Just bought my first bike!

Message

jdrestore · Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:58 pm

Got it home today. I started the MSF course tonight and by the time class was over, it started raining! So the bike is still in the back of my truck. I am going to get up early tomorrow and hopefully unload it before heading back to class. ASAP I will take a picture and upload it.

Toyuzu · #12 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 5:49 pm

Congrats on the new ride! Be sure and get some help unloading it from the truck. I've heard way too many stories of people dropping their bikes while unloading them from pickups.

jdrestore · Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:40 pm

Got the bike off the back of the truck the next morning and I finished the MSF course this past weekend! I only lost 1 point on the test and that was for going 1 foot over on the quick stop test. I went for a short ride on the shadow Sunday after class. I can already tell there is a big difference between it and the 250 Kowasaki I rode in the course.

I also have already had my first embarassing moment on the shadow.

When I left for my ride I got to the end of my road and just as I was about to pull out onto the main road, the engine died. Thought I killed it by realeasing the clutch too fast, but it wouldn't start. Of course there was a car behind me waiting to turn as well. Bet you can't guess what I forgot to do....Yep, left the gas turned off. At least I figured it out and had a good ride.

I seem to have some trouble with making my 90 deg turns onto other roads. I think that I am not looking through the turn like I should, or maybe the extra weight of the shadow is keeping me from leaning enough. Anyway the ride was a blast!

canadianbacon · Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:14 pm

Congrats on buying the cruiser. As for embarrasing moments, mine happened as I was driving out the showroom doors and into the parking lot. As luck would have it I just let out the clutch and I got a sudden kink in my right hip and almot lost by balance as my lwet shot outto try and control the pain. Embassing you ask...hell ya!!

Ride safe! The more you ride your bike, the more confidence you'll have to ace those 90 degree turns.

Cheers,

Rob

#15 Unread post by **Sev** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 8:52 pm

jdrestore wrote:I also have already had my first embarassing moment on the shadow. When I left for my ride I got to the end of my road and just as I was about to pull out onto the main road, the engine died. Thought I killed it by realeasing the clutch too fast, but it wouldn't start. Of course there was a car behind me waiting to turn as well. Bet you can't guess what I forgot to do....Yep, left the gas turned off. At least I figured it out and had a good ride.

You aren't the first person to do this, and you certainly won't be the last! Keep up the good work, get out there and have a blast.

rnr262 · #16 Unread post by **rnr262** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 1:22 am

Forgetting to turn the gas on is something I forget to do at least once a week. I've gotten very good at switching the gas on while moving. (I'm new too!)

Congrats on the new bike. You're going to love it I'm sure.