So today I got my MC endorsement, I’ve passed the MSF beginners course, I’ve got my first crash under my belt and now I’m just enjoying riding! I’ve gotten much more comfortable on the bike! I put about 150 miles on it today! I’m loving it, I don’t even consider taking the Jeep anymore, blah! Why bother when you can straddle a 450 pound death machine. The one thing I have yet to overcome is getting on the interstate, I have done it but only for a few miles before I got back off. It’s just too windy for my naked bike! The wind kills me! Anyways, just wanted to share the best bike day I’ve had thus far! I’m still stalling occasionally but it’s become less and less, usually it’s because something stupid. My slow turns are better and my fast turns I can actually get a little bit of lean although it still makes me nervous at times. So here’s to a great day on the bike!
Celebrating!
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Awesome to hear about your great riding day and getting your endorsement!
Sorry to hear about the crash but glad to hear you're ok.
Smart move only going a few miles on the interstate if you're not comfortable being on there very long. My bike (Honda Shadow Phantom) is only a little over 100 pounds than yours but I get beat up on a windy day too. I don't have a wind screen because I don't like how they look on cruisers. I've seen a few pictures of naked bikes with smaller windscreens and they look cool. Have you looked into any?
150 miles in one day? I've only done about 20 because that's my round trip to and from work
I have yet to look into wind screens but I’m really considering it, that wind is the devil on the interstate! It’s not so bad on the highway unless the trees disperse. I mapped out a route to work that will allow me to dodge the interstate but it’ll take me longer to get to work so I have to leave a little early, lol. My normal trip is around 30 miles, not sure how long this one is but maybe 35-45 or so. It’s not bad but round trip that’s a long commute for me, lol.
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1,574 Posts
Glad to hear things are progressing for you!
My first few trips on the interstate were terrifying! My little 300 would get buffeted like crazy! Bought a double bubble windscreen and it was easily the best mod I did for that bike. I'm sure there are some effective choices for you and would love to see some pics of "before" and "after" if you find one...
My first few trips on the interstate were terrifying! My little 300 would get buffeted like crazy! Bought a double bubble windscreen and it was easily the best mod I did for that bike. I'm sure there are some effective choices for you and would love to see some pics of "before" and "after" if you find one...
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GreyRider, way to go!
I'm so happy you pushed past that little hiccup early on and persevered.
150 miles in one day is quite an achievement, especially for a new rider.
You have probably noticed that it takes more sustained mental energy that physical energy to ride longer distances. Mental fatigue can creep up on you unawares.
Take note of that in yourself when riding and stop to take little rests and reset.
Congrats.
I'm so happy you pushed past that little hiccup early on and persevered.
150 miles in one day is quite an achievement, especially for a new rider.
You have probably noticed that it takes more sustained mental energy that physical energy to ride longer distances. Mental fatigue can creep up on you unawares.
Take note of that in yourself when riding and stop to take little rests and reset.
Congrats.
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5,704 Posts
Both my bikes have windshields and they do make a difference in comfort. Wind on interstates can be a real booger sometimes, specially if you throw in a few semi-trucks and trailers. Sometimes you can just pass the trucks and other times its just best to back off and let'em go, get away from them.
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10,517 Posts
Sweet. Keep up the good work.
UK
UK
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A Quick Release may be something to consider for Highway Speeds could just about write a Book on this but will stick with my present Dyna .. Looks wise think it looks far better with no shield but when do a 100+ miles sometimes 500+ that shield becomes the difference of enjoying rather than enduring the Ride ..
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Congratulations and nice riding.
If you want to ride the interstate get a windshield, it really makes a difference. You CAN ride highway without it but it takes a lot more effort. Windshields aren't very expensive, and you can get a removable one that you can take on and off in 2 minutes depending on what your planning for the day.
If you want to ride the interstate get a windshield, it really makes a difference. You CAN ride highway without it but it takes a lot more effort. Windshields aren't very expensive, and you can get a removable one that you can take on and off in 2 minutes depending on what your planning for the day.
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Glad to hear about your great riding. 100 is enough for me more than it, I become tired.
Haha! Thanks for all the replies, guys! I’ve gotta change my oil as I’ve hit the 500 mile mark yesterday so I need to change the break in oil. I’m stoked about this bike, I truly love riding. I’m more comfortable and confident. I truly want a cruiser now and dual sport and a liter bike in the future, haha. I’m hooked, baby! I can’t get off the bike at all it takes so much restraint! So honestly, after everyone said 650 was too much bike for beginner, I really feel that this particular bike (Honda CB650F) is just right. I’m cautious and courteous with it yet I can whip down a straight with little effort and look back in the mirror and smile. It’s responsive yet forgiving. I think this is the perfect bike for someone like me who doesn’t want to start on a mini or 500. Other than my initial mistake of target fixation as a newb I haven’t had any close calls or any real nuisances at all. This bike goes where I will it and does it effortlessly, my only gripe is the wind. The wind throws you around but maybe that’s just me being a rookie. Oh also, it sounds like a freakin scooter on take off unless you’re really rockin some RPMs out of the gate which obviously I do not suggest as a new rider, I don’t have the skills for that.
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We all have different requirements. There is no one perfect bike. I know for fact that I wouldn't be riding now had I had more bike than my starter. My right wrist just wasn't mature enough. Glad this one is working for you.
Glad you're starting to have a good time. My first street bike was a 599, and I don't regret it. It had way more power than I needed, but I just didn't use it all. That throttle is a variable control, not a toggle switch. (I admit I did wind up the revs and run it through the gears a few times, on straight empty road, just to see what it would do and what it felt like.) I am not saying any beginner should start with that much bike, it was a seriously considered decision that I made for myself and my situation.
I think you'll get used to the crosswinds, the trick is to relax and not fight it. Like I said the other day, trying too hard to keep control doesn't work.
I think you'll get used to the crosswinds, the trick is to relax and not fight it. Like I said the other day, trying too hard to keep control doesn't work.
Its always nice to hear about a new rider and his or her enjoyment of the experience of motorized two wheel travel. And I understand the need to take it slowly regarding riding on the Interstate. Although it is probably the safest place you will ever ride (no cross traffic, limited entry and exit points, two or more lanes of well maintained road, and greater bike stability at Interstate Highway speeds), it can take some time to get comfortable at the speed you will be riding at. But after awhile you may find that you will love being on the Interstate, a place where you might be riding at 75 or 80 mph without a thought or concern.
As to what bike is best, that is certainly a subjective subject. Even for the same person, the "perfect" bike will vary as the experience and needs levels change for the rider, and even as the time of day changes. Most of my 35 years of riding I have had a single bike. I started with a 150cc scooter, went on to a small cruiser (700cc) and then over the years have had sport touring bikes, bigger cruisers, and now a full dress touring bike (Honda Goldwing). There is no way I could have gone to the Goldwing early in my riding experience. It took awhile to work up to where I am fully comfortable now on a 900 plus pound bike, even as I am entering my senior years at 76. And while the Goldwing seems pretty "perfect" for me now, I am now the owner of a second bike, a 150cc scooter (returning to my beginning). For errands around town, nothing beats this little scooter with its underseat locked storage and pure fun to ride. Getting out on the road is where the Goldwing excels. So you may find that you will keep changing what for you is "perfect" or may be like many riders and end up with several bikes in your garage for different needs and wants.
As to a windscreen, I personally think that this is absolutely necessary if you are going to ride at highway like speeds. Not only the buffeting issue, but the protection from flying debris, bugs, etc. a good windscreen is critical. I had a Triumph Thunderbird (cruiser) that had a detachable windscreen, that came off or on in seconds. I used to leave it off if I were cruising around town, rarely going faster than about 55, and put it on when I knew I would be riding at Interstate Highway speeds of 70 or more. I'm now thinking of adding a windscreen on my scooter, since I find that at about 50 mph the wind blast is sometimes uncomfortable. I suggest looking at what National Cycle has to offer for your bike since they have a pretty broad selection of windscreens at reasonable prices.
As to what bike is best, that is certainly a subjective subject. Even for the same person, the "perfect" bike will vary as the experience and needs levels change for the rider, and even as the time of day changes. Most of my 35 years of riding I have had a single bike. I started with a 150cc scooter, went on to a small cruiser (700cc) and then over the years have had sport touring bikes, bigger cruisers, and now a full dress touring bike (Honda Goldwing). There is no way I could have gone to the Goldwing early in my riding experience. It took awhile to work up to where I am fully comfortable now on a 900 plus pound bike, even as I am entering my senior years at 76. And while the Goldwing seems pretty "perfect" for me now, I am now the owner of a second bike, a 150cc scooter (returning to my beginning). For errands around town, nothing beats this little scooter with its underseat locked storage and pure fun to ride. Getting out on the road is where the Goldwing excels. So you may find that you will keep changing what for you is "perfect" or may be like many riders and end up with several bikes in your garage for different needs and wants.
As to a windscreen, I personally think that this is absolutely necessary if you are going to ride at highway like speeds. Not only the buffeting issue, but the protection from flying debris, bugs, etc. a good windscreen is critical. I had a Triumph Thunderbird (cruiser) that had a detachable windscreen, that came off or on in seconds. I used to leave it off if I were cruising around town, rarely going faster than about 55, and put it on when I knew I would be riding at Interstate Highway speeds of 70 or more. I'm now thinking of adding a windscreen on my scooter, since I find that at about 50 mph the wind blast is sometimes uncomfortable. I suggest looking at what National Cycle has to offer for your bike since they have a pretty broad selection of windscreens at reasonable prices.
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I agree.
Anything over 50 mph becomes REALLY uncomfortable and tiring after a while with no windshield.
If you are the guy who only rides to the local bar, then the windshield isn't necessary.
But if you going to actually RIDE the bike, get a shield.
Anything over 50 mph becomes REALLY uncomfortable and tiring after a while with no windshield.
If you are the guy who only rides to the local bar, then the windshield isn't necessary.
But if you going to actually RIDE the bike, get a shield.
I second that! I haven't even tried riding mine without the big wall of Plexiglas in front, so I don't know how much the wind buffeting would get me without it. But I like having that shield to duck behind if something bounces up from the road, or flies out of someone's pickup. Hasn't happened, but I like knowing I can if I need to. And it does deflect or stop a lot of bugs.
I took a while to start getting up on the freeways, and I still don't do heavy freeway traffic. But on my Sunday rides, many of my favorite places to ride are 20+ miles away so I use the interstates to get there. Traffic is usually light, and I have come to really enjoy cruising at "full speed" (interpret that however you like) to those destinations.
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When I got back into riding 10 yrs ago after not riding for 30 yrs I purchased an 04 Honda 750 Aero that came with a windshield. First thing I did to the bike when I got it home was to remove the windshield because I thought it looked better without it, second thing I did was to put it back. Makes the ride so much more comfortable.
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26,716 Posts
I absolutely love my adjustable windshield for that very reason. I get the best of both worlds. Below 50 it is completely down. Above 50 I bring it up but still look over it. Ay 80 it's up all the way and I look thru it. This won't help anyone except to see that at different speeds things change. I prefer nothing to look thru but catching a rock or bug in the face quite frankly hurts. So I prefer not to hurt when possible.:wink2:
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