New/Used Bike. Now What?...lol

[Volusia800]

Hi Everybody,

Well, I got my first bike yesterday. 2004 Suzuki Volusia 800. I know many would think this was not a good bike for a first time rider from what I have been reading. The bike was a gift and there was no way I could turn it down! The bike was quickly confiscated by my dad until after I take the safety course and get my license. I am okay with that decision and I am enrolled in a safety class at the end of this month. I was kind-of wondering if there is anything I can do with the bike while it's idle that will help me become more familiar with the bike and possibly help me just feel more at ease? I'm not scared to admit it. I'm a little scared. What can I expect from the safety class? Am I getting in over my head trying to ride an 800cc bike for the first time? Should I throw in the towel now? I really want to ride and this is a boyhood dream come true. I'm not into bikes for the speed factor, so that won't be a problem. I just want to ride safely and taste a few bugs along the way...lol. There is a lot of good reading here and I have read quite a bit. I was just kind-of hoping that somebody may have something else to offer that hasn't been mentioned yet. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[dieziege]

That's a nice bike! Congrats. Not a bad starter either. Heavier than I'd like but maybe that's just me. 800cc cruisers are not the same as 800cc sportbikes. You'll have to keep your head, but you need to keep your head on any bike including the ones with pedals.

Sounds like whoever chose the bike knew what to look for.

There are things you can do with the bike even shut off.... but that can lead to bad habits too (like holding the throttle wrong) if nobody shows you the right way. I'd suggest you spend the time shopping for gear (helmets, gloves, jacket, and so on).

Congrats!

[sharpmagna]

You could sit on the bike and get accustomed to where the controls are. I think that bike is still carburated, so you should familiarize yourself where the petcock is so you can turn it on to reserve if you run out of gas (or in my case turn it on because you forgot to do that earlier)

I think the Boulevard line is a great starter bike. It has plenty of power to keep you interested in it, while not too much that you'll get in over your head too quickly. The weight factor isn't too bad IMO.

Congrats on the new bike and post up some pics.

[jstark47]

My wife and I have a 2004 Suzuki Marauder 800, it's basically the same engine as your Volusia: 44 hp, not a fire-breathing monster, quite manageable. I think any issues you might have may come from the weight and cruiser-type steering geometry of the bike, and will show up in low speed handling. Fortunately, the safety course will spend a lot of time on low speed skills. Assuming you're a person of average size and strength, you're not in over your head. Take it slow and in small steps, pay attention, think about what you're doing but don't over-think. The first time you sit on a bike at the course and get it rolling and balancing, a whole bunch of things will immediately become physically intuitive. The motorcycle control layout was designed by humans for humans - spend a little time with it and it quickly becomes very natural.

[Bachstrad37]

Concentrate on gear selection and how maintenance sis done on that bike. That'll keep you busy for a while.

[Mag7C]

Nice bike. You can always sit on it, start it up, set a fan in front of you, and hold a bag under your face to collect the drool.

[slowair]

Nice bike. You can always sit on it, start it up, set a fan in front of you, and hold a bag under your face to collect the drool.

And have someone with a slingshot launch dead bugs at you. Wild turkeys and deer will just have to wait.

Good luck having the patience to hold off trying it out.

Mike

[ElektraSpitfire]

You could sit on the bike and get accustomed to where the controls are.

+1...get comfortable with the weight, lean from side to side, maybe work with the clutch/first gear a little if you think you can handle it. the safety class will definitely make you feel much more comfortable and i think as long as you are ok with controlling the clutch and are *light* on the throttle the first couple times you should be fine with the 800cc

[Scoutmedic]

No advice here just a big

[Volusia800]

Hey,

First off, I apologize for taking so long to get back here. Work and just regular life BS got the best of me this last week. Thank you all for the replies. I really appreciate it! Thanks!

Since I posted this, I still haven't been able to ride my bike. I did however pass the MRS today. Unfortunately the DMV isn't open on Saturdays. Monday, if all goes well... I will be a legal licensed motorcycle rider.

I spent most of my time... until today researching gear and accessories for me and my bike. I went with the SHOEI RF-1000 helmet and a jacket by Firstgear. Next pay day I'll get pants and whatever else safety gear I can afford.

Anyway, I could go on forever. I haven't smiled and been so happy in so long...lol. Even though we never got out of 2nd gear but once, the 250's they let us use were nice and quick. Best fun ever! I hope my bike brings me the same pleasure.

Hopefully, I will be riding along side some of you, if not all you in the near future or far future. Either way is fine with me. I just want to ride.

Again, thanks for the replies you all. I really do appreciate it. Peace out...

PS. - I will have pictures tomorrow.