Just starting out, would like input.

[Brackstone]

I am actually frightened about taking the class. I have never even been on a bike. That in combination with the fact that I have never driven anything with a manual transmition makes me really nervous. I hope I will get it within those 3 days. I am planning on ridng around my neighborhood for a week or two before I even try to get out in traffic.

Just to get the butterflies out of my stomach a friend let me sit on his bike and ride it around. I can tell you that my first time sitting on the bike it was really easy.

Just keep your head about you and you'll be fine! I was just as nervous as you were

[drrhythm39]

I took the MSF course this past October 2007 (I passed) I am a truck driver by trade so I was use to a manual trans. However, the trans on a bike and a truck are 2 DIFFERENT things. Found that out the hard way stalled ALOT at first) . As far a being nervious about riding a bike, that's healthy. The course is set up so you gradually build up to actually "riding the bike in the parking lot. You start out with walking the bike. Then "Power walking" using a little throtle then riding. I was nervious also, but couldn't wait to get to the next class after the first day. It realy is the coolest feeling.

[ShawnKing]

I am actually frightened about taking the class. I have never even been on a bike.

I was *terrified* during my class. Like you, I had never even been on a motorcycle before.

I am planning on ridng around my neighborhood for a week or two before I even try to get out in traffic.

Excellent idea. I would also get up at the crack of dawn on the weekends so I could ride familiar roads with as little traffic around me as possible. I'd get up at 6am, ride for an hour or two around the neighborhood and then park the bike.

You sound like you're going about this the right way - slow and steady. It's not a race and you don't have to prove anything to anyone.

BTW, I took my class almost 3 years and 35,000+ miles ago and now ride a really fast Sport Touring bike so, don't worry about being scared during the class.

[batstiva]

You can also begin mentally preparing, by driving your car with greater awareness - of what other vehicles do, especially when interacting with motorcycles.

I have found myself doing that lately. As well as watching the roads I normally drive on, looking at where water, debris, gravel, etc. gather and where they don't seem to be a problem. Haven't had my bike anywhere but around my yard yet. Got my MSF course coming up in the middle of April.

The first time I got on my bike it scared the h*ll out of me, and I wanted to sell it or trade it down immediately. But after a couple of weeks, and a lot of reading and practicing, there's no way I would change it now.

[RhadamYgg]

I am actually frightened about taking the class. I have never even been on a bike. That in combination with the fact that I have never driven anything with a manual transmition makes me really nervous. I hope I will get it within those 3 days. I am planning on ridng around my neighborhood for a week or two before I even try to get out in traffic.

I'm actually in the same position you are - my classes are at the end of April, not March though.

I've driven manual transmission a long time though - just not recently.

My primary concern is driving home. I got a tow hitch installed on my car and I'm going to rent a small trailer for $30 to take it home.

Since I live in the densely populated area of NJ, depending on my feelings on the manner, I may rent a trailer again and drive the bike out to somewhere less populated to take the bike for a run - at least the first few times.

I also plant to do a lot of riding in different set riding areas. I've already outlined a 7 miles course of fairly heavy turned roads - with few intersections to start to do a lot of my learning. There is a park less than 1/2 mile away from my house with a 1 mile long circle. I plan on doing quite a bit of riding there - and on top of that - it is part of my little 7 mile uncontrolled course.

I'm going to grab some maps out of the local area and trace out a couple of courses - specifically routes that involve some element of safety and some element of risk. I live right off the Garden State Parkway and the NJ Turnpike - and as I get more capabilities I'll have routes incorporating them - hopefully I'll rack up the miles as well as learning how to ride in this manner.

RhadamYgg

[shane-o]

so they teach you how to fall properly do they?

thats not inspiring.



do me a favour will you, let me know how "one falls properly" cause I have no intention of finding out for myself.




.

[R3sp4wN]

Tuck and roll?!?
_________________
Mercedes CLK Class

[Grizz]

Hay newbe take a little tip from someone who has been riding for over 30 yr's. when you stop being afraid of your bike is when you can start looking to get yourself hurt. good luck and "Ride safe my friend"

[Johnj]

Tuck and roll?!?

Tuck and roll?

[shane-o]

Tuck and roll?!?

lmao

dood, thats just frog sh.it !!!!


I doubt very much, you were taught to fall, and if you were, then there is a serious flaw in your training my jedi apprentice.

How does one practice "Tuck and Roll" in peak hour traffic on a freeway?

or

60mph down a tree lined back road after your rear wheel has just lost it on some wet leafy stuff and has all of a sudden started to swing past you only to have you dump the throttle which now sees you flying over your tank on your back fast approaching the trees that cant wait to smash you into little pieces "give me a break"


Just stick to riding mate, dont worry about the off's, what will be will be, the trick is to stay up-right, not be skooled in "tuck and roll" bahahhaha




.