Got the bike! First ride!

I posted awhile ago about wanting a VFR. I bought one, 2003 abs lots of toys on it!!!, from a Member of the VFRD. He was VERY helpfull and put up with me asking a TON of questions for two weeks ;o)

So my buddy DID go pick it up and had a great time coming home from Ca to Ms. Despite two days of ridding in torrential rain! He is going to write up something about his trip I'll post it here if anyone wants me to.

This is my FIRST motorcycle. I have never owned or ridden a motorcycle. Basically I have been scared shitless of motorcycles, which is strange since I have wanted one since I was 16 and now am 40.

After I closed my shop, I have a bicycle shop, I went over and put on all my gear to do a pracite slow speed ride. I did the MSF push the bike around in my buddies parking lot to get use to the weight and how it balances. Then I went straight and practiced the clutch/brakes...Whhoo just like a hydrolic MTB don't grap a fist full of lever ;)

My impression...All the low speed putt putting around I did went great! I was shocked at how simular the VFR is at low speed to how a bicycle feels at low speeds. Balance points, body language all feel very simular. I was somewhat relieved to have a simular feeling to the bicycle's! With 20+ years of ridding and racing it was nice to find out.

What I learned....I will be spending alot of time putt putting around getting 100% use to the controls and how they work. i think this comes from all the years of high speed driving and instructing on a race track in a car. i am aproaching it like I do with new students..small steps.. The only thing I will have to get use to is counter steering...I plan to do parking lot drills from the MSF book I downloaded in LARGE parking lots until I get comfortable with it ;o)

Thanks for the advice. I hope to be around for a long time on the VFR..It is the best bike in the world ;)

Gary


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*
Congratulations, Gary!* sounds like you'll do just fine.* Now get yourself over to WDGAH!
*
Richard
*


--- On Wed, 8/20/08, ProBikeGuy wrote:

From: ProBikeGuy
Subject: Got the bike! First ride!
To: vfr@xxxxxx
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 1:16 AM





I posted awhile ago about wanting a VFR. I bought one, 2003 abs lots of toys on it!!!,*from a Member of the VFRD. He was VERY helpfull and put up with me asking a TON of questions for two weeks ;o)*
*
So my buddy DID go pick it up and had a great time coming home from Ca to Ms. Despite two days of ridding in torrential rain! He is going to write up something about his trip I'll post it here if anyone wants me to.
*
This is my FIRST motorcycle. I have never owned or ridden a motorcycle. Basically I have been scared shitless of motorcycles, which is strange since I have wanted one since I was 16 and now am 40.
*
After I closed my shop, I have a bicycle shop, I went over and put on all my gear to do a pracite slow speed ride. I did the MSF push the bike around in my buddies parking lot to get use to the weight and how it balances. Then I went straight and practiced the clutch/brakes...Whhoo just like a hydrolic MTB don't grap a fist full of lever ;)*
*
My impression...All the low speed putt putting around I did went great! I was shocked at how simular the VFR is at low speed to how a*bicycle *feels at low speeds. Balance points, body language all feel very simular. I was somewhat relieved to have a simular feeling to the bicycle's! With 20+ years of ridding and racing it was nice to find out.
*
What I learned....I will be spending alot of time putt putting around getting 100% use to the controls and how they work. i think this comes from all the years of high speed driving and instructing on a race track in a car. i am aproaching it like I do with new students..small steps.. The only thing I will have to get use to is counter steering...I plan to do parking lot drills from the MSF book I downloaded in LARGE parking lots until I get comfortable with it ;o)
*
Thanks for the advice. I hope to be around for a long time on the VFR..It is the best bike in the world ;)
*
Gary
*
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For subscription and delivery options:
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For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

You should consider registering and taking the MSF course. Just my two
cents. Congratulations!

d. in PA

95 VFR750F
On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 9:16 PM, ProBikeGuy wrote:

> I posted awhile ago about wanting a VFR. I bought one, 2003 abs lots of
> toys on it!!!, froIm a Member of the VFRD. He was VERY helpfull and put up
> with me asking a TON of questions for two weeks ;o)
>
> So my buddy DID go pick it up and had a great time coming home from Ca to
> Ms. Despite two days of ridding in torrential rain! He is going to write up
> something about his trip I'll post it here if anyone wants me to.
>
> This is my FIRST motorcycle. I have never owned or ridden a motorcycle.
> Basically I have been scared shitless of motorcycles, which is strange since
> I have wanted one since I was 16 and now am 40.
>
> After I closed my shop, I have a bicycle shop, I went over and put on all
> my gear to do a pracite slow speed ride. I did the MSF push the bike around
> in my buddies parking lot to get use to the weight and how it balances. Then
> I went straight and practiced the clutch/brakes...Whhoo just like a hydrolic
> MTB don't grap a fist full of lever ;)
>
> My impression...All the low speed putt putting around I did went great! I
> was shocked at how simular the VFR is at low speed to how a bicycle feels
> at low speeds. Balance points, body language all feel very simular. I was
> somewhat relieved to have a simular feeling to the bicycle's! With 20+ years
> of ridding and racing it was nice to find out.
>
> What I learned....I will be spending alot of time putt putting around
> getting 100% use to the controls and how they work. i think this comes from
> all the years of high speed driving and instructing on a race track in a
> car. i am aproaching it like I do with new students..small steps.. The only
> thing I will have to get use to is counter steering...I plan to do parking
> lot drills from the MSF book I downloaded in LARGE parking lots until I get
> comfortable with it ;o)
>
> Thanks for the advice. I hope to be around for a long time on the VFR..It
> is the best bike in the world ;)
>
> Gary
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> vfr mailing list
> vfr@xxxxxx
> For subscription and delivery options:
> https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr
>

_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

I cannot agree more. A book is a nice start if you have no issue learning to
ride with bad habits. A book cannot teach the nuances of braking (the most
difficult technique to master in my opinion) , handling, skidding, dodging a
pylon or an instructor jumping out in front of you, and so much more. There
is no substitute. If you want to stay up on two wheels gracefully and be the
best ride you can be, take the class. And keep practicing and taking
classes.



Claudia Glenn Barasch
Claudia Glenn Events, Inc.
290 West End Ave.
NYC 10023
O:212-874-3366
F:212-501-8162
C:917-903-6999

_____

From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Daniel M
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:29 PM
To: ProBikeGuy
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Got the bike! First ride!



You should consider registering and taking the MSF course. Just my two
cents. Congratulations!



d. in PA



95 VFR750F

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 9:16 PM, ProBikeGuy
wrote:

I posted awhile ago about wanting a VFR. I bought one, 2003 abs lots of toys
on it!!!, froIm a Member of the VFRD. He was VERY helpfull and put up with
me asking a TON of questions for two weeks ;o)



So my buddy DID go pick it up and had a great time coming home from Ca to
Ms. Despite two days of ridding in torrential rain! He is going to write up
something about his trip I'll post it here if anyone wants me to.



This is my FIRST motorcycle. I have never owned or ridden a motorcycle.
Basically I have been scared shitless of motorcycles, which is strange since
I have wanted one since I was 16 and now am 40.



After I closed my shop, I have a bicycle shop, I went over and put on all my
gear to do a pracite slow speed ride. I did the MSF push the bike around in
my buddies parking lot to get use to the weight and how it balances. Then I
went straight and practiced the clutch/brakes...Whhoo just like a hydrolic
MTB don't grap a fist full of lever ;)



My impression...All the low speed putt putting around I did went great! I
was shocked at how simular the VFR is at low speed to how a bicycle feels
at low speeds. Balance points, body language all feel very simular. I was
somewhat relieved to have a simular feeling to the bicycle's! With 20+ years
of ridding and racing it was nice to find out.



What I learned....I will be spending alot of time putt putting around
getting 100% use to the controls and how they work. i think this comes from
all the years of high speed driving and instructing on a race track in a
car. i am aproaching it like I do with new students..small steps.. The only
thing I will have to get use to is counter steering...I plan to do parking
lot drills from the MSF book I downloaded in LARGE parking lots until I get
comfortable with it ;o)



Thanks for the advice. I hope to be around for a long time on the VFR..It is
the best bike in the world ;)



Gary






_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr




_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

Take the Beginner MSF course, then ride one year, then take the Experienced
Rider MSF course. The instructor I had for the Experienced class was
excellent and he really worked the class hard with manuevers, how to handle
different road situations, emergency stops, etc. Well worth the $60 it cost.
My two cents.
Mark
'93 VFR
'90 GS500
'02 Shadow Spirit
Soon to be '04 Sportster

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 9:16 PM, ProBikeGuy wrote:

> I posted awhile ago about wanting a VFR. I bought one, 2003 abs lots of
> toys on it!!!, from a Member of the VFRD. He was VERY helpfull and put up
> with me asking a TON of questions for two weeks ;o)
>
> So my buddy DID go pick it up and had a great time coming home from Ca to
> Ms. Despite two days of ridding in torrential rain! He is going to write up
> something about his trip I'll post it here if anyone wants me to.
>
> This is my FIRST motorcycle. I have never owned or ridden a motorcycle.
> Basically I have been scared shitless of motorcycles, which is strange since
> I have wanted one since I was 16 and now am 40.
>
> After I closed my shop, I have a bicycle shop, I went over and put on all
> my gear to do a pracite slow speed ride. I did the MSF push the bike around
> in my buddies parking lot to get use to the weight and how it balances. Then
> I went straight and practiced the clutch/brakes...Whhoo just like a hydrolic
> MTB don't grap a fist full of lever ;)
>
> My impression...All the low speed putt putting around I did went great! I
> was shocked at how simular the VFR is at low speed to how a bicycle feels
> at low speeds. Balance points, body language all feel very simular. I was
> somewhat relieved to have a simular feeling to the bicycle's! With 20+ years
> of ridding and racing it was nice to find out.
>
> What I learned....I will be spending alot of time putt putting around
> getting 100% use to the controls and how they work. i think this comes from
> all the years of high speed driving and instructing on a race track in a
> car. i am aproaching it like I do with new students..small steps.. The only
> thing I will have to get use to is counter steering...I plan to do parking
> lot drills from the MSF book I downloaded in LARGE parking lots until I get
> comfortable with it ;o)
>
> Thanks for the advice. I hope to be around for a long time on the VFR..It
> is the best bike in the world ;)
>
> Gary
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> vfr mailing list
> vfr@xxxxxx
> For subscription and delivery options:
> https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr
>

_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

The MSF class is the best money you will ever spend when it comes to riding, save perhaps good riding gear.


_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

Congratulations on your new bike!!
Wow, VFR is a big bike to start on, yep it's very balanced, but WATCH
OUT FOR SLOW MANEUVERS!

Like, moving the bike a few inches after it was parked, or, making a U
turn, anywhere.
It's a big and heavy bike, and those are the times when I dropped the bike.

Apart from that, invest in good gear, they really DO help, I tried :)

-turgut

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vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

Great advice!

_____

From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Claudia Barasch
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:37 PM
To: 'Daniel M'; 'ProBikeGuy'
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: RE: Got the bike! First ride!



I cannot agree more. A book is a nice start if you have no issue learning to
ride with bad habits. A book cannot teach the nuances of braking (the most
difficult technique to master in my opinion) , handling, skidding, dodging a
pylon or an instructor jumping out in front of you, and so much more. There
is no substitute. If you want to stay up on two wheels gracefully and be the
best ride you can be, take the class. And keep practicing and taking
classes.



Claudia Glenn Barasch
Claudia Glenn Events, Inc.
290 West End Ave.
NYC 10023
O:212-874-3366
F:212-501-8162
C:917-903-6999

_____

From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Daniel M
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:29 PM
To: ProBikeGuy
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Got the bike! First ride!



You should consider registering and taking the MSF course. Just my two
cents. Congratulations!



d. in PA



95 VFR750F

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 9:16 PM, ProBikeGuy
wrote:

I posted awhile ago about wanting a VFR. I bought one, 2003 abs lots of toys
on it!!!, froIm a Member of the VFRD. He was VERY helpfull and put up with
me asking a TON of questions for two weeks ;o)



So my buddy DID go pick it up and had a great time coming home from Ca to
Ms. Despite two days of ridding in torrential rain! He is going to write up
something about his trip I'll post it here if anyone wants me to.



This is my FIRST motorcycle. I have never owned or ridden a motorcycle.
Basically I have been scared shitless of motorcycles, which is strange since
I have wanted one since I was 16 and now am 40.



After I closed my shop, I have a bicycle shop, I went over and put on all my
gear to do a pracite slow speed ride. I did the MSF push the bike around in
my buddies parking lot to get use to the weight and how it balances. Then I
went straight and practiced the clutch/brakes...Whhoo just like a hydrolic
MTB don't grap a fist full of lever ;)



My impression...All the low speed putt putting around I did went great! I
was shocked at how simular the VFR is at low speed to how a bicycle feels
at low speeds. Balance points, body language all feel very simular. I was
somewhat relieved to have a simular feeling to the bicycle's! With 20+ years
of ridding and racing it was nice to find out.



What I learned....I will be spending alot of time putt putting around
getting 100% use to the controls and how they work. i think this comes from
all the years of high speed driving and instructing on a race track in a
car. i am aproaching it like I do with new students..small steps.. The only
thing I will have to get use to is counter steering...I plan to do parking
lot drills from the MSF book I downloaded in LARGE parking lots until I get
comfortable with it ;o)



Thanks for the advice. I hope to be around for a long time on the VFR..It is
the best bike in the world ;)



Gary






_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr




_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

+1 on that.

Cheers,
Sean T Murphy
2003 VFR800A - 31,000+ miles
Orlando, FL
http://www.SeanTMurphy.com/VFR
The Dragon, The Wolf, and The Cherohala Skyway: Check

"Try to learn something about everything and everything about something."
-- T. H. Huxley


-----Original Message-----
From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf Of
vfrlist@xxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 12:23 AM
To: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Got the bike! First ride!

The MSF class is the best money you will ever spend when it comes to riding,
save perhaps good riding gear.


_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

First, congratulations on getting your bike! I can hear the excitement in your notes. Second, it sounds as if you have the potential to be a very good rider if you have raced both cars and bicycles. Third, I agree with everyone else when they advise you to take the actual MSF course. This recommendation should not be taken lightly. Let me give you an example.

A new rider in the Atlanta area recently asked a few friends who ride to help him become proficient enough to ride his brand new first bike (VStrom 650) to work. He, like you, had never owned a bike but had long been in love with the idea. Along came the gas crunch and he convinced his wife that his commute to work on a bike would be far cheaper and that he should get a bike. The first MSF course he could get in was 2 months out. Two of us told him we would take him out on some backroads between then and when he could take the MSF course but that riding in traffic was certainly something he should not do until after he had taken the course AND had about 5,000 miles under his belt. We explained that until you have become one with the bike and you don't have to think about what to do in an emergency, that he should stay out of heavy urban traffic that often moves fast in close quarters and with drivers who are stressed out, distracted and aggressive.

You guessed it. He could not wait. He went out on a ride with someone else who told him he seemed like a natural and he began riding to work the following week. Earlier this week, less than a month after he started riding, we received the following note:

"I got into my first cycle accident on Thursday. Suffered a fractured jaw, left arm, 8 stitches to the chin, some busted teeth, and other bruised parts. Hit a compact car (practically t-boned) and flew across the hood nearly Duje of Hazard style. All in all, it was a good wreck. I walked away. Only going 25 mph but I flipped end over end, heels over head. I’ll be getting the Strom assessed this week to learn if it’s totaled or not.

Not enough to keep a good man down. Lesson learned. Only smarter now."

From his reaction to the accident, I question if he learned anything. While this kind of accident can happen to the best of us, many such accidents are avoided by skilled riders who have a sixth sense and can "read" what is going on and see danger unfolding and who react quickly and skillfully when needed. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and don't try to save a few bucks by trying to learn to ride on your own. That is the wrong way to save money. Statistics show that new riders are clearly at the highest risk. Those without training go to the top of the list.

By the way, you mentioned that you downloaded the MSF course manual. Where did you find it? Please provide a link. I would like to see it as well.

Vic


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vfr@xxxxxx on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 5:37 AM +0000 wrote:
>Re: Got the bike! First ride!

By all means, take the BRC - and soon! The student handbook is fine, but using it as the sole source of wisdom reminds me of the parachutist reading the student handbook on skydiving on the way down. He was, unfortunately, a slow reader,,, :]

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vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

At the very least, buy the book "Proficient Motorcycling", read it
carefully, and go to a parking lot and practice breaking and
swerving. I didn't take the MSF course, but i practiced a lot in a
parking lot, until i could control and balance the bike very
comfortably. Practicing for the road test, which i took on the VFR,
was very helpful. I found it difficult, especially on my bike, which
meant i had to really work on controlling every aspect from throttle,
and breaking to counterbalancing and counter-steering. BTW, I would
have taken the course, but i missed the opportunity and they filled
up. Now I only go out with experienced, patient riders. Oh Yea, and
don't trust any intersection, alley, driveway or turn signal. Slow
down around each, especially in the city.



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vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

Sounds like you will do fine Gary! Just trying to help.

Vic

Gary wrote:
Thanks! I appreciate all the advice I have gotten from the list. One reason I like the VFR, besides the fact I have wanted one for years! The VFR tends to attract a much more mature rider. Unlike a 600cc sport bike...

http://www.msf-usa.org/CurriculumMat...71_noprint.pdf

Thats one. I downloaded the practice sets also with how to set it up in a parking lot. I planned to take the MSF course ASAP, I plan to take it now and repeat it in three months, then around 6 months sign up for the advanced class.. I have to contact the local guys who do it. They do it every week end. I am also planning to go to a race track and do the beginner course. I think with NESBA, they do one at a small bike road course in AL, TDGP. I think it will vastly accelerate my bike handling skills in a safe environment. My buddy did his first one and he told me I needed to do one. He told me on the first session you don't get over 35mph, second has a 60mph limit, he told me he learned allot about his bike and how it handles. And he has been ridding for awhile. He also told me the classroom part was as informational as the on track. He was pretty impressed with how they taught the class, and how well controlled it was.

Until I am 110% up to speed I do not plan to ride out anywhere. I do plan to go to a local subdivision and practice stopping, starting and slow speed turns. I have a loop through the subdivision I ride my road bike in. The traffic is light to nothing after 6pm. I plan to do the parking lot drills a few times before the MSF course, and after. And I plan to do full on emergency braking to get into ABS to see how it feels.

I am pretty anal when it comes to learning something new. I love to teach people on the race track how to control a car at high speed I imagine I will end up the same on the bike in a few years. I enjoy the teaching aspect.

6th sense...I pretty much have that covered from all the road bike miles...If you don't develop the sixth sense on a road bike you can get killed pretty easy... Basically to me the 6th sense is the ability to judge and see all the things going on around you at the same time and make decisions on how safe a situation is , or dangerous. You are right some people have no clue. I have had enough near death brushes on the bicycle to fill a book...Cars buzzing to close, turning in front of you, trucks, AND other cyclist (we call the newbie's "Fred's") They are the most dangerous to ride with in a tight pack. 20 guys going 20-25mph in a pack can be real bad if something goes wrong.

You can trust one thing..I have probably been down more on a bicycle than anyone ont he list has on a motorcycle. I have been down at 30mph with lycra and a helmet, more than once! Road rash is NOT your friend! Over the years I have gotten beat up, broken collar bone, separated shoulder, cracked rib, knocked out a few times, stitches, deep muscle bruising.

I have fallen off a bicycle enough to know I don't want to fall off a motorcycle! Hurts WAY to much to be stupid when just getting started...I see these you kids out on sport bikes with T shirts on and shorts and my stomach turns over..Ahh what they don't know! They give motorcycling a bad name...Just like cyclist who don't wear helmets ;o)

Thanks!
Gary
Hopes to learn slowly and enjoy his VFR!!! Vrrom Vrroom!!! MAN that V4 purrrrrzzz like a kittten!!! :)
----- Original Message -----
From: vic5491@xxxxxx
To: probikeguy@xxxxxx
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 10:32 AM
Subject: Re: Got the bike! First ride!


First, congratulations on getting your bike! I can hear the excitement in your notes. Second, it sounds as if you have the potential to be a very good rider if you have raced both cars and bicycles. Third, I agree with everyone else when they advise you to take the actual MSF course. This recommendation should not be taken lightly. Let me give you an example.

A new rider in the Atlanta area recently asked a few friends who ride to help him become proficient enough to ride his brand new first bike (VStrom 650) to work. He, like you, had never owned a bike but had long been in love with the idea. Along came the gas crunch and he convinced his wife that his commute to work on a bike would be far cheaper and that he should get a bike. The first MSF course he could get in was 2 months out. Two of us told him we would take him out on some backroads between then and when he could take the MSF course but that riding in traffic was certainly something he should not do until after he had taken the course AND had about 5,000 miles under his belt. We explained that until you have become one with the bike and you don't have to think about what to do in an emergency, that he should stay out of heavy urban traffic that often moves fast in close quarters and with drivers who are stressed out, distracted and aggressive.

You guessed it. He could not wait. He went out on a ride with someone else who told him he seemed like a natural and he began riding to work the following week. Earlier this week, less than a month after he started riding, we received the following note:

"I got into my first cycle accident on Thursday. Suffered a fractured jaw, left arm, 8 stitches to the chin, some busted teeth, and other bruised parts. Hit a compact car (practically t-boned) and flew across the hood nearly Duje of Hazard style. All in all, it was a good wreck. I walked away. Only going 25 mph but I flipped end over end, heels over head. I’ll be getting the Strom assessed this week to learn if it’s totaled or not.

Not enough to keep a good man down. Lesson learned. Only smarter now."

From his reaction to the accident, I question if he learned anything. While this kind of accident can happen to the best of us, many such accidents are avoided by skilled riders who have a sixth sense and can "read" what is going on and see danger unfolding and who react quickly and skillfully when needed. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and don't try to save a few bucks by trying to learn to ride on your own. That is the wrong way to save money. Statistics show that new riders are clearly at the highest risk. Those without training go to the top of the list.

By the way, you mentioned that you downloaded the MSF course manual. Where did you find it? Please provide a link. I would like to see it as well.

Vic




_______________________________________________
vfr mailing list
vfr@xxxxxx
For subscription and delivery options:
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/vfr

If I may, it is never too late to take the MSF course. It is also never too
late to take and re-take the ERC. There are folks who have been riding for
30 years taking the classes right along side the rank beginners. I've been
riding for 20 years (legally) and I still take classes (albeit racing) but I
learn everyday how to be the best rider I can be.

Claudia NYC
VFR/ ABS 2003
VFR 2007
K12 S 2006


-----Original Message-----
From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Lee R
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:27 PM
To: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Got the bike! First ride!

At the very least, buy the book "Proficient Motorcycling", read it
carefully, and go to a parking lot and practice breaking and
swerving. I didn't take the MSF course, but i practiced a lot in a
parking lot, until i could control and balance the bike very
comfortably. Practicing for the road test, which i took on the VFR,
was very helpful. I found it difficult, especially on my bike, which
meant i had to really work on controlling every aspect from throttle,
and breaking to counterbalancing and counter-steering. BTW, I would
have taken the course, but i missed the opportunity and they filled
up. Now I only go out with experienced, patient riders. Oh Yea, and
don't trust any intersection, alley, driveway or turn signal. Slow
down around each, especially in the city.



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Excellent planning. You'll be out lapping me next season no doubt. Cheers,
Claudia



_____

From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf Of
vic5491@xxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:30 PM
To: Gary
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Got the bike! First ride!



Sounds like you will do fine Gary! Just trying to help.



Vic

Gary wrote:

Thanks! I appreciate all the advice I have gotten from the list. One reason
I like the VFR, besides the fact I have wanted one for years! The VFR tends
to attract a much more mature rider. Unlike a 600cc sport bike...



http://www.msf-usa.org/CurriculumMat...71_noprint.pdf



Thats one. I downloaded the practice sets also with how to set it up in a
parking lot. I planned to take the MSF course ASAP, I plan to take it now
and repeat it in three months, then around 6 months sign up for the advanced
class.. I have to contact the local guys who do it. They do it every week
end. I am also planning to go to a race track and do the beginner course. I
think with NESBA, they do one at a small bike road course in AL, TDGP. I
think it will vastly accelerate my bike handling skills in a safe
environment. My buddy did his first one and he told me I needed to do one.
He told me on the first session you don't get over 35mph, second has a 60mph
limit, he told me he learned allot about his bike and how it handles. And he
has been ridding for awhile. He also told me the classroom part was as
informational as the on track. He was pretty impressed with how they taught
the class, and how well controlled it was.



Until I am 110% up to speed I do not plan to ride out anywhere. I do plan to
go to a local subdivision and practice stopping, starting and slow speed
turns. I have a loop through the subdivision I ride my road bike in. The
traffic is light to nothing after 6pm. I plan to do the parking lot drills
a few times before the MSF course, and after. And I plan to do full on
emergency braking to get into ABS to see how it feels.



I am pretty anal when it comes to learning something new. I love to teach
people on the race track how to control a car at high speed I imagine I will
end up the same on the bike in a few years. I enjoy the teaching aspect.



6th sense...I pretty much have that covered from all the road bike
miles...If you don't develop the sixth sense on a road bike you can get
killed pretty easy... Basically to me the 6th sense is the ability to judge
and see all the things going on around you at the same time and make
decisions on how safe a situation is , or dangerous. You are right some
people have no clue. I have had enough near death brushes on the bicycle to
fill a book...Cars buzzing to close, turning in front of you, trucks, AND
other cyclist (we call the newbie's "Fred's") They are the most dangerous
to ride with in a tight pack. 20 guys going 20-25mph in a pack can be real
bad if something goes wrong.



You can trust one thing..I have probably been down more on a bicycle than
anyone ont he list has on a motorcycle. I have been down at 30mph with lycra
and a helmet, more than once! Road rash is NOT your friend! Over the years I
have gotten beat up, broken collar bone, separated shoulder, cracked rib,
knocked out a few times, stitches, deep muscle bruising.



I have fallen off a bicycle enough to know I don't want to fall off a
motorcycle! Hurts WAY to much to be stupid when just getting started...I
see these you kids out on sport bikes with T shirts on and shorts and my
stomach turns over..Ahh what they don't know! They give motorcycling a bad
name...Just like cyclist who don't wear helmets ;o)



Thanks!

Gary

Hopes to learn slowly and enjoy his VFR!!! Vrrom Vrroom!!! MAN that V4
purrrrrzzz like a kittten!!! :)

----- Original Message -----

From: vic5491@xxxxxx

To: probikeguy@xxxxxx

Cc: vfr@xxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 10:32 AM

Subject: Re: Got the bike! First ride!



First, congratulations on getting your bike! I can hear the excitement in
your notes. Second, it sounds as if you have the potential to be a very
good rider if you have raced both cars and bicycles. Third, I agree with
everyone else when they advise you to take the actual MSF course. This
recommendation should not be taken lightly. Let me give you an example.



A new rider in the Atlanta area recently asked a few friends who ride to
help him become proficient enough to ride his brand new first bike (VStrom
650) to work. He, like you, had never owned a bike but had long been in
love with the idea. Along came the gas crunch and he convinced his wife
that his commute to work on a bike would be far cheaper and that he should
get a bike. The first MSF course he could get in was 2 months out. Two of
us told him we would take him out on some backroads between then and when he
could take the MSF course but that riding in traffic was certainly something
he should not do until after he had taken the course AND had about 5,000
miles under his belt. We explained that until you have become one with the
bike and you don't have to think about what to do in an emergency, that he
should stay out of heavy urban traffic that often moves fast in close
quarters and with drivers who are stressed out, distracted and aggressive.



You guessed it. He could not wait. He went out on a ride with someone else
who told him he seemed like a natural and he began riding to work the
following week. Earlier this week, less than a month after he started
riding, we received the following note:



"I got into my first cycle accident on Thursday. Suffered a fractured jaw,
left arm, 8 stitches to the chin, some busted teeth, and other bruised
parts. Hit a compact car (practically t-boned) and flew across the hood
nearly Duje of Hazard style. All in all, it was a good wreck. I walked away.
Only going 25 mph but I flipped end over end, heels over head. I'll be
getting the Strom assessed this week to learn if it's totaled or not.

Not enough to keep a good man down. Lesson learned. Only smarter now."

>From his reaction to the accident, I question if he learned anything. While
this kind of accident can happen to the best of us, many such accidents are
avoided by skilled riders who have a sixth sense and can "read" what is
going on and see danger unfolding and who react quickly and skillfully when
needed. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and don't try to save a
few bucks by trying to learn to ride on your own. That is the wrong way to
save money. Statistics show that new riders are clearly at the highest
risk. Those without training go to the top of the list.



By the way, you mentioned that you downloaded the MSF course manual. Where
did you find it? Please provide a link. I would like to see it as well.



Vic






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Ah, screw it. Get yourself a WERA license and start racing this weekend with the teenagers. The learning curve is a bit steep, but no pain no gain.












(of course I'm kidding)


---- "vic5491@xxxxxx" wrote:

=============
Sounds like you will do fine Gary! Just trying to help.

Vic

Gary wrote:
Thanks! I appreciate all the advice I have gotten from the list. One reason I like the VFR, besides the fact I have wanted one for years! The VFR tends to attract a much more mature rider. Unlike a 600cc sport bike...

http://www.msf-usa.org/CurriculumMat...71_noprint.pdf

Thats one. I downloaded the practice sets also with how to set it up in a parking lot. I planned to take the MSF course ASAP, I plan to take it now and repeat it in three months, then around 6 months sign up for the advanced class.. I have to contact the local guys who do it. They do it every week end. I am also planning to go to a race track and do the beginner course. I think with NESBA, they do one at a small bike road course in AL, TDGP. I think it will vastly accelerate my bike handling skills in a safe environment. My buddy did his first one and he told me I needed to do one. He told me on the first session you don't get over 35mph, second has a 60mph limit, he told me he learned allot about his bike and how it handles. And he has been ridding for awhile. He also told me the classroom part was as informational as the on track. He was pretty impressed with how they taught the class, and how well controlled it was.

Until I am 110% up to speed I do not plan to ride out anywhere. I do plan to go to a local subdivision and practice stopping, starting and slow speed turns. I have a loop through the subdivision I ride my road bike in. The traffic is light to nothing after 6pm. I plan to do the parking lot drills a few times before the MSF course, and after. And I plan to do full on emergency braking to get into ABS to see how it feels.

I am pretty anal when it comes to learning something new. I love to teach people on the race track how to control a car at high speed I imagine I will end up the same on the bike in a few years. I enjoy the teaching aspect.

6th sense...I pretty much have that covered from all the road bike miles...If you don't develop the sixth sense on a road bike you can get killed pretty easy... Basically to me the 6th sense is the ability to judge and see all the things going on around you at the same time and make decisions on how safe a situation is , or dangerous. You are right some people have no clue. I have had enough near death brushes on the bicycle to fill a book...Cars buzzing to close, turning in front of you, trucks, AND other cyclist (we call the newbie's "Fred's") They are the most dangerous to ride with in a tight pack. 20 guys going 20-25mph in a pack can be real bad if something goes wrong.

You can trust one thing..I have probably been down more on a bicycle than anyone ont he list has on a motorcycle. I have been down at 30mph with lycra and a helmet, more than once! Road rash is NOT your friend! Over the years I have gotten beat up, broken collar bone, separated shoulder, cracked rib, knocked out a few times, stitches, deep muscle bruising.

I have fallen off a bicycle enough to know I don't want to fall off a motorcycle! Hurts WAY to much to be stupid when just getting started...I see these you kids out on sport bikes with T shirts on and shorts and my stomach turns over..Ahh what they don't know! They give motorcycling a bad name...Just like cyclist who don't wear helmets ;o)

Thanks!
Gary
Hopes t