So, after taking the MSF course, and getting my M endorsement, I figured I had better get on this thing and ride it!
It was dusk, and the sun was quickly setting, but I figured, "hey, drivers should be able to see me even better with headlights/brakelights at night, right?"
The bike was nearly on empty when I bought it, so I figured a trip to the gas station was a good first mission. I started her up, let it warm up while I put on all my gear, and carefully walked her down the driveway past our two parked cars (tight fit). It was time...I let the clutch out a bit...and I was off.
First thing I noticed: the throttle is pretty touchy. I've been driving manuals for quite a while, so I expected a little jumpiness and engine braking during throttle on/off transitions, but it was a lot more exaggerated on a smaller machine for sure. Keeping it smooth is going to take some practice. It felt like I was barely moving the throttle, but it was still jerky. Shifting is also hard to do smoothly. There's always a little jerk as I let out the clutch.
The brakes are so much more powerful/sensitive than the Yamaha dualsport I rode in the MSF course that it's not even funny. This is probably a good thing, and I just need to get used to the feel of them.
I found that I could not sit in any comfortable way where my right foot was resting over the rear brake lever, but not pressing it down any. My 'at rest' position was with the brake lever pressed in enough to make the brake light come on. Obviously, this is no good. How do you guys rest your feet on the pegs when you ride? Is this adjustable at all? (I'm 6'1", if that tells you anything).
Along those same lines, what position do you keep your left foot in while riding? Under the shift lever? Over? To the side? They did not go over much 'riding-ergonomics' stuff during the class, other than the small discussion about good riding posture.
Something funny I noticed is, with the stock headlights, it looks like it shines a v-shaped Transformer light-pattern on the road...it made me laugh a little. It's also aimed ridiculously high. I should probably adjust that.
Anyway, I made it to the gas station, filled up (so cheap compared to my Subaru that takes 93oct!) and got home. Overall, an exciting and slightly unnerving experience. Just need to get more comfortable now, and figure out where to keep my dang feet.
It was dusk, and the sun was quickly setting, but I figured, "hey, drivers should be able to see me even better with headlights/brakelights at night, right?"
The bike was nearly on empty when I bought it, so I figured a trip to the gas station was a good first mission. I started her up, let it warm up while I put on all my gear, and carefully walked her down the driveway past our two parked cars (tight fit). It was time...I let the clutch out a bit...and I was off
. First thing I noticed: the throttle is pretty touchy. I've been driving manuals for quite a while, so I expected a little jumpiness and engine braking during throttle on/off transitions, but it was a lot more exaggerated on a smaller machine for sure. Keeping it smooth is going to take some practice. It felt like I was barely moving the throttle, but it was still jerky. Shifting is also hard to do smoothly. There's always a little jerk as I let out the clutch.
The brakes are so much more powerful/sensitive than the Yamaha dualsport I rode in the MSF course that it's not even funny. This is probably a good thing, and I just need to get used to the feel of them.
I found that I could not sit in any comfortable way where my right foot was resting over the rear brake lever, but not pressing it down any. My 'at rest' position was with the brake lever pressed in enough to make the brake light come on.
Obviously, this is no good. How do you guys rest your feet on the pegs when you ride? Is this adjustable at all? (I'm 6'1", if that tells you anything).Along those same lines, what position do you keep your left foot in while riding? Under the shift lever? Over? To the side? They did not go over much 'riding-ergonomics' stuff during the class, other than the small discussion about good riding posture.
Something funny I noticed is, with the stock headlights, it looks like it shines a v-shaped Transformer light-pattern on the road...it made me laugh a little. It's also aimed ridiculously high. I should probably adjust that.
Anyway, I made it to the gas station, filled up (so cheap compared to my Subaru that takes 93oct!) and got home. Overall, an exciting and slightly unnerving experience. Just need to get more comfortable now, and figure out where to keep my dang feet.
<< or a chicken...
