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Learning to Ride

by Dana
(Beaver County, PA)

I am 35 years old and I just got my permit in Pa to ride. My husband has been riding for years and he says he is going to teach me. He has not found the time yet. I have been practicing in our decent sized driveway on a KLX 250. What is the opinion on me taking it out on my own? I have to learn right? I live in a country area with little traffic. I want to just get on the bike and go for a couple miles. Very gently of course. I have all the gear. Does anyone think this is a bad idea? Good idea?

Thanks for the input.

Dana

Comments for Learning to Ride

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Jul 10, 2011

Learning to Ride
by: Ev

Sounding like a broken record....I agree with the others. On another note, Sandra, if your husband feels physically ill whenever you go out, this must have a huge effect on you. I believe it would put you off wanting to ride as often as you would like. You & your other half really need to have a serious chat with him about the way he feels. I know from experience, that when your partner supports you TOTALLY (which excludes being anxious before your ride) you will enjoy your time on two wheel MUCH, MUCH more!!

Jul 07, 2011

Info
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for the advice. I signed up for the class and until then I will continue in the driveway.

Jul 07, 2011

MSF
by: Lois

I say take the class, in NC it gives you a 10% discount on your insurance and when you pass all you have to do to get your license is take the written exam no driving test. My husband took the beginner course with me and he's been riding for over 40 years it sure helps with the insurance because between the 2 of us we have 4 bikes. And yes, he learned new things to!

Be safe whatever you decide to do!

Jul 07, 2011

Learning...
by: Sandra

I just HAD to go for a ride, before my BRC class, and immediately dumped my bike...scared my husband to death. That was over a year ago, and even though I rode that bike the following week AND went on to take the (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course - Google it for classes in PA)course, get licensed, and go for several long rides without even a wobble since that maiden voyage fiasco, my wonderful husband still gets physically ill EVERY TIME I go for a ride. It has almost completely sucked the joy out of getting our bikes together...almost...I'm still hoping he will eventually come around and realize I CAN ride relatively safely and he can relax, breathe, and enjoy riding together.

Go for your ride, if you feel ready. Sounds like you can already get the bike moving and start and stop. SIGN UP FOR THE CLASS; then let your husband share the road with you. IMHO

Jul 07, 2011

Beginner
by: Anonymous

I agree with the other responses,you need to take a riding class...I would not go out on my own with you being so new.

To be safe until you take an MSF class have someone with you..You are not knowledgeable enough to be riding the street without someone around..Plus you have not taken the riding or safety course...You have to be aware of all the things that can happen,even on a country road..My opinion not a good ideal..

Jul 07, 2011

Take the Course
by: Bonnie

Congrats on learning to ride...you will love riding on your own bike :) I agree with the other comment, take the course. While your husband can teach you and you can practice with him, etc. Nothing beats taking a course to learn about safety, etc. from qualified instructors. I know in my province, by taking the course my insurance is cheaper, and by taking the course my wait time for taking the road test decreased. After I took the course I had to do a written test at DMV to get my learner's permit and then finally my DMV road test. Those three things, make me a better rider. I am a newbie and I still have so much to learn, but every time I am on the road, everything I learned is with me.

Enjoy! Safe Riding.

Cheers,

Bonnie

Jul 07, 2011

BRC
by: sassy2731

Have you taken the Basic Rider Course? If not please do as you can learn so much from it. It not only teaches how to ride but all the safety and what to do in different situations as well as how to think and watch out ahead if you. It is well worth the time to take the course. Here in Texas it is now mandatory before you can get your license for a Motorcycle.

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