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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Newcomer to the Sport
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Message started by Wake51 on 06/30/10 at 23:22:17

Title: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by Wake51 on 06/30/10 at 23:22:17

Evening folks. I'm brand new to the sport, and as I'm sure many of you are delighted to know I'm starting off on a Savage. Picked up a 2001 model used off of Craigslist. She's a real beauty, had 5,000 miles on her and was kept in show room condition.

I'm 20 and a college student at the University of Missouri. I got introduced to the sport by my brother has been into the sport since he was old enough to keep a bike upright using his tippy toes as well as some of my friends who discovered this sport a couple years back.

I searched for the right back at the right price until I was blue in the face. I just hauled the new girl home a couple days ago but it's been a blast ever since. Granted I've been restricted to parking lots getting used to getting a good solid feel of the clutch, taking off, breaking, turning, and other safety procedures. I'm of course going to take the Motorcycle Safety Course before the day comes that I hit the actual road. But just learning in the parking lot has been a real blast.

The most fun has come from reflecting at home about what I've learned. I've nearly dropped the bike once practicing slow turns, I hesitated when starting a sharp turn from simply not feeling comfortable with the bike yet. Managed to salvage it with barely a scratch to the right peg. Gotta get that first one out of the way at some point right? ;) Just an excuse to do another 5-10 minutes of figure eights to make sure you don't end on a bad note!

Just wanted to introduce myself and get some of the excitement off the chest. I'm looking to make sure I take every step with safety having the up most priority. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous being brand new to the sport. But I'm sure that will melt away with experience. Just trying to keep the rubber side down!

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by Hashbrown on 06/30/10 at 23:54:44

welcome to the cult man...and its not a sport its a way of life 8-)

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by LANCER on 07/01/10 at 02:39:52

YEP, it is a WAY OF LIFE.

Welcome to the family young dude ! ;)

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by onelunger on 07/01/10 at 04:17:07

Welcome to the brotherhood. 8-)

You definately picked a good bike to start on. It's good to see someone who's actually being smart about their choices in regards to getting into riding. Far too often I see people getting in WAY over their head w/ too much bike or a "I already know everything" attitude. It normally doesn't end well for those folks. Just keep doing what your doing.

Oh, just remember: A protective jacket, gloves and a helmet may be uncomfortable at times, but a head injury or a skin graft is FAR worse. Gear up and enjoy the ride.

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by babyhog on 07/01/10 at 05:58:52

Welcome welcome! As a mother of an almost-19-year-old, I'm happy to read that it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. Makes a mommy feel good. :)
Take it slow and easy, and safe.... and enjoy!

There is a ton of experience in the old geezers on this board. You've joined a great group of people to learn from.

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by Bubba on 07/01/10 at 06:16:12

Welcome Wake...I was born in Columbia, MO...there are some great twisties around there. Just take yer time, enjoy and don't let anyone tell ya it's too small of a bike. If you treat her right she'll treat you right.

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by ero4444 on 07/01/10 at 10:09:30

FYI occasionally scratching the pegs of a cruiser is normal IMO.

One thing became clear to me in class, that it is much easier to go faster than to go slower - the centripital force of the faster wheels makes the bike stable and easier to control. Watch out for sand, gravel, manhole covers and road stripes. oops- and dead leaves

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by Wake51 on 07/01/10 at 11:26:48

Thanks for the warm welcome!

As for those who like to shoot flak at the Savage not being a real bike, the single cylinder/belt drive says to me, "I'm classy without having to be overly sophisticated. 8-)"

Are there any general recommendations on safety equipment? I know that helmet/jacket/gloves/boots are of course a must and that you want to get something with color to it so that pops out to the eye. Perhaps a lot of it is personal preference but I don't want to skimp on safety gear. Yet at the same time I don't want to buy gear intended for taking a race bike out to the track if it's impractical for the type of riding to be done on a savage.

I'll be leaving for the holiday weekend but when I get back I'll see if I can post some pics of the little lady on two wheels.

Everyone enjoy the 4th and take care when riding or any activity you do over the weekend!

Title: Re: Newcomer to the Sport
Post by Serowbot on 07/01/10 at 11:38:33

one tip,.. buy tight...
...if you do go down,... a loose jacket can move around, and bunch up,... putting padding in all the wrong places...
I got a football size bruise on my left kidney once, from my jacket bunching up on a lowsider...