Lori's first ride.

[gearheadfla]

I have about 40 years of riding under my belt, Lori my fiance has decided to learn to ride after being my co-pilot for 3 years, we found her a nice Honda Rebel 250 to learn on. Last Sunday I got the bike out and put her on it on the street in front of the house (no traffic). She nervously started it up after a lesson on where all the controls are, popped it in 1st and duck walked it down the road for a bit. Got it turned around and came back, after a few trips like that she was so tensed up she started having hand and thigh cramps, I told her that she did good, (she even picked her feet up for a bit but didn't realize it) and called it a day, the next lesson is shifting, for that my buddy owns the local Victory dealership and I'm taking her there to put her on a 4 wheeler so she can practice shifting and braking without having to worry about all the other things going on with 2 wheels. She is bent on learning how to do this, may take awhile but I bet she gets it. Any good tips on how to help her? With 40 years of doing it, it's kinda hard to teach someone something that just come natural to us. Heck, I don't remember learning how to ride it's been so long.

[Lucasind]

my wife and I have been together since march of "1974".... the honda trail 70 is the only thing she says she can.....or ever will ride..... there's something about that darn'd old clutch thing that scares alot of ladies away..!!...........................tony

[bikerking.biz]

If there are MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) beginner courses in your area, I would suggest strongly taking her to complete one of those. They know how to teach and comfort beginners and how to get them riding in no time. They even provide the bikes. There are more advanced courses after she has a chance to ride for awhile.

[Rlmcgee]

If there are MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) beginner courses in your area, I would suggest strongly taking her to complete one of those. They know how to teach and comfort beginners and how to get them riding in no time. They even provide the bikes. There are more advanced courses after she has a chance to ride for awhile.

The BEST advice is right here! Get her to take an MSF course! You will not be wasting time doing all the other things you are lovingly attempting to do for her.
When I decided I wanted to ride my own bike, I truly wish I had taken the course first, b/4 I was taught things by my significant other! After she takes the course then you can take her and teach her the "lessons learned" in your 40+ years of riding experience!
I encourage women all the time to take the course; even if they never intend to ride themselves. I tell them that as a passenger the knowledge of knowing how to control the bike in the event of an emergency is extremely valuable and one never knows they might find that they love being in control of their own two wheels!
So that's my two cents (from a woman) lol

[the2knights]

I second the MSF course. My son is about ready to start riding, same kind of deal. I told him take the MSF course, then I will show him how to apply his new found ability to the real world. I can't speak for everyone, but I think learning the Basic Skills from someone not related to you relieves a lot of pressure so they can concentrate on the task at hand. There is no way I will allow my son out on the street until he can perform at a skill level similar to my own, but don't want to get him to frustrated at the basic level. I have instructed several people how to ride, I would hate for my instructions to be tempered by my relationship to the rider.

[Okie34]

I agree (and will "third" the motion), the MSF Beginners course is great! Unfortunately, in my immediate area, we really don't have one available. We have some "mini" beginner course, but nothing sanctioned. Those courses that are sanctioned fill up quickly, are a far piece to get to and generally pretty expensive ($250 to $300).

-- JD

[gearheadfla]

Yes, she will be taking the course, she just wants a little knowledge and comfort before she goes in front of 15 or 20 people in the class, in Florida the course is mandatory before getting a MC endorsement, I was grandfathered in before the laws changed but I have taken some classes, I have watched the beginners class before and they do a great job, but some of the people learning to ride......WOW.

[Skibou]

I agree, the course is a must. Back at the dawn of time I used to teach it, and one of the first things we did with new riders was to have them push one another - no engine - until they were comfortable with balancing the bike, and braking. Once they gained confidence in their ability to balance and stop at will, it was easier to proceed to learning how to use the engine, clutch and gearbox without panicing.