Learning to Ride

Learning to Ride

Ok, I just got a 1982 250 Kawasaki...I can ride a bike, I can drive a stick shift car...I can hold this bike up (almost) lol...Have laid the bike down twice in my driveway already........got a little road rash and sprained my thumb...

Am i the only one> >?? how do you really learn? I want to ride so much....been on the back of the hubby's bike for 10 years, and really want to do this myself...where do i really start...I have joined a few groups that meet for dinner, and rides...and also a lady bikers group...when I fell, I just laughed, and got right back on the bike....but to get my mind on brake, clutch, gas......whewww...have helmet, vest, jacket, going to go get knee and elbow pads....
A
ny clues to help me out???

Linda
lindawalter1941@gmail.com

Comments for
Learning to Ride

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Aug 22, 2010

If only it were easy!
by: Shellie B.

I'm right where you are with learning to ride. Took the motorcycle course 2 yrs., got my license but no bike. I'm determined to ride so signed up again for the motorcycle class (can't hurt) and will take next week. In the meantime, bought a Sportser and found a large parking lot. Hit the lot every Sunday (no cars there) and practice. Have dropped the bike once trying to turn right from a stop. Man, my confidence level is all over the place. I'm excited when I accomplish my goal for the day and wonder what I'm doing when I screw up. Just remember, everything you learn is difficult at first and gets easier with practice. I'm a slow learner and might be in the parking lot for a long time! Whatever keeps me safe. Keep trying and good luck!

Aug 14, 2010

Don't worry!!!
by: Lisa

Honey my husband just bought me a sporster 883 and i have already laid it down twicw too. You just have to keep on...practice makes perfect.

Aug 07, 2010

Parking lot AFTER MSF
by: Sandra

MSF classes give you the basics in 20 hours of crash course - fills your brain with more than you can digest in one weekend! But it gets you rolling, and gives you the confidence to hit those parking lots for PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

I dumped my "White Dragon" on my maiden voyage because I was not ready to just take off out of my driveway and down the road - too many things to think about that should have been natural - MSF class gave me the practice to have some of that become natural so I could work on bigger issues...like parked cars and children playing and stop signs...LOL

You can read my whole learning experience under Bike of the Month, Sandra and the White Dragon (July 2010). Not "everybody" has such a rough start...but it is NOT uncommon for some to take longer to get rolling, have a drop or 2, or spin in the parking lot for miles before heading down the road.

Let your desire take you by the hand and ENJOY the ride!!

Aug 04, 2010

Riding
by: Anonymous

Hi, you need to go to a vacant parking lot and really practice all your turns, stopping emergency stopping, get to know your bike, I have been riding now for almost 6 months and I am still learning new things. I am confident enough that I have been on the thruway. but don't rush your self you have the rest of your life to learn. just practice and if you live by a neighborhood with lots of stop signs go in there and drive around and learn how to stop and hold your bike up and only stop with one foot down.

Aug 04, 2010

Be Determined!
by: Melissa

I did the same as you drove the driveway dropped it got mad got up and did it again. Then I got brave followed the hubby with my bike to a big open parking lot and practiced for days. Then he took me out I followed him on roads with hardly any traffic so i wouldn't get startled by cars or people at first.After that I took the all womens MSF course. Good luck! Don't give up be determined! You'll get it in your own time :)

Aug 04, 2010

Do it in the dirt
by: Anonymous

Taking the MSF is a definite must do, but I started riding in the dirt. Hey, I'm from Iowa, we have fields everywhere here! When I fell I didn't get hurt neither did the bike.

Aug 03, 2010

MSF class
by: Fiddler

Have you looked into an MSF class (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)? Google that and your state/city to find one close to you. Fees for classes seem to vary according to your location, but the class is great and you'll learn a lot. You even get to use their bikes, so you don't have to worry about messing up your own ride. I hadn't been on a bike since I was 14 (I'm 47 now) and I had forgotten everything. By the end of the weekend I was off to a very good start. Happy riding!

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