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Tips for new rider?

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Old May 21, 2012 | 10:40 AM
  #1  
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Default Tips for new rider?

So I just bought a 2006 Sportster 883. I am a brand new rider. Any tips?
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 10:47 AM
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Take your MSF course, drive defensively, know your limits, and relax/have fun.
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 10:47 AM
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Take a Motorcycle Safety Course would be my first suggestion. Every rider should have to go through it at least once. Look into the Riders Edge Course or equivalent the first opportunity you get.
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 11:01 AM
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I completed the MSF course last week. I agree everyone should take it.
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 11:18 AM
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Good now that you got that out of the way just take it slow and easy and get out and ride. I'm still fairly new to this myself so that's what I'm doing. The more I ride the more I become comfortable. But definitely drive defensively and watch out for crazy drivers.
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 11:31 AM
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Wear the gear, and I don't mean the pirate type. A decent lid, jacket and gloves. Get stuff that you like to wear even if its spendy because if you don't like it you are more likely not to wear it. Plenty of mesh jackets out there that are cool even when its in the 90s.

In my first year of riding I had a low speed get off, only thing that was hurt was some trim on the bike and rash on my leg, armored jackets are the bomb.
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 11:39 AM
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Great advice above! Ride within your limits, not how you drove your car. Watch 360*, not just in front of you, and stay the hell off the bumper of the car in front of you. Dress for the crash, not for the ride, even if it's not "cool" to wear a full face or 3/4 helmet and a leather/slide resistant at the local cruise in.

Welcome!!!
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 11:45 AM
  #8  
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Ride everywhere. Any place that you have to go that you are able to ride to, do so. You'll be surprised at how quickly you get used to the bike.
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 11:53 AM
  #9  
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Seeing as you already did the MSF course, the only tip I can give you is to keep the blue side up and the black side down. You'll be getting the hang of it soon enough and that will be when it gets to be the most dangerous! REMEMBER - COMPLACENCY KILLS!! Have fun!
 
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Old May 21, 2012 | 12:30 PM
  #10  
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Don't start going on a shopping binge after reading threads on this forum. Ride your bike and see what you like and dislike before adding parts and making changes.
 
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