Nervous 1st Timer
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 12
From:
Relax breathe deep and practice in a quiet area The bigger bike may seem daunting but actually can be easier. Does you dealer offer a riders course? Consider taking one but congrats and enjoy
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
From: New Brunswick, Canada
Congrats! You will be fine, just take it easy, it's all about balance, my first Harley was a dyna, for me I was glad I did that over a sportster, it is nice to have the bigger engine.
I am shopping for a SG now and rented one for a couple of days, I could not get over how easy they are to drive, especially on the freeway. Enjoy your new bike, ride safe.
I am shopping for a SG now and rented one for a couple of days, I could not get over how easy they are to drive, especially on the freeway. Enjoy your new bike, ride safe.
When I bought my first real street bike in 02, it was a Honda VTX 1800. I took the Abate safety course on 250's, and then because I had taken the safety course, I rec'd my motorcycle license without having to do a driver's test because of it. That safety course is just a good idea.
When I first drove off the lot, I was startled as hell, I couldn't believe the torque. The 2nd day, I drove it to where I worked and I had a short gravel road to the main parking lot, which had turned to mud, and the bike literally fell out from under me in the mud. I was standing there not believing what had just happened. An old timer and his wife saw me (from the hwy) slipping around in the mud trying to pick up the bike, and he helped me get it upright.
I 07 I upgraded to a street glide, and it was heaven. Not so much torque or HP, but the ride was incredible.
My advice is just get on it and ride it as much as you can, cuz life is short, and you can have some incredible moments on two wheels...but make sure you remember: people in cars only see threats before pulling out into intersections, and most peoples brains don't register a motorcycle as a threat...so they don't see them. Drive like everyone else is a meat head, and you will be ok.
Oh, and don't drive angry...it's a great feeling to blow off steam on a bike, but you might forget the above in the process.
Good luck!
When I first drove off the lot, I was startled as hell, I couldn't believe the torque. The 2nd day, I drove it to where I worked and I had a short gravel road to the main parking lot, which had turned to mud, and the bike literally fell out from under me in the mud. I was standing there not believing what had just happened. An old timer and his wife saw me (from the hwy) slipping around in the mud trying to pick up the bike, and he helped me get it upright.
I 07 I upgraded to a street glide, and it was heaven. Not so much torque or HP, but the ride was incredible.
My advice is just get on it and ride it as much as you can, cuz life is short, and you can have some incredible moments on two wheels...but make sure you remember: people in cars only see threats before pulling out into intersections, and most peoples brains don't register a motorcycle as a threat...so they don't see them. Drive like everyone else is a meat head, and you will be ok.
Oh, and don't drive angry...it's a great feeling to blow off steam on a bike, but you might forget the above in the process.
Good luck!
Novice
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Meadville, PA
I agree with what's being said here. Ease yourself into it. Ask to ride it around the parking lot before getting on the road. That's what I did. Get a feel for the clutch (friction zone), brakes, and the bikes weight. My dealership was on a four lane highway, so I, too, was a bit nervous. Just stick to back roads at first and get a good feel, then work your way up to a state rt. Be conscious of what gear you're in while adjusting for cornering. Stay light on the back break. Practice figure eights. Do some zigzags- get the feel for counter steering. I went from a CR 250 to a softail with no problems. Just be careful and constantly aware.
My biggest problem yet has been encountering vehicles halfway into my lane on blind corners. Start outside approaching the corner, so you can see further around, then cut to the middle/inside as you turn in (watch for runners/peddle bikes on the very inside). That will be your best bet.
Invest in "Mastering the Ride" Proficient Riding by David L. Hough. This will give you the best answers to almost any concern you have about riding.
I hope this helps, too.
My biggest problem yet has been encountering vehicles halfway into my lane on blind corners. Start outside approaching the corner, so you can see further around, then cut to the middle/inside as you turn in (watch for runners/peddle bikes on the very inside). That will be your best bet.
Invest in "Mastering the Ride" Proficient Riding by David L. Hough. This will give you the best answers to almost any concern you have about riding.
I hope this helps, too.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 3
From: Under a bridge
My right foot only comes down at a stop if I'm on an uneven grade or if I get sloppy when stopping (very rare). I only have 28 years riding experience so I'm just a rookie but how many motorcycle cops do you see putting their right foot down when stopping? If you have to put your right foot down to balance every time you stop, you might as well walk your feet along when starting too.
Last edited by Sparky73; Apr 19, 2012 at 09:43 PM.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Meadville, PA
After you read this, all you have to do is twist it wide open...jk
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield, LA.
Congratulations on your new SG!!! I think it's a great idea that you bought the bike that you wanted instead of working your way up to it. SG's are nice bikes and handle very well. Taking the riders egde course will help you gain the confidence you need to not ride nervous. It's always good to know your limitations and ride within them, but you shouldn't have to ride scared! Once you complete the course, practice what you were taught until it becomes second nature. Make sure you become familiar with your controls so that you dont have to look down to find the horn, blinker etc. Like a lot of folks have arleady mentioned....stay off the front brake when you are in parking lots doing 5mph, or you will soon learn that hitting the front brake at that speed will drop your bike before you even know what happened.
Enjoy the class, and then hit the highways and enjoy your bike.....Welcome to the brotherhood
Enjoy the class, and then hit the highways and enjoy your bike.....Welcome to the brotherhood
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Thanks to you all. I have just gotten my license after the MSf course. It was a blast and I have gone from Fat Boy to Softatil deluxe to Road King in my quest to find a bike. I have not ridden any of them however everyone is telling me the King is a better start than a softail. After reading this I have the confidence I think to buy my bike.
I have spoken with the local Harley dealer who is gonna offer me new boards pegs pedals and grips on a 2005 Road King Classic in Black Cherry Pearl. I like the bike alot but was afraid to invest so much money it. Also I still have a fear of the bike but if I ride it once Im sure it will be good.
I will let you all know if I bought it tomorrow. Thanks again for the info.
I have spoken with the local Harley dealer who is gonna offer me new boards pegs pedals and grips on a 2005 Road King Classic in Black Cherry Pearl. I like the bike alot but was afraid to invest so much money it. Also I still have a fear of the bike but if I ride it once Im sure it will be good.
I will let you all know if I bought it tomorrow. Thanks again for the info.