and at your own comfortable pace. Never get tricked into thinking you have to "measure up" to someone elses riding standards. JMHO
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,553
Likes: 0
From: South Okanagan, BC
RE: Beginner....how long?
Hiya 
This is my 3rd year riding, & I still think of myself as a beginner.... & I have a Lot of miles in.. ( least, it Seems like a lot! Especially as I'm a single mom, with a business., & time isn't always on my side..!!) Actually I think I have more hours than miles.... but there are so many things yet to try, that I see it as "beginnings" as it is new, & a start!
Haven't tried to double my daughter yet.. so, stands to reason I'll be a beginner, again!
Haven't gone on any trips longer than 4 hours, so, ... yup, "beginner" for that too...
Haven't ridden in the pouring rain....( 'just rain' lol) .. oh well, back to the.. Beginning! ( or fog, for that matter... there's another one!! lol)
Have planned it Ever so carefully not to ride at night.. Beginning That one worries me a bit!
But what's in a name> Beginner, novice, advanced, seasoned, iron butt.. I hope to keep learning, & until I feel totally at home, & able to handle both of us on my (new) bike, I'm a beginner...
Every bike I've had made me a 'Beginner'...
Don't let it worry you... ride til YOU feel competent! Until there are very few things left to try.... but always keep in mind, that each time Any of us do Anything new.. we are all, just beginners...
This is my 3rd year riding, & I still think of myself as a beginner.... & I have a Lot of miles in.. ( least, it Seems like a lot! Especially as I'm a single mom, with a business., & time isn't always on my side..!!) Actually I think I have more hours than miles.... but there are so many things yet to try, that I see it as "beginnings" as it is new, & a start!Haven't tried to double my daughter yet.. so, stands to reason I'll be a beginner, again!
Haven't gone on any trips longer than 4 hours, so, ... yup, "beginner" for that too...
Haven't ridden in the pouring rain....( 'just rain' lol) .. oh well, back to the.. Beginning! ( or fog, for that matter... there's another one!! lol)
Have planned it Ever so carefully not to ride at night.. Beginning That one worries me a bit!
But what's in a name> Beginner, novice, advanced, seasoned, iron butt.. I hope to keep learning, & until I feel totally at home, & able to handle both of us on my (new) bike, I'm a beginner...
Every bike I've had made me a 'Beginner'...
Don't let it worry you... ride til YOU feel competent! Until there are very few things left to try.... but always keep in mind, that each time Any of us do Anything new.. we are all, just beginners...