Thread: Learning to ride

I've been fancying getting a bike for a while now, but my wife's uncle now has only one arm and one leg due to a motorcycle accident so I know that it would worry her sick if I did.

Oddly she seems quite happy that I have a road bike (bicycle) which I get to well over 40mph down hill with just a polystyrene helmet and Lycra clothing to protect me if I were to part company with a vertical position.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Today I had a chance to have my first motorcycle lesson, and on a Harely no less. I was a little worried with the weight at first, but we started off just rolling down a gentle hill with the motor off until I was comfortable with the low speeds and weight. Then it was engine on and into first for some starts and stops, and we wrapped up with a little ride around the neighborhood, which gave me a chance to do some 180s in dead end streets.

I didn't get past second today, but tomorrow we're going out again and should get into third and maybe fourth.

A lot of people have told me its best to start on a bike with a smaller engine, but it was nice to be able to just ease out the clutch and start rolling. She's just a sportster, but she has a 1200cc engine.

Its like driving a car (manual, of course) crossed with riding a bike; it was actually much easier than I had anticipated.

Nuttin to it, just keep a leg on each side and your mind in the middle.

OH, BTW, EVERYBODY out there on the road with you is trying to kill you. Keep that in mind too.



RIDE RUDE!

Just back from the third and final ride of the vacation, as I'm heading back to New York tomorrow. We did about 50 miles in total over the three days, and I loved it. Today I was much more comfortable leaning and counter steering, as we rode on a more curvy road for our second loop. Still stayed out of traffic, which I was happy about.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure when I'll get to ride again, as I don't have a bike back home, but I'm looking forward to it. And I am very happy to say I have ridden a Harley.

Riding is kind of like the AD's, it gets into your blood or it doesn't. Dylan, you will know in a week or so if you are bitten. You will find room and a way if you caught the bug.

I've been riding for probably 30+ years & I'm still not "cured" from the addiction. I went for close to two years without a bike after my second spill, but just had to have another. It was like an itch that can't be scratched. After riding FAST (200+mph) bikes for the last two bikes and riding them hard for about ten years, my 2006 VTX 1800 F3 is more acceptable to the wife and my longterm welfare. Bought it new and paid it off this year, first new bike I have ever owned.

Originally Posted by Wullie

OH, BTW, EVERYBODY out there on the road with you is trying to kill you. Keep that in mind too.

So true, so true! Lost a co-worker, friend/riding buddy due to a person pulling out in front of him & have had MANY close calls.

The itch never subsides,took my last spill in 1965,brand new Honda scrambler,at the time a screamin machine.
Woke up in the E.R. after a day or two,and the nurse says: Hello,you meet the nicest people on a honda nice to see you back.
Have not been on a bike since,everytime I start lusting about Bikes, the wife taps on the steel plate holding my brainbox together and saysou meet the nicest people on a Honda yes dear maybe in my next life.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

So true, so true! Lost a co-worker, friend/riding buddy due to a person pulling out in front of him & have had MANY close calls.

I think everybody with any time in the saddle has lost a friend or two.

Back when I really didn't care if I saw the sun come up, I did a LOT of stupid drunken stuff. Only reason I can think of that I'm not six feet under is that the good Lord had his quota of fools and idiots on the nights when I should have bought the farm.

That old knuckle I was riding in the picture above was headed for the bar when that pic was taken. My buddy that took the pic always said it was a good thing the bike knew the way home.

I still drink a little every now and then BUT, I don't drive or ride after drinking.