| Author | Message | ||
     Nurider |
I finally got all the parts in last night and I also got some new mirrors for the blast. I got it all together started her up adjusted the timing, and the clutch and away we go.... for a little bit. Like a NUBE I hit the handbrake and went over the handlebars.... I felt like an idiot and they had to clean some gas up off the road, but im fine the bike just has a couple minor scratches and i broke a brand new mirror  ... | ||
| Tortoise |
Dude, take a riding course/class. It is a great way to learn, or refresh ones skills. I used to go over the handle bars all the time on my mountain bike... | ||
| Ezblast |
Concur! Best money you'll spend on the bike besides a track day - lol EZ | ||
| Nurider |
ya im looking for some classes... i actually got a lot better after i went overboard... Its just getting used to things... i just thought Id post that on here, the bike has come a long way since I bought it. It was kinda nice to get on the road even if i litterally ended up on the road lol... | ||
| Themagster |
There are those who have been down and those who will go down. You got that part out of the way. Now it's time to just get more and more practice. Even those with lots of experience in the saddle should never stop trying to hone their skills. Riding is an ongoing learning activity. Happy Trails | ||
| Titusand |
I first rode a MC last year, age 43. I dumped my Blast on about my 3rd ride, at about 4mph. It was very cheap tuition. | ||
| Milt |
I broke a rib going 2 mph on the night I got my license. The engine lugged when I was doing a U-turn (effectively like slamming on the brake). I was 52. Seriously, take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class (free), read (free assuming you have a public library). | ||
| Themagster |
Here in the Sunshine State even though they charge for the MSF, it is money well spent. You can't put a price on safety. Never rode anything with two wheels and a motor until I was in my 30's (stop doing the math) and was taught by the MSF instructors, but still became a part of that first group (those that have been down) thankfully minor falls, major lessons. | ||
| Nurider |
Im in Missouri and have a class coming up close to my location. They charge $210 for the class here and im in the process of signing up. There was also a self pace training manual with excercises on the MSF website it looks like it would definately be worth the time. I know that statistically pretty much everyone will go down sometime. I was just hoping mine wouldnt be on my first ride. But with some more practace and the class hopefully there will be many good experiences. Thanks for the support eveyone, Its been a big help. | ||
| Zane |
I bought my Blast in April 2007 and dropped it in a construction zone in Dec 2007. It was my first motorcycle and I was 54. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Nurider- Glad to hear you weren't hurt and the Blast fared ok in your unplanned get-off. And glad to hear there's so many believers in the MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC). Not sure what the laws in in your state, Nurider, but here in Florida back in 2008 they made the BRC a requirement in order to get your endorsement. The figures are in: fatalities among new riders are down and they are crediting the 2008 law change for it. Even if you only learn one thing in the class, it could be the one thing that saves your bacon in traffic some day. Good luck, have fun, and keep us posted. BeLinda. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Thats ironic. If I remember correctly Florida used to be the state where you didnt need an MC endorsement and you didnt need a helmet. Or maybe thats a very long time ago.... | ||
| Nurider |
I have been out and around town for the last two days on the blast, and no more mishaps!!  . For those of you who dont know my bike has been through hell! I bought it in boxes and the details are down the page under transmission tech. Everything is running much smoother on my end too. I am getting used to the braking and turning and my confidence is slowly building. I have put in about 8 hours in the last two days. I drove it all around yesterday to take care of all the financial and governmental aspects of getting it licenced. Along with taking care of all my other bills so that was good experience just putting around town. I am unable to make the MSF course june 5, due to finances and other obligations but plan to attend the next one. I am always happy to hear thoughts or words of encouragement. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Words of encouragement: Use your horn. They dont see you. If you think they do, they dont. I could write pages on all the topics, but there are books that are better written. Flashing lights, waving, screaming will only confuse motorists. They understand the horn. You might get strange looks, wtf expressions and maybe even "the finger", but now they see you. Far better you get "the finger" than they use that same finger to call your ambulance, if they stick around. They dont see you. If they do, you only confuse them and they go ahead and do stupid things that can get you killed. Oh and yeah, we've all dropped our bikes. It happens  | ||
| Sycho |
What?? Dropped our bikes?, Nope not me, not by putting my foot down in a patch of oil at a gas pump, or hitting the front brake too hard on a sandy patch of road, or slipping in a moss covered gutter. Nah I never dropped my bike, that's my story and I'm stickin to it.  Seriously though Nurider these are all things that I have done and learned not to do again after many years of riding. So hopefully when the next round of classes comes up you'll be able to attend, until then take it slow and easy. Even after 32yrs. of riding experience I could probably learn a few more things if I took a MSF course. | ||
| Nurider |
Sweet thanks for the tips and words of encouragement. Soon, I think I will change my name on here. Nurider wont fit anymore lol.... | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Nu: Noun 1. nu - the 13th letter of the Greek alphabet. 13 is also the letter "M" in our alphabet and you know how the 'oulaws' of these days love the number 13 and the letter M. So "Nu" makes you an outlaw (in a super geeky way)  | ||
| Sycho |
OMG Erik, you just reminded me of those search overload commercials, lol. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
"Thats ironic. If I remember correctly Florida used to be the state where you didnt need an MC endorsement and you didnt need a helmet." A helmet is still not required. It's a choice unless you are under age 21, then you need a DOT certified lid. If you choose not to wear a helmet and are over age 21, you are required to have medical insurance coverage in the amount of at least $10K. That amount is a joke, IMHO. I recently had a student who was an ER nurse from our area's trauma care hospital. She said at a minimum, a helicopter ride from a local road to the trauma center will run you at least $35K. Probably worth it though. Not sure about the FL laws from way back when, but when I entered ridercoach world in '07, they still had permits and third party testing options in place. Lots of grumbling from the public when the law changed in 2008, because it meant spending at least 2 days instead of 1 hour getting your endorsement. It still freaks me out a little when I teach in MN and students show up on their own bikes until I remember I am not in FL. They still have the permit system up there so it's ok, but down here if a student shows up on their own bikes, it's 99% likely that they are riding unendorsed. And yes, I have had po po's showing up near the start time of class, asking for info on the class. I wouldn't risk it. But that's just me. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I do know from experience that a motorcycle accident can easily rack over $50k in hospital bills (without a helicopter ride). So $10k worth of insurance is very silly even if you are wearing a helmet. | ||
| Nurider |
Wow eric being the geek that I am I didnt put all of those things together. I may know it could be a badass name and you may know it could be a outlaw name if you thought of it that way but i doubt anyone else would see it like that lol... Just throwing this name out there how bout MOrider?? comments lol.... In Missouri we still have the permit --> Licence system. And even with my little experience I can see the fault in that. Inexperienced riders out on the road. Most far less caucious than I am. Thats dangerous! I know I am not ready for a lot of things and I will willingly admit that but a lot of other riders ignore the dangers. One good thing about the permit system is that it is easier to get into riding you dont have to go through all of the classes and stuff which might have detered me at first, especially since its $210 for the class. Now I feel like they are a great way to go. As for the helmet MO requires helmets by law. And it is a serious offence/Fine for not wearing one. I would not even think about riding without a helmet. My little spill the other day may have had a totally different outcome if I didnt have a helmet. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
MoRider. Thats good. You should get that on your license plate!!! LOL! Remember the pimp that got a personalized plate for his Caddy: Ho mobile, but he couldnt get it with the space. Not so good when you put it all together:homobile. | ||
| Ezblast |
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