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Do It For You

Advice #1 - Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course.

Advice #2 - Ride about 1,000 miles then take the Advanced MSF Course.

Agree on other advice to find a mentor!

I started with a small 250...I then was very interested in a BMW R1100S or a K1200R - was told by many too much power for me - too big - go with a smaller bike...a 500CC. Mentor/Friend encouraged and supported riding a few different bikes. K1200R was heavy for me - but loved the ride. R1100S - couldn't stop grinning. Ruled out other (smaller) bikes quickly. I LOVE my R1100S, I handle it fine. I found going out on the track (via a highly organized group) helped me gain a great deal of confidence.

I think doing a dirt course (obviously not on the bike I have) would be beneficial. I see the comments about gravel and I get a very tense when I have to do a stop on dirt or gravel.

Oh last thing - HATE the "grooved pavement" - failing to trust the bike in a turn caused me to lay down the 250. Thanks to mentor taking me through it - even 2 up - and explaining the mechanics and don't tense up - they're not a problem now. :)

Go Girls! My husband rides, but I tease and say I want to ride with him not behind him. :)

Comments for
Do It For You

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Jul 17, 2009
Great Course!
by: Cheryl

I took the ABATE course last month and learned so much about turns and control. I have more confidence and a better understanding of what not to do while driving. Not to mention your insurance rates go down if you take a safety course. Can't beat that!

Cheryl

Jul 16, 2009
Do It For You
by: Michelle

Thanks so much for the advice... I just finished my MSF course and followed through with a traffic course and did very well. I have had my Harley for 4 months and rode with my husband before the course. A couple times I did the stop and drop. On a hill and on the parking lot.I rode a Honda Rebel for the time of the traffic course and felt it was not very comfortable, however being a 250cc, never dropped it. Unlike my sportster which is soooooo heavy I tend to stop and drop. If I lose my balance or if it stalls I just can't keep it up. Not to mention the confidence level. Not very high right now... I am just glad to hear that you traded up and down and up again. It has given me the encouragement to think that I shouldn't give up just because of the bike...

Thanks

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