New Rider with worried wife
#11
06-09-2009, 02:32 PM
Sponsor
Tom from http://www.harleygoodies.com/ here. Welcome from SoCal. Considering your situation and what happened, I might suggest a smaller bike for a bit until you feel more comfortable. But...you already have THE bike,so maybe just do some parking lot practice and get the Ride Like pro video and work on what they teach.
Regards,
Tom
Harley Goodies
Regards,
Tom
Harley Goodies
__________________
#13
06-09-2009, 02:54 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I only mentioned the suggestion of learning on a smaller bike first in passing in my original post. However, I do believe its the best way to go. It would be lighter, less powerful and more forgiving while you go through the learning curve. If you drop it a couple of times its also less expensive than the Harley.
By smaller, I would suggest something up to a max of 250cc. Then when you feel ready to try the Harley, try following my previous suggestions.
By smaller, I would suggest something up to a max of 250cc. Then when you feel ready to try the Harley, try following my previous suggestions.
#15
06-09-2009, 05:51 PM
Club Member
Welcome from New York. If you feel unsure take teh riders course over. If it's not to be then trike it. Nothing wrong with that.
#18
06-09-2009, 08:54 PM
Welcome to the forum, ride safe and don’t forget to use the search function this site has to offer.
Most of the simple questions like mufflers, seats. Cams, tires, and handlebars have been asked hundreds of times, and a search will help you sort out what your needs are.
I'am 60 and didn't ride for 13yrs prior to getting the 07, because of a shattered Vertebrae,
I retired in 06 and decided to get one anyway with my son...I rode solo for about 500 miles and have never looked back, so take your tilme and it will come to you if you want it. Just never loose respect for it....Wish you the best.
From Indy.
Most of the simple questions like mufflers, seats. Cams, tires, and handlebars have been asked hundreds of times, and a search will help you sort out what your needs are.
I'am 60 and didn't ride for 13yrs prior to getting the 07, because of a shattered Vertebrae,
I retired in 06 and decided to get one anyway with my son...I rode solo for about 500 miles and have never looked back, so take your tilme and it will come to you if you want it. Just never loose respect for it....Wish you the best.
From Indy.
#19
06-09-2009, 10:04 PM
4th Gear
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Auckland,New Zealand
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stay with 2 wheels.
Don't know if you're already convinced to do the trike conversion thing or not, but if not, I wouldn't worry too much. My Mother started riding her own at 60, and yes, she did have a little bit of a difficult time learning "slow maneuvers", but once she did she was fine. Between being a new rider, a top heavy bike, and gravel thrown as well. That could (and has) happened to a lot of us. I'd dust myself off, lick my wounds and get back out there. You'll do fine.
I'm 54 and been riding 2years. At 3mths I dropped my Vulcan800 ,smashed ankle,disclocated shoulder,Smashed collarbone(steelwork added) 7 broken ribs......**** happens and you just keep doin it.
My partner rode with me for the first time last sunday.....5years after losing her husband to a bike smash......yes she was scared but trusted me...I don't wanna hurt her ever. We ride bikes and sometime we're gunna come off. Up to you.....I say get back on 2 wheels.
#20
06-09-2009, 11:13 PM
Welcome from New Jersey, where the weak are killed and eaten! Sounds to me like you're willing to get back on the horse and try again. Good for you! From what you wrote, I have no idea why you went down. Gravel can be tricky, throttles can be tricky, sometimes you can do everything right and still go down. Life is unfair.
My Dad is a couple of years older than you and he's been thinking about aquiring a Piaggio MP-3 500. It's a 3 wheeled scooter, and it leans in the turns like a 2 wheeler. The difference is, when you're going 9 mph or slower, the MP-3 locks up and acts like a 3 wheeler. That way, you don't have to worry about catching the bike at slow speeds. My dad says, "It's for old men." Not that you're old, but this much is true. Just an option I'm throwing out there.
If you want to ride your big bike, more power to you!
Ride with Fury,
My Dad is a couple of years older than you and he's been thinking about aquiring a Piaggio MP-3 500. It's a 3 wheeled scooter, and it leans in the turns like a 2 wheeler. The difference is, when you're going 9 mph or slower, the MP-3 locks up and acts like a 3 wheeler. That way, you don't have to worry about catching the bike at slow speeds. My dad says, "It's for old men." Not that you're old, but this much is true. Just an option I'm throwing out there.
If you want to ride your big bike, more power to you!
Ride with Fury,