Learning To Ride

I totally agree, being a new rider now over 6500 miles under my seat in 10 months, if I hadn't gotten my Vulcan 500 - which is an excellent bike that can keep up with all the bigger bikes and bikers I ride with...  I am positive I would not have enjoyed the learning experience as much.  I see other newbie riders really struggling through what to me was an enjoyable experience on bike too big or too powerful...  To me... it was the right thing, learn to enjoy the ride and what it's about, build some degree of competence and confidence and then you'll know better the right bike for you going forward...  
Shellbird
Kawasaki Vulcan 500

I agree totally. I learned on an 800, but even at 6', 230 lb it was a BIG bike. When my wife got her Suzuki Savage a month later, I found what a joy it was to ride this small thumper. It was everything I wanted my bike to be (except smaller). I did master the 800, and rode it for a total of 7 years. If I was smart, I would have filched my wife's bike for some of those evening rides wen I started. I would have gotten better much faster.  

Shellbird, frbock, I've really enjoyed reading your posts (here and in your "new rider question" post, Shellbird) and can relate. I've also been riding for about 10 months and have about 6500 on my '99 V Star 1100. Size does matter! I wanted a bike that I wouldn't quickly outgrow and think I have it.

The 1100 is a really good bike (the two previous owners took great care of it and did some great mods to it like the Shogun Ripsaw pipes that sound absolutely awesome), and although I sometimes think I "need" a bigger bike, the 1100 will match anything anyone else on a cruiser has.

Shellbird, glad to hear how much you enjoy riding, and congratulation on riding with the PGR and American Legion (I ride with the PGR when I can, too,a nd nothing's more rewarding or meaningful).

I haven't been on mine in 10 days and am going stir-crazy, but that'll be fixed this week!

Have either of you either taken or thought of taking the MSF Advanced course (or anyone else who reads, please chime in)? That's something I'm interested in. I was laid off of my job a couple months ago and have even thought of becoming a motorcycle cop because those guys know how to ride and what better way to be in the saddle all day!

Well, keep the shiny side up and ride safe...  

Since the MSF modified the Basic Rider's Course to allow non-riders a better chance to pass it, I'd say taking the Experienced Rider's Course is an absolute necessity.

regards,
Joe  

10 days!!??!  You poor thing....  my condolences...  Now...  GET ON YOUR BIKE AND RIDE!!!  
Shellbird
Kawasaki Vulcan 500

I've taken the experience Rider course, and unless it's been dummied down like the basic, it's worth every penny. That includes the potential cost of repairs if you make a mistake.
Make sure you wear good gear (yeah, 99.9 percent of the people never hit the pavement... but, ride like you are a 0.1%'r.

If you've picked up bad habits, they will come out.