new guy on a bike...

[EVERLAST]

Well... new to a bike this big.
My last bike was a 750 and that hardly compares to the 1800cc monster sitting out on my patio. I rode for the first time yesterday and was overshooting the turns and ending up in the opposing lane for a few yards...not to worry its just around the block and I'm careful, but it points out a serious need to adjust to the extra size and weight. I'm also a little hesitant to lean her over. 1 and 2nd gears are a bit jerky and I'm not sure if its my technique or just the gear ratio. This bike is just too FAST. I never got into 3rd gear before the stop signs and thats ok since I'm so new.

So the next Safety classes are in March and I'm going to do it for the break on insurance and my peace of mind.
Once I get my tags and Insurance I will do some more practice around the neighborhood before getting too far out in the highway.It is such fun to open her up for a bit. Scary too since I dont feel like I'm in complete control yet.
So around the block and up the side streets and back out onto Main street for three blocks, and then around again. Starting and stopping alot is good practice plus all the turns...

I feel like a kid but that beats feeling like a corpse.

[MOUNTAIN-MAN]

Re: new guy on a bike...

i know how you feel my harley is about 1200 lbs and it took some getting use to the more ya ride the better ya get be safe

[badasz32]

Re: new guy on a bike...

be safe gentlemen. I would say keep it on 2 wheels but its just not my style...

[EVERLAST]

Re: new guy on a bike...

took the new bike in for a check up and found it had the wrong plugs in it and they were fouled, missing some bolts in the air kits, and still dont have the lower running lights operational...
now it is truly badd azz! I'm learning to lean into the turns on her big fat rear tire and its smooth all the way. Good balance and suprizingly nimble. Throttle is instant. Im talking 50 mph in first gear in about 2 seconds.So I'm tooling around the block and neighborhoods, parking lots and such. Practicing my turns and just getting to know her... I have yet to get out of third gear.

Dont you just love it when the relationship is still new... and you get the joys of discovering who she really is and what gets her motor cranked? What she likes and doesnt like. My new girl Scarlett does not like to get her feet muddy or to ride on gravel.
she's funny that way...

[deepsouth]

Re: new guy on a bike...

bring her down here to me and I'll tell you where she tops out- and yes I have a license

[horsepwr]

Re: new guy on a bike...

It's a blast, huh brother.
I just have a little 600cc. 599 technically. Gotta be to race in supersport. It redlines at 16.5 thousand rpms. You're a little over 70mph at the top of 1st. 135 at the top of 3rd with 3 more to go. close ratio 6spd, but at a redline like that it lengenths the gears out. The powerband comes on strong from 10k-16k RPM. It is unexplainable! And I like 'em trim. My girl only ways in at 341 dry weight. without that 13lb catalytic. 134bhp stock.

It's kinda good to feel not quite in complete control. It's right then, that you feel you have complete control, that it'll show ya otherwise.
It is a blast, though, huh!
Ride safe! Gear up! Helmets keep ya from drooling. Road-rash is so so painful, so a good riding jacket is priceless when you're sliding across the asphalt.
Somehow, there are folks that haven't experienced sliding on the asphalt at a good highway speed. But there are 2 types of riders. Those that have went down, and those that will go down. remember that.

[EVERLAST]

Re: new guy on a bike...

guy pulled out in front of me today. had my helmet, leathers on and all. Full face Bell, gloves. Exelement leathers from Leatherup. Great company by the way.
So this guy starts to pull out and gets the front end of his car out into my lane and JUST SITS THERE...

man if looks could kill he'd be incinerated.

[horsepwr]

Re: new guy on a bike...

oh yes sir. They know that you're the one that stands no chance on a bike, so they deliberately do that shyt. assholes!
I got an opportunity of a lifetime with a dude that tried to take me out with his full size Chevy. He almost clipped my front tire. He was a "tough guy".

[FUZO]

Re: new guy on a bike...

EVERLAST I HAVE TO ASK WHY BUY SUCH A BIG BIKE IF YOUR NOT SURE ON RIDING IT AT 100% YET. IMO YOU SHOULD OF WENT WITH A SMALLER ONE THEN WHEN READY GET THIS BIKE.IVE JUST SEEN TO MANY GUYS WHERE I LIVE BUY BIKES THAT ARE TO BIG FOR THEM OR DONT KNOW HOW TORIDE AND THEY WRECK THEM BECAUSE THERE NOT READY FOR SUCH A BIG BIKE. NOW DONT GET ME WRON I;M NOT TELLING YOU WHAT TO DO I;M JUST WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SAFETY. IF YOUR WORRIED ABOUT YOUR BIKE AND ITS TO BIG IMO YOU SHOULD OF WENT SMALLER THATS ALL.BUT YOU HAVE TO GET IT OUT THERE AND OPEN IT UP IN THE 3RD 4TH 5TH GEAR

[EVERLAST]

Re: new guy on a bike...

Last bike was a 750. This one is lower to the ground by several inches and easier for me to ride. As I progress up through turns and learning the balance of the bike I will eventually get to a stretch of road that allows room to open it up. Inner city blocks and 35 mph speed limits are what is holding me back right now. Weather is cold and isnt right to getting out on the hghway just yet and besides...I am still getting used to her. I got this bike through a driveway concrete job and have about half of the blue book value invested. Great buy for me.
Remember I have had it all of a week and ridden it two-three days now.
Smaller bike?
...please, look at the pics again.

So...top 10 reasons I got this bike...

#1...shes beautiful!
#2 She a smart investment the way I got her.
#3 I will get used to her in a controlled and safe progression of skills aquired day by day.
#4 Riding by definition is not safe and cant be made so...you are at risk no matter what.
#5 This releases dopamine and is fun.
#6 We all die. nobody gets out alive. when its your time you are GOING.
#7 I really do not fear. Nothing. Its liberating.
#8 I have been careful and bored all my life and I'm tired of it.
#9 Excuse to buy more leather.
#10 Just look at the pics again!!!

[EVERLAST]

Re: new guy on a bike...

Ok...got out on the highway today at about 3:00 it was warmer then.
Got through all the gears to say the least.
Looked down and saw 98 go by on the speedometer and was at 105-108 before I could get off the throttle. Really smooth.
Rode out to look at a jobsite where my crew was there doing details.
so its official...I love that bike.
I know its early and we just met, but there's no sense in denying it.
I know this feeling is real and...well, I think she loves me back.

[horsepwr]

Re: new guy on a bike...

yep. it doesn't take long at all. It's always a very quick and deep fall for me.
I always wonder how I love one more than the last. I think it's cause they keep getting better. with more personality.

[pigmeat]

Re: new guy on a bike...

nothing like opening it up on a bike...after 100 the bugs feel like bullets,lol

[EVERLAST]

Re: new guy on a bike...

I am saving up for the little shorty windshield for mine.
Everything just costs too much money...
I want floorboards instead of pegs, got a quarter sized dent in the gas tank and a few scrapes in the clear coat that I want to buff out, need a switch for the lower running lights installed, etc.
OK little things but the floorboards I want are over 500.00 for the front and rear!

All my toys cost too much money!

[horsepwr]

Re: new guy on a bike...

You might get that bike over a little far for those floorboard things. I think even if they fold up, I'm not sure they're something you want to drag. They could be dangerous on something like that. Those pegs are safer for that.
Isn't a Boulevard a little on the sportier side for the cruiser class?
You mentioned the back tire having a little beef to it. What is it a 190, 200???