Woo hoo!!!!
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 3
From: dixon il
yeah im takin it slow, I wont put anyone on the back yet, I wont get on the interstate, I wont ride in groups, we have some beautiful winding roads that follow a river through the woods but alot of people die on that stretch of highway so I stay off it for now.
As far as the helmet goes I just cant force myself to wear one. again it goes back to the way I was raised. helmets were the devil and any politician talkin bout helmet laws needed to be assassinated. you dont hear as much about it these days but in the late 70's and all through the 80's that topic came up in every convo atleast once around my house.
As far as the helmet goes I just cant force myself to wear one. again it goes back to the way I was raised. helmets were the devil and any politician talkin bout helmet laws needed to be assassinated. you dont hear as much about it these days but in the late 70's and all through the 80's that topic came up in every convo atleast once around my house.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
Considering your exploits so far, PLEASE reconsider this. It's no longer a "macho" or "f*ck the government" issue. Even at slow speeds, you can slam your head hard enough to kill you. So, even if it's only during your learning process, I'd highly suggest that you wear one.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
As far as the helmet goes I just cant force myself to wear one. again it goes back to the way I was raised. helmets were the devil and any politician talkin bout helmet laws needed to be assassinated. you dont hear as much about it these days but in the late 70's and all through the 80's that topic came up in every convo atleast once around my house.
I grew up through all that too, but a big part of riding a motorcycle is thinking for yourself. It's your consequences. Don't let old politics, especially politics that you had zero investment in since you just started riding, influence you. Helmet laws and wearing a helmet are completely separate concerns in my book. I'm against the laws, but in favor of the choice and the safety. Saving your life is certainly a plus, but so is keeping the skin on your face, your nose in the middle, and your jaw attached (which comes in handier than a motorcycle when trying to impress girls). All of this is at risk in low speed, minor mishaps.
Considering your exploits so far, PLEASE reconsider this. It's no longer a "macho" or "f*ck the government" issue. Even at slow speeds, you can slam your head hard enough to kill you. So, even if it's only during your learning process, I'd highly suggest that you wear one.
+1. What he said.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 90
From: SE WI
Its most likely not that the bike is unstable its just you aren't use to it at those speeds. The more you ride it the more comfortable you will feel at higher speeds. I remember when I first got my harley, 60 on my sportster felt like the damn thing is gonna shake apart. Then a month later 60 felt slow and calm on it. Its all relative.
Ride.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 3
From: dixon il
300 miles since 10 am tuesday, speeds not an issue, hills are no longer an issue. starting and stopping is goin just fine. i feel like i been riding for years now. getting real comfortable on it. im not the type to get complacent or cocky so no worries there. havent really had any cars test my reflexes yet, did have to duck so i didnt take a blackbird to the face at 60 mph. gonna take another vacation day and head to wisconsin from north central illinois here in a minute (about 2 hours to the border) unless i take a shortcut through iowa .that will add a little time to the trip. lol
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 3
From: dixon il
well just got my first rain ride in, was headin north decided to stop and get a bite to eat. came out of the restaurant and the sky was black. turned around headed for home but couldnt outrun the storm. I had my old ladies helmet strapped to the back so put that on and took the 20 mile (65 mph) highway home. never riding in the rain before i refused to go over 45 mph. construction zone with only one lane open all the way home. had a whole line of pissed off cars behind me .lol but i made it and as soon as the sun comes back out ill get back out there.
so it is a fairly straight highway, a few minor curves but nothing you need to slow down for, did I need to ride that slow or can bike tires handle the rain pretty good?
so it is a fairly straight highway, a few minor curves but nothing you need to slow down for, did I need to ride that slow or can bike tires handle the rain pretty good?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,605
Likes: 3
From: Adirondack Mountains
As far as the helmet goes I just cant force myself to wear one. again it goes back to the way I was raised. helmets were the devil and any politician talkin bout helmet laws needed to be assassinated. you dont hear as much about it these days but in the late 70's and all through the 80's that topic came up in every convo atleast once around my house.
I was/am pro-choice, but usually wear a helmet when it's not mandated.
It's kind of like the abortion issue; I'm again pro-choice but never had an abortion.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 515
Likes: 3
From: Tipp City Ohio
Riding in the rain covers a lot of parameters.
Has it been dry a while? Freshly rained roads will be slippery compared to ones that have been rained on a while.Oil and gunk will rise to the surface until it washes away.
Tires.If they are in good order you can keep your speed close to the limit but be wary in curves.
Brakes.If it's raining you need to "test" them often with just a touch to dry them,especially if you are approaching a stop or intersection anbd do it well before you get there and really need them.
Vision.Your vision will be obscured so ride accordingly and don't let your mind wander.
As far as the rest of your posts I would say,find a winding road with good visibilty and lightly traveled and practice looking far ahead through the turns until you can confidently negotiate curves and stay in your lane.
Twisties and too fast through the curves are probably the number one cause of rider accidents.
Everyone I know who has gone down with their scoot did so in a curve before anything else.Learn trail braking and never touch your front brake in a turn.
Has it been dry a while? Freshly rained roads will be slippery compared to ones that have been rained on a while.Oil and gunk will rise to the surface until it washes away.
Tires.If they are in good order you can keep your speed close to the limit but be wary in curves.
Brakes.If it's raining you need to "test" them often with just a touch to dry them,especially if you are approaching a stop or intersection anbd do it well before you get there and really need them.
Vision.Your vision will be obscured so ride accordingly and don't let your mind wander.
As far as the rest of your posts I would say,find a winding road with good visibilty and lightly traveled and practice looking far ahead through the turns until you can confidently negotiate curves and stay in your lane.
Twisties and too fast through the curves are probably the number one cause of rider accidents.
Everyone I know who has gone down with their scoot did so in a curve before anything else.Learn trail braking and never touch your front brake in a turn.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
