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Beginner Rider Just Bought First Bike

by Kiki
(Philly)

Want helpful hints.

Comments for Beginner Rider Just Bought First Bike

Jul 22, 2010

Keep Riding
by: Anonymous

The more you ride the more confident you will be. I am a new rider myself, took the safety course and did not buy a bike until 1 1/2 months later. Rode in a parking lot once, went out with my husband twice. It was nice having him behind me knowing he was watching my back, however, I also realized that I had to get confident on my own. I have only had the bike (a Ninja 500) for about three weeks and I am still not ready for the highways (I am not up to that speed yet)- but I am getting more and more comfortable riding around town through traffic. I suggest riding every day even if it is just for a short ride.

Enjoy!

Jun 22, 2010

Tackling the Streets
by: Laura

I'm a new rider, just took the course a week and a half ago. Riding in the parking lot for the course wasn't too bad, but going out on the street really terrified me. I went out with my boyfriend, first followed him, then with him behind me. I found it easier for him to follow me, I could set my own pace, and know he was behind me blocking off traffic, and also behind me when I stalled. I don't have four ways on my bike, so I was worried about cars behind me not knowing that I was stalled.

I'm hoping it's just practice that will get rid of my nerves when I hit the streets. I find it's hard to learn your bike and get used to the controls while navigating through traffic, I think there's only so much you can do in a parking lot before you just have to take a leap of faith and get out there!

Jun 14, 2010

Be Patient!
by: Seadog

CONGRATULATIONS! A few months after taking the road course, I bought my first bike - Honda Rebel (I was 54 years old)! At first I was a little reluctant to get out on the open road, even had a very bad spill. Be patient with yourself! Take it at your own pace and don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable outside of your comfort zone. I spent my first few times out practicing in a cemetery. There are roads, intersections and at times hills or slight inclines, where you can put into practice everything you learned in your road course. When I felt 'ready' I ventured out in my neighborhood. I have been riding for four seasons, still have my Honda Rebel and love it. I still do not go out on the open highway or ride at night, but I can go out and cruise the back roads with confidence. Good luck. Ride safe, be aware of your surroundings at all times and enjoy each moment on the road.

Jun 14, 2010

Beginner Tips
by: Stephanie (Cincinnati)

I am also a newbie. Took the course, got my license...but the thought of going out on the road just terrifies me right now! One thing that is helping me...I was going to the perfect school parking lot. Basketball hoops at each end make for a perfect figure 8 ride. A place to make tight, counter steering turns and a little hill, Just perfect. But I think I was getting too comfortable there so we tried another school parking lot. It's a different layout and more busy which was helpful because I got to ride somewhere else safe but not on the road and I got a different perspective. My advice in this new stage is try different parking lots so you don't get used to just one.

Jun 13, 2010

I Agree with Sassy
by: Darlene

I just laid mine down about an hour ago, for the second time and at the same turn. I don't know what it is when I lead my husband (I am a newbie too) I feel much better when I get to practice behind him, so I just read that statement to him and although I have told him before (he likes to keep an eye on me but now I think he gets it). I was just simply going to fast. I have to get in my head, I'm riding this bike and I'm going to do it at my pace, not his. The parking lot helps a lot too. I'm sore right now but I'm not giving up. God was looking out for me and we were on our way home from church. Lesson for me - ride at my own pace and keep safety first.

Be safe ladies and don't give up!

Jun 13, 2010

Hints
by: Robin

The right gear ... Helmet etc
a motorcycle safety course
a really big parking lot
an experienced rider to guide you
seat time and keep practicing
I am new and the above has helped so much and of course finding the right bike!
Good luck!!

Jun 12, 2010

Find Someone to Ride With!
by: Sassy2731

Just as I said find someone to ride with you. I found it much easier to build my confidence riding behind my husband on his bike. I could follow him and get used to my bike without having to worry so much about the traffic and road as I knew he was watching that for me somewhat. It let me get used to my own bike before going out on my own. It really helps to have someone to lead you around for awhile then once you are used to your own bike then you are ready to go out on your own or take the lead. Good luck and God Bless You and Keep you Safe!

Jun 12, 2010

Beginner Rider Just Bought First Bike
by: Anonymous

Hi!

I'm also a beginner ride. Took the safety course last August and purchased my first bike in March. I made the mistake of purchasing a motorcycle that was too big, heavy, and too old, for me (a 1982 Suzuki GS400e). Don't get me wrong, it's a nice bike, but it just wasn't right for *me*. Yesterday, I purchased a 2007 Honda CBR125r. What a difference! Much better. I can feel the difference already! I'm really looking forward to riding this bike, just need to build up my confidence and the only way to do that is to ride and practice.

So, be sure you are comfortable on your bike and practice, practice, practice!

Stay safe!

Jun 12, 2010

Suggestions
by: Cathy, Marion, OH

Take several confidence rides. What I mean is something that takes only about 30 minutes to reach as a destination from home. Someplace that is familiar to get to. This will help you get to know your bike, the way it feels, and the way it sounds on a run that you are already familiar with. My favorite confidence ride destination is a motorcycle dealership/shop. As you build confidence in yourself as a new rider, it will become easier taking a longer ride to destinations that are new to you. The best advise??? Just Ride!

Jun 12, 2010

I Agree
by: Julie

Take a motorcycle course, the training is awesome. Hit a parkinglot and practice and practice:)

Happy riding!

Jun 12, 2010

First Bike
by: Rocco

Take a motorcycle riding class. Then hit the road.

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