According to the state of New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission, I am qualified to operate a motorcycle. I passed the Basic Rider Course with [moderately] flying colors!
We took the course on Suzuki 125cc bikes which were small, but so much fun to learn on -- I was a bit nervous when we started, but now I feel pretty confident that I can handle a small to medium size bike, and at least get a large one moving.
As far as the Harley goes ... I unfortunately think that I need to start small -- maybe just for this season. I originally was considering a 600-750cc Honda, and I think that's what I'm going to go with. I'm sure I'll be riding a LOT this summer, so by next season I'll be able to handle something in the 1200 neighborhood.
Thanks to everyone who gave me the input on bikes and all .. but the Harley is going to have to wait a bit. However, I really do think I will get one in the near future.
Anyway, I just spent the afternoon at Mountaintop Campus with my neighbor Matt riding around on his 1981 Honda 400 Hawk. A fun sport-cruiser that he just got into [semi]running condition; a big improvement over the frame/engine/box of carburetor parts that it started as when he got it off craigslist! I was able to handle that bike perfectly fine .. actually I feel like I would have liked it to be a bit bigger and more powerful. I know that probably sounds cocky since I've been riding for exactly four days, but that's just what my impression was.
And!! I experienced my first [and hopefully last!!] back tire blow out in a corner! Apparently, 20 year old severely cupped tires don't work well in 10mph corners in an empty parking lot. I got to practice my quick stop in a turn technique that I learned in the class! Needless to say, the bike is parked up there until further notice. Luckily, we don't have to worry about tickets since the bike has Massachusetts plates that expired in 1996...
I spent the morning at the Firing Line breaking in my brand new Bersa Thunder 380. I couldn't wait for the Taurus PT-99 (that I'm picking up on Monday) so I went to Jim Flynn's to browse what he had in stock and ended up with the Bersa... I'm very happy with it. It's a compact sized handgun but actually has a fixed barrel, so it's surprisingly accurate. I've put 250 rounds through it so far, and I'm getting pretty good with it. I'm definitely looking forward to Monday when I pick up the PT-99 ... it's incredible how much cheaper 9mm ammunition is than 380 auto.. especially since it's basically the same thing except that 380 auto is 2mm shorter than 9mm.. (9x19 versus 9x17).
Well, I guess I've put off studying long enough -- tomorrow's exam in Environmental Groundwater Hydrology is the only thing standing between me and the end of college! Wish me luck!
About Me
- El Wray
- I'm a senior at Lehigh University. I like hiking, skiing, and generally anything to do with the outdoors.
3 comments:
Come on! I am a 140-pound chick, and I have had no problem handling my 883 from day 1. And from what my fellow small women riders that have moved up to a "big girl bike" tell me, the bigger bikes have a lower center of gravity and are actually EASIER to handle than my Hugger.
If you want a Harley, don't be intimidated by them. Your skills will progress much faster than you think. Don't waste time and money on a small bike knowing that you are going to trade it up again and again. Just get the best bike you can afford. Fear accomplishes nothing...."screw it, just ride"
Well, I haven't made any solid decisions yet. Though I am swinging back to the "I only want a Harley" side of things. .
But, since Dad might be helping me out with the purchase as a graduation present, I might not be able to convince him that we should go the HD way if he is set on Honda.
Thank you so much for the comments though, and keep them coming -- I can use them as leverage to convince Dad that we should just go for the bikes we really want!!
I thought your dad said there was no way he was riding next to you if you weren't on a Harley!
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