I successfully passed the Ohio beginner training course two weeks ago. I'd never ridden before. And since I'd already bought an 883 (a little backwards, I admit...but I couldn't resist this sweet machine), I chose the biggest bike they had available for the course. A Koren twin, 250cc. The instructor told me on the 2nd day that he would never have allowed a woman my size to use that bike...except he knew I'd purchased the Sportster and figured I'd better see if I could handle it. I'm 5'3". (you may recognize me from a posting the other night about difficult clutch pull. Dean offered a solution in the EZClutch from AMP that I've already ordered.)
Anyway, it was a great course. My only criticism was they spent most of the time on critical manuevers...swerves, panic stops, stopping on a curve, going over a small obstacle...etc. What they didn't cover was everyday stuff. Like making a right hand turn from a deadstop at a traffic light when I'm first in line. Slow, 90 degree turns, from stopped position would have been appreciated. Also, downshifting to first at a light or stop sign...while applying hand and foot brakes. RIGHT!!! Those of you more experienced than I can probably add 20 such items to the list. I don't know enough yet.
But I know enough to say I'm hooked. 6 years as passenger on my husband's Soft tail Springer made me passionate about HD. Now, I'm excited about this whole new adventure.
Anyway, it was a great course. My only criticism was they spent most of the time on critical manuevers...swerves, panic stops, stopping on a curve, going over a small obstacle...etc. What they didn't cover was everyday stuff. Like making a right hand turn from a deadstop at a traffic light when I'm first in line. Slow, 90 degree turns, from stopped position would have been appreciated. Also, downshifting to first at a light or stop sign...while applying hand and foot brakes. RIGHT!!! Those of you more experienced than I can probably add 20 such items to the list. I don't know enough yet.
But I know enough to say I'm hooked. 6 years as passenger on my husband's Soft tail Springer made me passionate about HD. Now, I'm excited about this whole new adventure.