First bike Jitters
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
First bike Jitters
Just ordered a new Nightser.
This is the first bike i have ridden for over 10 years .Previously had a 72 Triumph Trophy but did very little riding on this.
The Nightster suited me perfectly as i could touch the ground very easily (vertically challenged) im about 5"7 and 170 Pounds... i didn't get to test ride as a dont have my full bike license and am wondering if this is a hard bike to learn to ride.
Geeze they look awesome.....
Cheers
This is the first bike i have ridden for over 10 years .Previously had a 72 Triumph Trophy but did very little riding on this.
The Nightster suited me perfectly as i could touch the ground very easily (vertically challenged) im about 5"7 and 170 Pounds... i didn't get to test ride as a dont have my full bike license and am wondering if this is a hard bike to learn to ride.
Geeze they look awesome.....
Cheers
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
RE: First bike Jitters
No they are not hard to learn, I just picked up a 01 Sportster 1200 as a second Bike and I am still getting use to it, it is not hard to handle and it is easy to maneuver, You might want to try going to a empty parking lot somewhere with no traffic and practice riding, turning and maneuvering the bike, there is one here where I am and every weekend there are some people out there with bikes and have cones set up and are practice riding. It would be a good idea, I need to do that myself!
Do not be scared of the Bike but do not get foolish on it either, take your time and Be Safe!
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 104
From: Tampa Bay, Florida
RE: First bike Jitters
Take a MSF class!!!!
Its money well spent and will probably save your life a time or two.
Ride around side streets and practice circles in a parking lot. Once you get the feel of the clutch you will be fine.
Important note......ALWAYS keep your right wrist fully flat. This will prevent you from accidentally twisting your throttle.
And LOOK into your turns!!! Do not look at what you are trying not to hit because you will hit it. Keep your chin pointed atwhere you are going.
BE SAFE
Its money well spent and will probably save your life a time or two.
Ride around side streets and practice circles in a parking lot. Once you get the feel of the clutch you will be fine.
Important note......ALWAYS keep your right wrist fully flat. This will prevent you from accidentally twisting your throttle.
And LOOK into your turns!!! Do not look at what you are trying not to hit because you will hit it. Keep your chin pointed atwhere you are going.
BE SAFE
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: First bike Jitters
You'll be fine. I had not rode in 25 years when I got my Sporty. It took a few hundred miles to get my riding legs back under me, but all worked out. I had kept my motorcycle license all those years, so that wasn't an issue. Eventhough I didn't, I also recommend the MSF class. I have since taken the advanced rider class.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 4
RE: First bike Jitters
You made the right choice the Nightster is low to ground, light weight, short and well balanced I'm not sure if there is another HD as easy to ride. You should have no problems riding it.
Take a safe riding class!
Enjoy and be safe.
Take a safe riding class!
Enjoy and be safe.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: First bike Jitters
Just keep in mind you are at the most vulnerable stage. The first 6 months or so take it real easy, avoid heavy traffic and keep a close watchon any cages you can see. Your safety relies on your reactions, not thinking. Those reactions come with experience. Ride very defensively and Good Luck!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 22
From: Connecticut
RE: First bike Jitters
ORIGINAL: Kiwibiker
Just ordered a new Nightser.
This is the first bike i have ridden for over 10 years .Previously had a 72 Triumph Trophy but did very little riding on this.
The Nightster suited me perfectly as i could touch the ground very easily (vertically challenged) im about 5"7 and 170 Pounds... i didn't get to test ride as a dont have my full bike license and am wondering if this is a hard bike to learn to ride.
Geeze they look awesome.....
Cheers
Just ordered a new Nightser.
This is the first bike i have ridden for over 10 years .Previously had a 72 Triumph Trophy but did very little riding on this.
The Nightster suited me perfectly as i could touch the ground very easily (vertically challenged) im about 5"7 and 170 Pounds... i didn't get to test ride as a dont have my full bike license and am wondering if this is a hard bike to learn to ride.
Geeze they look awesome.....
Cheers
I went from a 1972 Bonneville, and like you, I didn't ride it much. Biggest issue was getting used to HD left side shift/right side brakefrom the Triumph's opposite configuration.
Weight difference was no big deal.
First few times I wanted to hit the brake on the Low Rider resulted in downshift without clutch!!
Take it easy at first and you'll do just fine.
Sammi
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 417
Likes: 4
From: Mission, Kansas
RE: First bike Jitters
+1 on taking the class.
The Nightster is very easy to ride, but make sure you get comfortable in a open space or side streets
before taking to the streets.
Also,remember to BREATH! I think on the day I brought home my first bike I road for about 2 blocks
before I realized I wasn't breathing because of the nervousness/excitement. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has done this.
The Nightster is very easy to ride, but make sure you get comfortable in a open space or side streets
before taking to the streets.
Also,remember to BREATH! I think on the day I brought home my first bike I road for about 2 blocks
before I realized I wasn't breathing because of the nervousness/excitement. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has done this.
