going for a ride by yourself for the first time?

without the SO or friend......when did you go? I still feel a bit insecure to take it for a spin by myself (without hubby leading me on his bike) even though I am dieing to do so. Had the bike for only 2 weeks, I am still getting used to it and I am curious if there is a certain "time" when its OK to go on your own

If ya got your license, go! If ya don't like certain roads yet (like the highway), just stick to the ones ya like. Take a cell phone and tell someone what your doing, and go! By the way, are there rules about "the ladies lounge"? If I'm not supposed to post here, just tell me :) Anyway, good luck to ya :thumbup:

If ya got your license, go! If ya don't like certain roads yet (like the highway), just stick to the ones ya like. Take a cell phone and tell someone what your doing, and go! By the way, are there rules about "the ladies lounge"? If I'm not supposed to post here, just tell me :) Anyway, good luck to ya :thumbup: no rules, post if you feel like sayin something :) Yeah, I got my licence. Highways are out of question for me for now. Geez, I feel like when I did when I first started driving. Still have to see if I can do the the U-turns. I do everything fine on the parking lot, but on the street I get nervous

just take your time on local roads. slowly increase the range

I rode by myself the first day I got it like a week ago. A bit nervous at first, this was also my first time ever riding a motorcycle. I rode to a shop about 25 minutes away to get a new rear tired installed. Then I started riding around solo at night, now I ride on the highway to work. I feel a lot more comfortable.

well, I just dropped it....lol...thank God for frame sliders. Nothing at all, at a stupid Stop sign in my sub, the pavement was uneven and I put my right foot down first - right where it was going in like a dip and the bike just tipped over to the right

I rode by myself the first day I got it like a week ago. A bit nervous at first, this was also my first time ever riding a motorcycle. I rode to a shop about 25 minutes away to get a new rear tired installed. Then I started riding around solo at night, now I ride on the highway to work. I feel a lot more comfortable. I get extremelly nervous when its time to make a turn at a light. Is it easier riding at night because there isnt so many cars? I think that the darkness is gonna leave me without a good sight on the road

well, I just dropped it....lol...thank God for frame sliders. Nothing at all, at a stupid Stop sign in my sub, the pavement was uneven and I put my right foot down first - right where it was going in like a dip and the bike just tipped over to the right yikes! Hope that you and your bike are ok! I get extremelly nervous when its time to make a turn at a light. me too. I had my one and only accident at an intersection because traffic was bad so I had been waiting a long time to turn left and people were waiting behind me. So when I got a little break in the traffic I tried to get through the intersection and I went too fast for my skill level. It'll probably be a long time before I get over that. But maybe being nervous makes you a better rider. What do you think? Is it easier riding at night because there isnt so many cars? uh, not on a friday night. Tonight everyone is going to be on their way to a party. Try Saturday during the day or Sunday. The only dangers on a Sunday are little old ladies on their way to church. They'll pull out in front of you. It's still better than a Friday night with all the kids on the road heading to bars.

yikes! Hope that you and your bike are ok! nah, nothing wrong with the bike. Only the frame slider has a bit of a scratch on it. Bike is perfect. I am fine too, only my right foot got twisted when I put it down because of the dip in the road me too. I had my one and only accident at an intersection because traffic was bad so I had been waiting a long time to turn left and people were waiting behind me. So when I got a little break in the traffic I tried to get through the intersection and I went too fast for my skill level. It'll probably be a long time before I get over that. But maybe being nervous makes you a better rider. What do you think? yikes! I did the same - had to turn right at a light, there was a little bump and I gave it a bit more gas to go over it and I ended up at the left turning lane with a car aprouching me. Luckilly the driver saw me and stoped far away from me. I dont think being nervous helps at all. Alert, cautious and carefull - yeah uh, not on a friday night. Tonight everyone is going to be on their way to a party. Try Saturday during the day or Sunday. The only dangers on a Sunday are little old ladies on their way to church. They'll pull out in front of you. It's still better than a Friday night with all the kids on the road heading to bars yeah, I know....I hate even driving my car on the weekend nights. If the weather is good tomorrow during day its gonna be riding day. I am retired tonight now...lol

haha i know the exact feeling you have. i got my bike a month ago and have never ridden alone. i only ride with my fiance, and still haven't gotten up the courage to just take it out on my own. i'm comfortable on the streets with him, but i feel like i'd be more nervous by myself. i dunno, i guess it's just a step i'm gonna have to take one of these days.

I've dropped mine a few time, lol. Frame sliders do a nice job when it just flops over. Seeing your avitar, its looks like your feet hit the ground just about the same as mine. That will get better as the miles pile on, but it was an added hassle for me. Good luck to you.

This thread reassures me to the fact that I will never let my girl ride my bike. How the hell do you drop your bike at a stop sign? It just doesn't make sense to me at all...?

First time I rode by myself was 9am on a sunday. I did that because I was already a confident rider and been on some group rides. Sunday morning very little traffic and nice and cool. I made a destination route.. rode to # 1 took a break... to # 2 called and let everyone know I am ok and by the # 3 i met up with some friends for lunch/dinner :thumbup: good luck! I put like 200 miles on my bike that day just riding around. :)

This thread reassures me to the fact that I will never let my girl ride my bike. How the hell do you drop your bike at a stop sign? It just doesn't make sense to me at all...? 1. new, nervous, SHORT rider. she put her foot a pothole or something and it just went over on her, not the first time it's happened. 2. factor in inexperience make sure you watch out for gravel, oil patches, etc etc when your puting your foot down in the future. did u have trouble picking it back up on your own?

This thread reassures me to the fact that I will never let my girl ride my bike. How the hell do you drop your bike at a stop sign? It just doesn't make sense to me at all...? Its easy to drop a bike any where. Your just not trying hard enough ... Its your choice. I say don't let your girl ride your bike, but don't make snide comments towards someone thats learning to ride. I've dropped several bikes several times, and I'm a pretty good rider. Dropping a bike is no big deal either. The frame sliders work well. I got stung by a wasp the other day and dropped my bike trying to stop with one hand on a gravel rode. No big deal. She's doing just fine, and its nothing that I or someone else hasn't done before. Your bike must really be shiny sitting in the garage :infrandom Actually thats the easiest place to drop a bike, in the garage :)

I am not trying to make snide comments or be mean, it just seems really retarded to drop your bike for a reason like that. I didn't factor in the short point though, so I will give you that. But at the same time I think that would make be anal about checking where I put my feet down. I have been riding for almost four years and have never(I know I will eventually) dropped one of my bikes. The only time I ever went down was when I got hit by a fucking car on my Katana..so I think I can use that excuse :rofl: Sorry if I came off mean Suzukigirl, I'm just a little jaded. The two girls that occasionally ride with my group of friends can't ride worth a shit and I hate riding with them. Makes me so nervous just watching the stuff they do or don't do that riders should be doing. And knock on wood, because I am majorly jinxing myself with this post.

I am not trying to make snide comments or be mean, it just seems really retarded to drop your bike for a reason like that. I didn't factor in the short point though, so I will give you that. But at the same time I think that would make be anal about checking where I put my feet down. I have been riding for almost four years and have never(I know I will eventually) dropped one of my bikes. The only time I ever went down was when I got hit by a fucking car on my Katana..so I think I can use that excuse :rofl: Sorry if I came off mean Suzukigirl, I'm just a little jaded. The two girls that occasionally ride with my group of friends can't ride worth a shit and I hate riding with them. Makes me so nervous just watching the stuff they do or don't do that riders should be doing. And knock on wood, because I am majorly jinxing myself with this post. Thats your experience and I dont think that if you never managed to drop your bike (thank God) or come close to it gives you a right to say how stupid of a reason it is that caused someone else to do it. It has happened to quite a lot of my male friends too - all of them short. So, dont generalize the girls as not being able to ride a bike. It takes time to learn just as SoK said. PS - I know myself I was not being carefull, that was experience I needed to open my eyes more so I pay more attention next time I go out riding. I just say thank God it happened at a non-buisy part of my subdivision instead of on a street

1. new, nervous, SHORT rider. she put her foot a pothole or something and it just went over on her, not the first time it's happened. 2. factor in inexperience make sure you watch out for gravel, oil patches, etc etc when your puting your foot down in the future. did u have trouble picking it back up on your own? I saw a technique that shows girls how to pick up a bike, but midway I couldnt lift it anymore. Thank God, some guys passed by on the other side of the road and stoped to come and lift it up for me and ask if I am ok. I am not going out on my own anymore until I get way more confident First time I rode by myself was 9am on a sunday. I did that because I was already a confident rider and been on some group rides. Sunday morning very little traffic and nice and cool. I made a destination route.. rode to # 1 took a break... to # 2 called and let everyone know I am ok and by the # 3 i met up with some friends for lunch/dinner good luck! I put like 200 miles on my bike that day just riding around. see, you were already broken in....lol.....I am still nervous and not so confident. How long did it take you to gain enough confidence and was your gixxer your very first bike to learn on? I've dropped mine a few time, lol. Frame sliders do a nice job when it just flops over. Seeing your avitar, its looks like your feet hit the ground just about the same as mine. That will get better as the miles pile on, but it was an added hassle for me. Good luck to you. yeah, being short is a huge hassle. I cant lower the bike more cause I dont want to mess with the ground clearance issue. :)

This thread reassures me to the fact that I will never let my girl ride my bike. How the hell do you drop your bike at a stop sign? if only a big strong man had been there with a shovel and a bucket of gravel, he would have filled that pothole *before* she put her foot in it. right? right? lol.

Hello ladies....I just joined today, and I'm soooo glad to see other newbies with short legs ;) who share a passion for riding. I got my 600 SRAD a few months ago, but just got licensed with insurance, reg, parts, etc. squared away. So, I've been riding for just about 2 weeks. Went on my first solo ride last night, and dropped it stalling on a turn out of a stop. Then my battery took a shit on me. Luckily it was out of the way of traffic. That taught me to ride solo. I quickly called my boyfriend to come and rescue me. So...I will not be riding solo again UNTIL I can do a few things with relative ease and comfort: 1) responding in emergency situations on the saddle, i.e. stopping suddenly, stalling, etc. by doing some drills back in the parking lot; 2) learn where my footpegs are like i know the back of my hands; 3) learn how to pick the bike up by myself and 4) getting stronger on my weak side (my right). Until I can get these things under my belt, my poor boyfriend will be tagging along....just in case. By the way....anyone know where to get chatterboxes at a decent price?? Peace,

lol...OMG, I am thinking the same - I so am not going out on my own until I can do all that that you just posted about. I dont wanna be caught in a situation that is more dangerous than the first. Who helped you pick up the bike? Did you click the "Kill the engine" button right away?

Sorry if I came off mean Suzukigirl, I'm just a little jaded. The two girls that occasionally ride with my group of friends can't ride worth a shit and I hate riding with them. Makes me so nervous just watching the stuff they do or don't do that riders should be doing. And knock on wood, because I am majorly jinxing myself with this post. :headscrat :headscrat :headscrat :headscrat :headscrat

Wake up, girls can ride just as good as guys ... I kinda feel like I wasted my time saying that :cool:

see, you were already broken in....lol.....I am still nervous and not so confident. How long did it take you to gain enough confidence and was your gixxer your very first bike to learn on? I learned to ride on my gixxer but I have 3 years experiance on dirt bikes, rode 2-up with my guy-friend all the time. It only took me a few weeks before I was riding by myself and moving my bike on my own. But every day after work my friend came over and made me move my bike and we rode. Sometimes it's better to just ride with one friend. Then after that my roommate rode. So I had someone to ride with all the time. :thumbup: Just relax and breathe.. dont be so nervous. It's just riding :) and if you drop it so what.. it's only a bike and it can be easily fixed. Everyone has dropped there bike before not a big deal. I dropped my bike few time but it was due to my stupidness... haha Once in a parking lot, I was parking..put the kickstand down and it came back up and I didnt notice and BAM! down it went... I just put my hands up and shrugs... I was laughing in my helmet. :lol: :lol: :) :thumbup:

I'm not so worried about dropping it, as I am about crashing :lol: I am aware its gonna take me a long time to get used to the bike and all that. It just sucks that I can go ride only on the weekend and even now all this rain is fucking me up

You need to get up early in the morning like 5AM and go for a ride. There is less traffic, but still some traffic. By 7 or 8 when the traffic gets heavier, you'll be a pro.

Just take your time. And when making a u-turn look over your shoulder and it will help you make the turn tighter.:thumbup:

You need to get up early in the morning like 5AM and go for a ride. There is less traffic, but still some traffic. By 7 or 8 when the traffic gets heavier, you'll be a pro. in Metro Detroit the rush starts about at 6:30am. All the factories here are the main reason. I'll do that when I feel more confident in myself. For now, I dont like going by myself cuz that one incident freaked me out and I dont want it to happen somewhere where there will be nobody to help me. Just take your time. And when making a u-turn look over your shoulder and it will help you make the turn tighter I can make the tight turn. The thought of not having time to straighten the bike before stopping is what scares me.

Honestly, and I don't want this to come off really harsh, but... My GSXR was my first bike. I was a bit "scared" when I first started, but nothing like what you are talking about. Perhaps you need to get some more training in a controlled environment before you go out on the road. Riding scared and being over-cautious will get you into just as much trouble as being wreckless. Maybe you should take Super Bike school, the MSF if you haven't, or just plain give up on riding. The amount of fear you have isn't really normal. We all have OH SHIT moments, and that's the point where you have to decide is this really for me? You have small children and a family. Maybe you should go back to riding with the hubby. Riding isn't for everyone, and I'd really hate to hear something bad had happened to you because you were pushing it and weren't comfortable. Just something to think about. If I sound like a pretentious prick I apologize, but that's just the way I feel. I've ridden with a few people who SHOULD NOT be riding. I don't know if you're one of them, but it sounds like you need some more quality time with a trainer. I can 100% vouch though, that any amount of money you spend on training that will make you feel more comfortable will be 100% worth it. If I die tomorrow doing something stupid, my parents are upset, and my dog needs a new home. If you do, you have children with no mom...

I'll get over it. I've ridden the bike only 4 times total for about an hour each time. For now, its been going good and I get more and more used to the bike. Each time I take it out my husband tells me that I did this or that better than the last time. I have that fear for stuff I havent done them yet - like the U-turn or the circular drive thing. I did the circular thing friday night and I did it right. Now, I am not so scared of it anymore. And, no, I am not giving up on riding. I felt the same fear when I first started driving. Should I not drive either?

I just said it, because it needed to be said... I'm sure you can agree, riding is NOT for everyone. Every book on motorcycling you will ever read will tell you... If a, b, c fits your description maybe you shouldn't ride. Like I said, I just don't want to hear that you got run over crossing the double yellow or something. Fear is good, uncontrolable death grip fear is NOT good. I hope that everything works out good for you, and that your motorcycling journey is long and prosperous :thumbup:

dont worry, I got a good coach. I aint going anywhere and yes - motorcycling is for me or I wouldnt have gotten one

dont worry, I got a good coach. I aint going anywhere and yes - motorcycling is for me or I wouldnt have gotten one I've been reading all of the posts describing the problems you've had with your bike due to your height, so my question is this: Why didn't you buy a bike that fit you properly in the first place? A good friend of mine who is a little under 5'1" has a Ninja 250R, and it fits her perfectly. Granted, it's not exactly the nicest looking or quickest of all bikes, but that's not what you usually need in a beginner bike. It doesn't sound like you're too comfortable on your GSXR, and the fact that the suspension geometry has been altered so much just doesn't sound safe to me. Just something to consider I guess.

I've been reading all of the posts describing the problems you've had with your bike due to your height, so my question is this: Why didn't you buy a bike that fit you properly in the first place? A good friend of mine who is a little under 5'1" has a Ninja 250R, and it fits her perfectly. Granted, it's not exactly the nicest looking or quickest of all bikes, but that's not what you usually need in a beginner bike. It doesn't sound like you're too comfortable on your GSXR, and the fact that the suspension geometry has been altered so much just doesn't sound safe to me. Just something to consider I guess. because its her money and she does what she wants with it. Now that she already has bought the bike she will just have to adjust and learn. Why go out and buy a corvette when you can buy a Jetta? It's not like your going to drive the corvette to the fullest ability...

I've been reading all of the posts describing the problems you've had with your bike due to your height, so my question is this: Why didn't you buy a bike that fit you properly in the first place? A good friend of mine who is a little under 5'1" has a Ninja 250R, and it fits her perfectly. Granted, it's not exactly the nicest looking or quickest of all bikes, but that's not what you usually need in a beginner bike. It doesn't sound like you're too comfortable on your GSXR, and the fact that the suspension geometry has been altered so much just doesn't sound safe to me. Just something to consider I guess. It will take me longer, but I'll get there. I dont care and you shouldnt either. If you can help me out, cool, if not - well, you know

i understand your apprehension short girl... hell i wrecked my bike pulling out of the dealership!!! :D i went through it, believe me lol. i stewed for a week before i got back on it. the thing i have realized is that i just needed to get back on and ride. don't preoccupy yourself with "what ifs", they will only make you nervous and will affect your ability to control the bike. keep practicing, even if it's just in your neighborhood. this can be a great place for learning to make tight turns from a stop. instead of constantly thinking about hwo you are going to handle the bike, spend your time concentrating on the search, evaluate, and execute techniques. get your head position right, look where you want to go, and scan the area around you. the bike isn't going to do anything you don't tell it to do. if you want it bad enough and really think it's for you things will just happen.

i understand your apprehension short girl... hell i wrecked my bike pulling out of the dealership!!! :D i went through it, believe me lol. i stewed for a week before i got back on it. the thing i have realized is that i just needed to get back on and ride. don't preoccupy yourself with "what ifs", they will only make you nervous and will affect your ability to control the bike. keep practicing, even if it's just in your neighborhood. this can be a great place for learning to make tight turns from a stop. instead of constantly thinking about hwo you are going to handle the bike, spend your time concentrating on the search, evaluate, and execute techniques. get your head position right, look where you want to go, and scan the area around you. the bike isn't going to do anything you don't tell it to do. if you want it bad enough and really think it's for you things will just happen. thats exactly how my brain works :lol: Even my husband told me to stop thinking of the things I havent done yet and the "what ifs". He is proud of me being able to get on the street my 2nd day of riding and getting myself out of a sticky situation without hurting myself. I think of shit and get myself all spooked up, but when I get on that bike, I think only of executing the task that is right in front of me. I dont bother my brain with thinking of stuff that havent come yet Thanks though, that was encouraging :thumbup:

just take your time on local roads. slowly increase the range +1 you go to walk before you run. Take it at your own pace and don't let your feeling rush you into anything. Just do what you feel you can handle.

lol...OMG, I am thinking the same - I so am not going out on my own until I can do all that that you just posted about. I dont wanna be caught in a situation that is more dangerous than the first. Who helped you pick up the bike? Did you click the "Kill the engine" button right away? Once I got my stomach out of my throat, I hit the cut off switch and tried picking the bike up. Once I figured out that I wasn't gonna be able to do it by myself, the next thing I did was perhaps the most important one....(forgive me ladies for taking advantage of our gender)....I took off my helmet and let my hair down, so people could see that I wasn't unapproachable and scary looking. I'm sure it also helps that my bike is pink. Several people actually stopped to check on me...mostly women who admitted that they probably weren't strong enough to help me. But after standing there for 15 minutes, this nice woman with two strong teenage boys stopped. She pretty much insisted that her sons help me. I instructed them on how to help and the three of us picked it up. Shortly after, my boyfriend arrived and we took the bike apart in a driveway closeby and jumped the battery.

I totally agree with what other folks are saying....and I may not know what I'm talking about. But....with what little knowledge I have, and listening to advice that other more experienced riders have given me, the most important thing for me is to get back on the saddle, get more and more and more practice. That's the only way to get better. If you let your fear overcome you, you'll never be able to ride and get any enjoyment out of it. Trust me, I struggle with the same thing. But I have to remember how much I enjoy being on a bike, and how much fun it could be if I let myself go a little bit. You'll always be taking risks, but as long as you have a good level of self-awareness, it should be fine. You have to know your limits. If you're not ready to ride solo, don't. If you're not ready to get on the highway, don't. Yada yada yada. You and you alone know what you can handle. In terms of the parking lot concept...the one I go to is a huge relatively flat lot with none of those concrete barrier things. I only go there to get more familiar with my bike...i.e. getting accustomed to where my footpegs really are, getting used to the feel of the clutch/throttle, etc. My clutch is a bit tight for my comfort right now, and my throttle is a bit quirky, and I don't think riding on the street is a great place to experience any trial and error with that kind of basic stuff. But beyond that, I can tell that riding on the street in average traffic is going to be the best learning experience. Perhaps driving around on the weekends and scoping out good riding "courses" for yourself would be a good idea. Roads that have a few challenges to test your abilities but that aren't particularly dangerous (potholes, sand, construction, high traffic, etc.) and won't throw you for too many loops. And you could change the course every week. Thoughts??

hey shortgirl..trust me i know wha if feels like to be read to go but not wanna go tooooo far, go at your pace. u turns are scary the hardest parti s applying what u did in the test to what you do on the road. i bought icon boots to help with the height as well as adjusting the seat height. when ur finally out riding keep ur eyes looking where u WANT to go, not where you dont want to go the bike follows where u look

because its her money and she does what she wants with it. Now that she already has bought the bike she will just have to adjust and learn. Why go out and buy a corvette when you can buy a Jetta? It's not like your going to drive the corvette to the fullest ability... A Jetta and Corvette do have one thing in common: an adjustable driver seat. Bikes, well, don't. I'm not trying to come down on her, it was simply a question, because not all bikes fit all people. For what it's worth, my same 5'1" friend can ride a K6 600 fairly well with it being lowered 1.5" front and rear.

well, I just dropped it....lol...thank God for frame sliders. Nothing at all, at a stupid Stop sign in my sub, the pavement was uneven and I put my right foot down first - right where it was going in like a dip and the bike just tipped over to the right This might be a silly question but why would you put your right foot down first. Your right foot controls the rear brake & thats the one you use at low speed (like just before stopping)as opposed to the front. It gives you more control. Go & chat to your coach & ask him why he hasn't pass this on to you, then some braking excercises in the car park. I have the hieght prob also but it's just a matter of anticipating whats coming up. Remember lots of practice makes it second nature & then you don't have to think about it as much

I seriously dont know why I put my right foot down first that time. I always place the left one down first at ay time. And yeah, you are right its the anticipation thats messing my head. The whole time I used the word Fear, sorry guys, dont mind me - sometimes I use the wrong words when I try to write something that would translate literaly from my language

if i'm not mistaken the MSF course teaches you to put your right foot down first...

if i'm not mistaken the MSF course teaches you to put your right foot down first... no, its the left. You get points if you put the right one down

no, its the left. You get points if you put the right one down doh!

doh! Back to the shwinn for you:laughingr

i think its normal to be afraid of the stoplight.. it takes some time before you get those jitters out of the way.. try riding every single day.. don't try learning on sunday, or with a group.. the parking lot is fine.. but you need to be in traffic a little bit.. practice taking off strong (4-6k rpm), and stopping really effing quick.. you have to know how to do this stuff.. in case you are at a stop light, and need to take off/ get out of the way of a car, not slowing down... get on the highway. even if you exit the very next exit.. the twisties are not that big of deal.. you just need some time to get comfortable with the bike... if its extremely windy, tuck in.. and slow down a little.. also, i would recommend getting HIDS. the real HID kit.. I have them on my car and soon, on the bike...if you've never had them.. its like being 100ft underwater. and you finally get to see what lies beneath all that darkness. HID lightning is truly amazing.. get it.. so you can see, and be seen, and a pipe.. so you can be heard. :]

lol...when you got 2 little kids and nobody to watch them, you cant go riding every day.....lol I'll make the most of that one day If I go take the highway, I think I wanna try it in the evening, around 8-9pm, when there is less cars around

lol...when you got 2 little kids and nobody to watch them, you cant go riding every day.....lol I'll make the most of that one day If I go take the highway, I think I wanna try it in the evening, around 8-9pm, when there is less cars around Gots to be careful then because the speeds are higher. (loves splitting lanes at night with high beam on in cars side mirrors):thumbup:

Gots to be careful then because the speeds are higher. (loves splitting lanes at night with high beam on in cars side mirrors):thumbup: yeah, I think I'll wait until next season for that. If I dont have to take it, than I dont need shit happening to me twice as fast :lol:

yeah, I think I'll wait until next season for that. If I dont have to take it, than I dont need shit happening to me twice as fast :lol: Rule #1 Ride at your own pace. On a side note I don't ever remember if you answered my question. Where is Macedonia?

Rule #1 Ride at your own pace. On a side note I don't ever remember if you answered my question. Where is Macedonia? I did, I guess you didnt see that. Its on the Balkan. We used to be Yugoslavia. Greece is south of us, Serbia north, Albania west and Bulgaria east

Yeah I must have missed it. Thanks.:thumbup:

Yeah I must have missed it. Thanks.:thumbup: no problem :thumbup:

There are times when I hit up the canyons by myself. It helps to become a better rider. But I ride everyday, I commute, so I am riding by myself often. Only time I ride with others is canyon rides or when we all get together.

I did, I guess you didnt see that. Its on the Balkan. We used to be Yugoslavia. Greece is south of us, Serbia north, Albania west and Bulgaria east Hey, Im originaly from Croatia :clap:

Hey, Im originaly from Croatia :clap: caos :) Was about to ask you, cuz your name just screams SLAVIC!!!!! When did you leave Croatia? Ovo je super :)

My husband's rule was that I couldn't ride solo until I put 200 miles on my bike. It was only a 250cc, though, and I was pretty comfortable with it in the 1st week, so I made sure I rode that thing as much as possible until I reached the 200 mile mark. Since then, I've had 4 more bikes, and honestly I ride solo more than we ride together. It works out that way because I do use my bike to commute, and my husband works at home. And it's not uncommon for me to take the extra- extra- extra- long way home from work to squeeze in some twisties. Wait until you feel confident in your skills with your new bike. I have 2 kids, too, they're 6 and 8, and the smaller they are, the more maintenance they require, so I know, as a mom, it's hard to squeeze in riding time sometimes. Take as long as you need to "become one" with your bike. One piece of advice, though - and you may have already thought of this: I don't know how things are where you live, but consider carrying mace or a taser if you're going to ride by yourself. I've had more than a few uncomfortable encounters, the most scary one this spring when I was followed by 4 men in a pickup at high speeds on some back roads. I now carry mace and am taking a concealed weapons course this winter to get a permit to carry a firearm when I ride.

caos :) Was about to ask you, cuz your name just screams SLAVIC!!!!! When did you leave Croatia? Ovo je super :) Ha,Ha :thumbup: Got here (Australia) 10 years ago, fall in love with roads, got my self a bike, and now no one can find me in Sydney during a weekend, counrty roads are the best, no many cops! If nice weather, Im somewhere there, and most possibly back home sunday night around midnight!!!:bike: When did you get there? How is it??? If you compare it to Yugoslavia??? This Sunday is GP in Melbourne, and I couldn't go "snip"

If ya got your license, go! If ya don't like certain roads yet (like the highway), just stick to the ones ya like. Take a cell phone and tell someone what your doing, and go! By the way, are there rules about "the ladies lounge"? If I'm not supposed to post here, just tell me :) Anyway, good luck to ya :thumbup: there are rules regarding the ladies lounge... they are posted in the announcement and the top of this section

i think its normal to be afraid of the stoplight.. it takes some time before you get those jitters out of the way.. try riding every single day.. don't try learning on sunday, or with a group.. the parking lot is fine.. but you need to be in traffic a little bit.. practice taking off strong (4-6k rpm), and stopping really effing quick.. you have to know how to do this stuff.. in case you are at a stop light, and need to take off/ get out of the way of a car, not slowing down... get on the highway. even if you exit the very next exit.. the twisties are not that big of deal.. you just need some time to get comfortable with the bike... if its extremely windy, tuck in.. and slow down a little.. also, i would recommend getting HIDS. the real HID kit.. I have them on my car and soon, on the bike...if you've never had them.. its like being 100ft underwater. and you finally get to see what lies beneath all that darkness. HID lightning is truly amazing.. get it.. so you can see, and be seen, and a pipe.. so you can be heard. :] :thumbup: on the HID's have them in my truck and on both my bikes now... if i get in a car with out HID's on it now i feel like they are driving around with their head lights off... the difference in visability is very noticable

Ha,Ha :thumbup: Got here (Australia) 10 years ago, fall in love with roads, got my self a bike, and now no one can find me in Sydney during a weekend, counrty roads are the best, no many cops! If nice weather, Im somewhere there, and most possibly back home sunday night around midnight!!!:bike: When did you get there? How is it??? If you compare it to Yugoslavia??? This Sunday is GP in Melbourne, and I couldn't go "snip" ugh....7 and a half years ago I miss the mountains, you know. There is hardly any hill in this area of Michigan here. And I still miss Skopje. No matter how economicly bad it has gotten...lol

I'll get over it. I've ridden the bike only 4 times total for about an hour each time. For now, its been going good and I get more and more used to the bike. Each time I take it out my husband tells me that I did this or that better than the last time. I have that fear for stuff I havent done them yet - like the U-turn or the circular drive thing. I did the circular thing friday night and I did it right. Now, I am not so scared of it anymore. And, no, I am not giving up on riding. I felt the same fear when I first started driving. Should I not drive either? Have you taken an MSF course? They're relatively cheap, and you'd be surprised how helpful they are. Also, they actually cover figure 8s in the course. Once you learn to do figure 8s in a box, U turns will be a breeze for you.

Have you taken an MSF course? They're relatively cheap, and you'd be surprised how helpful they are. Also, they actually cover figure 8s in the course. Once you learn to do figure 8s in a box, U turns will be a breeze for you. yes, I took MSF. And I do the 8 no problem. I also whent to their parkig lot with my own bike and practiced the U-turns. I did them perfect. I am just anticipating the real thing. Its no big deal once I get to do it on the street

Honestly, and I don't want this to come off really harsh, but... I can 100% vouch though, that any amount of money you spend on training that will make you feel more comfortable will be 100% worth it. Go for it, it can really help:thumbup: I did level ; 1,2 and 3 Superbike School, 2x Race School and Advanced Cornering and Braking School Lots of man are doing it, so why not girls Not once happen I leave man behind, but than again, lots of guys do the same to me This kind of school gives you great confidence, once you on the bike, no matter are you with someone or on your own, no one can't really help you, so you better work on your confidence . Put some money on this, I promisse You won't be sorry :thumbup:

so have you been riding everyday?? i dont mean 3 hour trips into the canyons, driving to a small town 50 miles away for lunch... i mean going to the gas station... taking little 5-30 minute trips everyday, every other day. etc.. seriously, its the best way.. you can't expect to ever feel 100% comfortable ridng on sunday and only sunday... :cool:

well, I can not ride any day I choose. I have 2 little kids - 4 and 1, responsibilities around the house, them and my husband, my husband works night shift - he sleeps till 3pm, leaves for work at 4:30pm and comes home at 5am. Now you tell me who am I gonna leave these kids to so I can ride? No, only Saturday is available to me and thats thanks to my mom who watches them that day.

I know the feeling well... My little one is 4.. cant tell her ok mommy will be right back I'm going for a ride

I know the feeling well... My little one is 4.. cant tell her ok mommy will be right back I'm going for a ride just lockem in the closet for a few hours and tell em mommy is going to go buy them some candy!! :lol: :lol:

First a few comments. If you can ride the motorcycle around behind your husband then you can ride it alone. Technically you are riding the bike alone. That is the idea behind a motorcycle...the independance. You, the machine, and the open road. You MUST have confidence in yourself and your bike. If you think you are going to wreck you are going to wreck. Riding is a mind game. If you have the confidence then you will not have a problem. Ofcourse you can not control other drivers but if you have control of your bike often you will be able to avoid incidents. Now a question. Not to seem like a jerk but would someone explain to me why women think they can not ride unless their bf or husband is with them? Just because the man is there does not mean the woman will not wreck. It is not like the guy can swoop down and save her. That is something that has always baffled me about women riders. Ladies...just ride your bike. That is the only way to get better and have the confidence. Most of the girls I know who have confidence are better riders the 90 percent of the guys around here. There is nothing about a motorcycle that makes a man a better rider then a woman.

just lockem in the closet for a few hours and tell em mommy is going to go buy them some candy!! :lol: :lol: jejejeeejj !! Yeah ... NO :laughingr

Now a question. Not to seem like a jerk but would someone explain to me why women think they can not ride unless their bf or husband is with them? Just because the man is there does not mean the woman will not wreck. It is not like the guy can swoop down and save her. That is something that has always baffled me about women riders. this is the most idiotic post ever! See how he generalizes "WOMEN" not all women ride with their boyfriends or husbands. And the ones that do USUALLY are newbs. It is always better to ride with someone with more experiance than yourself. I am sure he prolly thinks women belong in the kitchen as well :headshake

please let this thread die....its only 7 pages longer than it should be..........................rip please...

this is the most idiotic post ever! See how he generalizes "WOMEN" not all women ride with their boyfriends or husbands. And the ones that do USUALLY are newbs. It is always better to ride with someone with more experiance than yourself. I am sure he prolly thinks women belong in the kitchen as well :headshake I guess you did not read the entire post. If you had it should have been clear that I do not think women belong in the kitchen. But I should have said "most women". I say that because I have never met a guy who "has" to ride with other people until he gets more comfortable. Yes it is a broad generalization but it is an honest question based on 16 years of riding motorcycles and knowing plenty of women riders during that time period. HAHAHAHAHA My mom won't be home!!!! HAHAHAHAHA You are funny motherfucker. Oh that hurts....oh the pain...the agony....HAHAHAHAHA can someone give me a hug? :bowdown: :thumbup: :fu:

I guess you did not read the entire post. If you had it should have been clear that I do not think women belong in the kitchen. But I should have said "most women". I say that because I have never met a guy who "has" to ride with other people until he gets more comfortable. Yes it is a broad generalization but it is an honest question based on 16 years of riding motorcycles and knowing plenty of women riders during that time period. HAHAHAHAHA My mom won't be home!!!! HAHAHAHAHA You are funny motherfucker. Oh that hurts....oh the pain...the agony....HAHAHAHAHA can someone give me a hug? :bowdown: :thumbup: :fu: I think it is time to stop taking your hate towards women out on fellow forum memebers, and look at yourself. Why are you so angry? Did your mommy tie your shoes to tight, did she leave when you were 6? Or maybe you have issues pleasing them? SO THAT'S WHY YOU NEED THE HUG!!!:woot:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Thank you for the morning laughter. Maybe we can do it again sometime.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Thank you for the morning laughter. Maybe we can do it again sometime. Sure I needed some to, bored at work.:bounce