Motorcycle help.

[Mr. Whippy]

On the plus side, when I informed him of the fun with booking the safety course, he kindly offered to give me an hour of free lessons to get me up and running. I just might take him up on it. 

IMHO you should wait and take the course. This guy may be an excellent rider: a safe rider with good habits. He may also be like the guy who taught me. It took quite an effort to change the bad habits I had started out with. Lucky I lived long enough to finally take the MSF course.

Don't get in a hurry. You are going to love riding and you'll want to be doing it for a long time. One bad habit can reach up and rip your kneecap off and kinda' ruin your taste for riding.

Just sit on the bike and make Brrrrm Brrrrmmm sounds till you get some training.

Just my thoughts on the matter which may be absolute crap. Many of my thoughts are.


Dave

+1

Bad habits are much harder to fix than just learning the right way straight away.

...and remember, the MSF course is just a starting point--it gets the BASICS covered.  Lots to learn and much of it requires experience, not instruction. (riding grooved pavement, tar snakes, lane positioning, situational awareness, twilight riding, night riding, etc).

Enjoy the process.

[Chako]

Sounds like good advice all around.

Def, I believe I can ride the motorcycle on the roads. my M1 gives me that...based upon a simple paper test with no road experience on a motorcycle. 

I think I will try to learn everything I can from the guy. After all, he has owned the bike for a while now and probably can give me some great tips on its particular handling characteristics etc. I will also keep in mind the safety course.

Just got off the phone, the bike passed certification (no surprise there). He also said he was going to get the information package tomorrow, and then possibly drop the bike off at my place after work?

[Mr. Whippy]

If you haven't ridden before:

PLEASE start off "duck paddling" the thing for a while (like 45 min-1 hour) to get a feel for the clutch and its engagement.  New riders regularly launch their bikes forward into space and dump them because they let out the clutch way to aggressively OR in a hurky-jerky fashion.

Seriously.  You're getting a vehicle that has WAY more power to weight than anything you've ever been in (except maybe a jet liner).  Take it easy and don't let pride get you hurt.

[Chako]

Don't worry. I know. I am too old to do something stupid, and even more cautions anyhow. I will probably do the vroom vroom thing for an hour or more just sitting on the bike to familiarize myself before I go any further. I am just going to watch the guy start it up, explaining to me how to start it etc. He will do all the showing. I won't be doing any of the doing until I feel I am ready. I am in no hurry to wreck my new motorcycle, and more importantly, myself in the process.

[jim guy]

sadly Ive put my bonnie on craigslist for sale.

[ratslash7]

...and that's probably what's going to happen. Let's face it, shiny new bike in the driveway, gas in the tank, keys in your pocket...

The thing is, if Chako has never ridden before he will start the bike- then he won't be able to resist putting it in gear, he tries to feather the clutch but being so new, clutch/throttle control is not second nature. One small error and the shiny new bike is laying on it's side. A few dings, hurt pride (hopefully that's all that's hurt) and ...well you get the picture. I'm kinda' crying a little just writing this.

Perhaps those of us who ride could give Chako some tips so that his first ride does not end up in tears. Like...

1) the front brake has all the stopping power.

2)It is a good idea to use both brake when stopping from any speed above parking lots.

3)I find the rear brake only is preferred at parking lot speeds as it will tend to be a little less grabby and frees up your hands for delicate throttle adjustments.

anyone else?

[MultiMat]

In Oz you do the written test & then attend 2 or 3 Saturday training sessions riding supplied Honda 250's .It was a great start.
Be careful +++ Chako & take it easy mate 

[Chako]

Multimat, here are the rules in getting your motorcycle license here in Ontario.
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/index.shtml

No fear. I won't be driving it just yet. I am signed up for the course for the 25th of next month...sigh.

I should be getting the motorcycle sometime in the next few days if all goes well. I won't be driving it anywhere for quite some time. I do plan on sitting on it and paddle pushing it back and forth to get a feel for the balance etc and do some slow speed maneuvers without running the bike. That and read the owner’s manual front to back several times. However, if the guy is willing to give me some pointers, I will definitely listen. He does know the bike's in and outs and I am sure he can give me a ton of useful information.

[Smitty44]

If you don't fear it,it's time to stop riding!!!

[Chako]

It is time to stop riding? I haven't even started!

You guys seem to think I am some reckless teen. 

Anyhow, the motorcycle is now residing in my garage. I will post photos later when I get the chance to take some. The guy just gave me a quick 20 minute rundown on some of the things to watch out for. He forgot a few things and will be bringing them to me sometime next week. He wants to show me how to attach the saddle bags, and a few other small things mechanical. I have all the paperwork and will need to do some insurance research (many of my motorcycle coworker friends have given me some good leads), transfer the ownership at the local ministry of transportation office, and wait for the safety class next month. Before that, I will be practicing in my driveway, moving it around in neutral to get the hang of it.

It is official, I now own a motorcycle. 

[jim guy]

I had my trumpet out for a nice ride tonight. I love riding on hot summer nights, now Im starting to question myself on selling it.

[jim guy]

dont forget to carry a multi with you. If your trumpy is like mine it dont come with a tool kit. Ive used my LMs a bunch of times to fix things on the road. My triumph hasnt broke down but my friends vintage hondas have!

[Chako]

I hear you. The nice fellow I bought it from told me that he almost didn't sell it to me trice. He was having a bad case of seller’s remorse.  You are correct; the America comes with no tool kit.

[cgk]

Ive been off-forum for a good while and am catching up.  Welcome to the cycle world my man!!!! 

[Chako]

Thanks.