New Rider from GA

[owias12]

Hi all. I'm a new rider and decided to join the forum to aid in my new endeavor. I actually bought my bike (Suzuki VL 800) because we needed a second car but couldn't really afford it. I had tossed the idea of getting a scooter, but the wife wasn't crazy about the idea. She said she would feel safer if I had a motorcycle. So after doing some research and thinking it over for awhile I decided to sign up for the safety course (which I take at the end of the month) and started looking for a bike. After a few weeks of searching, I found my bike. The only experience I have with motorcycles is from when I was a kid and we rode a lot of dirt bikes. Street bike is a whole new ball game. I have a 12 mile commute to work one way (9 if I take the Interstate) and I wanted some time to ride the bike before I try riding it to work. I actually won't need to take it until the end of August when my wife goes back to work.

I know the safety course will be helpful and answer most of my questions. I'm still real nervous when I get out and start practicing my riding skills. I'm taking it real slow. This morning I finally got it out on some country rides and maintained a speed of 55 for about a mile before stopping. At one point I began to panic and started thinking "what it I lose control". It made me pretty nervous so I just went back to riding in areas where the speed limit is 35-45. (Since getting the bike, I've been thinking of all the what if situations) Please tell me this is all a normal part of being a new biker. At this point I'm wondering how the heck I'll ever make it to work. The fastest I'll have to go is 55 and there is heavy traffic if I don't leave early enough. I will avoid the Interstate until I'm 100% sure I can do it.

Anyway, sorry for the long introduction. Looking forward to learning from you all. Take care.

owias

[Badlands-4-2]

Welcome to the forum from ND.