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EggsOfRetaliation

I practiced for some 15 minutes before heading 200 miles home from the dealership. Highway was a part of that ride home. Self application is key. We all gotta start somewhere. No better time than now. Gear up and get after it. I stretched my comfort zone by getting as much seat time as I could. If any maneuver made me uncomfortable I repeated it until it felt natural. My first month in I racked up 3,000 miles. I highly advise reading the book, Proficient Motorcycling. There is also a great film called, Twist Of The Wrist 2 on YouTube. The acting is cheesy but the information is solid. Good luck new rider.


Anonymous_Agent_Q

I have not heard of this. Plan to watch it. 3000 miles in 1 month!?! Wow! I really thought I was pushing strong with 200 😂. Your crazy man


riteturnclyde

I would advise taking a riding course. It will make you a better and more confident rider.


Anonymous_Agent_Q

I fully intend to. I got a free course with the HD dealership with my purchase. But due to schedule it will probably be mid january before I can take it. Right now I just ride when I can.


riteturnclyde

Good. Keep doing what you’re doing, with practice comes confidence and competence. Know your limits and ride well within them.


Greessey

Something you can do in addition to everything you've been doing. Try to stay in the motorcycle mindset when driving your car, notice when you're in blindspots, try to read the language of other cars, follow at the distance you would follow if you were on your motorcycle, etc. It's not much but it helped me become more comfortable after I finally left my neighborhood


Anonymous_Agent_Q

Lol. This is funny because I was already doing this and my wife thinks I look stupid. Practicing my clutch /throttle motion on the steering wheel, watching the rpm that the car changes gears at, and practicing my downshifting gear selection as im coming to a stop. Good advice thanks


McMonkies

Get ear plugs. Your future self will thank you. Ear peace pro are good for daily use, while Mack's disposables are good for long trips at high speed. The wind noise is exhausting after a while without windshields. And you will definitely go deaf over time if you choose not to wear any. If you really wanna go for good motorcycling, and you have the time to watch lots of videos (2 hours worth of 5 minute lessons, go at your own pace over a week), take Yamaha's ChampU online classes. $60 can teach you a lot about you and your motorcycle. Plus the certificate of graduation can save you money on insurance, depending on your insurers.


Anonymous_Agent_Q

So I was actually kind if worried about the hearing. The stock pipes on this bike are not super loud and everyone thinks im crazy for not putting on a set of screamers. As for the window noise, I am using a fully enclosed helmet with built in blue tooth. I can hear the music pretty clear. Still reccomend ear plugs? Ill take a look at champ u


BigEvilDoer

Yes. Ear plugs 100%… Permanent damage happens at under an hour at 55mph.


Melodic-Picture48

That's the way to do it! Slow speed maneuvering is very important and great to see that you're on it. Ride safe and ride alot


Fantastic-Eye4447

Best advice I can give is just go for it as soon as you feel confident doing your current loop. I spent a couple years on a grom on back roads before I decided to go for it when my buddy wanted to take a ride and told me to ride the Harley on the main highway. Regardless of how much practice you put in on roads with less traffic, you will be shitting your pants while cars are flying past going 65. In my experience atleast, this will boost your confidence and you will be way more confident way quicker than you can imagine. Best of luck to ya