new to the forum and the world of motorcycling

[Mustang]

Welcome to a whole new and exciting world, nothing quite like riding a motorcycle.

I'd second (or third) the MSF course, sooner than later. It'll help your techniques, give you a place to pick the brains of other riders and build up your confidence and awareness to avoid those accidents you watched.

I have a friend (well girlfriends friend) who lives and rides in Orange Co CA. Her group is a mixture of young girls and guys...let me know if you'd like her email. It could give you some others to ride with.

Enjoy!

[Social Distortion]

hey there!
Congrads on the new bike!
I passed my MSF class back at the end of Sept. and am waiting for the weather to get better here in Chicago.
Yes- I've seen too many crash videos
Yes- When i take bikes for test rides, i am nervous as hell
Yes- I worry about laying my bike down
Yes- I am very aware on how much i will spend for my bike and hope that i wont eat crap
Yes- it seems that the entire world thinks that I will die on my motorcycle.

But if you think about it, fear is simply the status of not knowing. The more familiar you are w/ your motorcycle and such, you'll be enjoying it a lot more!
Be safe, ride at your own pace and honestly, enoy the experience. I can't wait to get my ride in Spring of 06! I grew up in LA and would love to be able to ride 12 months out of the year! I am somewhat anxious about riding in Chicago, since people out here really drive dangerously!

Keep us all updated on your progress. Inspire us all on the things that you learn, and remind us all that riding a motorcycle is one of the greatest things to do in life!

Tiger Army Never Die!

[sapaul]

Ask yourself WHY you got a motorcycle in the first place. Have you not realised that we are a unique breed that makes us different from ordinary mortals. Forget the crashes and the family attitude and concentrate on one thing only. To arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. To commit to a lifetime of learning. The fun and the satisfaction comes along with this. The three biggest enemy's you have right now are fear, complacency and arrogance. Your best friend is learning to relax and being competant. Practice, Practice, Practice. Set small goals, don't try to learn every thing at once. One day do stop and go's, next day hill starts, next day braking hard, master them one at a time. You need a set of skills far in excess of driving a cage, this is why we are very special people. Welcome.

[snwbrdr]

Dont get comfortable!!!
im an idiot and proud to make a humble example of myself. i was a noob...got my bike 2 weeks ago. was practicing in a nearby arena parking lot. huge lot so i thought "hey ive been out here for a few hours im comfortable lets open it up." bad bad bad jacob! seriously about three minutes later im cruising around the outside of the lot and tried to take a 30 mph turn at 50! needless to say i couldnt hold the turn! i slowly drifted out side the bike met the curb and it luckily flipped me outside the turn into the grass. i still managed to hit my head on the curb! slight concussion.. and then a beating from my thoroughly scared girlfriend who watched me from across the lot. scary "poo poo"!!! since then i have been riding smart. put another eight hundred miles on my bike in 11 days without any probs. you ride smart you live long! dont be so afraid to ride if u go on a bike at least you will go happy!
ps-im an idiot!

[Kal]

Its a learning experience, you are only an idiot if ou do it more than once!

Thank you for sharing though... and welcome to the forums...

[snwbrdr]

thanks for the self esteem boost. how can i change level from tricycle squid. i wanna put my bike in there like everyone else. how do i?

[Pin_Cushion]

The "Tricycle Squid," "Rookie," or "Veteran," type labels are just a reflection of how much people have posted. Also, to include a pic of your bike in your avatar click on Profile at the top of the page. At the bottom of that page there's a section that lets you upload a picture for your avatar. You may have to shrink it down w/ an image editing program, as such things usually have a size limitation. Be safe and keep posting.