Comments on: Motorcycle riding tips — ride relaxed

By: David M.

David M. — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:43:14 +0000

@Larry: I think switching to a trike sounds just as fun. Glad you’re having the time of your life!

By: Larry Letzer

Larry Letzer — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 23:20:53 +0000

I started riding again after a long absence. I was 69 when I took the BRC course and promptly failed it. Took it the following weekend and was much more relaxed. Passed it with only a -3 for putting my foot down in the box.

Rode for six months and took the ERC course and passed it. I am now teaching riding trikes and what a fun thing to do knowing I maybe helping a fellow rider become more profecient and have more fun at the same time.

I am now 72 and having the time of my life.

By: ATLWannaB

ATLWannaB — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:10:35 +0000

Just ran across this forum tonight in search of one just like it…I’m saving up the money (and testicular fortitude) to buy a bike, but not before I take the BRC at the local HD store in N. Georgia…I’m glad to see you guys endorsing it so much…makes this a much less scarier idea for me. I’m 28, married and childless and have wanted a bike since five of my older frat brothers in college got theirs…figured I’d get the bike now before little Junior comes around.

Glad to be able to find people of all walks of life (and ages) who were just as green as I now am.

By: David M.

David M. — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:35:45 +0000

@NJDreamgirl: Your points are well taken… motorcycle training is worth the effort. I have run across riders that ‘drew a blank’ when I mentioned countersteering. Not good. You are lucky to have found a mentor! Trust me, many readers here wish they had one!

PS. I’m sorry for your loss.

David

By: NJDreamgirl

NJDreamgirl — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:12:39 +0000

I took the BRC class here in NJ at the Mercer College and cannot stress enough how important it is to take this class. As I was getting my endorsement at the DMV, I saw a young man with a Kawasaki in the parking lot; half of the bike was crushed but ride-able. I asked him what happened and he said he made a turn and wasn’t paying attention and fell. I then asked if he’d taken the BRC class and he had NO idea what I was talking about! It scares me to know I’ll be riding with so many that haven’t taken this course, especially since a lot of them have bikes they can’t handle. ~ I unfortunately lost my fiance to a heart attack in Jan. ’07, and he left me with 3 beautiful bikes. I sold 2 (a Buell and a Suzuki), and kept the Harley, a ’95 FXD Dyna (I’m 5’11″ and a big girl, but this is still a big bike!). FINALLY got the courage/emotion to get my license this year and have only been riding the H-D for 2 weeks. The class was imperative! I have a ‘mentor’, a female that used to ride with us when my guy was alive and she’s great to learn from. That’s probably the second most important thing to do when learning to ride, find a good mentor. She’s patient, has 17 years’ experience, and keeps traffic at bay behind me! I ride alone in my little neighborhood at 25 miles and hour and will eventually venture out alone, but I’m in no rush. At 52 years old, I still have plenty of time to ride and want to stay as safe as possible. TAKE THE BRC CLASS!

By: Motorcycle riding tips

Motorcycle riding tips — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:43:42 +0000

I can’t stress enough the importance of taking the MSF course. One of the worst things a new rider can do is learn how to ride from their friends since you’ll learn all their bad habits. Take the course and learn how to be safe!

By: IL RiderCoach

IL RiderCoach — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:46:15 +0000

Beth,

If this is how you feel, you should really look into a MSF Beginner Rider Course (BRC). These courses are taught by fellow riders, they start out with a simple, “this is a motorcycle”, and build your skills step by step. starting with gross motor skills and finishing with your more refined fine motor skills. You may find that this allows you to be a little more comfortable in the saddle and it may just teach you to be a better rider than those who are looming over you and making you nervous!

By: Beth McManus

Beth McManus — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:29:06 +0000

Re–Riding Relaxed–You’re right…I am a new woman rider (licensed-60 yrs old) still practicing on a 250 Nighthawk and find my neck sticking out and my shoulders hunched like an old buzzard. Part of it is the size of the bike as I am taller (5’8″)–and part is just being tense!!
I feel also, speaking on another subject, exactly what the instructors always say….that women have to deal with (over?) solicitiousness and a slightly condescending attitude that their boyfriend, husband, brother, etc, might have if they are teaching. I find it makes me very selfconscious when riding and almost wish I could just go on my own…that will be soon. It’s not my bike (too poor ) so I have had no choice. Soon I will be able to afford my own…
I didn’t have the chance (and probably never will) to learn from a professional but I feel that it is the best road for a woman to take when at all possible. ..if not, be prepared to feel a little inadequate at times. Just persevere !