I'm the Worst Rider Ever

[Sharky-Li]

I've been riding for 3 or 4 hours total (about an hour a day), and I haven't taken a MSF course, so I don't really know anymore than what I've picked up from experience and the DOL motorcycle handbook. I've never driven a manual before so I had to learn the concept of shifting and riding simultaneously. I just bought a bike ('06 SV650) and taught myself since none of my friends ride. I think after the 3rd hour I decided to start riding on the main roads (45 mph) and I've been on the highway once so far.

To add to this, I haven't had the chance to get my learner's permit yet (planning on getting it this weekend) and for a while I didn't wear a helmet either because the bike shop closes before I get home from work, so I had to order one which took a few days. I have terrible vision (20/80) but I don't wear my glasses when I ride (or drive), and I usually just have jeans and a t-shirt on and maybe a thin jacket. I don't get off from work until late so I generally have to ride at night (7 pm or later) when it gets dark. This also happens to be the end of rush hour traffic.

To top this all off, I live in Seattle which is constantly raining, so the ground is slick and wet. And the past few days I've been riding in the dark while it's raining which is pretty awful. It seems like a lot of hardships, but I seem to be doing a decent job winging it. I think that when I'm thrown out into a flight-or-fight scenario you learn very quickly because you're forced to. I've stalled a few times and accidentally revved to 10k RPM in 2nd during a turn but that's about the worst of it. I'd like to hear your comments on this since in retrospect it doesn't seem like it should have gone so smoothly.

[kellanv]

...

[Fast Eddy B]

Hey things could be worse.

But it does seem that you know you're making them worse.

So:
1. Get the learner's permit
2. Do the MSF BRC
3. Consider getting some extra training on your sweet SV650. Good bike, almost too much for a new rider (without extra training).
4. Sort your vision situation. It's about all the feedback we have to be safe riders.
5. Get some kit, jacket, boots, helmet, gloves, raingear. It costs, but helps keep your attention on the road, not your discomfot.
6. Set your speed before the corner. No brakes, no gas. (A little bit of rear brake helps settle the bike in a corner....LITTLE bit.)
7. Make things better, not worse.

[acritzer]

Hey things could be worse.

But it does seem that you know you're making them worse.

So:
1. Get the learner's permit
2. Do the MSF BRC
3. Consider getting some extra training on your sweet SV650. Good bike, almost too much for a new rider (without extra training).
4. Sort your vision situation. It's about all the feedback we have to be safe riders.
5. Get some kit, jacket, boots, helmet, gloves, raingear. It costs, but helps keep your attention on the road, not your discomfot.
6. Set your speed before the corner. No brakes, no gas. (A little bit of rear brake helps settle the bike in a corner....LITTLE bit.)
7. Make things better, not worse.

6? I thought it was better to roll on the throttle a little bit through corners. Gives you more traction. At least that's what they taught is in good old MSF class.

[KingRobb]

if yu dont take any of the other advice....which you should....

at least get off the roads and into a parking lot and do some drills....figure eights, slalom and hard stops.....please.

[acritzer]

I guess it's just a slight difference syntax. I don't roll on until I've gotten part way into the turn...which is I think what you're saying as well.

[onin24eagle]

I think this is a joke. If not, I'm glad I don't ride in Seattle.

[fireguzzi]

I think this is a joke. If not, I'm glad I don't ride in Seattle.

+1

Obviously B.S.

[Fast Eddy B]

My gut reaction is that this is a joke. Not wearing glasses OR a helmet?

But you never know.

[jonnythan]

Assuming this is real, I honestly hope you are stopped by the police and arrested, and your bike impounded, for riding without even a learner's permit.

Put your bike away, get your permit, get proper protective gear, and take the MSF class.

THEN you can think about taking your bike back out.

End of story.