New motorcycle - any advice appreciated?

Question

My husband just bought a new Harley Davidson. He had one a long time ago, but hasn't ridden in about 20 years. I have no problem with the expense - his money, we can afford it - I am just nervous because he wants me to ride with him, and frankly, i'm afraid he will kill us both.

I have insisted on full-face helmets, but other than that, how can i steady my nerves?

Good news! Hubby and I WILL be taking a motorcycle safety course, and we invested in good full face helmets and jackets!
We're going to live!!!!!!

Answer 1

Wear a motorcycle jacket, glove, boots, and riding pants, japs or at least jeans.
The most important advice I can give you is to force him to take an MSF course. Nothing is more important than a safe and responsible rider.

Answer 2

I understand what you are going thru because was going thru the same thing about 4 years ago. My husband had been in a bad motorcycle accident when he was in his late teens and I didn't want him getting another bike. After a few years of wearing me down I agreed so long as he agreed to always wear safety gear including a full face helmet. He bought the bike and I let him get used to riding again. After a few weeks I started going with him.

You need to give him a little time to get used to riding again and then make him take you for a ride in a really big parking lot somewhere on a Sunday when there are no cars. After a little riding around the lot you will start feeling at ease on the bike. You need to explain your concerns to your husband.

Have a great time riding

Answer 3

Make sure that full face helmet is brand new. Never, ever get a used helmet unless you are 100% sure of its origins.

Also wear full leathers (Road rash can be extremely painful and expensive to fix), motorcycle boots and gloves.

Some people think I'm crazy but I don't care. I've been riding for over 30 years and don't have a scratch. Even after a 90 mph spill on gravel (although I did have to get a new suit.)

No one goes out there to crash (except idiots) but it can happen. You never know what's around the bend... like my gravel.

But don't spend a penny on gear until your hubby has gone thru a refresher course. 20 years is a long time. Do you really want to put your life in the hands of someone who won't spend a weekend on safety?

Answer 4

you can steady the nerves by getting your own license. why dont the two of you take the safety course together? i know it is required in my state to take it before you can get your license, so why dont you both take it? maybe then you will understand how the bike feels, and you will know what he had to go through to get the privilage to ride. the class is a blast, and i swear, you will have so much fun. its only $100 here, and it takes up only one weekend. you should check it out. i also doubt that once you guys start riding around, and ride with other folks, you will want full face helmets. some of the half helmets are just as protective of the grape, just dont cover your face.

but just some advice from girl to girl, get your own bike. i rode bitc* for a year, and just got my own last January. it is such a thrill. i hope some of this helped a little bit. :) best of luck!

Answer 5

I understand your concerns ma'am and despite all safety precautions taken, it is up to God's will and fate that we go by each day safe and sound.

First and foremost, I would encourage your husband to go for a refresher riding course and defensive riding. It will help him to get acquainted once again to the motorcycle and also learn essential riding skills ( emergency braking on wet surface, recovering from a skid, avoiding obstacles etc).

Once he is deemed ready to ride again, it is important that your husband invest in good full-face helmets(Arai, AGV, Nolan) and riding gear (armour jacket, riding gloves(leather with metal). Now there is even motorcycle jackets with inflatable airbags!

Good rule of thumb is, as a pillion, wear the same protection as the rider. Open face/ half helmets are a no no, they do not offer protection to your face against a fall or flying projectiles. The pillion should also sit close to the rider, gripping the waist and clamping your thigh against his hips. Also, when leaning into corners, lean together with the rider, not away from him. This will cause the bike to wobble and even lose control if you do not lean with the rider.

Lastly, to get comfortable with the motorcycle, tell your husband to ride off slowly and don't lean too much for the first few rides. Once you are comfortable with it, you wouldn't be afraid any more.

Ride safely, stay alive. :)

Answer 6

I am not trying to scare you but there has been a increase in motor cycle fatalities since all these guys are going through their second childhood. That being said, he may be a safe enough rider but the people driving the cars have gotten worse, so he needs to be extra cautious and get re-acclimated to the bike before he starts having you ride with him. Once he's back in riding shape then you can go and start by taking short off the beaten path trips that he can keep the speeds to a minimum. Again I am not trying to put a damper on things, I love bikes but I also am a rider and I know the stats and I would hate to see anyone become one. Good luck.

Answer 7

You are right in being nervous. If you look up the statistics for recent motorcycle accidents and fatalities the largest group is the over 40 crowd. Deeper investigation shows that the bulk of those injured or killed are new to riding or returning from an extended period off.
Tell your hubby to get himself some training, like a MSF course, before you get on the back.
And wear all your gear all the time!!!!

Answer 8

Make him ride alone for a while. Even with his past experience, he's still a bit of a newbie. Let him get a few hours under his belt first, then hop on.

Oh, and suggest that he sign up for some instruction. He could take the beginner's course as a refresher, or I'm sure there are more advanced classes as well! The link below is one option but there are others out there.

Answer 9

Just let him ride alone for about two months and let him get the feel again.... it has been about 30 yrs since I had a moto and it would be the same for me---- I would be nervous also and you should be more cautious in today's traffic ... suggest some highway travel on a Sunday morning -- traffic is usually lighter on that time and a few short rides will gain you the confidence to ride more often ---- does this make you a real "motorcycle MAMA" ??? Encourage hubby to drive at lower speeds with you on board as he is hauling his most precious passenger....

Answer 10

I love riding but i have some fears also. If you are scared to ride than don't. By you being nervous you'll make him nervous and you might get hurt. If your not shore about how things will go you should tell him to take you on short rides around the town where you can go at a low speed. Slowly your nerves will steady enough to take longer rides.

Answer 11

Why don't both of you take an MSF course?

It's something fun to do together and a safe environment to recall old skills (assuming he ever knew how to ride safely, many don't). When I went more than one woman was there to learn to be a better passenger. When you know how to ride, you'll have a greater appreciation of the experience as a passenger as well, and you'll be a safer passenger (nothing like a passenger who looks the wrong way during a turn, or tries to lean into things that shouldn't be leaned into).