--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "boniface9491"
wrote:
>
> I could use some advise of some kind here. I took the MSF last
> summer. I bought a '94 Dr650 last summer, and first time on it I
> wrecked, tearing myself up pretty good. This was before taking the
> MSF. Before I could get back on the bike, it was stolen. This
Spring
> I bought a "07 KLR 650. My second time on it, I hit a curb and went
> down, doing a number on my shoulder. Now, I'm really afraid of the
> bike. I'm 58 years old, and my previous riding experience was on
an
> old Cushman Eagle back in the '60s.
> I'm wondering: Should I give up riding? Should I get a smaller
> bike? Should I get back on the bike I have, even if I might freeze
up
> from fear when I'm on it? Any constructive input would be
appreciated.
>
Hi Boni-
I have read the various responses to your question above, and the one
thing I see is missing is addressing 'the circumstances' related to
your reported incidents. A couple of things come to mind:
1) Are you physically fit? ie, do you have good balance? Bend at
the waist and stand up rapidly. Do you feel dizzy? Turn your head
rapidly: Do your eyes 'cage' or does it make you dizzy?
2) Is your glasses prescription current? Depth perception on a motor
cycle is critical
3) Are you 'mentally fit'? ie, are you easily distracted while you
are riding?
Motorcycling requires an increased focus on the immediate 15-20
degrees of forward visual area. If you like gawking, eye-balling the
area while you drive, then a cage is the venue you need, not a
motorcycle.
4) The motorcyclist mantra: look where you want to go!!!! I can
visualize you seeing the curb, thinking:
I AM GETTING TO CLOSE!!!
BAMMM!
and there you are,
Looking at the curb and SAHZAMM
the bike takes you to where you are looking!
Taking a MSF course will help you with those skills.
LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO
NOT AT WHAT YOU WANT TO MISS
Place obstacles in the practice area and practice driving around
them, etc.
5) Practice on a smaller bike,(which has been alluded to) but here I
am suggesting to you: GO PRACTICE ON A SMALLER BIKE. A Honda
100/125/150 would be useful. Buy one, ride it 20-50 hours and then
resell it. I had a novice-lister come through here last year on his
KLR650, I took him to the ORV park and let him ride an XR100 for 3
hours and his skill level/experience on the KLR650 increased (easily)
10 fold in 3 hours, just because I insisted he ride the little bike
for 3 hours. We came back the next day on the 650's and rode the
same trails as he rode the previous day on the XR100--something he
would not have done two days prior.
6) Get an experienced rider to help coach you while you are doing #4-
5.
Do a careful self examination of points 1-3: and then execute points
4-5 if you give yourself a passing grade on 1-3.
Let us know how it goes for you.
As a sidebar note, I would recommend that you put full coverage
insurance on your bike until you have more experience and mastery of
the basic skills.
revmaaatin.