I frequent a few forums, but have been here alot lately. I started riding my Hawk the day I had the previous owner deliver it, since I had no experience riding any bike (except for the time I laid down a 250 in soft sand, I only got about 10 yrds total).
I signed up for the MSF, but it was six weeks wait. I couldnt wait, so I hopped on and started riding it up and down my long driveway in 1st. A buddy of mine who recently started riding again came over (he got me into this mess) and gave me some pointers about the shift pattern.
I was ready to ride, so I took it to the school next door to me and rode around in the empty lot while he gave me ideas on what to practice. After a couple of hours I was bored with it and took to the street. Back streets at first, taking it slow. I got my endorsement the next week at the DMV, I couldnt wait for that either. I passed on the first try, lost 3 points putting my foot down it the weave. The examiner asked how many times I had taken the test. Told him none, been riding for a week. He told me I might as well schedule the retake now! How confidence inspiring! I showed that fool. Most of the guys who brought big bikes failed. I could rent my bike out to people taking their test, its so easy on the little hawk.
So I am an impatient learner, I teach myself pretty well. I rode the bike for two days not knowing how to countersteer. Didnt RTFM. Normally I am good about reading up on stuff, just too excited in this case. The bike turned out to be much more responsive using counter-steering, instead or in addition to leaning.
I have been 2800mi. now on the little hawk. I least I had enough sense to buy a bike without alot of power. I would surely have laid it down by now if I had some 600 super-bike. I think this sunday will be 7 weeks of riding for me. I have a good bit of free time, so I have been riding. Mostly by myself, but sometimes with a friend or two.
I finally took the MSF course almost 2 weeks ago. I found it to be a big waste of money that could have been better spent on gear. It was challenging at times, and it was good practice but I had done more difficult excercises already. I did cheat though, I had over 2000 mi. experience on the street. In traffic, up dirt roads with the bike sliding all over. I think the dirt is better training than the MSF, especially on a street bike with street tires. I went through 8 mi. of soft sand for a ferry ride. I thought I was going down a few times, but didnt give up and stayed upright. My friend left me way behind in the sand, but I instinctively kept a comfortable pace and let him go. That makes me feel good. At the ripe old age of 35 I am finally smart enough to know when to back off and not try to keep up. I look like a noob because I am a noob, it matters not.
I do my own maintanence on the bike as well. I checked valve adjustment and changed brake fluid. I have been making the adjustments needed. I had a shop put on the tires and chain because the labor was cheap, and I dont have a way to mount and balance tires. I have found this is a well made, trouble free little bike. The valves needed no adj. at 16,000mi.
In closing, I will say the MSF is good for someone who has not been on a bike yet. Its money well spent if you are not sure if you want to be on a bike or not. One lady failed, it was about 1/2 females. There was a 60+ yr. old lady there who was having trouble with shifting. She has a scooter that is an auto. She stuck it out and did fine, earning her endorsment. That was cool to see. The lady who failed was way too nervous, had never been on a bike and never driven a stick. She was doing pretty good sometimes, but always let the nerves take over. I am sure fatigue played a part for her too, she was small and about 50 yrs old or so. I know I was getting a bit tired, and it was getting pretty hot.
This is getting to be a long read, so I will cut it off. If you got this far thanks for reading my cycling experience. I have been to the west coast of FL, and I am heading to the east coast on Sun. Daytona bound.
Beach.
