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I was wondering if I was the only one...

I've completed my MSF and have been practicing on my husband's old Virago 250. He always watches me like a hawk as I get ready to ride and yesterday burst out laughing -- he's kind of a serious guy so I was taken aback (and OK, a little tweaked -- I *know* I look like a power ranger). He pointed out that he couldn't figure out why I always reached across my chest after I mounted the bike --- finally realized I was reaching for the non-existent seat belt! So we shared a good pre-ride chuckle.

Anyone else find themselves doing odd things like this?

On a more serious note, since I can't ride the bike to work yet and thus can only ride on weekends, I have taken to "pretending" I'm driving the Virago when I am in my cage. Very eye-opening -- while I have always been annoyed by some of the stupid manuevers pulled by other drivers (I'm sort of a naturally paranoid driver at baseline and never use my cell phone while driving)-- the stupidity and aggressiveness I witness on my short NYC commute every morning and afternoon is mind-boggling.

At least this nonsense is giving me some early real-world experiences even given my nascent riding status. Case in point, there are several drawbridges nearby that are quite active. Yesterday while riding I saw the red light and slowly dropping gate up ahead and immediately expected someone in a cage to try avoid the wait--- sure enough the guy in front of my husband braked and pulled into an immediate U-turn (that he couldn't complete before I got there and he backed up across and into my lane)--- I had already stopped, LOL --- knew that was coming! As we say around here, what a schmuck!

JT

When I first started riding, it was a bit unnerving not having a seatbelt. 25 years of riding in a car and always having a seatbelt, then I hop on a motorcycle.

I've got over it now, but it was a little wierd at first.

I've found that I started singing to myself since I'm without a radio now. It isn't the same feeling though.

Also when I go dirt bike/atv riding I find myself trying to signal at turns and obeying speed limits (when there are none).

The first time I rode, I was looking for the ashtray.....

I am a beginner. I am constantly looking for the signal stick on the side and looking for the gear shift to pull on. I am getting better. I am still freaking out into sharp corners though.

for some reason, i kept trying to run my fingers through my hair as i sat in traffic-
kinda hard to do w/ a full face helmet on!

Those habits arent to bad. I had the habit of grabbing the brakes around turns to shed some speed. Learned not to do that again.

Riding on bike not in car: My nose will run a bit when it's cold, and I tap my shield and realize I can't wipe it. Also do not really have to cover mouth when I cough, but I find I do...

Driving in car not on bike: I drive for miles and miles and not turn on the radio... beginning to love the peace and quiet!

not any really bad habits, but I do find myself looking to see to make sure the turn signal works every time I stop and then making sure I cancel when I turn. I'm a bit wierd about it.

The day I drove my car home from passing my MSF , I found myself afraid to brake and turn at the same time.
My MSF coaches sure were good.