Nervous 1st Timer
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Ok I'm feeling A LOT better after reading everyone's responses. When I sat on the bike it didn't feel too big really, actually smaller than I was expecting so I think I will be ok size wise. I only 5'10" 200lbs but can flat foot ok. Sounds like I really need to pay attention at low speed and stay off the front brake when slow. Hadn't heard that before so great advice! Thanks everyone. I hope to be around here for a long time and maybe even contribute something some day. Until then, I will be lurking around. I have spent weeks on here reading threads and the search function has answered a lot of questions. Thank again!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
Congratulations on the Street Glide.
Here's my two cents.
Good choice to wait for your MSF course. I would also recommend this, as well. See if they also offer a IRC (Intermediate Rider Course). The IRC is a one day repeat of most of the BRC (Basic Riders Course), but with your own bike. It will help to reinforce the skills you learn in the BRC, but give you a chance to replicate them on your own motorcycle in the same controlled environment and with coaching.
You'll be fine. Enjoy.
Here's my two cents.
Good choice to wait for your MSF course. I would also recommend this, as well. See if they also offer a IRC (Intermediate Rider Course). The IRC is a one day repeat of most of the BRC (Basic Riders Course), but with your own bike. It will help to reinforce the skills you learn in the BRC, but give you a chance to replicate them on your own motorcycle in the same controlled environment and with coaching.
You'll be fine. Enjoy.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 645
Likes: 15
From:
Hi Guys. Well I have always wanted a Harley so I finally bit the bullet and bought one. Taking delivery of a Street Glide on Monday. I have never ridden a bike before and now I'm a little nervous maybe the bike is too big for me based on what a few people have said to me. I have experience with high performance snowmobiles and atv's so I'm reasonably proficient with stuff like that. My original thought was to buy the bike I want and not have to spend the money a year from now anyways after taking a bath on the bike I didn't. Can't go back now, paid in full, so any tips on handling a Street Glide vs a smaller metric bike or sportster etc?
p.s. I am taking the MSF bike course on May 11th weekend.
p.s. I am taking the MSF bike course on May 11th weekend.
Bill
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
Congrats on the new ride!!! Some really good advice on here: When the bike is in your garage before you start riding it, DON'T think that you can wipe off the dust of whatever. If you want to wash it etc, no problem but don't dry rub the paint.
Another one I like is to keep off the front brake just as you're coming to a stop. If you have the bars turned (not even that much!!) and you hit the front break, you will soon know what 900 pounds feels like. (don't ask how I know this)
Enjoy.............Oh, I see you're from Ontario........stay out of Mississauga until you've had the course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1HarleyGuy1
Another one I like is to keep off the front brake just as you're coming to a stop. If you have the bars turned (not even that much!!) and you hit the front break, you will soon know what 900 pounds feels like. (don't ask how I know this)
Enjoy.............Oh, I see you're from Ontario........stay out of Mississauga until you've had the course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1HarleyGuy1
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
Ok I'm feeling A LOT better after reading everyone's responses. When I sat on the bike it didn't feel too big really, actually smaller than I was expecting so I think I will be ok size wise. I only 5'10" 200lbs but can flat foot ok. Sounds like I really need to pay attention at low speed and stay off the front brake when slow. Hadn't heard that before so great advice! Thanks everyone. I hope to be around here for a long time and maybe even contribute something some day. Until then, I will be lurking around. I have spent weeks on here reading threads and the search function has answered a lot of questions. Thank again!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
If that is with sport quads, that can go a long way. All handle bar and foot controls/shifting are exactly the same
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: California
You'll be fine...The SG is very nimble even a slow speed. Take things slow, get used to the "grey area" with your clutch and throttle, and practice rear brake control. Don't let what other say get in your head.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: Staten Island, NY
Haha funny you say that. I have my friend coming to drive it home to my garage for me. I've committed to not driving it until I have completed the safety course which is going to be very hard. I live in a rural area that I can ride without much traffic until I get a good feel for it. I am taking my nervousness as a good thing as it will keep me on my toes from a safety standpoint. It seems a lot of people who have never ridden a bike have a lot of opinions. Thats why I wanted to post here to get actual experienced people to give advice.
Last edited by botz723; Apr 18, 2012 at 09:04 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
After you take the course , buy the dvd Ride Like a Pro, it teaches a lot of good stuff, and helps with things that they don't teach in the MSF course.
Take your bike to a big parking lot, and get to know your bike.
I would suggest getting some heater hose or something like it, and put it on the engine guards, it will save you from scraping them up if you drop it.
Take your bike to a big parking lot, and get to know your bike.
I would suggest getting some heater hose or something like it, and put it on the engine guards, it will save you from scraping them up if you drop it.