by "Katsumoto" (katsumoto)
Published 08/01/2017 at 09:06
by "Katsumoto" (katsumoto)
Published 08/01/2017 at 09:06
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STARS: 1
So I finally had my chance to take my yearly MSF refresher this passed weekend.
I was the only one who showed up riding a “jap bike”. Due to that, I was instantly given it as a nickname thru the class. Was given shit about it constantly. Eventually asked the Harley guys in my class, Why are you here, your bikes dont go fast enough for it to matter. They’re always sitting in a parking lot. Which got most of them to shut up.
During my course my instructor joked about my bike too. Had fun, learned a few new things, and stuff to watch for. Finally got my first “road gremlin” bell. Never had one.
Since I was taking this course, I tuned my business stuff out. So I had alot of time to ride and actually enjoy my bike again.
Between class stuff, riding home and to class, and my own riding after class, I put 521 miles on it. When I was riding just to ride, I remembered what got me into bikes, and why I really enjoyed them.
My MSF course was a little small for my bikes power, but I dealt with it. It was at a local Harley dealer. So I think it was more suited towards them than my bike. Only ever got dinged on not shifting. I really couldnt.
Wasnt enough rpm for 2nd to really work. Id shift, then shift back down to get back into the power again.
My car, has been sitting since Friday. Havent even started it once. Probably wont this week. Ive already got my riding bag out. So my poor car will just be a driveway queen.
I gotta get my phone fixed, yet again. Dropped it trying to take a picture, and broke the lens cover so I cant use my camera right now.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
08/01/2017 at 09:15, STARS: 0
I really have to learn how to ride a bike... I mean I’ve ridden scooters up to 300cc, but I don’t know shit about real bikes. I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride one, but I don’t trust myself much... you know, with all the cool mountain roads around here and that habit I have of liking to go fast on things on wheels... I need a slow and nimble bike to start with and keep for a few years... The bike equivalent of a Honda Beat.
Seriously, I easily get too confident behind the wheel, I don’t want that to happen while riding a bike. I want to be scared shitless doing 30mph lol...
But I REALLY want to learn to ride a bike, it looks so damn fun!
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
08/01/2017 at 09:20, STARS: 0
Definitely give it a go. And if you just want to be a “casual” rider, there are plenty of bikes with modest, lazy engines that will gladly sit for weeks between rides and require little in the way of care and maintenance. My KLR did over 600 miles on a trip to chicago two weeks ago. It sat ever since. I decided on sunday I wanted to go for a ride. It fired up as soon as I touched the button and then proceeded to rip through the dirt roads in the farmland for 100 miles or so.
Get a dual sport if you can! They’re tough as nails and can go off road with ease.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
08/01/2017 at 09:27, STARS: 0
Well I need a license before even thinking of that haha... I don’t care much about maintenance, I like that... But yeah, I don’t know... I was never scared about crashing in a car. I’ve spun out many time on tracks, even before I got my driver license, I had many close calls with the barriers either in gokart or racecars... Still today I don’t mind much crashing my into a wall.... IT can happen and I’ll most likely be fine. But with a bike, man, that same attitude would kill me haha.
I want a bike, I want to learn how to ride, but I don’t know if I’m really mature enough for that haha (yeah it’s a shame because I’ fucking 33...)
"Katsumoto" (katsumoto)
08/01/2017 at 09:34, STARS: 0
If your serious about it, look for a Ninja 500. They’re cheap, plentiful and easy to ride.
Dont worry about cosmetics on it. Worry about mechanicals. Its a starter bike, its been dropped, laid down and beat to death.
Its what I started on. Then moved to a gsxr 600. Then my current cbr1000rr.
If you can ride a scooter, just throw in the hand controls, and foot controls and you can ride a bike.
Kawie Ninjas are a good starter. IMO, A Ninja 250 is only something you should pick up for a steal. The 500 would give you something to learn on, and ride for a while til your ready to move up or onto a different type of bike.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
08/01/2017 at 09:37, STARS: 0
I’m fine with the basics of riding a bike... I just don’t have any skills other than that. That’s why I want something slow that feels somewhat fast but isn’t... I don’t trust myself much :)
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
08/01/2017 at 09:50, STARS: 1
For those who don’t know what a “gremlin bell” is, here’s the story:
http://www.samhoustonpost95.org/Legend%20Of%20The%20Gremlin%20Bell.pdf
I admit, I had to look it up myself. I’m not a Harley guy and I’ve never heard the story nor have I seen a bell on a bike.
"Katsumoto" (katsumoto)
08/01/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 1
I aint either. I got one for taking my class. Probably got one for taking it at a Harley dealer.
Its on my bike now though. Was told to put it down low. I dont hear it at all. It does say Harley and live to ride on it. But if it does anything, Ill be grateful.
"Katsumoto" (katsumoto)
08/01/2017 at 10:56, STARS: 0
A basic rider course might be something to look into.
They give you what you’re looking for. The Harley dealer I took my refresher at, offers one and they let you ride their bike. I think its like 250-300 for the class, a thursday night, and a weekend.