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Took MSF class, bought a bike and ready to hit the road!

by Trisha
(Texas)

I took my MSF class over 2 months ago and then quickly bought a bike. It needed to be fixed up so now it is finally ready and I am ready to hit the road. I have anxiety but I figure that is normal. I never drove a manual transmission before so the whole shifting thing is also new. I know the concepts,now its all about applying it and when to upshift, downshift, etc. I guess in time and experience that will come naturally. I plan on taking my first trip in the wee hours of the morning where there is no traffic. Probable make a nice highway run. Any other tips for me? Im so nervous!!!but excited at the same time.

Comments for Took MSF class, bought a bike and ready to hit the road!

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Aug 10, 2011

Listen to the bike
by: Dawn

Shifting is easy and fun one you get the hang of it. Your bike will give you clues when to do things. If it feels like your coasting or don't have enough power, downshift. When it sounds really revvy, upshift. You'll figure it out.

As for the rest, anxious is normal, it never completely passes, at least not for me. I HATE the residential streets, constantly stopping and starting, but give me a quiet county road with minimal traffic and a few curves and I'm in heaven.

Personally, I learned backward from the rest of the posters. I couldn't navigate a parking lot or residential street, was ready to give up until I got on the open road and was able to realax and get a feel for the bike without all the worrying about stopping, and the neighbors dog and the sharp corner up ahead. THEN I went back and drove the neighborhood, and I was finally able to do it, but I had to have that open road and comfort level established first.

To each her own, whatever works for you. Happy Riding.

Aug 10, 2011

Take it Easy
by: Kat

I agree with Sassy. Best to take it slow and easy. Start with trips around your neighborhood. Roads you are very familiar with. I have heard people suggest taking your bike to an empty parking lot to practice what they taught in the MSF class. As you get used to how your bike handles and become comfortable with shifting, stopping, etc., make the trips longer and with different types of roads.

Aug 10, 2011

slow down
by: sassy2731

If I were you I would start out in your neighborhood for some short trips to get used to your bike. If you have friends that ride please ask them to go with you on your first longer trip. Safety is always better in numbers plus you can get them to help you if you have questions about riding or handling different situations along your route. What part of Texas are you located? I live in the Houston area if you need someone to ride with until you become comfortable and more confident in your riding.

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