I'm new here. Hi!
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:11 am
Hi all,
So I always wanted a motorcycle. I never got one due to other responsibilities, fears, finances, and any number of other excuses. That changed a few weeks ago when I found a path to make it work financially. The wife was on board and I signed up for the MSF class. I knew I wanted an old, used, "cruiser" style bike to learn on and a friend's dad sold me his for a good price. This worked out well since I know nothing about motorcycles and was unsure how I was going to be able to purchase a used one and not get taken advantage of with condition, etc. The only issue is the bike itself is a bit bigger than I planned.
I tend to over-research things. I had read from multiple places that, as a complete beginner and a larger guy, I should probably not exceed the 600-750 cc range for a cruiser. So when my friend's dad told me he was selling a 1400 cc bike(actually closer to 1360something) I initially said no, it was too big. But after thinking about it I figured if I take things slow, maybe I can make it work. So I am the proud owner of a 95 Suzuki intruder 1400.
So here I am at the start of my motorcycle journey. I've bought a bike, gear, and signed up for the MSF class.
I took my first spin in my neighborhood with the bike on Sunday. These are my initial thoughts: Clutch work with a lever is weird. I stalled out multiple times. It reminds me of learning to drive dad's stick wrangler years ago. 90 degree turns at stop signs while releasing the clutch, getting feet off the ground, and trying not to stall is difficult.
I don't plan on doing much more than riding in the neighborhood until I pass the MSF class that I'm taking end of this month.
Happy to be here.
So I always wanted a motorcycle. I never got one due to other responsibilities, fears, finances, and any number of other excuses. That changed a few weeks ago when I found a path to make it work financially. The wife was on board and I signed up for the MSF class. I knew I wanted an old, used, "cruiser" style bike to learn on and a friend's dad sold me his for a good price. This worked out well since I know nothing about motorcycles and was unsure how I was going to be able to purchase a used one and not get taken advantage of with condition, etc. The only issue is the bike itself is a bit bigger than I planned.
I tend to over-research things. I had read from multiple places that, as a complete beginner and a larger guy, I should probably not exceed the 600-750 cc range for a cruiser. So when my friend's dad told me he was selling a 1400 cc bike(actually closer to 1360something) I initially said no, it was too big. But after thinking about it I figured if I take things slow, maybe I can make it work. So I am the proud owner of a 95 Suzuki intruder 1400.
So here I am at the start of my motorcycle journey. I've bought a bike, gear, and signed up for the MSF class.
I took my first spin in my neighborhood with the bike on Sunday. These are my initial thoughts: Clutch work with a lever is weird. I stalled out multiple times. It reminds me of learning to drive dad's stick wrangler years ago. 90 degree turns at stop signs while releasing the clutch, getting feet off the ground, and trying not to stall is difficult.
I don't plan on doing much more than riding in the neighborhood until I pass the MSF class that I'm taking end of this month.
Happy to be here.