WHAT SHOULD I DO?????

[coolgranny]

I just found this forum and I confess that I haven't learned all the protol yet. I need some advice. I am a young 60 and my husband is an equally young 64. We bought mopeds a couple years ago but haven't used them much at all. He doesn't like them and I do and don't. They vibrate until they shift and then they run pretty smooth. I am very nervous on them. I feel like I am flying at only 30 mph on something flimsy and I also feel like I am going to lose control. We are thinking about getting 2 entry level motorcycles ...I don't like being a passenger because I can't see where I'm going, plus I want to drive my own machine. I have researched them. That is not my question. Sunday I rode my moped to my daughter's and hopped on their mini bike. I throttled the same as I would my moped and it took off like crazy and I had NO control. My hand froze on the throttle and I supermanned into the garden taking some bricks with me. I only have bruises and abrasions. I am thinking that if we both take the safety training course I could still be a driver but I am afraid that I will screw up because I am too nervous. It costs $400 and you have to buy the clothes, boots etc before hand. It's a lot of money if I can't do it. What do you guys think? Am I a hopeless case and should stick to walking? LOL

[Scott58]

If you think your flying on a moped even my Rebel will be unbelieveably fast for you and the Rebel is probably your only real choice in a move up to a motorcycle. I think the Rebel is the slowest of all 250's, but there really isn't any such thing as a slow motorcycle compared to a moped. You may want to think about maybe getting a better moped or scooter.

[TechTMW]

Hiya Granny ...

The course is a DEFINITE recommendation. You don't have to buy full motorcycle gear before you go out (most let you by with a pair of work boots and a jacket and some gloves ... and of course a helmet)

The course itself is taught so that you never leave third gear, and I don't think you get above 15 miles per hour.

The course is designed to give an absolutely brand new rider the experience to get on the street. It also gives you confidence in your abilities, because you are learning how to properly ride the bike instead of just going for it on your own and maybe developing bad habits.

You've developed a feel for riding a moped, and that's fine. Whenever you get on a new bike though (As you've discovered ) it's best to baby the throttle for a while until you get a feel for it. Panic situations happen, but once you take the course, you should feel better prepared to handle situations like this.

In addition, smaller mopeds feel unstable at higher speeds because they ARE unstable at higher speeds. A bike with a longer wheelbase (like a rebel) will feel much more capable at speeds over 30mph. Newer "Maxi-scooters" also have longer wheelbases for worry-free riding.

Also, you don't mention what kind of bikes you've been looking at. There is a wonderful selection of Scooters on the market now, that have enough power for the highway and have automatic (cvt) transmissions. All you really control is the throttle and the brakes - no shifting. The removal of the clutch and shifter may also do more to ease your mind, since you don't have to worry about shifting. Some of them (Like the Honda Reflex) are even offered with ABS, which is a cool safety feature and VERY advanced for a scooter.

Check out the latest offerings from the Japanese and Italian manufacturers ... there is a great selection out there.
http://www.piaggiousa.com/pscooters/bv500.cfm
http://www.vespausa.com/products/gt.cfm
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produ ... /home.aspx
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/AN ... fault.aspx
http://powersports.honda.com/scooters/m ... d=NSS250A6

[sapaul]

I would also recommend the scooter route, mopeds can be a litle skittish. I ride my daughters scooter whenever I can prise it out of her hands. When she was 12 she was on a 50cc and this was very light and underpowered. When she turned 16 we moved her up to a 125 and let me tell you, I am happier. The scooter is heavier, much easier to turn and ride, is stable in the wind and has a top speed of 90kms. Ok she can not do long distance highway riding but this gets her wherever she needs to go. Throtttle control is easy and there is no shifting. Good Luck.

[Piney]

I'll speak up since I remember those feelings so clearly.

I felt out-of control too. I hit my garden table the first time I let out the clutch. Riding up and down the driveway in second gear felt too fast. (The driveway is long enough.)

By working on starts, stops, and turns, I gained confidence that the motorbike is under my control. That helped it all feel safer. Still the speed limit (40 or 45 mph for quite a distance around here) felt too fast. As I worked up toward the speed limit, I also practiced stopping from speed.

Until I learn to control the motorcycle, it IS out of control.

So my experience is that low-speed practice helped a lot.

[Wizzard]

Welcome to the forums coolgranny . There is some really good advice in the above responses . I highly recommend the MSF course and most of them will provide the helmets ,etc .
And above all remember that it is never too late to have a happy childhood...
Regards, Wizzard
Ya can do this and have major phun while doing it too .

[bennettoid]

Go for it. You only live once and you'll love it.

The worst that can happen is that you sell the bike and gear if you don't use it. My bet is that after the course you will use it.

[sapaul]

Wizz is already in his third or fourth childhood and looking forward to his next, and hey Granny, you still have a long way to go to catch GSJack.

[coolgranny]

You have all be super helpful!!! Yes, there is good advice in all the posts and I'm gonna save them all.

you might be right...if I'm scared at 30mph I may never be able to ride a motocycle or a scooter for that matter. I'm even scared to take the course! But I will.

I like the idea of not having to shift. When this idea began I was thinking of a 250 scooter. Then we started looking. I have always LOVED the look of motorcycles. A guy in one store thought we would be better to begin with a bigger bike...like a beautiful 650 Yamahathat we saw. I am 5' 2" and weigh 110 and have too much fear of the bikes power to go that big. Too heavy for one thing. I also want to ride my own and we can't afford 2 of those. So we thought a 250 Rebel would be the best bet until I read postings on the women's forum. I think our best bet would be Yamaha Virago 250, if I can handle the shifting. We don't plan any long distance trips. Just a few hours in the county.
So we decided I should take the course first instead of wasting $800 if I can't do it. We'll just waste $400. I called but It's full for the fall. Will start up again in April.

I will also check out the url's that were sent to me. You have been great! Thanks a bunch!!!

[sapaul]

You are welcome Granny, in the mean time get that moped out and keep your balance skills going. An interesting point, one of the schools for begginners in South Africa gives you a bicycle when you turn up, if you can not complete the course on the bicycle then they will not allow you any further an promptly send you home.