Triumphrat

TailHooker · 08-06-2007

I have to agree with everybody else on this one. My 99 'Bird was my first "big" bike... bought it earlier this year. The one thing I will emphasize (that has been mentioned), is that it is somewhat top-heavy... esp. at low speeds. A poorly planned turn into a gas station reminded me of that.

Otherwise, it's a great bike at all speeds... don't be afraid of the highway, nothing wrong with it (it's just boring). Work up to whatever speeds you are comfortable with and remember, the faster you go, the faster you can end up off-course by not paying attention. *Look through your turns*

97sprint · 08-06-2007

Lots of good advice.

I might suggest keep practicing on your bike.
Go to the local sporting good store, buy some tennis balls, cut them in 1/2 and use them for cones.
Remember the swerve box in the MSF class? Duplicate it for your bike.
Remember the weaves? Duplicate it.

If the course isn't far from you and you have access during times it's not in use, bring the tennis balls over and have at it.
Confidence on your own bike is great.

And welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycling.

Grumpymann · 08-07-2007

Once again

thank you all so much!

TBird98 · 08-10-2007

I just took the MSF course 2 weeks ago as well and then rode on my first bike, a 98 TBird. Wasn't as wise as you in limiting riding time as I was going away and only had 1 day to ride, so took it out for 3 1/2 hours around town in 93 degree weather, with way too much riding gear and way too little water, and I'm pretty sure I wound up with heat exhaustion. I had to stop to rest at a gas station and then for the rest of the evening as I rehydrated. Tried to follow "all the gear all the time" and wore Bahn body armor -- the pants and the shirt -- and I really can't understand how people can ride in all of that on a hot day and still see straight -- it probably didn't help that the stretch shirt may be a bit too small, and was tight, possibly increasing sweat and maybe somewhat limiting deep breathing. Any suggestions from experienced riders regarding a reasonable amount of gear to wear on a hot day?

Anyway, aside from that, had a great time riding around and getting used to the bigger bike after feeling like a giant on the MSF bikes (I'm 6 foot -- no giant, but those bikes are pretty small). Two things I learned -- it's really important to make sure the bike is straight when breaking to a stop due to the top-heaviness, and not to get too close to the back of a parked car when heading downhill, as the bike is really difficult to walk backwards uphill.