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New Rider

by Lynn
(Macon, Ga)

I just brought my first bike. I am taking a riding class end of June and feel very discouraging and afraid. I just need some encouragement. I am 52 years old with not many friends so really looking forward to riding. Looking tot a friend and encouragement.

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Oct 18, 2013

2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50C with Ghost Flames
by: Deborah

Hello Ladies. Well here I am at 56 years old & I decided it was time for me...... I went out an purchased a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50C with Ghost Flames. An boy is she beautiful!!!! I had my first lesson today. My husband took me out to an empty parking lot an off I went. I must admit I was spooked at first. But with the help of my darling husband after the first 30 minutes or so It all came natural. I cant wait to take my first long ride. This bike is amazing an so easy to ride. Well let the good times roll. Enjoy my friends.

Jul 04, 2013

Stay the Course
by: V

I too am new to riding and half way through my MSF course. I began this venture in the beginning of June and would like to thank all of you for your comments and advice which gave me hope and kept me going escpecially during the very low times. Now its my turn to pay back and share my experience. I am shy of 55 years old and my only experience on a bike was as a passenger for the last two years on my husband's bike. With my nest now empty, I decided to try riding. Never having been a risk taker and in the habit of overthinking I was overwhelmed with fear. Before the start of my MSF course, I took about 4 hours of private lessons on my instructor's Sportster. First 2 hour lesson, I dumped the bike in the first 10 minutes when I inadvertently leaned the bike to the left and lifted my left leg. In the 2nd lesson, half way through, I had a mishap when I grabbed the front break in a panic moment with the wheel turned to the right. The bike and I went down hard with the handle bars hitting me on the forehead. Huge goose egg, two black eyes, bruised nose and bruised left foot and legs, 5 minutes later I got back on and after a few rides, did it again but this time I knew what I did wrong and anticipated the bike going down. Yesterday, I dumped the bike at the MSF class when I didn't look where I was going and today in the parking lot when spooked by a car coming at me but picked my bike up myself. Not afraid of falling any more. Here is what I have learned. The MSF course moves very quickly and if you have any concerns or want to remove the unknown, I suggest having private lessons (it did help). Not sure if I will pass the skills test (I think I'm the worse student), but that's not what's important. What's important is going at your own pace and comfort level. I have not been able to do some or portions of some of the exercises but I do what I can and keep trying. If you are serious about wanting to ride, you should get a bike. I wanted a Harley when naive and now very happy with my Honda Rebel -- great beginner bike. You need a bike to practice on and that practice should be as close to daily as possible. My husband who has been riding 40 plus years rides my Rebel to the parking lot and works with me. Over this 4 day holiday weekend, I intend to practice the skills learned at the MSF and give it my best shot during the skill test next week. All I can say that July 1 I was skittish and unsure. Could barely get the bike going and so afraid of the throttle. Today, I can get my feet up quickly, got it into second and downshifted to first, made lots of turns, controlled stops and the fear is gone. I have a long way to go in learning how to control my bike to make me a safer rider on the street but practice makes perfect and I'm having a blast learning and the sense of accomplishment when I achieve another milestone -- keep at it and good luck. If I can do it so can you.

Jul 03, 2013

You Can Do It!
by: Sharon

Last year I turned 65 and decided to celebrate by learning to ride and I absolutely LOVE it! Took the MSF course twice before I felt confident enough to ride but I did it and I am sooooo proud of myself each and every time I cruise on down the road! Don't be intimidated by some guys in the course who think they "know it all" - they don't and I took class with several guys who were a lot more "novice" than I was - and who did not pass!
I just purchased a new Honda Shadow 750 - moving up from my Rebel 250 which I am very comfortable with...so...another "mountain" to climb! See you there!

Jun 18, 2013

Ask about a female only class
by: Sharon

I took the MSF course just over 2 years ago and now have about 12,000 miles on my Harley. When I signed up for the class they were also offering a female only class, but the times didn't work out for me. Our mixed sex group had 8 guys and 4 women. One woman dropped out the first day and another failed the final road test (as did 2 guys). I grew up in a mostly male household and worked in a nontraditional (make) career field, so it didn't bother me, but I think the 2 ladies that failed both said they would retake the class when the next all female (female led also) class was available.
BTW, I'm 58 and short and love every minute I can be on my bike!

Jun 17, 2013

Learning
by: Anonymous

I am 54 and took some private lessons to get ready for my safety course in July -- good luck!

Jun 17, 2013

Enjoy!
by: Connie

I took the MSF course and got my license at age 58! Greatest thing I ever did for myself. Don't be afraid, and don't be discouraged. Everyone in your class will be feeling the same way. Go out there, try to relax, enjoy yourself, and HAVE FUN! And you may make some new friends while taking the course!

And I tell everyone... if I can do it, ANYONE can do it!

Jun 16, 2013

new rider
by: Lynn - Florida

Don't get discouraged at all. Do not presume age has anything to do with it. Have courage and confident in yourself. Yes, it will be exhausting but exhilarating at the same time. When you finish the course, you will have a new respect for yourself. And if for some reason you do not pass this time, do not give up and try again. :)

Jun 16, 2013

Welcome to riding
by: Deloris

I have only been riding for 3 years. I am 57. You can do this. I also took the motorcycle safety course and it was the best thing I could have done. You will feel better once you have completed.

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fuel line lead

by cathy
(Brighton)

have a fuel line leak directly on top of carburators on my 2001 Honda Shadow.

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charging on a 1982 gs850L

by Jeff
(Aurora colorado)

when I left the store yesterday it was dead and I had to push start it,then today it started up no problem. It has an amp meter on it and at an idle it sits on zero, when I rev it up the needle moves up,so I road it around and then tried to restart it and nothing again. Is it my charging system or is it the battery,i have only had the bike about two weeks,and th prev. owner said the battry was brand new. Can someone please tell me.
Thank you,
Jeff

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noise on slowing down 950 Yamaha V-Star

by marv Fly
(Stillwater Ok)

My 2010Yamaha 950 v star makes a clattering noise as I slow to a stop. It made the same noise up on blocks when I turned the back wheel by hand. Any idea what this could be?

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Kawaski Ninja Motorcycle, 650

How many miles can I get on my Kawaski Ninja Motorcycle, 650 if I am getting 200 miles on a full tank and I only have Sixty Dollars? Is anyone there that can answer this question right away?

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Jun 26, 2013

Too many unknown variables...
by: Judy

First off, we don't know the capacity of your tank, so we don't know your average MPG. Next, we don't know the average gas prices in your area, which can vary substantially both across the country, and also within your region; for instance, I ride mainly in the mountains and foothills, and way out there the price of gas can be up to $1.00 more per gallon. In addition, the type of riding you do and your speed can influence your actual MPG.

It's a simple matter of math. If the average price of gas where you live is $3.50/gallon, and you get about 50mpg, your $60 should buy you around 17 gallons. If you average 50 mpg, that would be good for 850 miles.

You need to do some research on the price(s) of gas along whatever routes you plan on riding. I wouldn't advice taking off on a trip without a (financial) contingency plan.

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Helmet

by Lynn
(Macon, Ga)

What is the best helmet. I really have no idea for first time rider. I have looked at many pictures and really like the open face with face shield. I really need some help with this.

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Jun 16, 2013

Helmets
by: Dar

Your best bet is to visit your local bike shop and try on as many as you'd like, in all sizes. When you find the best comfortable size, go online and shop for helmets in that size. I say online because you can get a wider variety of colors and designs and they're less expensive. BUT, for the time being buy one now and wear it every time you ride until you get a really pretty one you like.

Jun 16, 2013

Be comfortable
by: AmberL

I tried on a million helmets before I was happy. I have a big head AND wear glasses, which are bigger consideration than you think. If you wear glasses and don't plan to invest in prescription riding glasses, I'd suggest a 3/4 or full helmet so that your glasses aren't blown everywhere. I try to get my helmets to have vents because I don't like to roast, but it still gets toasty, so don't think that a vent is a perfect solution. The only definites? Make sure it says DOT inspected, that you are comfortable and that it really fits.

Great places to browse:
http://www.leatherup.com/l/Motorcycle-Helmets/12.html

http://www.thehouseofharley.com/Harley-Davidson-Women-s-Helmets-s/47.htm

http://www.adventureharley.com/helmets

http://www.harley-davidson.com/shop/womens-motorcycle-helmets

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/MotorClothes_Merchandise/sections.jsp?locale=en_US§ion=fit

Jun 16, 2013

Best helmet
by: Feenix

The best helmet is one that you will wear EVERYTIME you ride. I usually wear 1/2 helmets w or w/o neck curtains & sunshades in the summer & modular w/ sunshade for colder weather.

Jun 16, 2013

Open face
by: Deloris

My preference is the open face

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BBC CLASS

by Lynn

I am having some problems going from 2 to 3 gear and also going back to first at stop. This is my very first time riding feels like a dummy in class.

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Jun 30, 2013

Keep it up
by: Anonymous

Just keep at it you will get it it takes alot of practice it will all click.Just don't give up keep the rubber side down and happy riding.

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