newbie introduction

[aaustin]

Hello all.  I'm Alan, 46-years old,  originally from Northern NY, living in NC for the last 13 years.  Married, with four children, two grandchildren  , field service engineer for a medical equipment company and slowly getting back in the saddle after having not ridden a motorcycle in 30 years.  A friend recently told me about this board and I've found it to be a tremendous resource, to say the least, especially for folks like me who are just getting (re)acquainted with motorcycling.  It's a privilege to have easy access to so much useful information and I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this forum.  

My motorcycling experience is somewhat limited, but as teenagers my older brothers and I spent our summers tearing up our oldest brother's Honda XL100, riding off-road in gravel pits, fields, dirt roads, etc.  Had a ton of fun on that, felt comfortable doing donuts, power slides, riding up and down the 30' walls of the gravel pits, going off small jumps, blasting through the woods.  Had our fair share of close calls on it, especially the time the rear brake linkage came apart, which I discovered while trying to slow down coming off a dirt road at ~40mph, detoured through a field, narrowly missed a large boulder hidden by the tall grass and finally coasted to a shakey stop.  Never gave a second thought to using the front brake but did think about how lucky I was that I didn't break my damn neck.  Back then didn't have a clue about proper motorcycle maintenance, "countersteering", using the front brake, etc.  Still don't know a whole lot about those critical elements but that's what I'm hoping to learn from contributors to this forum.        

So, a couple months ago my wife and I are sitting at an intersection on a warm Saturday morning watching a group of motorcyclists drive by.  She turns to me and says, "ya know, we ought to get us a motorcycle".  Wha?  Huh?!  After my initial shock I finally realized I wasn't dreaming and that she was serious, so we jumped in with both feet and immediately started looking for a motorcycle.  We want to get out two-up on the backroads on the weekends, initially, away from traffic and just enjoy the ride.  Visited all the local bike shops and fell in love with the Triumphs, especially the Bonnevilles and Tigers.  Decided to get a used bike for the time being and get reacquainted.  Bought a nice '90 Suzuki GS500E a few weeks ago, dirt cheap but in great shape, and am gradually taking it around the block in my neighborhood.  Came very close to dumping it in my driveway the very first time I got on it and that was a real eye-opener.  That evening I was having serious second thoughts, "oh man, what have I gotten myself into?"  Didn't take me long to realize that this bike is much different and much more powerful than my brother's old XL100 and that I was going to have to be patient and to learn how to ride all over again.  Got my learner's permit but am in no big hurry to get it out on the streets, go two-up, and won't consider it until I've taken the motorcycle safety course and even then, not until I feel comfortable..if ever.  I'm at the age now where I don't feel like I'm invincible, have no urges to show off behind the wheel/handlebar of a motor vehicle, and appreciate the very real risks and hazards of motorcycling.  My 20-year old son is watching me very closely and is itching to get his own bike so I want to set a good example for him and learn how to ride the proper, safe way, right from the start.  Took the advice of many on this board and read the Proficient Motorcyclist book and am now reading More Proficient Motorcyclist and of course, this terrific message board.  

Happy to be here and looking forward to learning all I can and hopefully contributing worthwhile information in kind.    

[Outlaw]

Hello Alan,

Welcome to the club!  Congrats on getting back on a bike after so long. You'll find a new found freedom that you'll totally enjoy both with and with-out your wife.  Take your time and get the gear you need to be safe. I doubt there is anyone on this site who doesn't wear gear Don't go cheap either spend the money on good gear that will fit you right. There is lots of info as you have found here about anything you'll need to know and then some.

I had a GS500E back a long time ago when I lived in Washington, great little bike (little as in compared to what I ride now)

[bizarro]

I started out on a GS500E and I agree, it's a great bike. Welcome!

[Grainbelt]

Welcome!

Another former GS500E owner.  Perfect choice - light, standard ergos, enough power to hit the highway and have fun when you get comfortable.

As a twentysomething, let me be first to say 'give the GS to your son when you're done with it'.

[aaustin]

Thanks for the warm welcomes.  

Yes, definitely investing in some proper protective gear.  Bought a new HJC helmet and Firstgear riding jacket with padding.  Going to get some padded pants and proper boots soon.  

I really like the GS.  Very light and maneuverable.  Easy to work on.  The forks need new seals and the air filter needs to be replaced.  Already pulled the carbs and cleaned them up and checked the jets, etc.  The riding position is "ok" but I'm finding that my wrists and forearms get fatigued quickly from leaning forward on this type bike.  I think a long ride would be uncomfortable but then again, I'm not used to it.  If and when I get a new bike it'll be one with a more upright riding position, which is a big reason I like the Bonneville.  The GS is fine for now, and my son certainly would not complain when the time comes to hand over the keys.    

[airborneXX]

Welcome to our addiction


You and your son should take the MSF Basic Rider Course. It would be a great time to spend together and both of you will learn in a safe controlled environment. Hell get the wife to take it too  


Where are you located?

[aaustin]

Welcome to our addiction


You and your son should take the MSF Basic Rider Course. It would be a great time to spend together and both of you will learn in a safe controlled environment. Hell get the wife to take it too  


Where are you located?

We probably will take the course together.  If it were up to me I'd rather he wait until he's been driving a car longer and had more exerience behind the wheel being a defensive driver.  But, he's 20 so it's no longer up to me.  

My wife isn't really interested in learning how to ride, just wants to go two-up on trips out in the country.  I never thought I'd see the day when she'd suggest we even get a m/c.  

We're in NC, outside of Raleigh.

[RBEmerson]

I have some serious doubts about MSF, at least as it's currently implemented (reminds me way too much of the "bad old days" when basic SCUBA courses were taught as if it was SEAL training), although there's no doubt competent training is a very good thing.  I applaud the idea of spending time with Hough's Proficient Motorcycling books; these books are well worth re-reading as a refresher, too.  Finally, although it's not the same as driving with air bags, AGATT really is a "must" for tipping the odds at least a little more in your favor.  Enjoy your riding - the Triangle area is a great place to be!  

[denydog]

I'm at the age now where I don't feel like I'm invincible, have no urges to show off behind the wheel/handlebar of a motor vehicle, and appreciate the very real risks and hazards of motorcycling.  

Yes, reminds me of what it was like to be young and invincible.   Sounds like you are going about it the right way, and are mature enough to avoid the types of mistakes I made as a youth.  

Maybe just my opinion, but I think the most dangerous part of the learning curve is 4, 5, 6 months to a year, when you finally think you've got it.  Over confidence is the culprit.

Have fun with it!

[aaustin]

I have some serious doubts about MSF, at least as it's currently implemented (reminds me way too much of the "bad old days" when basic SCUBA courses were taught as if it was SEAL training), although there's no doubt competent training is a very good thing.  I applaud the idea of spending time with Hough's Proficient Motorcycling books; these books are well worth re-reading as a refresher, too.  Finally, although it's not the same as driving with air bags, AGATT really is a "must" for tipping the odds at least a little more in your favor.  Enjoy your riding - the Triangle area is a great place to be!  

What's AGATT?    

[bubba zanetti]

Should read ATGATT

All The Gear All The Time

[aaustin]

Should read ATGATT

All The Gear All The Time

Right.  Thanks.  That's the plan.  

[cbsnbiker]

We probably will take the course together.  If it were up to me I'd rather he wait until he's been driving a car longer and had more exerience behind the wheel being a defensive driver.  But, he's 20 so it's no longer up to me.  

My wife isn't really interested in learning how to ride, just wants to go two-up on trips out in the country.  I never thought I'd see the day when she'd suggest we even get a m/c.  

We're in NC, outside of Raleigh.

Here's another vote for the MSF class, and not only because I teach it. I also learned how to ride by taking the predecessor of the current curriculum. The new curriculum is a substantial improvement over its predecessor (which itself didn't suck).

It is a great way not only for a new rider to learn, but also for an old-timer like yourself to get back into riding. You sound like an excellent candidate.

It would be a fun father/son activity if you two are sympatico in such matters. If your wife decides she has any interest in being in front instead of on the back, it would be great for her as well.

Let me know if you have any questions about MSF courses. You can Google to find courses in your area, or check out http://www.msf-usa.org and follow the links. A friend of mine took the course in or near Winston-Salem. Courses are available all across NC.

[aaustin]

Dumped the bike today in my back yard.  Trying to do some low speed turns and although my yard is fairly flat, it's bumpy, especially with this drought we're having in NC.  Was able to jump off it quickly with no damage or injuries.  

Glad to get that first one out of the way....  

[M.Brane]

 Welcome Alan. Good to see someone being sensible about getting into riding. Unlike me.

 Luckily I managed to survive getting a middleweight sportbike as a first bike though my old Ninja is antique as sportbikes go. Your GS would probably give it a good run.

 The riding position is "ok" but I'm finding that my wrists and forearms get fatigued quickly from leaning forward on this type bike.      

 Try to keep as much of your weight off the bars as possible. This takes practice, and it helps to work on your abs a bit if they're not in good shape. Not only will your wrists/arms thank you, but keeping your upper body relaxed makes proper steering input much easier, and more predictable.

[Kool shades]

TAKE THE COURSE!  TAKE THE COURSE!  TAKE THE COURSE!
I was 38 when I took it, I was surprised at the number of people my age there.
Too many good things learned to list here. It is just plain worth it!

[jakieboy]

New to the forum wanted to say Hi

Been riding dirt and road for about 30 years, now mostly road since I sold the last dirt bike. Bought a 2003 SV1000S in May and ready for some road trips in SoCal. Have been lurking the west coast posts for a while now and would like to join in.  Jakieboy (Don)

[lionlady]

I have some serious doubts about MSF, at least as it's currently implemented (reminds me way too much of the "bad old days" when basic SCUBA courses were taught as if it was SEAL training)...

Hmmm, when did you last experience the Basic Riders Course? It HAS been revamped to make it more learner friendly (Of course a lot depends on the sponsoring organization and the site manager as well).

It never was supposed to be EVERYTHING a starting out rider needed to be competent on the road. Just the basics of "how not to die" plus a couple really useful skills, all taught on a parking lot, without the added stress of traffic, critters, etc. etc. All in all a VERY useful program.

P

[aaustin]

Hello again.  An update and a couple questions...

Haven't taken the rider safety course yet but want to ask- how comfortable did those of you who took the course as beginners/novices feel afterward?  Did you feel like you gained enough confidence and skills to safely ride the roads?  I still haven't taken my m/c on the roads yet except for the streets around my house and feel far from comfortable.  I think I'm doing "ok" after all these years but maybe only compared to someone who has never ridden.  With all the hidden dangers lurking around every corner I just don't feel like I'm ever going to be "ready".  Have been doing a lot of reading but it seems like with all you have to remember, all the technical skills you have to get a handle on, so much more to focus on compared to driving on a car, I have to ask, "do you ever have time to actually enjoy the ride??"  

My wife just had a very serious health scare and it really put things into perspective.  As much as I want to regain the thrill of driving a m/c, I don't know if I can justify the risk it poses for my family, even if I do feel confident after taking the safety course.      
 

[maddjack]

I enjoy the ride every time,as you gain experiance, comfort in your ability to stay out of harms way comes with it.The actions that need to be concentrated on now become second nature. I understand about the risk thing,each and every person must assess the risk involved in any activity they choose ,so must you.Really no one can or should convince you to ,or not to continue riding. I hope you find a solution which you are comfortable with.good luck
And I would take the course if you choose to continue,then after a year take the advance course,it helps