Noob Question....How do I shift this thing?

[Anonymous]

Hey DDMan, In my opinion, if there is any way possible, get at least a couple of thousand, road miles experience, on a smaller bike. The riding course will teach you a lot, but nothing will replace seat time, for the real learning experience. I rode some friends bikes when I was in my teens, Honda 90's & honda 175's, but my parents wouldn't let me have a motorcycle. When I was 25, a buddy of mine had baught a 77 GS 750 & couldn't afford it. He let me have it, just take over the payments. When I started home on the thing, I realized it was way too big for me. I knew the brake & clutch things, the shifting, & stuff, but I didn't know anything about riding this huge monster. I passed my house, because I didn't know how to get it turned in the driveway. After I passed my driveway, I realized I didn't know how to turn this thing around. I found a big church parking lot, and was scared to deth turning around there. After babying the thing around for a while, I gradually got a little better, till I thought I was an expert. Everyone but me knew I wasn't. The next spring, I traded up to a 78 GS 1000, & was very comfortable with it, and in 81 went to a GS1100. What I'm trying to say is, when you get off the Rebel 250's in your riding class, and get on your GS 1000, out on the road & in traffic, It'll be kind'f like starting again. I lived way out in the country, when I was learning, that made it a lot easier for me. I really think a smaller bike for the first few thousand road miles is a good idea, but we all just do the best we can, with what we got. Good luck

[chuckycheese]

Yes...

Yeah, I agree that starting with a smaller bike is a smart thing to do (My first 5 bikes were under 500 CC's). One thing I've noticed over the last several years is that lots of Harley riders make very foolish mistakes, which I think is somewhat of a new phenomenon.

Back in the old days, Harley riders were almost always excellent riders because they usually had years and years of experience...only at that point were they willing to shell out the big bucks for an expensive motorcycle. I believe that has changed since the "Harley thing" has become so popular. I bet lots of the guys riding those shiney, new Harleys these days, are first time riders...which I think is a dangerous thing. :roll:

[Anonymous]

Ya....my ORIGIONAL plan was to get an old Ninja 500 or something like that with a little LESS power and more manuverability (plus insurance is dirt cheap for them). I picked up the GS because it was a really good price and I could afford it immediately.

When I told my mom I wanted to get a bike the phrase "you will never own a motorcycle while you live in this house" played over and over in my mind. Although I planned on taking the riding course (jsut to know HOW to ride a motorcycle should the time come), I never thought I would have one.
997CC's is a big bike and I never planned on getting one, but because of the price and the ability to work on it (probly a good thing so I can stop spending money on my car) I jumped on the deal.

The riders safety course is designed for new riders, so im assuming that also means those who have never riden a bike before.

For those interested, this is the course im taking:

http://streetskillsmotorcycle.com/news.ivnu

[earlfor]

Re: Yes...

I would be willing to bet that 85% of those on new HD's are first time riders.
Times have changed and not for the better.

Earl

I bet lots of the guys riding those shiney, new Harleys these days, are first time riders...which I think is a dangerous thing. :roll: