Scoutmedic -- The trials and journies of a *n00b*

[Scoutmedic]

Updates....

I'm still alive....

Taking the bike for it's 600 mile once over tomorrow (Almost 100 miles over due. They couldn't get me in earlier and I wasn't going to park it!).

Planning on getting saddlebags in August. I'm tired of the heavy backpack already.

Going to give it a couple more fill-ups before I post in the fuel guide but, it's been holding steady at 53 mpg.

It's nice outside. I'm gonna go ride!

[zarakand]

Saddle bags are great, I hated having the heavy book bag as well. Keep safe!

[Scoutmedic]

Had a few firsts today. I went on my first group ride, long distance ride, interstate highway ride and Patriot Guard Rider mission.

All in all, it was a great day. Group riding took some getting used to. I've been riding single since I got my bike and I'm used to driving wherever I want to on the road. The veteran riders said I did great and nobody had any complaints about my riding or even suggestions.

Our group of 6 bikes and 1 cage left Corry headed for Bradford PA. It's about an 80 mile drive one way. Along the way, we picked up 3 more riders. Once in Bradford, we joined over 200 other riders to pay our respects to a fallen soldier and shield the family from protestors. I'd guess that over 300 people stood in the honor guard holding flags. There were riders from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and even at least one from Ontario.

I had to help do a little Paramedic work while at the memorial service. One of the riders didn't hydrate enough and went into a mild heat stroke. A nurse, an EMT and myself took care of her until the ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital. Considering the temperature and the long time we stood out in the sun, I'm glad there was only one person to treat.

On the way home, we headed a bit out of the way on Interstate 86 to get some dinner at a restaurant that one of the guys knew of in Salamanca New York. The interstate was a bit intimidating at first with all the wind buffeting from the trucks as they passed you and traveling at speeds a lot faster than I'm used to.

I still need to get some saddlebags for the bike but, I've been using a bungee net to secure it to my pillion seat instead of wearing it. I was a bit nervous with it going interstate speeds but, it rode just fine. My fuel mileage is around 51 mpg on average. Loving the S50 and I passed the "K" mile mark during the ride.

Later all! And, remember to Stay Safe Out There!

[NorthernPete]

sounds like fun, Im hoping to do some group riding as soon as I find a group...or one other person fro that matter *L

[FreeRide]

Scoutmedic,
Have you had any trouble shifting into 1st gear when you come to a full stop? About 2 wks. ago, I came to a stop light and when light goes green I went to shift down to 1st gear and it wouldn't go into gear. I got it to go only to 3rd gear and had to take off in that gear. So, Saturday I took the bike in to my dealer and the mech. said it's a hydraulic clutch and is self adjusting and there ws nothing he could do as far as making adjustments.
For the past 2 wks. I've been downshifting to 1st before the bike comes to a complete stop. My dealer said since the bike has 1,330 mi. It should smooth out with more ride time. I was wondering if you have encountered this problem yet.

[NorthernPete]

Scoutmedic,
Have you had any trouble shifting into 1st gear when you come to a full stop? About 2 wks. ago, I came to a stop light and when light goes green I went to shift down to 1st gear and it wouldn't go into gear. I got it to go only to 3rd gear and had to take off in that gear. So, Saturday I took the bike in to my dealer and the mech. said it's a hydraulic clutch and is self adjusting and there ws nothing he could do as far as making adjustments.
For the past 2 wks. I've been downshifting to 1st before the bike comes to a complete stop. My dealer said since the bike has 1,330 mi. It should smooth out with more ride time. I was wondering if you have encountered this problem yet.

should be shifting down as you come to a stop anyways, I have found my bikes sometimes wont engage unless it moving a little bit...maybe thats the problem? try rolling ahead a bit as you down shift....sorry for butting in Scout....

[FreeRide]

No problem NorthernPete, I posted this query in the new rider section and got the same answer.I'm relieved to know this simple fact that it's not a clutch problem after all. Thanks for the input.

[Scoutmedic]

I've encountered that problem a couple times when trying to go from 2nd to 1st. I found that if I roll the bike a bit, it goes in. The only other shifting problem I had was going from 1st to neutral instead of into second. I found I have to be sure to pull up hard from 1st to 2nd to make sure it bypasses neutral (as opposed to a "half-hearted" quick shift action).

Let one of my co-workers play with the friction zone earlier. The S50 is a bit tall for her but, she was getting the hang of it. Now she's all excited about taking the MSF and getting a bike. I'll have a riding buddy for work days!

[FreeRide]

I too have the same 1st to neutral shifting,just one of those quirks w/our bikes. Good to hear your co-worker is getting into riding.hope it works out for her. Thanks

[Scoutmedic]

You need to do some more riding Freeride. I've almost caught up to ya. I've got around 1,100 on mine.