Just bought myself a bike

[tinbanger]

Bought myself an old 1979 Honda CB400T Hawk. It was in great shape with only 9400 km's on it.

I could not get a seat in the course this season, but a friend of mine who did take the course, run me through everything they did.

At 38 years old I finally decided I wanted to ride, was always a little apprehensive earlier on in life, due to the fact my two cousin's were seriously hurt on motorcycles. Two brothers, one Badly banged up, not his fault, was hit by an old lady who did not give him his right of way, then his older brother paralyzed from the waste down. His fault, lost control of the bike on a traffic circle. My parents always forbid me owning one because of their misfortune. Even at my age my mother still flipped when she found out I bought a motorcycle, I felt like I was 14 again. So I'm taking it real easy, spent hours in a church parking lot, and am now riding it in the city now. So far I love it.

[ceemes]

Bought myself an old 1979 Honda CB400T Hawk. It was in great shape with only 9400 km's on it.

I could not get a seat in the course this season, but a friend of mine who did take the course, run me through everything they did.

At 38 years old I finally decided I wanted to ride, was always a little apprehensive earlier on in life, due to the fact my two cousin's were seriously hurt on motorcycles. Two brothers, one Badly banged up, not his fault, was hit by an old lady who did not give him his right of way, then his older brother paralyzed from the waste down. His fault, lost control of the bike on a traffic circle. My parents always forbid me owning one because of their misfortune. Even at my age my mother still flipped when she found out I bought a motorcycle, I felt like I was 14 again. So I'm taking it real easy, spent hours in a church parking lot, and am now riding it in the city now. So far I love it.

The CB/CM 400 series of bikes from Honda have to be in my opinion of course, the best learners machines ever made. Enough pep to ride on the highway and to pull away from most traffic, yet very docile and forgiving under the ham-fisted control of a new rider. I should know, I had a CM400 as my first bike, and was the king of the ham-fisted newbies.

You made a great choice for a first bike, but I do recommend you take a learners course when you can. It will pay great dividends down the road.

[MZ33]

ham-fisted newbies

I think I know what you mean by this, ceemes, but could you clarify it more for me? Do you mean the tendency to stall from first gear 'cuz the coordination is lacking? Or something more heavy-handed, like grabbing the brakes? Or both, or something else entirely?

Sometimes, I hate being ignorant more than other times. This here's one of those times!

[HYPERR]

ham-fisted newbies

I think I know what you mean by this, ceemes, but could you clarify it more for me? Do you mean the tendency to stall from first gear 'cuz the coordination is lacking? Or something more heavy-handed, like grabbing the brakes? Or both, or something else entirely?

All of the above and then some.

And not to mention the king of the ham fisted mistake, the unintentional wheelie from too much throttle.

[MZ33]

That is harder to do on a little cruiser . . . right? (Please, oh, please, say "right!" )

[HYPERR]

(Please, oh, please, say "right!" )

Right!

[Aamalthea]

Congrats on your bike! Do they have an advanced riders course where you are? Maybe you could do that instead of the beginner version. That would be better than nothing!

Happy Vrroooming

[G3rrity]

My first bike is a CM400T, and yeah, Ceemes is right, the CM/CB series kicks "O Ring"! I got the bike with only 5500 miles on it and every mile I've ridden on it so far has been great. They are dependable and very predictable and forgiving bikes, but still a blast for all kinds of riding. You made an excellent choice!

Have fun and be safe,

Sean

[ceemes]

ham-fisted newbies

I think I know what you mean by this, ceemes, but could you clarify it more for me? Do you mean the tendency to stall from first gear 'cuz the coordination is lacking? Or something more heavy-handed, like grabbing the brakes? Or both, or something else entirely?

All of the above and then some.

And not to mention the king of the ham fisted mistake, the unintentional wheelie from too much throttle.

Ayup....all of the above and then some.

[tinbanger]

Thanks all for the vote of confidence, much appreciated. I'm very happy with the choice I made for a first bike.