I took the saftey course, got my license, now I rented a Harley, and Im going out there! Im nervous about it, is that normal? I also have like a 35 mile ride on an interstate to get home from the dealer where I am renting the bike!! So ill have to go 65 mph right off the get! Im going to ride all day, hopefully!! What are your thoughts? Im nervous about the on/off ramps, traffic, speed..etc. I will be riding with some friends and family that are exp. riders so they can help.
2007-07-26 15:08:42 · 14 answers · asked by konfadence21 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Yes, it is normal to be a little nervous your first time out. The interstate can get a bit wild with all those trucks. You may want to consider the back roads for your first ride. I think Harleys are very comfortable to ride and have ridden mine all day lots of times, but then I am use to it. As a beginner, you may find the wind wearing you out after a while. So you may want to consider some breaks during the day. (I enjoy the wind and never wear a helmet. Nothing like the wind in your face and hair.) As far as traffic, speed, etc. just remember what you were taught in your class, stay calm and remember to ride as though you're invisible. The cagers out there are not looking for you, so be extra careful. Harleys are the best bikes out there, you chose well. You'll probably get hooked and will be buying one soon. Have fun!!!
2007-07-27 18:04:46 · answer #1 · answered by BikerBob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmmm ... nothing like taking the leap into the fire with both feet forward. I'd say just take your time and don't rush it, don't over ride your ability by possibly becoming over confident. But you already know that I'm sure from taking the safety course. Is there any reason you need to ride home on the super slab? Seeing how you are nervous about it, possibly you could take a two lane home? But then again going home on the two lane vs.on the super slab, on the super slab they will at least be able to get around you without possibly running you over and having you for a newly mounted hood ornament.
If you do take the super slab home, nothing says you have to run 65mph, most minimums on Interstates are 45mph. Although everyone knows most drivers run ten over the posted limit and in millions of cases even more, so running the minimum could get you steamrolled by some @sshole talking on their cell phone on the super slab also.
Wondering why you rented a Harley rather than just buy one .. or any other motorcycle make for that matter. I guess you want to make sure your going to like riding before you take the big leap and spend a whole lot of Benny's for a ride of your own. That's probably not a bad idea after all, no reason to buy a motorcycle that might possibly just collect dust in the garage if you happen to decide riding isn't for you.
But hey, go on and enjoy the ride and watch out for the @ssholes out there, hope you have a good time.
2007-07-27 00:22:15 · answer #2 · answered by Bad 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just be careful and ask to ride around the dealership on the Harley before you ride it home. There is a huge difference between taking the class and going out onto the street or highway for the first time as the class is in a controlled environment.
My advice: If you are very nervous, DO NOT ride the Harley home. Have one of your family/friends let you ride their bike if it is a comparable ride to the Harley and practice in someone's yard if you have to until you get used to the motorcycle. When you are that nervous, you make mistakes. This is not something you want at 65 mph.
Been there, done that. Good luck!
2007-07-26 23:08:55 · answer #3 · answered by PrincessOfFun35 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take your time and get used to the bike before you hit the Interstate. Take some laps around the block. While speed brings danger, you'll find the highway part easy. Speed also brings a measure of stability. As experienced riders, your friends and family should be forming sort of a "shield" around you.
Enjoy the ride.
2007-07-26 22:35:14 · answer #4 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Take a few laps around the parking lot to get to know the bike and build up your confidence.
You don't have to ride the speed limit.
Stay in the right lane and do 50 - you're the boss.
When you get on the exit ramps, let your car experience take over.
Time your entry, give it gas, or slow down - you're in control of the bike's actions.
Enjoy the ride!
2007-07-26 23:13:30 · answer #5 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't try to ride beyond your abilities.
Riding all day is more tiring than you might think (and I'm in great shape- though i ride a new gixxer 600).
Just remember what the MSF course taught you and you'll be fine.
Riding a motorcycle is as close as you can get to flying on the ground.
Have Fun!
2007-07-26 22:14:36 · answer #6 · answered by Izzy N 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you plan on wearing a helmet, wear a full face one. If you dont, the wind beating you in the face at 65+ may make you more nervous than you already are.
Other than that small piece of advice, relax and have fun !! Remember what you learned in class, stay away from the trucks, and dont try to do more than ur ready to do.
2007-07-26 23:31:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good for you! I'm rebuilding one and I fantasize a lot about that first ride myself.
I would add if you go on the interstate, I trust that you're familiar with the route, what with potholes and pavement buckling.
2007-07-26 22:20:34 · answer #8 · answered by quillologist 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you wanna cruise around for a little bit before you jump on the E-way.
So you can get used to it first.
If they say - NO
Let them go and ride around yourself - till you feel comfortable. Better safe than dead
2007-07-26 22:16:34 · answer #9 · answered by cgriffin1972 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try not to ride alone. Find a seasoned rider to go with you. Not only will he take you some good places, but he can help you maintain your skill level of riding.
Be safe bro'
2007-07-27 10:58:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋