Why I am learning on a Honda Rebel....while my Sporty is sitting in my garage.....

[Carol]

Was in safety class on 4/26. Bought myself a taxi ride via ambulance to hospital. Backboard is so comfortable.Needless to say I am fine and my class will need to be rescheduled. I had eye, hand, foot coordination issues. Can't find neutral well. Learned that riding a motorcycle is more than just jumping a bike, starting the engine and going like bat outta hell. I let off the clutch too fast I surged. That creates a chain reaction, I forget where the foot brake is, forget where the hand brake is, and forget to reapply the clutch. All of this happened in what seemed like a split second. I hit a light pole with my head after I hit it with the motorcycle. I was going at the most 10-15 MPH. The helmet saved me from traumatic injury of my head. My quad muscles and knees are sore cause I tensed up. As I hit, I hit the gas tank with my pubic area and I have some bruised bone there. I had an x-ray of the pelvis/pubic area - all is fine. Got tested and examined - everything was clear. No broken bones, no blood clots, no blood in urine. All I have is bruises and sore muscles.

Kept replaying things in my mind, thinking about what happened and what I did wrong. Besides my body being sore and bruised, my ego was incredibly bruised. Not telling any of my friends, co-workers, or friends - don't need them throwing this in face and saying "I told you so" and other BS. You would not believe the grief I have been getting from people since I purchased OZ and got him home. Just don't want to hear their crap.

So, after much consideration and seeking the advice of my seasoned motorcycle riding friends I got my learner's permit - even tho Connecticut will charge me again for a full license.

I found a used 1987 clean Honda Rebel on Craigslist. I am learning on this first. Although I am dying to ride my Sporty, I am not ready for that big boy yet. My rescheduled Motorcycle Safety Class is slated to start June 5. I have slowly been practicing in town. My miles travelled have increased with each day. My confidence is increasing. I refuse to let a 600 pound machine defeat me.

This is why the Honda Rebel 250 is my training wheels for my OZ. I am taking my time and not rushing things. Each day is easier and each mile is contributing to my skill level, self confidence, and one step closer to riding my Sporty.

[stuco]

The MSF course teaches you the basics. I don't know if it is a good idea to be riding around town until you know what you are doing. Please practice in a closed lot with an experienced rider before you hit the road.

[Carol]

I am in the lot most of the time....only a few city streets...and when I am in the lot - I have a mentor that is an experienced rider...he is very good with being patient and giving me guidance...

[stuco]

I am in the lot most of the time....only a few city streets...

I hear you, it just concerned me that you had taken a fall and said you forgot the controls and stuff. I'm glad to hear you are in a lot practicing. We were all beginners once but it is good to learn the proper habits from the beginning.

[newmark]

I am sorry to hear about your accident but I am glad You are getting back in the saddle
Mark

[LowRiderGhost]

Afternoon Carol and welcome to this Forum!

Thanks for posting this experience! I think a LOT of folks just now showing up in the forum need to know that it isn't going to be a cake walk (nothing worth while IS...) but if your willing to persevere through the good times as well as the bad, it CAN be accomplished successfully. :cool: No, you sure DON’T need no lectures and/or put downs, and ya’ dang well won’t be getting any from me at least Sister! You’ve already learned the HARD way (just as I did so many years ago…) but we both managed to live to tell the tale, and ride another day. Sounds to me your now on the right track with that Honda Rebel 250 Twin – think probably one of the best learning tools that was ever made far as I’m concerned (wish I could have had one back when too). Definitely save that Sporty as a reward to yourself when your REALLY ready…. And still having it unscathed by then will make the reward all the sweeter, I promise!

Keep up the Great Work!
LRG ;-)

[Schneiderman]

Great post Carol, and good luck with learning to ride. 600 pounds is a lot of bike to start on, and you're being smart by practicing on the rebel first, even if it did take a crash to inspire the decision. Hey, at least you're not giving up!

[Carol]

thank you all for your encouragement....
yes, one of the primary reasons for my post is to share with all the newbies and potential riders that riding a motorcycle isn't a cake walk - you just don't get on a motorcycle and go. Riding a motorcycle requires learned skills. One of the biggest issues I have with the movies and television is that it seems easy there. It is not. I am pleased that I have had this experience - even though it hurt like hell - I have learned from it. I feel I will be a better rider because of it.
Thank you again for your encouragement and support.

[adrian]

I am in the lot most of the time....only a few city streets...and when I am in the lot - I have a mentor that is an experienced rider...he is very good with being patient and giving me guidance...

Sounds like you are getting started off the right way, and it is nice to hear that your off didn't scare you away from riding. Good for you. :)

[Clay54961]

huh so takeing the MSF is a very good idea then? there shoots my idea of get the learners permit and ride then take the MSF just as a stepping stone to get the full permit because in the state of wisconsin you need to go to madison to take the behind the bars test i live about 200 miles north of madison so driveing there compaired to hear i would pritty much fail before the start of the drive

[shelzmike]

Yes, taking the MSF is a VERY good idea.

Carol, sorry to hear that happened. I was so nervous that would happen to me. However, I had the benefit of learning to ride in a large field on a dirtbike (250cc) many years ago. I never forgot how, I do not suppose, but it did take a few minutes for it all to come back.

I have an MSF scheduled for June 6th (weekend); however, I have been riding on the neighborhood streets around here just to get in some practice. So far so good. However, I live in a pretty rural area, so not much traffic. Well, I guess in your case that wasn't the problem! (I only kid now because you are okay - that really was a crappy thing that happened, but hey, if we cannot laugh things off, then what CAN we do?).

If I were you I would ONLY ride in a lot, like you said. I wouldn't even attempt to ride on the street if at all possible.

Good Luck to you!

Mike

[YamahaFan]

Just remember one thing when you learn on riding: TAKE IT EASY! It's OK that the bike stalls, better than releasing the clutch at higher rev, try it a few times and you (all the new riders) will eventually find the release point (combination of clutch and throttle).

But after learning how to control the bike, that's only a very small step for riding on the street: you need to learn to look out for potential danger WHILE controlling the bike. Now that's way harder, also learn how to evade/avoid that potential danger. It takes years to learn all that by yourself, and you might not even live that long (if you make a mistake), so learn from others.

Thanks Carol for posting that, so that others could learn from it.

[pintslayer]

Don't make the mistake of thinking your XL will perform like your Rebel. It's going to take longer to stop because of the higher weight and not-quite-Honda-quality brakes. It will also handle differently due to it's higher center of gravity. Take your Sportster to a quiet, car-free place and familiarize yourself with it before you hit the road. Trust me, you'll be happier and safer.

Good luck and be careful.

[gammaqueen]

I am sorry that happened to you. Just keep practicing, it will come to you in time. The MSF is great, but passing it still does not make you an expert. I took it before I ever got on my Sportster. Then I still was no where near ready for the highway. I practiced riding around my circular driveway for a week, then I started riding on some country roads around my house. I practiced every day. I was determined to learn to ride my Sportster. That was last year. Now It just comes natural to me. I have put 25,000 miles on my 2007 XL 1200 Low and I loved ever mile of it!!! Hang in there and don't give up. Just be careful and take baby steps.
GQ

[Carol]

Thank you for your words of encouragment.....I am just putting one 1/4 mile in front of the other and gaining experience and confidence as I do it.
Carol

Clay54961
Even though I wasn't successful the first time around in class, I have to tell you that from the short time in class, I learned soooooo much. I honestly think that the only way to go is class. I have a friend who works at a local motorcycle dealer in the part's department. She wasn't successful in class the first time around either. I have recently learned that she is not retaking the class and trying to get her license with it. It isn't any of my business, but this isn't the route I would ever recommend to anyone. There is so much to learn and the class is so beneficial.
Carol

YamahaFan
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I used to get flustered when the bike stalled, but not any more. If it stalls, so what - just restart and try again. That is the way to learn. I am getting smoother with each release of the clutch lever.

I have discovered that I am more observant than when I was just a cager. I see so much more and I am always trying to think ahead in regards whats next, what the cagers are going to do, or what is around the next corner. If nothing else, this experience has helped me really sharpen my senses. I have also discovered I needed this because I had become so complicant. I was essentially a "car potato" just mindlessly driving without paying attention to my surroundings.

pintslayer
Your words of guidance are so welcome. I had been thinking about this as well. There is no way I am going to just jump on my Harley and go. Just like I have done with the Rebel, I am going to practice on the Harley....thank you, though...at least I know I am not being overly cautious...
Carol

Gammaqueen
thank you for your support and encouragement.....it is especially welcome coming from another woman....
Carol

Thought I would share an update....

I am riding to and from work on the back roads. I have a couple of mentors who are helping me and guiding me. Besides riding to and from work, I practice in an empty parking lot. I am focusing on starting, stopping, figure 8's, and more.

I had to work Saturday, but yesterday (Sunday) and today (Monday) I rode both days. I stayed on the back roads and less busy town/city streets. In total I think I road 30 miles for both days. Loads of bikes out. Had a grand two days. Only stalled once (remember I am still in training). Shifting and stopping is getting so much better. Got speed up to 55 MPH. Stayed within the speed limit. Amazing, I was going the speed limit and vehicles passed me on a double yellow line. Stupid, wreckless people.....

So, progress....in the right direction.....thank you all for your support and encouragement

[Ethan]

i have a question!

my buddy has this little 60cc mini chopper that he let me ride. do crotch rockets, hogs, or other bikes also ride the way it does?

[shelzmike]

To start with, you should start your own thread with this question.

To answer your question - plain and simple no, but that all depends on what you mean - you work it the same way, but the ride is way different, same as my CB350 would ride differently than a CB350 Four - the differences vary between different bikes.

Mike

[newmark]

Thanks carol. I am still learning also.
55 feels like 100 mph in a car to me. I can do it for about 5-10 minutes and it feels like I am so nervous I have to pull over for a few minutes and go again.

[shelzmike]

Newmark -

I am a new rider as well and feel the same way you do sometimes about 55 mph. However, I realized the other day that it is not what it actually feels like, but rather, simply me thinking "I am going 55 mph" that makes me nervous. In actuality, I realized the other day when I was going about 45-50 on a back country road in my neighborhood, that it is all in how you think about it. I was thinking, man I am going slow - looked down, and I wasn't! As with all things we will get more comfortable with practice. I can already tell that each time I am less nervous, more comfortable, and am able to enjoy riding more.

The one thing that makes me nervous still is cars behind me. Cars in front beside, or coming the opposite way I am 100% fine with, but it is those that are behind me that bother me the most - especially at night when their car lights make it seem as though they are right on my tail.

I need to get better mirrors, or ones that are taller. When I am driving in a car, I always look at the mirrors on a regular basis. With my bike, the mirrors are so low that I have to bend down to see anything behind me; otherwise I see my arms!

Mike

[Carol]

Boy can I relate to what the two of you are saying....as a new rider, I have been trying to relax a little more on my bike. I discovered I had such a death grip on my handle bars, my fingers were going to sleep, LOL. I realized, after talking to several people, I needed to relax more and enjoy the ride. I have been working on doing just that. I discovered that, yes, I was initially nervous when there cagers behind me. Then someone told me that there will always be cagers behind me. So I have redirected my thought process so that I am paying attention to me, what I am doing and anticipating what other around me are doing or what they are going to do. That helped me get over that nervousness.
I also got up to 55 MPH and yes, initially it did feel like I was going 100 MPH. But once I got over that feeling when I realized I was going with the traffic AND I wasn't speeding. I have decided that as long as I am at the speed limit or 5 MPH I am fine and I need to enjoy the experience.
This is helping me relax and enjoy the experience - without become lazy and having no awareness of what is going on around me.

[shelzmike]

So I have redirected my thought process so that I am paying attention to me, what I am doing and anticipating what other around me are doing or what they are going to do.

That is what I try to do, but I think that this is the exact reason why I get nervous about cars behind me - because I cannot pay attention to them as much as I would like!

Mike

[Carol]

Mike,
I think we all have to find that balance between us the cager behind us, and what is going to happen next. From what I have learned from my friends is that this balance will come as we gain experience in riding....
Carol

[Schneiderman]

I still get nervous about cars behind me. Actually I just feel like every car on the road is out to get me. That feeling probably keeps me safer, as I plan for the worst from everybody. One day on the way home from school I had 3 cars try to kill me within 10 minutes...

[shelzmike]

I still get nervous about cars behind me. Actually I just feel like every car on the road is out to get me. That feeling probably keeps me safer, as I plan for the worst from everybody. One day on the way home from school I had 3 cars try to kill me within 10 minutes...

Well, there is a line between defensive riding and paranoid schizophrenia! :D

Seriously though, you are probably right about being overly aware of everything around you helps you be a little bit safer. Sometimes it is almost as if people have NO IDEA what to do around a bike - as if they need to do something different. I was out testing my new tires a little while ago and came to a stop sign. There was an older lady at the stop sign coming the other direction (it was a three way stop). She was turning onto the same road as me and the same direction. She got there first and I was about 30 feet until the actual sign. She was sitting there for at least 5 seconds and could have easily gone. IN fact, i even waved her on as I was slowing down. Did she go? Nope. She just kept staring at me and slowly drifting forward as if I was some alien creature or something. Finally she got the point and went.

I realize that she may have been being cautious, not knowing what I was going to do, but sometimes being overly cautious makes their actions even more unpredictable, thus causing more accidents.

Mike

[Carol]

Schneiderman and shelzmike,

Interesting story with a good example.

When I was getting my learner's permit at the DMV, in walked this elderly man. He couldn't stand up straight, he walked (barely) with a cane, he had hearing aids that he had to turn up to hear what the DMV employee was saying. He was there to renew his license. I was in complete shock that the DMV employees saw nothing wrong with this situation and reneweed his license without blinking an eye.

My point is, we have to be viligant and watch for the cagers. We have no idea what they are going to do, but we have to be hyper-aware of them and try to anticipate them. Without that hyperviligance...they could kill us.....

Carol

[shelzmike]

Another funny story that reminded me of. When I was at the DMV getting my learners, two ladies came in (separately), both failed the test ( I live in a small town so the DMV is tiny and you can hear everything!) and walked back out to their cars and drove off. Um...what? That cannot be good.

Also, especially with the ride in motorcycle popularity, there needs to be more about motorcycles integrated into the regular license test. In VA, there is like one question and that is it. I mean there is always going to be many non-drivers on the road no matter what. However, I am willing to bet that many of those involved in car v. moto accidents might not have gotten into an accident had they been a little more knowledgeable (the car drivers, that is). Then there is the flipside of bat outta hell, ****y (therefore dangerous) bike riders that are just as much to blame, but that is a story for a different day.

Mike

[grappler]

Schneiderman and shelzmike,

Interesting story with a good example.

When I was getting my learner's permit at the DMV, in walked this elderly man. He couldn't stand up straight, he walked (barely) with a cane, he had hearing aids that he had to turn up to hear what the DMV employee was saying. He was there to renew his license. I was in complete shock that the DMV employees saw nothing wrong with this situation and reneweed his license without blinking an eye.

My point is, we have to be viligant and watch for the cagers. We have no idea what they are going to do, but we have to be hyper-aware of them and try to anticipate them. Without that hyperviligance...they could kill us.....

Carol


Same here, when I got my MC permit I was the only one in the testing area not in a wheelchair, using a cane/walker and under the age of 60...

I'm not saying that just because you are old you can't drive but c'mon now. People, if you can't walk without an aid(excluding amputees/etc.) you probably shouldn't be driving. Thats the equivalent of me breaking my left ankle(clutch foot) and trying to drive. not good.

[Carol]

I FRACKING PASSED THE MOTORCYCLE RIDING COURSE!

OMFG….I did it….It ranks right up there with childbirth and open heart surgery (yes I have experienced both)….but….

I FRACKING DID IT!!!

I am off to DMV on Tuesday to get my license….OZ is coming out of his cage!

[pintslayer]

I still get nervous about cars behind me. Actually I just feel like every car on the road is out to get me. That feeling probably keeps me safer, as I plan for the worst from everybody. One day on the way home from school I had 3 cars try to kill me within 10 minutes...

As long as you always feel this way, you'll be much safer.

[YamahaFan]

Niiiiiiiice! When I grad'ed I got my license from the school, along with a cert so that I can show it to the insurance company to get 15% off. Was pretty cool.

[gammaqueen]

I FRACKING PASSED THE MOTORCYCLE RIDING COURSE!

OMFG….I did it….It ranks right up there with childbirth and open heart surgery (yes I have experienced both)….but….

I FRACKING DID IT!!!

I am off to DMV on Tuesday to get my license….OZ is coming out of his cage!

Congrats Carol. I knew you would pass. You were practicing hard. The more miles you ride the better you will get. You are doing great girl!

[shelzmike]

Congratulations Carol! I just finished yesterday as well (man it was so HOT!). I am glad to see that even after your accident that you went back again.

Although I am somewhat experienced, some of the things were still difficult (specifically the "Box"!). Out of the 11 of us, 3 failed the range portion. They were having problems the whole time, but were getting better. I think they probably could have done it, but just got nervous because they were getting scrored. One of the ladies even laid down a brand new Rebel! Both days were over 100 degrees and it was humid as a sauna - I would have been so upset to deal with all of that heat and then not pass. I hope that they do not give up on it.

Again, contrats!

Mike

[NHRABill]

Congrats Carol

What a great thread....

Knowing nothing and not having any friends that ride in my state anymore I really felt on my own... But I did it anyhow I got my permit on a whim and purchased a used Buell Blast a weeks Later... :D

SO excited I had to try and figure it out after an hour of looking at stuff I let out the clutch yes I read p how to ride a bike online :eek: WHA was I thinking

I wish I saw this thread I would hae stopped and waited for the class ...

but I off i went anyhow I picked it up Quicky almost 10 miles up and down and around 5 blocks :) untill the Final Slow Turn where I lost it in a Panic...

maybe 3 to 5mph I couldnt make the tight slow turnaround 3 houses from home:confused:

A Very Sore leg and some new Gravel embedded into my forearm ... :(

Yes No Jacket like an Ass I knew nothing .. I had no business riding with no training and I still don't untill I get into the Class hopefully this friday ...

I clocked 22 miles so far but I know I need Help I am Paranoid Riding and just go around the Block max speed sofar is 50 for a split second... I am playing it cool this week and waiting till I get more instruction and my license...

after that I will pay soemone to spend a few extra hours teaching me the places I feel weak in ..

Great thread though New Riders should be required to read this lol

[shelzmike]

I am playing it cool this week and waiting till I get more instruction and my license...

Good idea! :) Sorry to hear that you fell, how are you and the bike doing?

after that I will pay soemone to spend a few extra hours teaching me the places I feel weak in ..


After the MSF, you should find that this is not necessary. Hiring someone is not necessary I mean, but practicing is. I am lucky to have a large parking lot across the way from me and will still practice as much as I can. There is a reason why MSF skills that are learned are low speed and low gear - THOSE are the hardest to learn. Going fast is easy - going slow takes much more skill!

Good luck - I hope it is not as HOT as it was here this weekend when I took it!

Mike

[pintslayer]

Scratches add character to your bike, Bill, and chicks dig scars...or so I hear.

[webmetalreese]

wow, good to hear you are ok. i'm glad you decided to learn on a smaller bike - its good to know the basics before you get onto something big.

I'm so excited to ride now!

[NHRABill]

Thanks for the concern,
I am fine it was a nothing fall just an embarrasing shock and reality check... that this is a dangerous and take it serious...

a few scratches a bent shift lever and foot peg and broken front marker light to match the other side that was broken from the previous owner:rolleyes:

I was having a fun time riding picked it right up quick with no instruction... I feel that I am getting better everytime I am on it had a car behind me several times on twisty 25mph roads and handled it well ;)

When I get nervous put on blinker slow down pull on the shoulder and stop on roadside for a momment then continue ... but I have not gone out of my 5 block radius just Yet.
I live in a tough area for riding not very Bike Frendly Congested NJ roads and lving A minte off university of Rutgers campus with indestructible college students driving like maniacs :rolleyes: makes me more nervous