Notes from new rider

[Usedtopilot]

As I mentioned in my last post, I purchased a Honda Shadow 600 a couple of weeks ago... it's been a wild ride thus far.

First... if I have expectations of one day owning a BMW, may I continue to post here? I realize my current ride is not a BMW, but we do all share a love for the road, and a craving for the freedom and joy that riding brings. This forum is by far the best I've found, and the individuals posting here are knowledgeable, gracious, and .... fun! There seems to be such a wide range of personalities, with everyone sharing a love for your bike and the friends you meet as you travel.

So... in hopes that my posts are well-received (although I will admit to being "wet behind the ears"), I will give a bit of recent news of my motorcycling journey.

Unfortunately, I've had two drops already (both in the parking lot of my apartment complex). One time I flagged down a guy in a truck (local police officer), and the second time (Saturday), I had to call the local dealership where I bought the bike to get help picking it up (yes, I tried the technique recommended on line.... to no avail). It was too early to find anyone out on the road that day!! The guy from the dealership was great, though. He straightened my left mirror, and told me to stop by anytime and he would repair my tail light. Pride hurt, sore back, but little else.

I have killed the engine several times at traffic lights (on one hill I was sweating the possibility of sliding back onto the front bumper of the SUV behind me... finally had success though). This morning, on an early morning ride, I had the "pleasure" of riding in fairly strong winds... in addition, the divided 4-lane road brought its share of transfer trucks blowing by me. My handgrips got a workout! All in all, though, the morning was awesome. The thrill of the wind in my face, the road beckoning, the blue sky smiling.... wow. I need to find someone to ride with me, I think, so I can ask tons of questions as they come to me on the road. One of the guys at work called to see if I wanted to ride this morning with his group, but the thought of doing interstate time at this point made me a bit nervous, so I declined.

I'm learning, though.. I ventured onto our busy college town main thoroughfare this morning, being careful to watch for oily spots, inattentive drivers... and, oh, yeah... the occasional dead deer on the road!!

[BradfordBenn]

My hunch is that you can continue to post, cause if the ultimate goal is to get a BMW, well might as well join the family now.

Any way regarding a few things in your post...

You need to learn how to pickup your scoot on your own. Even if it is one of those things that you never need to do, it is a great thing to know. It will also allow you to travel further, cause at some point you are going to be in a place where no one else is around. Think North Dakota or Montana.

I left the saddlebags on, but took off the tank bag and other stuff, and put a packing blanket on the left side. Then I used Skert's method to slowly place the bike on its side in the grass. The I used Skert's method to pick it back up. This was with my RT. I also did it with my Vstar I had before it. It sounds funny but I am a lot less nervous about dropping the bike, since I know I can pick it up.

I would recommend you stay away from groups for a while, one on one riding is a great way of learning. For riding in the wind, I have found that putting my knee out into the wind on the side that the wind is blowing from helps quite a bit. Also be careful as to how much tension you put on the handlebars, you want to allwo them some give so that you can ride through the breeze/burst. Also after a little practice you will find your method for dealing with trucks. I pull over close to them and let the blast blow me back into the center of the lane.

Also joing the MOA is probably going to be a great resource, in the magazine there are lots of tips and tricks. Plus when you are ready to buy your BMW, the classifieds are great.

Next time we expect pictures:D

[dbrick]

Welcome back to riding...it's still swell.

I'd suggest that you consider taking the MSF class. You've ridden before, but the class can give you reminders of good practice that will help. I'd been riding almost thirty years when I had the class, and there was stuff that was helpful to me. I liked it so well I became an instructor. <g>

[Usedtopilot]

Brad--- I'll post some pictures ASAP- thanks for asking. I appreciate your open arms into the BMW family. I got a digital camera a couple of days ago, so hopefully I can manage the technology and post a few recent pics.

Yea, I know I've got to pick up my own bike. Believe me, I don't WANT to ask anyone for help, but JD (John Doe) was on his side in the parking lot, crying to be lifted to an upright position, and there I was... unable to help. I tried. I'll practice the blanket technique and see if it works. You're right, I'll be somewhere (I hope very soon) where no one is and might need the technique (although I hope not!).

Brad, to be honest, I was holding on for dear life this morning as the huge transfer truck came by. I saw him in my rear view mirror and got ready, but.. you know.. the first time a big truck goes by you..... the knuckles get white! Hey, there's a first time for everything, though..

David- Yes, I did take the MSF BR course, but as you know, the bikes there are small and my new ride is considerably heavier, so I'm getting accustomed to the difference in weight, etc. Don't get me wrong.. the MSF course is wonderful and my instructors were amazing, but the real world is a brand new ballgame.

I'm taking it slow & easy right now, but looking forward to more.
Julia

[Ghostryder]

Welcome to the family!!!!! It really does not matter what you ride......The importanat thing is that It has two wheels, and Its yours:clap :clap
Please keep us posted on your progress, and If there are any questions which I am sure there will be please dont be afraid to ask. I just started riding about two years ago and I love it!!!!! I learn something new almost every day. This is a great place to ask and learn. Again good luck and welcome!!!!!!!!!:D :D

[jgr451]

Welcome Julia and settle in for a long sojourn.
I still remember the utter fear I felt with my first bike(1971!!),sitting on the side street leading to Portage Avenue,5 lanes each way of cars and trucks determined to ignore or destroy me.I finally got the courage and got halfway across and managed to stop without dying....then get into the traffic and go!!

Not much later,I was zooming trucks under the overpasses ,playing Spitfire to their Ju88...

I agree with brad,take your time and get used to things on your own before you start any group riding.A riding buddy who is not aggressive with you but knows his/her way through traffic would be good .

It's all good.

[edge51]

Welcome - keep posting and join MOA.

Regarding trucks and wind - relax. Someone long ago told me that my bike was smarter about going down the road than I was. All I needed to do was tell it where to go - relax and let it take me there. Yes, when a big wind blows or a big truck buffets, I need to remind it where it is going at times. But that is best a gentle reminder.

What happens when I get all tight and controlling is I micro manage myself into trouble. White knuckles are a sure sign this is happening.

Let the wind hit you, let the truck rock you. Then when it is past you can gently point your bike back to where it should be.

[Rich]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BradfordBenn
It will also allow you to travel further, cause at some point you are going to be in a place where no one else is around. Think North Dakota or Montana.

Hey now, don't you think anybody lives here? :p Actually, I know you meant that as sort of a joke, with our sparse populations, but I have to tell you this, you break down in these states and people stop to see if you need help. It is kind of a benefit of living where we do, people come out of the woodwork to help each other. I am sure it is like that in lots of other places too, although I think I'd feel a whole lot safer sitting alongside the road in ND than near some big city with a population larger than our whole state.

But anyway, here's to hoping that none of us have to sit along side the road, anywhere. :clap

[GeoffMiller]

Just ride and enjoy. It all comes together with time! geoff

[JetDoc]

Remember back to the days you were learning to fly. Your first few flights, practicing touch-and-gos with your instructor... You wanted to correct every little bump and bobble, and ended up chasing the airplane all over the sky. Then you learned to relax and let the airplane do it's thing and your approaches became smoother and more on target.

Same thing with a motorcycle. Learn to relax and it gets better!

A bit of serious advice about group rides... There's always someone in the group who wants to go faster or farther or ride a road you're not ready for... Don't let anyone push you into doing something you're not comfortable with! Ride your own speed and the roads you want to ride, and you'll get along fine.

Ride Safe!

[Usedtopilot]

Thanks for the input. I truly enjoy riding by myself (taking any road I wish at my own pace). The only reason I would consider riding sometimes with others is for the safety net that might bring(should mechanical problems occur with my bike). Otherwise, I love the solitude of riding by myself.
I appreciate the comment about remembering the process of learning to pilot a small aircraft (I mostly flew Cessna 150s). I think I was young and stupid and didn't realize the seriousness of what I was doing, so I could relax and enjoy it...... there are stories to tell there... In fact, I so enjoyed simply relaxing and flying the plane that on my second solo flight I got turned around and had to land in a deserted, unlit airstrip (right at dusk) many miles from my intended destination!! Additionally, with quite a few automobile accidents in my column, I understand the serious nature of these machines we fly, drive, or ride.
Relax and enjoy..... great advice!!

[Motorcyclist]

Hi Julia,
I'll echo what many have said and welcome you to the wonderful world of motorcycling!

Since you are asking, I have a few tips that might help you:

As far as dropped bikes go, in general, the more horizontal a motorcycle lays the harder it is to upright. You may want to see if the Shadow 600 can be fitted with "engine protection bars" (politically correct term), better known as "crash bars." If possible, find ones that stick out far enough so that if you drop the bike, it will be prevented from lying flat on the ground. It is much easier to right the bike when it is held up at an angle. But by all means take the advice of several people here and work at learning the proper techniques necessary to upright the bike. Don't get down on yourself if you drop it, it is part of learing to ride and something just about everyone has done or will do.

I would also caution against riding in groups. The best thing you can do at this point is RIDE YOUR RIDE. You undoubtedly have a certain comfort zone, a time/place/speed where you feel safe and in control. Go ride regularly within that comfort zone to increase your confidence. Once you feel confident and in total control, then start to throw in new experiences (interstates, busy secondary roads, winding roads, etc.). Add these new experiences in small doses so that you do not erode your overall confidence, and practice on them regularly until they too become part of your comfort zone. As you branch out in this manner, you will tend to feel in control and confident that you can handle each new challenge.

See if there are any clubs in your area, or start attending dealer open houses, cruise-in's at local restaurants, etc. Those would all be good places to find a potential riding partner. I have often thought that each state's MSF Program should have a BBQ at the beginning or end of the year to allow all the recent graduates to mingle, pass on lessons learned and search for potential riding partners. I guess I'll have to stop thinking and try to put it into action, at least in Connecticut!

Anyway, take it slow and steady and you have an excellent chance of having a safe and enjoyable riding career. Please keep posting, it is interesting to see the perspective of a new motorcyclist!

Ride Safe,

[James.A]

There is so much to learn and so much to know. Keep asking questions.

I used to drive a concrete truck, and riding a motorcycle is similar in one very important respect. It is incumbent upon the driver(you or me) to be mindful of, and thinking for the other drivers in traffic.

If my mixer truck crashes with another vehicle, the outcome will be bad.

If my motorcycle crashes with another vehicle, the outcome will be bad.

[The_Veg]

Main thoroughfare... would that have been 59/20? Yeah plenty of deer potential there- I used to live in both Cherokee Hills and Woodland Forest so I've seen a few out that way. Or how about inattentive and drunk fratboys on University Blvd? One of the most dangerous displays I ever saw in that town was on McFarland, just west of 15th. A big bunch of city, county, state, and university police cars come roaring through like the chase from Blues Brothers, jumping over medians and cutting through turns lanes. But they were not chasing anybody or responding to a serious emergency. They were escorting the Crimson Tide's bus!!!!!
I'm pretty sure there's at least one other forum user who lives near you. Might be a good way to set up some one-on-one riding.
Keep us posted on your adventures!

[Usedtopilot]

My parents lived in Woodland Forest for several years before moving to north AL, and I rode through the neighborhood a week or so ago to look at the house.
Actually, I rode several times down 82 toward Centerville (59 is interstate and I'm not quite ready for that). Riding early in the morning as I typically do, I look for all kinds of animals on the road (including deer)! Speaking of animals.... you wouldn't believe the things I've seen the morning after game day weekends (and any Saturday) on the "strip". The mornings are turning wonderfully cool here, and the riding is fabulous!
ROLLLLLLL TIDE, ROLL!!

[Gizmo]

Welcome aboard, you certainly are welcome here. I just want to echo what others have said here in taking the MSF course. It is a valuable resource and well worth doing not only for new and inexperienced riders but experienced as well. Although I had motorcycle experience, several years ago when I got back into riding, I took the beginners MSF course. It really helped me tremendously and totally amazed me that I actually managed to stay alive all those years prior. The course definately changed the way I ride and my perspective as well. Since then I have gone back every 2 years for the experienced riders class. So good luck to you and enjoy!

[trmptrmrk]

I took the BRC a little over a year ago and thought it was great. What got me through my first year on the sunny side of the statistics was consistently practicing the skills I learned, reading up on survival strategies, and asking experienced riders lots of questions!

I go to an empty parking lot a couple times a month to practice emergency braking, swerving, and U-turns. Every time I ride I consciously use countersteering and a delayed apex line in most situations. Every ride I find an excuse to swerve (i.e. to miss a manhole cover) and brake hard (when there's no one behind me!). Parking lot practice = better low speed skills = less dropping your bike in the driveway!

Those are all suggestions that highly experienced riders gave me that really worked.

You'll drop your bike less when you learn to pick it up. Get a friend who can pick it up to help you practice.

And here's a great book by the guy who writes the "safety" type articles for the BMW MOA Owners News magazin. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1889540536/qid=1094838271/sr=8-1/ref=pd_cps_1/102-7220201-9674508?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

Hope that helps,
Mark