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Want to learn how to ride a motorcycle
- Thread starter Dingleberry
- Start date
I took the MSF basic rider course many years ago in IL, then when I moved to GA I took the Advanced Rider course. BOTH were excellent. My son also took the basic in GA before he got his license. I rained HARD both days of his class, but they went on like it was 75 and sunny. He looked like a drowned rat when he was done, but had fun and taught him valuable info on riding in the wet.
As others have said, buy a cheap, beater bike for your first, because you will drop it at LEAST one time. Ride like you are invisible, BECAUSE YOU ARE. Riding a motorcycle takes at least 5 times the skill and attention as driving a car. Don't ride in the grease slick in the middle of the lane left by cars, always ride in the car's left tire track. Be very aware of front tire traction when braking with the front wheel. Don't start with a scooter, smaller wheels, tires and brakes leave less margin for error and less stability.
As others have said, buy a cheap, beater bike for your first, because you will drop it at LEAST one time. Ride like you are invisible, BECAUSE YOU ARE. Riding a motorcycle takes at least 5 times the skill and attention as driving a car. Don't ride in the grease slick in the middle of the lane left by cars, always ride in the car's left tire track. Be very aware of front tire traction when braking with the front wheel. Don't start with a scooter, smaller wheels, tires and brakes leave less margin for error and less stability.
Fixed and in
I rode a long long time ago, for just a little too long. I loved it too. Yamaha xs650 with headers, just like this one, except with headers and an upgraded seat and a tiny little sissy bar across the back:
We tore each other up pretty good.
We tore each other up pretty good.
Nothing like it. I’ll ride until I can’t hold the bike up anymore and then I’ll get a trike.
The above could not be more true. I started motocross at 5 years old, semi pro in late teens, and riding street for past 24 years. I've taken the MSF course three times, (twice to encourage friends to go) and each time i've enhanced my skills. (plus if you see what the Police can do on their course with those large Harleys, it would blow your mind)
As far as other cars... not only should you assume you are invisible to them, assume they are out to get you! you are Pacman, they are the ghosts and they are hungry... this is no exaggeration....
one last thing.... it's not if you will go down.. it's when. Be prepared ALWAYS. full face helmet, pants and gloves. First thing to hit the pavement at 55mph is your hands, face and knees. Protect them as they are sorta important!
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I'm not familiar with the Harley version of the class and thought THE place to take it was at the MSF training facility here. https://idowannaride.com/
But I guess it's been a while. In any case, TAKE IT! When my wife decided she wanted to ride, I told her there was no way I'd teach her. She needed an "impartial dispassionate third party" but I told her I'd take the class with her if she wanted. She did. I had been riding over 20 years at that point and still learned some things. WELL worth the time and money.
But I guess it's been a while. In any case, TAKE IT! When my wife decided she wanted to ride, I told her there was no way I'd teach her. She needed an "impartial dispassionate third party" but I told her I'd take the class with her if she wanted. She did. I had been riding over 20 years at that point and still learned some things. WELL worth the time and money.
