Another Oilhead Joins the Ranks

[mlucas1]

Hey everybody,
In August I bought an '04 R1150R and I really like it. About 1500 miles so far. I hope to do at least a one week long trip next summer.
I just ordered a Throttlemeister for it and should get it Friday. It's surprising how hard it is getting used to holding on to the throttle. I haven't ridden in 39 years and then only for a short time.
As people have said before, life got in the way.
Mark in Iowa.

[SNC1923]

Hi Mark,

Welcome! You got yourself a nice bike, especially an '04. You'll enjoy it here, I think.

Do consider posting some pictures sometime. Otherwise, your beautiful bike will remain but a mystery. . . .

Again, welcome aboard.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Welcome Mark !! :wave
Make yourself at home here...:thumb

[Belquar]

Welcome. Loads of good people and info here.

Enjoy.


Brian

[sjbmw]

Nice Bike!!!

Congrats, and welcome.

[bikerfish1100]

Taken an MSF class yet? From the implications of your intro post (no riding in nearly 40 years, and that earlier experience was very limited), it might be a good idea.

[lkchris]

Oh yeah, that way you'll be a parking lot riding expert!

[kbasa]

Oh yeah, that way you'll be a parking lot riding expert!

The MSF has actually developed and is implementing a course targeting riders that are returning to riding. It's primarily about what sort of things have changed in the rider's physique and reaction times, I believe.

But welcome back! We've been waiting for you.

[bikerfish1100]

Oh yeah, that way you'll be a parking lot riding expert!

Kent- I teach about a dozen ERCs each year, including 2 I did at the MOA National in West Bend. I have seen a large number of riders who have only recently returned to riding, whose basic skills are sorely lacking. The basic principles that are taught in the BRC, and expanded upon in the ERC, are fundamental skills that apply to real world riding conditions, even if the speeds and physical characteristics of the range are not. Pressing to initiate lean, countersteering and emergency braking do not require a race track environment to learn.
Your cursory dismissal of the MSF curriculum as you did is counterproductive to our mission of educating riders and potentially saving their lives. If you're not part of the solution....

Mark- Welcome to "the club", welcome to "the ride".

[nrhodes1971]

Let me join the chorus here and recommend the basic Riding course too!

I took a 35 year break from motorcycles also, and the course helped get me back into riding in 2005. Check the local Junior colleges, or license bureaus. In Kansas, the course is a substitute for the state exam for a motorcycle designation, which is required for both riding and insurance. Plus, you will have a blast and meet some local riders, and not-that-it-matters, but you will learn some stuff that might save your life.

Enjoy the bike and welcome to the BMW tribe. -- rock

[bikerfish1100]

http://msf-usa.org/
this linky should help you find a nearby class.

[beeryboats]

I'm not going to knock the msc classes here in Indy, but one instructor turned me off but good. I had been riding again for a few years on permits I renewed every summer and then I finally took the driving test. Thinking I got the wrong paperwork I went back the next weekend to get it cleared up. The test is conducted by the school. Anyway, this guy all but lays into me that because I didn't take the weeklong school I'm going to be a statistic and be dead by next summer. And that guys like me deserve to die. Did I mention his Triumph had been layed down many times?!?! What a jerk!!!

The classes may be very helpful for many people, I would send my wife in a heartbeat if she showed an interest in riding, but from what I saw I'm glad I just went and took the test. The test by the way is much more difficult than any manuvers done during the class. My boss ended up taking the class. BTW, he crashed six months later shattering his ankle. Single vehicle accident in the rain pulling into a parking lot. I rode home in the same storm, no problem.

[bikerfish1100]

I can vouch for the curriculum, but not for individual Rider Coaches. Sorry you ran into a bad one. Maybe you can have a better experience at Gillette - I'm a co-chair, along with my g/f, who really runs the show. (I'm mostly her go-fer).

[beeryboats]

I'm sure they are all different. This was a basic school run for the state. Probably the lowest bidder. Maybe an advanced class would be more in order for someone like myself.

[mlucas1]

Thanks guys for the warm welcome. Seems like the thread turned into the riding class. You will all be happy to know that I took the class before I bought my bike and am very glad I did. Some of the methods, press and turn for one, were different than what I remember but I'm glad I learned them and use them every ride. How's that for an endorsement?
Also I met some fine people, one of which I've become friends with.
The one thing I can say about my bike is I love it and why did I wait so long. I guess life got in the way.
Mark

[derail412]

+1 for those that are willing to go back and learn. I took the ERC at the local Honda training center (Alpharetta, GA). I am glad that I did. I had laid off riding for over 15 years and the refresher course and relearning of the basics was well worth the $.

I started back riding a Honda VTX 1800 and had to find something a bit more "sporty". I was eyeing the R1200RT's but couldn't talk the wife into the expense. I ended up with a R1100RT and I am very pleased! It ride like a dream and I can ride all day without too much soreness.

Mark, welcome back to riding... once you get back out there makes you wonder why you ever stopped, doesn't it?

[bobh41]

I took the MSF course here last fall based on a recommendation of a friend.
The class was fun, and I met some nice folks, but the training didn't really push my skill level. I have years of "good" riding experience, meaning I question a lot, examine, test, and analyze - like any engineer, and I read lots of motorcycling material.

The class is the "bonehead" course of motorcycle training; it's okay for people who know next to nothing and are ready to learn. They will benefit from the class.

On the other hand, at least four of the folks who took the class (and "passed the course") should not even think about getting on a motorcycle based on what may simply be cognitive dysfunction. In short, they couldn't even handle a 250 cc Honda without falling and groping. Yet they were given a pass, one planning to run right down to the local Harley shop to buy an 800 pound behemoth. In this respect the MSF did a dis-service to them and the public.

[bikerfish1100]

I took the MSF course here last fall based on a recommendation of a friend.
The class was fun, and I met some nice folks, but the training didn't really push my skill level. I have years of "good" riding experience, meaning I question a lot, examine, test, and analyze - like any engineer, and I read lots of motorcycling material.

The class is the "bonehead" course of motorcycle training; it's okay for people who know next to nothing and are ready to learn. They will benefit from the class.

On the other hand, at least four of the folks who took the class (and "passed the course") should not even think about getting on a motorcycle based on what may simply be cognitive dysfunction. In short, they couldn't even handle a 250 cc Honda without falling and groping. Yet they were given a pass, one planning to run right down to the local Harley shop to buy an 800 pound behemoth. In this respect the MSF did a dis-service to them and the public.

remember, the B in BRC stand for "Beginner", rather than "Bonehead"- tho sometimes it seems that way to us.
And we as RiderCoaches have absolutely no control over what Mr. (or Miss) Bonehead decides to purchase for their first bike. If the riders in question were as obviously weak as you state, I would hope that your RCs discussed their concerns with these students prior to exiting them from the class. I know that i certainly would have. Even with that said- these are adults we're dealing with, and they have the right to make really really stupid choices.

[ultracyclist]

Take a class, have fun, meet people.
Park your ego.
Ride safe!

I took an ERC at the National this year. I learned a few things.

I also saw a a 69 year old guy who could not turn his new R1200RT at slow speeds, and could not even stay on the course!
At the end of the class the instructor pulled him aside and had a "come to Jesus" talk with him, ala, "Hey friend, what are YOU doing? you are dangerous"

Take the class.

[allanruprecht]

Welcome to the Family !!
You might consider making that "one week trip" to Gillette, Wyoming in July of 2008.