Its been getting colder here in the evenings. Another thing is my pants always seemed long enough. When I walk, they come down to a good place at my shoes. When I sit, they come up a bit. But, on a motorcycle, that little bit they came up to seems to be above the sock and boy you really feel that cold air where your pants end. In the future, I may get my jeans a little bit longer.
Jeans feel thick when your wearing them around. But on the bike, the wind can go right through them. Plus I keep reading that jeans aren't much protection if you fall. They are more like paper than like actual protection. Given all that, I invested in a pair of Harley-Davidson Leather Chaps. I'm styling. They really add to my biker look. Plus I'm a bit safer. Kind of worried about the part they don't cover, but more research on riding gear is needed. But too, my legs aren't cold anymore when I ride. Not even on the gap where my pants come above my boots or socks. That alone makes it so worth it. Plus did I mention I'm styling? :)
Living The Life
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
First Gas Run
I've been practicing in the school parking lot and the side street. Each step of the way, I keep repeating one or twice more until I'm sure I have the hang of it. My 25mph side street goes up to 30mph the other way and down to another school and back to 25mph. That was my next step. It was a pretty quiet road. Few cars, but not many. I went back and forth between the two schools. 25mph still feels kind of fast, but 30 feels like warp speed.
What's nice about this run is that I start at stop sign, turn signal, wait for any traffic, then turning into road, shifting up, coming to a stop sign, then going straight for awhile, shifting up again, until I get to the next stop sign and go to the other school and repeat.
And the weather has continued to be nice. I feel like I'm gaining more confidence and skill. It'll still be awhile before I'm expert, but I feel like I'm doing pretty well.
Then after a few runs, my low gas light came on. I've driven just 77 miles when it went off. That was odd, I had expected to get way more miles. But, most of those miles were super slow around a parking lot. When they sold me the bike, they said the tank was full, but I didn't expect that and full could mean quarter full. Or, it could simply be because I've been running it a lot of time but not a lot of miles.
The gas station was straight down the street I was going on, just another mile or two, not very far. I paused in the parking lot and weighed my options. I could go back home and fill up from a gas can, but I've done 77 miles so far. And the gas station isn't far and is about the same condition of roads I've been on so far. I decided to go for it. Straight shot up the road and then two more turns and stop signs and even crossing a red light. Also, at the red light, I was making extra sure to pay attention to all the cars and who is going where. I paused a second once the light turned green as extra insurance.
At the gas station, I pulled in with the bike to the left. But didn't consider the front leans in to the left. It is manageable, but since it was my first time filling it up, I didn't want to get gas everywhere. The gas fills up right in front of where you sat. I made it through without a problem. I only added about three gallons, the total was less than $10. If only my car was that much to bring up to fill up.
What's nice about this run is that I start at stop sign, turn signal, wait for any traffic, then turning into road, shifting up, coming to a stop sign, then going straight for awhile, shifting up again, until I get to the next stop sign and go to the other school and repeat.
And the weather has continued to be nice. I feel like I'm gaining more confidence and skill. It'll still be awhile before I'm expert, but I feel like I'm doing pretty well.
Then after a few runs, my low gas light came on. I've driven just 77 miles when it went off. That was odd, I had expected to get way more miles. But, most of those miles were super slow around a parking lot. When they sold me the bike, they said the tank was full, but I didn't expect that and full could mean quarter full. Or, it could simply be because I've been running it a lot of time but not a lot of miles.
The gas station was straight down the street I was going on, just another mile or two, not very far. I paused in the parking lot and weighed my options. I could go back home and fill up from a gas can, but I've done 77 miles so far. And the gas station isn't far and is about the same condition of roads I've been on so far. I decided to go for it. Straight shot up the road and then two more turns and stop signs and even crossing a red light. Also, at the red light, I was making extra sure to pay attention to all the cars and who is going where. I paused a second once the light turned green as extra insurance.
At the gas station, I pulled in with the bike to the left. But didn't consider the front leans in to the left. It is manageable, but since it was my first time filling it up, I didn't want to get gas everywhere. The gas fills up right in front of where you sat. I made it through without a problem. I only added about three gallons, the total was less than $10. If only my car was that much to bring up to fill up.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
First Street Ride
My school practice zone has a subdivision running behind it. There's a main artiery road where the side rides branch off. There are some drive ways on it, but not many, most are on the side roads. And the speed limit is 25 mph, the whole way, from the school through to the subdivision, down to the end where it connects back to the main road.
This was my first real ride. Once I felt comfortable in the school parking lot, I ventured out onto that road. I waited for all the traffic to go past, then went down to one of the side streets and turned around and came back. It wasn't far, but it was enough to get me up to 20 or so mph. I did that with combination circles in the parking lot to get more comfortable.
After even more practice, I felt I was ready to go further, so I worked up to taking the road all the way down to the end. If any cars came up, I tried to get over, turn off, or otherwise evade them. They were the real danger.
I'd go down to the end and make a U-turn before the road ended before the main road. This was great too. I worked up to being able to make that U-turn without stopping or putting my foot down. I think back to the MSF class. I think I could nail that part perfectly now after doing it so many times.
Even though I was only cruising at 20 to 25, it felt so fast. A big part is just getting used to being out in the open air at that speed.
I also practiced shifting on this road. I'd work up to second gear, occasionally try out third gear. I wasn't shifting at the right RPMs, but I was getting better at just shifting. There was also a stop sign about half way down, so this provided me with a chance to down shift, practice engine braking, practice braking, and a brief pause.
I don't know how many times I went up and down that road. The 25mph never felt so fast.
The only annoying thing is other drivers. The speed limit is 25. It is a subdivision and very close to multiple schools. Still some car drivers try to barrel down that road. Again, right now, I do my best to get away from all other traffic. Though honestly, since it is a subdivision, most of them quickly turn off on to one of the side streets.
My yard, the school parking lot, and this is 25mph road. That is my practice zone, where I'm trying to get comfortable, continue learning, and get practice.
This was my first real ride. Once I felt comfortable in the school parking lot, I ventured out onto that road. I waited for all the traffic to go past, then went down to one of the side streets and turned around and came back. It wasn't far, but it was enough to get me up to 20 or so mph. I did that with combination circles in the parking lot to get more comfortable.
After even more practice, I felt I was ready to go further, so I worked up to taking the road all the way down to the end. If any cars came up, I tried to get over, turn off, or otherwise evade them. They were the real danger.
I'd go down to the end and make a U-turn before the road ended before the main road. This was great too. I worked up to being able to make that U-turn without stopping or putting my foot down. I think back to the MSF class. I think I could nail that part perfectly now after doing it so many times.
Even though I was only cruising at 20 to 25, it felt so fast. A big part is just getting used to being out in the open air at that speed.
I also practiced shifting on this road. I'd work up to second gear, occasionally try out third gear. I wasn't shifting at the right RPMs, but I was getting better at just shifting. There was also a stop sign about half way down, so this provided me with a chance to down shift, practice engine braking, practice braking, and a brief pause.
I don't know how many times I went up and down that road. The 25mph never felt so fast.
The only annoying thing is other drivers. The speed limit is 25. It is a subdivision and very close to multiple schools. Still some car drivers try to barrel down that road. Again, right now, I do my best to get away from all other traffic. Though honestly, since it is a subdivision, most of them quickly turn off on to one of the side streets.
My yard, the school parking lot, and this is 25mph road. That is my practice zone, where I'm trying to get comfortable, continue learning, and get practice.
Friday, October 14, 2016
School Parking Lot
The school in my area is out on break this week and next. Plus, I'm on vacation this week. This meant I could practice in daytime hours. Plus, the school is a very short drive my house. I live extremely close to the school. Going on the road is very minimal.
Of course, first I had to get down the gravel drive way. I took a strip of grass next to it to the end and then turn backed into it to exit. That gravel feels slippery.
The school parking lot feels perfect. The speed limit is 15 or less. Not many other people or cars. Great visibility. Plus, this school is connected to another. There were lots of little roads, multiple empty parking lots, multiple stop signs, and even some slight hills.
For many days, this was my practice. I went across to the school parking lot. I found a small empty lot and practiced going around in circles in it. I went through all the stop signs and practiced coming to a stop. I even practiced shifting up to second to get up to 15 mph in one section. This was perfect. It helped me learn the controls more, get to know the bike, and do all the basics.
The bike idles at 10 mph if the clutch is released and I don't give it throttle. Feels fast. But that's part of it, getting used to the speed and getting comfortable.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
First Ride In Yard
I did a short test drive of the bike in the parking lot of the dealership before I bought it. It felt so much nicer than the little Street bike, since I'm a tall guy. It felt right and manageable in size. But, I also needed far more practice. I didn't have memorized with muscle reflex where are all the controls. For better or worse, I was used to the Street 500.
Fortunately, I have an extremely large yard. I started just driving around my yard in the grass. Going in a giant circle. I went slow. I went around and around. I practiced shifting up to second just for the practice. My goal was to get used to the controls. I kept going around. Even after I felt I had mastered going around my path, I kept going. I'd see how well I could curve back around, or how well I could match my tire tracks from the last time around. I tried out the turn signals. This was great and was all about getting basic familiarity.
I also have a drive way that is about 800 feet long. Originally I thought that would come in handy. But it is gravel and everyone says that gravel is slippery. They are right. Thus, I take it out of the garage and get over to the grass as soon as I can. The grass does feel more stable to drive on than the gravel.
In the MSF class, one of the instructors suggested just sitting on the bike with your eyes closed and memorizing where all the controls are. I tried doing that too.
Starting off, my goal was to work up to enough comfort to drive to the school parking lot and begin practicing more there.
Fortunately, I have an extremely large yard. I started just driving around my yard in the grass. Going in a giant circle. I went slow. I went around and around. I practiced shifting up to second just for the practice. My goal was to get used to the controls. I kept going around. Even after I felt I had mastered going around my path, I kept going. I'd see how well I could curve back around, or how well I could match my tire tracks from the last time around. I tried out the turn signals. This was great and was all about getting basic familiarity.
I also have a drive way that is about 800 feet long. Originally I thought that would come in handy. But it is gravel and everyone says that gravel is slippery. They are right. Thus, I take it out of the garage and get over to the grass as soon as I can. The grass does feel more stable to drive on than the gravel.
In the MSF class, one of the instructors suggested just sitting on the bike with your eyes closed and memorizing where all the controls are. I tried doing that too.
Starting off, my goal was to work up to enough comfort to drive to the school parking lot and begin practicing more there.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Buying a Bike
Many people say to get a bike to grow into. That you learn quickly and want a bigger bike. That may be true. But, it is winter time coming up, I already lead a very busy life, and the MSF training course was all so new to me. Thus, I feel far safer and more comfortable starting at the low end of bikes. Moreover, my wife is considering getting into it as well. Thus, if I pick the bike right and I do grow out it, it might be something I can give to her, if I do outgrow it.
I'm new to Harley-Davidson and the bikes are confusing. There are so many different ones. After endless research, I think I have the most bare basics down.
The entry level is the Street bike. Now, from experience, I know that bike doesn't fit me. If I was short, I would have gotten that. My advice is just beware used 500 models. They may have been used in the riding academy classes. They'd be low miles, but heavily abused by numerous inexperienced people, like myself :)
After the Street family, the next model up is the Sportster line. There are multiple types of Sportsters. A friend suggested going with one of the 1200s for better resale value. Thus, I went to a dealership and sat on the various Sportster models.
Some of them have forwarded mounted foot pegs/controls. Right away I could tell this is what I needed. I sat on one of the 1200 models with the regular mounted foot pegs/controls and my legs were all bunched up. I knew that didn't work for me. I then tried a Forty Eight. It has forwarded mounted foot pegs, so My legs weren't bent up. But it just didn't feel or look right. The center is too small for me. Plus that model also has a very small gas tank. Then like Godilocks, I found one I liked just right, the 1200 custom. What was neat is the different models of Sportsters actually started to make sense. Some have forward foot pegs, some have a wider or narrower front tire. Each one will fit and appeal to a different person.
The sales people suggested I try out some of the next model family up. It fit ok, but I didn't feel comfortable on it. Like the Dyna Street Bob, a really nice bike and maybe I'll get that one day. But I could feel it is a big bike and alot to take on for a new rider. I know my limits and comfort level. At worst, maybe I will outgrow the bike and sale it off at a lose. But you know what, I'll be well and alive to do that and have learned a ton when I get to that point, so I accept that.
The new models weren't that much more than than the used ones. But, that's before all the fees and the used ones often come with accessories already on them. Plus, the new label comes off as soon as I buy it. Or, mainly, it comes down to. I'm new. I'm going to drop this bike. I'll feel ok if I dropped a used bike. It is used. It has probably been dropped before. I'll feel bad if I drop a brand new bike that I paid a big premium on. Side note, that's also why an engine guard was my must have accessory.
I found a used 2014 Sportster Custom 1200. It wasn't even fully 2 years old. It was still under factory warranty and only 5,500 miles. It had a windshield, saddle bags, and some other features. I negotiated in an engine guard. That's an important point, consider what you want in accessories. The bike I picked had some sort of custom exhaust and customized foot pegs. That's nice, but not something I'd pair extra for, because I wasn't looking for those features. The number one thing I wanted was an engine guard. A windshield and saddlebags were nice to have things that I knew I'd like get later on if I didn't get it at first.
Plus, my wife loved the color of the bike. There were alot of used sportsters to pick from in the area, but my wife liked this one the best. And if I do really grow out of it and give her this bike, then that's important.
Thus, it was a real win every which way. A style-ish color, low miles, newer model year, accessories I wanted, and in good shape. Oh and they even delivered it to my house later the same day. Like I said, I was very happy with the purchase.
Few other tips to others who may read this in the future:
On timing, I'm buying a bike in October, in the fall. This is a great time. The dealership has brand new 2016 and 2017 models and lots of used bikes. Winter is coming up and sales are only going to get lower. So this is probably a better time of year to get a better deal. Everyone will be buying bikes come spring time.
On cost limits, The other thing is on cost. It ranges widely. Each of us can afford a different amount. The dealerships do offer financing if you need it. However, I want to emphasis something. Take whatever you're spending limit is and knock off ten or twenty percent to spend on riding gear. Yes, this probably means thousands of dollars. Save that money from the down payment or see about including some gear in financing. But especially as a new rider, don't think the purchase ends with the bike and bike accessories. There are large on-going purchases around the corner for good quality riding gear that is going to keep you safe.
On finding a price, I'm sure someone else would have gotten a better deal and someone else probably got a worse deal. I'm not an expert at sales price negotiations, but here's my tip. Try to get some money off the list price, at least enough to cover the fees that get added back in. Then try to get something added in. To you, a hundred dollars less in price is the same as a gift card, accessory, or gear for a hundred dollars. But to the dealership, the difference is huge. Remember the tactic isn't to necessarily ask for a super lower price, but to ask about including some of the items you want, like an engine guard.
The two brands I debated with were Honda or Harley. I heard good things about Honda as good starter bikes. But if I'm buying something, I may as well buy something I like. I picked Harley for the style, comfort, customization possibilities, community possibilities, and all the dealerships. There are more Harley-Davidson dealerships near me than there are Sam's Clubs and Coscos. They may even be edging in on number of Walmarts. I know there are alot of fast sporty bikes, but I honestly don't care about a top speed racer. If the MPH only goes up to 70 or so, that'd even be ideal.
I'm new to Harley-Davidson and the bikes are confusing. There are so many different ones. After endless research, I think I have the most bare basics down.
The entry level is the Street bike. Now, from experience, I know that bike doesn't fit me. If I was short, I would have gotten that. My advice is just beware used 500 models. They may have been used in the riding academy classes. They'd be low miles, but heavily abused by numerous inexperienced people, like myself :)
After the Street family, the next model up is the Sportster line. There are multiple types of Sportsters. A friend suggested going with one of the 1200s for better resale value. Thus, I went to a dealership and sat on the various Sportster models.
Some of them have forwarded mounted foot pegs/controls. Right away I could tell this is what I needed. I sat on one of the 1200 models with the regular mounted foot pegs/controls and my legs were all bunched up. I knew that didn't work for me. I then tried a Forty Eight. It has forwarded mounted foot pegs, so My legs weren't bent up. But it just didn't feel or look right. The center is too small for me. Plus that model also has a very small gas tank. Then like Godilocks, I found one I liked just right, the 1200 custom. What was neat is the different models of Sportsters actually started to make sense. Some have forward foot pegs, some have a wider or narrower front tire. Each one will fit and appeal to a different person.
The sales people suggested I try out some of the next model family up. It fit ok, but I didn't feel comfortable on it. Like the Dyna Street Bob, a really nice bike and maybe I'll get that one day. But I could feel it is a big bike and alot to take on for a new rider. I know my limits and comfort level. At worst, maybe I will outgrow the bike and sale it off at a lose. But you know what, I'll be well and alive to do that and have learned a ton when I get to that point, so I accept that.
The new models weren't that much more than than the used ones. But, that's before all the fees and the used ones often come with accessories already on them. Plus, the new label comes off as soon as I buy it. Or, mainly, it comes down to. I'm new. I'm going to drop this bike. I'll feel ok if I dropped a used bike. It is used. It has probably been dropped before. I'll feel bad if I drop a brand new bike that I paid a big premium on. Side note, that's also why an engine guard was my must have accessory.
I found a used 2014 Sportster Custom 1200. It wasn't even fully 2 years old. It was still under factory warranty and only 5,500 miles. It had a windshield, saddle bags, and some other features. I negotiated in an engine guard. That's an important point, consider what you want in accessories. The bike I picked had some sort of custom exhaust and customized foot pegs. That's nice, but not something I'd pair extra for, because I wasn't looking for those features. The number one thing I wanted was an engine guard. A windshield and saddlebags were nice to have things that I knew I'd like get later on if I didn't get it at first.
Plus, my wife loved the color of the bike. There were alot of used sportsters to pick from in the area, but my wife liked this one the best. And if I do really grow out of it and give her this bike, then that's important.
Thus, it was a real win every which way. A style-ish color, low miles, newer model year, accessories I wanted, and in good shape. Oh and they even delivered it to my house later the same day. Like I said, I was very happy with the purchase.
Few other tips to others who may read this in the future:
On timing, I'm buying a bike in October, in the fall. This is a great time. The dealership has brand new 2016 and 2017 models and lots of used bikes. Winter is coming up and sales are only going to get lower. So this is probably a better time of year to get a better deal. Everyone will be buying bikes come spring time.
On cost limits, The other thing is on cost. It ranges widely. Each of us can afford a different amount. The dealerships do offer financing if you need it. However, I want to emphasis something. Take whatever you're spending limit is and knock off ten or twenty percent to spend on riding gear. Yes, this probably means thousands of dollars. Save that money from the down payment or see about including some gear in financing. But especially as a new rider, don't think the purchase ends with the bike and bike accessories. There are large on-going purchases around the corner for good quality riding gear that is going to keep you safe.
On finding a price, I'm sure someone else would have gotten a better deal and someone else probably got a worse deal. I'm not an expert at sales price negotiations, but here's my tip. Try to get some money off the list price, at least enough to cover the fees that get added back in. Then try to get something added in. To you, a hundred dollars less in price is the same as a gift card, accessory, or gear for a hundred dollars. But to the dealership, the difference is huge. Remember the tactic isn't to necessarily ask for a super lower price, but to ask about including some of the items you want, like an engine guard.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Now Licensed
The Indiana BMV is closed on Mondays, so I had to wait until Tuesday. I got there about 10 minutes after it opened. I was number 33. It was fairly packed, but moved quickly. I used the time to browse bikes as I waited. Doing that, the time cruised right by.
The process was fairly pain free. I showed them the certificate I received for passing the class and my current driver's license. They took a new picture and filled out some paperwork. They gave me a temporary print out license and said the official one will come in the mail. Before I got up, I scanned the paper to make sure the motorcycle endorsement was listed. I'd been advised to check that before leaving. I asked where it was listed and they showed me. It was marked. I was set.
With that I'm now licensed to drive on the roads! With my nearly 12 hours of bike ride time :) However, technically to be legal on the roads, all you have to do is take a written test and get the permit. So while it sounds funny, I'm actually a step up from the base requirements, so there :)
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