Passed the MSF course recently and got a BMW 650 GS Dakar.

First day rode it home in light rain and did some neighborhood riding to get a feel for it. Felt pretty comfortable and had a lot of fun. My wrist was a little sore from braking and clutching but healed quickly.

Next ride was a commute to work. The day I choose it was pouring rain very heavily but I went anyway. Had to start on a very steep hill and stalled once and got into some very heavy traffic but did fine. On the way home about 5 people got within 1cm of my bumper at red lights. I wasn't too happy about it but oh well. Seemed to be mainly women that did this for some reason.

Today I took it on my first canyon ride up into the hills and had a blast. Weather was good and I took it easy with very light traffic. Did some good leaning, braking, and accelarating and the bike felt good. Down the mountain was a little more challenging and I found that the bike got a little unhappy when I downshifted. One time I downshifted one too many gears and the bike got really unhappy but held together. Later I figured out that if I blip the throttle then the downshifts were more smooth and didn't unsettle the bike.

Anyway I think my bicycle experience helped me a lot in my motorcycle riding. People say they are nothing a like but too me it's very similar. Especially the turning/leaning aspect. I feel fairly comfortable after 100 miles but know I have a lot to learn and will take it easy for a while longer.

Tomorrow I might hit some off road trails we have around here in a motorcycle park.

Congrats on the first hundred. May you have many more trouble-free miles.

Got any pictures of your bike? I've always liked how those Dakars look.

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Practicing the dark and forgotten art of using turn signals since '98.

Congrats! I like the F 650 Bimmers. My first choice for a dual sport, tied with the KLR 650.

Keep learning, sounds like you're objective, and willing to adjust your style as needed. That is a sign of a safe rider.

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Only the dead have seen the end of war. (Plato)

Sweet! I just hit 100 miles myself today!

I was looking at the bmw F650 CS but decided it was a little too over my budget. I ended up with the Triumph Bonneville T100.

Here's to many more safe miles!

Way to go! I think the cycling give you a situational awareness that helps on any two-wheeled vehicle ( now I'm trying to think of another kind, oh scooter...). Keep up the systematic approach to learning, and an eye in the mirror, and you'll be fine.

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Ride safe...God bless!
-Ron