|
SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> passed my road test today!!! /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1147912132 Message started by starmom on 05/17/06 at 17:28:52 |
|
Title: passed my road test today!!! Post by starmom on 05/17/06 at 17:28:52 Started me lessons in april, took my test today, aced it! My husband took his test too and also passed. purchased my pearl blue 06 S40 two weeks ago as a birthday present to myself. (im 44) Damm its a good thing i passed my test ay? Acutally I had the upmost faith in myself as did my instructor. met her this afternoon after shoveling the gravel off my driveway (for 1 1/2 hrs) needless to say my bad shoulder is pissed at me, picked up my bike, my instructor worked with me on her (ive only ridden a 240 nitehawk up until that moment and only 5-6 times in my life as the driver) got a feel for her and drove her home. the ride home was fun, having to stop on an uphill that headed into traffic was NOT fun and alittle scarey as I just learned the technique of dealing with this YESTERDAY, and she started leaning to the left and getting heavy but i was NOT letting her drop, (bad shoulder and all ) I was able to right her and get moving...Yippe... this is also another reason I like this bike, its not 5-600 lbs. Im looking foward to getting more in tune with this bike and motorcycling in general, develop those necessary reflexes that keep you in one piece, like after driving a car for 28 yrs. Overall its been a great day........just wanted to share..... sue |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Dynobob on 05/17/06 at 18:42:51 Congratulations. It sounds like you did all your homework. Now be careful out there ;D |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Savage_Rob on 05/18/06 at 05:37:17 Yes, congratulations! Enjoy and keep the shiny side up. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by azjay on 05/18/06 at 06:43:29 congratulations! i hope you take to it as well as my wife has, we ride every day, even if it is only 20 miles. lots of saddle time is where you'll find your comfort zone. enjoy it to the MAX! |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by MISS_SALLY on 05/18/06 at 08:32:18 CONGRATS YOU GO GIRL!!!!! Enjoy and be safe |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Savage_Rob on 05/18/06 at 08:55:30 I wish I could get my wife into riding. For some reason, she's terrified of motorcycles. To my knowledge, she's never known anyone who's been seriously injured or worse on one but they're kind of a phobia for... bikes and needles. I can't get her to donate blood either. Oh well, maybe someday. I'm not gonna push it. That just generates pushback. More power to all of you out there with spouses who share your passion! |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by starmom on 05/18/06 at 10:53:12 So I took "delilah" (my bike) out for our maiden voyage on our own (no one covering my butt) all in all I went about l4 miles, went to the daycare to show the kids, and then to the credit union (smaller roads), did ok trying to get a feel for her.... know where things are better, encountered some small inclines (that you dont really realize are there until you are on a bike) but it was good practice, yep I stalled her a few times but its a learning curve. I stalled at a light twice, that was alittle scarey, but i just restarted her and got going, (spooked me alittle not too much) went into a neighboorhood that tends to be quieter with hills and put myself thru my paces practicing how to get going from a standstill "uphill" and boy do i feel that bad shoulder today. (quick history; fell down a flight of deck stairs, l0 to be exact on a very icy day two years ago, needed surgery a year later (last yr) managed a labral tear sometime after surgery, so its sore alot but after moving lots and lots of gravel by myself yesterday off my driveway so i could bring her home, well........that was the final straw for my shoulder. felt better this am, went to a jazzercise class "took it easy" but a yank or two of her on those hills i was practicing on , looks like im done for today. :( went to the credit union, it was fun pulling in, and walking in with the helmet, leathers etc, people looking at me when i pulled of the helmet and realized i was a girl "in a dale ernhardt , #3 jacket". Over all it ride felt pretty good, only got one backfire out of her the whole ride. What frustrates me as a new rider is that with my adhd i cant always remember what gear im in, that accounted for one stall at a light, i was in 2nd not first............. :P Any tips for this older gal just starting out, practice drills etc? Would appreciate anything youve got as a suggestion... Thanks...... 8) Sue |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by MacAttack on 05/18/06 at 11:19:18 Congratulations! My wife did likewise last Sunday, and she's looking forward to riding with me this weekend. I occasionally forget which gear I'm in, also - same issue. Suzuki standard bikes, years ago, came with an LED gear indicator. But what I do instead is downshift into Neutral as I approach a stoplight, then wait in Neutral. I know I'm supposed to stay in first with the clutch in, in case I need an instant departure... old habit from driving a car with a stick and wanting to save the throwout bearing. You might also try shifting down slowly and watching for the flicker of green as you pass through Neutral. As your skills develop, though, all this will be less of a problem - in fact, when you take off in second accidentally, you'll just compensate for it. Again, congratulations and happy trails! |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by MISS_SALLY on 05/18/06 at 12:44:42 I can't help it but I count. I count all the gears up and all the gears down. I know sooner or later I'll have enough riding under my belt to hear the gears...Until then I count. When coming to a stop I always down shift. After I stop I always let out my clutch with just a little throttle just to know that I'm in 1st. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by magicfairy on 05/18/06 at 13:21:34 I am a 45 year old woman, and after riding scooters to work and back for years, finally got my Savage last year. I was sick of being pillion on the big bike my partner has. All those things you are experiencing are normal, you will be amazed how quickly it all starts to come together. I have done 7000k on mine now and find I no longer have to think about changing gear, braking, but at first I felt I was having to use 110% of my brain just to keep it all together. A 50k ride was exhausting. Now I can go for a 300 k ride easily. But it did not happen overnight. The more variety you can get the better, town riding, highway, open road, twisties... As for gears, after a while you will find that you will usually be able to guess what gear you are in, just from the sound/feel of the engine and the speed you are going. I always go into neutral at lights too, then I can be sure I am in first when I take off. Well done, it is very satisfying to take up a challenge like this, when you are both a woman and shall we say a bit "older". It can be pretty daunting at first, but things will just get better and better. Ride like you are both naked and invisible, assume car drivers will do the stupidest things and progress at your own pace. As they say "Ride your own ride" |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by bikingb on 05/18/06 at 13:30:05 Congrats!! It feels great to be on your own. I just passed the MSF course last July!! Good for you! |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Ed_L. on 05/18/06 at 14:14:51 Congrats on passing the test, now comes the fun part, a lot of saddle time. Keep to the back roads till you feel comfortable and try to get out when there isn't a lot of traffic to start with. My '02 has a distinct gear whine when downshifted into 1st while going around 10mph. Don't know if it is common but you can listen to the bike and be able guess what gear you are in. ;D |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by starmom on 05/18/06 at 16:23:45 You all ROCK! Thanks for the support esp all you gals out there and guys too...... Im sure it will get better and better.... I told my hubby to figure out how to get the seat off so we can put the saddlebags on......gotta keep my bottle water somewhere?? Ladies do ya figure people cut you any slack if they realize its a "girl" ridin? my wearing hubbys dale ernhardt jacket, thinkin might be better off getting a leather that more "girl colors" what do ya think? my bike is baby blue, I know Im not gonna see any guys out there in a baby blue leather or at least not many........ |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Dynobob on 05/18/06 at 17:39:55 A couple tips: Don't wear your helmet into the bank. They might just think there's a holdup ;D I do wear my helmet in gas stations sometimes but they're more understanding. Downshift all the way to first as you are slowing down for a stoplight. They downshift much easier if you're rolling. If you try to shift while stopped you may encounter problems. Be very careful on gravel or grass. Stay off the front brake if you're on a slippery surface (gravel or water). Always use the front together with the rear. On turns use the front brake less and the rear brake more. The front brake can put you down if you're in a tight turn or on gravel. On a straight smooth surface you should use full front and back brakes - most of your braking will come from the front brake. Have fun and ride safe. Your biggest enemies will probably be cell phone talkers who are not paying attention and wildlife running across the road. Deer are especially bad. I had to lock up my brakes to avoid one last summer. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by starmom on 05/18/06 at 17:47:32 actually i was taking it off as i was walking thru the double doors, (and trying to get my glasses off too, trick with a full face but necessary) b.t.w. Im lovin the scorpion 700 helmet, opened all the vents got great air, no fogging at all... funny it didnt occur to me (about the bank robber hee hee hee hee hee) im so NOT the bank robber type. I did wear my embroidered jeans today to ride to show that im a female..... Thanks for the advice on the shifting, will work on it... I think ive gotten down using both brakes keeping in mind that the back brake lets them know im actually stopping..... and was well taught that my front is 70% of my braking power. rembering to turn off the blinker lites...working on that too..... finding a way to become more visable........PRICELESS.... |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by starmom on 05/18/06 at 17:54:38 oh and the wildlife, yep...... we have the deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes..... Ive developed an eye for the deer, hit one around 20 yrs ago, broke my heart..........if i hit one on the bike my heart will not be the only broken thing............. fortunatly the deer around here are mostly out really early and at dusk...i dont plan on ridin the bike either of those times if i can help it............. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Dynobob on 05/18/06 at 19:48:00 starmom wrote:
If you're talking about the brake light, there's one on the front brake lever too. Which reminds me of another tip... when braking for a stop I will pump the brakes (apply release apply release) to flash my brake light to make myself more visible to cars behind me. Of course they sell a brake modulator gizmo if you want to go that route. Have fun :) |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Paula71 on 05/18/06 at 20:46:58 :D Congratulations Starmom! Sounds like your off to a great start. Every ride is just more practice, remember to continue to work on u-turns and riding very slow, also. There will be times you will need to have those skills and unless you use them on a regular basis you will not necessarily be able to perform them in a pinch. head n eyes ;) Have fun with Delilah! |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by starmom on 05/19/06 at 02:45:39 my understanding from my teacher is that depressing the rear brake is the only way to light the brake light...of course I use both since 70 % of the braking power is in the front. so are you saying the using the front brake also makes the brake light go on on the savage? or am I missunderstanding? I have great balance and my teacher had me working on rolling very very slowly in first, that is pretty easy for me. My current challenges is "knowing"/"remembering" what gear im in, and taking off from a complete stop on a hill without stalling her......... and most importantly staying safe while im doing all of that! You all are a great bunch, and I do truly appreciate all the wonderful feedback to my questions. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by 911radioman on 05/19/06 at 03:03:24 Either front or rear will trigger the rear brake light. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Roadie on 05/19/06 at 03:13:44 MISS_SALLY wrote:
Heh.. I know all of out there with a newer Savage look for that mythical 6th gear... :-) - Roadie |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by azjay on 05/19/06 at 06:43:21 when i see a lady biker, i know that i have a much more "protective" attitude towards her, i will give her more room, and block traffic from crowdin' her if i can. plus, i totally dig the fact that she's out there! much recpect and love, show your colors. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by Dynobob on 05/19/06 at 10:20:49 starmom wrote:
Yes |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by starmom on 05/19/06 at 14:17:10 That is very good to know (about the front brake lighting the brake light) I was taught that it didnt, so if im covering my front they will know my intention is stopping. of course its wise to use both together, but for those moments that you want both feet on the ground its good to know its also lighted...... You all rock! and about the question of showing im a lady, thanks for the responses...... sue |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by olscout99 on 05/19/06 at 17:22:23 starmom wrote:
On the blinker lights....there is a solution to THAT problem. Do a web search for 'Kisan Signal Minder'. It's a circuit that wires in pretty easily and that shuts off your turn signals after a predetermined amount of time. Under a hundred bucks I think, but next to remembering the manual petthingy on most bikes, learning to cancel the signals is probably the hardest for a newbie......the Kisan removes that little problem. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by magicfairy on 05/19/06 at 17:36:14 starmom wrote:
On that subject - I have a little check I run thru at least once a week while warming bike - indicators working front and rear, push on back brake, check light comes on, same for front. It is very easy to blow a bulb and be blissfully ignorant that no one behind you knows you are braking. Also tyre pressures and oil level regularly. The more practice you get doing routine checks the less time it takes. Also when cleaning the baby look out for any loose cables or things that don't look right. One advantage of reqular cleaning is you get to know where everything goes, and can spot changes. The other thing that is good to practice when you are a bit more confident, feeling for fuel switch while riding , so you can put it into reserve without stopping, and choke if your bike is like mine and needs to be ridden with choke partly out for a little while when it is cold. Thats about it for me mechanically, everything else the bike shop does. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by MISS_SALLY on 05/19/06 at 17:45:33 Starmom I started a habbit of hitting my cancel button (turn signal) when I change into 2nd gear. I was taught in my MC class to start routines and after a good bit of saddle time Everything will become automatic. I might look like a robot for awhile but sooner or later It will become as easy as driving a car. |
|
Title: Re: passed my road test today!!! Post by DianeS. on 05/19/06 at 18:37:36 Congrats on your road test, and safe riding on your blue savage! I always shift down into 1st gear (shifter can't go any lower than first - lol) before I come to a complete stop because it's a lot hard to shift after I've stopped. If I have any doubts, I pop up one level to see if the "Neutral" light goes on, then downshift into 1st. I find I have more difficulty remembering if I'm in 5th gear or not. Several times I've tried to shift into 5th, and when nothing happens, realize that I'm already in 5th(lol). Pretty sure I have adhd too - being tested. Anyway, enjoy the ride!!!! Oh, and always anticipate that drivers won't see you, or will do the stupidest of things = that way you will be ready just in case. DianeS |
|
SuzukiSavage.com » Powered by YaBB 2.2! YaBB © 2000-2007. All Rights Reserved. |