FI picking up his new motorcycle...any tips?

[lucy106]

My FI is on his way to pick up his brand new Harley. He is so very excited and I am very happy for him. Here is the issue... I have never riden a motorcycle before. Any tips? Anything I need to know? I figure the obvious, dont wear hair down, dont wear heels or shorts, etc. But anything else I should know? I dont know why I am nervous but I thought I could reveal this to you all and hope for some help!

[Birdie07]

my dad had 3 growing up. We had to go on long road trips. We also did the Trail of Tears. If u know what that is. I say if you are doing short rides no worries. Just jeans long sleeves and a helmet. No shorts!! Road burn is bad. Dont try to look pretty b/c having your skinned ripped off in a fall is worse. Now if you're going to do longer rides or trips I have some jackets that are awesome that I can send u the links for. Really just dont sit stiff. Lean with the bike. Like a horse. If u have sidebar handles hold those if not hold your honey .

ETA: watch the exhaust pipe! If they are under your feet (there are probably 2) the will melt the soles of your shoes if u rest your feet on them. Only use the foot rest. I lost my favorite boots that way. But have fun!!

[Kat81]

And relax. If you stay stiff you will be super sore when you get off from constricting your muscles for so long.

[DanielleNDerek]

The first time I was on a motorcyle, i didn't even make it out of the driveway without begging for the driver to turn around. I was petrified. But after a few more times, i ended up liking it. So my advice is even if you hate it the first time, I would give it a few tries. I don't have any actual riding advice sorry.

[JenniferSS]

I love riding with my husband, with kids though we just don't get to go that often.

 

 

Don't lean on the corners! I use to do this all of the time and he would get so mad as he'd have to compensate for my leaning hee hee!

 

At first make sure there are plenty of stops- you'll use/stretch muscles that you weren't aware of and if you don't get off you'll find that your very stiff and can barely move ( well at least that's what I found!- of course we road the first time for an hour w/o any breaks)!

 

Have fun!

TA Jennifer

[lucy106]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA Jennifer Don't lean on the corners! I use to do this all of the time and he would get so mad as he'd have to compensate for my leaning hee hee!

Ohhh yeah, I didnt even think about the leaning. I will have to remember that. Thank you!! You guys rock!

[A10CalGal]

I would recommend buying an actual motor cycle jacket. Leather is your best bet for skin protection in the event of a fall (not trying to scare you, I'm just into risk management!). Gloves are also important.

 

As far as riding behind your man - your ass will hurt, and if you have long legs like me, your legs will get tired/crampy - so don't be shy about telling him you need frequent rest stops! Don't lean or counter lean - just follow his lead. Also, don't put your feet down when you guys come to a stop. And, definitely watch the tail pipe! Those burns are no fun at all.

 

Have fun!!

[Chiquita]

Hmm.. I can't really add too much more than what's been said here already. I used to ride a motorcycle (and FI used to race motorcycles).

 

I'm a huge gear nazi. I always wore jeans, gloves, jacket, helmet and boots and when it was too cold for jeans I had a heavy textile material pant and jacket as well as riding leathers.

 

I see too many girls on the back of bikes in shorts and flip flops and I can't stand it. I know it's their choice but they won't be too happy when they have road rash all over their bodies.. or worse!

[MikkiStreak]

And remember, helmets lose their safety protection if they are dropped. It's recommended to replace them if they drop or have been in an accident.

[Denise40]

The most important thing besides all of the safety issues, is to have fun! Just relax and enjoy the fresh air. Dh and I are going on a ride next Thurs to Luchanbach(sp?) Tx for a motorcycle rally. I am so excited.