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I completed the MSF Basic Rider course on 6/5. I bought a bike yesterday but didn't have time to ride it at all last night because I had to make room in the garage. After work today I had about an hour to ride before it got dark and I had an uneventful ride around the neighborhood and the local high school parking lot a couple of blocks away. I also took time to fill up the tank.

Before heading out I sat on the bike in the garage for about five minutes working up the courage to move and hoping that the neighbors who were outside would go inside in case I made an "O Ring" of myself .

Things went a lot smoother than I anticipated. I've noticed I'm letting off the throttle a little too much when shifting causing the bike to lurch forward slightly but I'm not having issues stopping smoothly like I did during the MSF course. Aside from a moment of indecision at an uncontrolled intersection I had no major problems. The bike and more importantly myself made it home undamaged and any unfounded fears about spontaneously tipping over have basically vanished.

Riding on the street is still a little unnerving and I can definitely see that riding safely requires a great deal more concentration than when on four wheels.

I was a little wary of my choice of bike (Suzuki DL650, aka V-Strom DL650 ) but the throttle is very smooth, much more so than the Yamaha XT225 I rode during the MSF course which I personally found to be jerky at times. The bike is not overwhelmingly powerful. Braking is smooth and linear.

I can't wait to get out riding again

Congrats man, you'll never get tired of that 650 either ... that's one of those bikes that you keep, even when you upgrade to a different bike ... they're just too much fun as an all arounder to get rid of

Excellent choice and welcome to the community !!!

Gratz! Love to see new riders out there.

Ummm, about your shifting, are you talking about upshifting or downshifting?

When I upshift I get completely off the throttle, and pull in the clutch at the same time. Toe up, rev the engine, then smoothly let out the clutch. This gives the plates time to rub one another and start spinning up. It runs pretty smooth.

If it's downshifting then rev it higher and let the clutch out slow, the engine speed will match the wheel speed easier if you do that. Just be careful not to rev too too high, as you'll actually speed up. But if you just close the throttle after you speed up you'll slow right away.

Most of my problems were with upshifting. I seemed to do alright with rev matching to downshift.

When upshifting at first I was letting off the throttle competely which was when the bike seemed to lurch. Towards the end of my ride, I was rolling off the throttle just slightly and that seemed to be much more smooth.

Congrats!

Don't worry, it gets better. In fact, it gets a LOT better!

I passed by BRC only a couple of weeks ago. Now I still have less than 300 miles on my bike, but every time I go out my confidence and my ability grow.

The key is RIDE! Get out and RIDE! Don't forget what you learned in class, and get out and RIDE!

I know what you mean about not wanting anyone to see you that first time you go out. I just got my bike a couple weeks ago and I went through that same feeling the first time I rode.

Eventually everything becomes so smooth that you become one with your bike. Certain things about riding (shifting, braking, cornering) become second nature, and you won't even think about them - well, not until you ride a different bike maybe. So for now there's a lot going on. Aside of getting to know your bike, you have to focus on traffic, road debris, stray animals, etc... But once you get more used to your bike, all your focus can go to the environment in which you're riding. Have fun with practicing!!

Cheers,
Loonette

I'm half way through my MSC. Today was the first riding session. WOW, I am sore. Used all kinds of muscles that I haven't used in a long time. Anyway, the V-Strom 650 is what I've been 'eyeing' recently (I always figured I'd be a cruiser guy). I'm going to try and find one to sit on tomorrow and see how it feels. Anyway, any updates on how you like the handling? How many hours do you have on it now? Just being nosey!

your probally shifting to late causing the bike to lurch forward, trying shifting sooner and see if that helps.

Congrats on the MSF and the new bike! I totally understand the feeling: new bike, almost no experience, and you don't want to do something dumb because people are watching you (or you might f-up your bike). I was there about 10 days ago. That feeling quickly vanishes. 200 miles later I feel totally comfortable. You just gotta ride everyday until you get to that confidence level. Good luck.