First street cred!!

[scooterchick]

Hi all!! Just a quick note to tell y'all I rode my "Beast" on the neighborhood streets for the first time this evening and I didn't drop it or crash or anything bad!!! For those of you who don't know…my '12 650 Exec came home on June 1, and this is my first scoot ever and I'm a newly MC endorsed rider and have only ever ridden an '07 Honda Meto and that for only a few weeks!! There is still MUCH practice and reps to be done (with my hubby as my rider coach), but I DID IT and lived!! LOL!! Heckuva summer ahead!!!

[gershon]

Hi all!! Just a quick note to tell y'all I rode my "Beast" on the neighborhood streets for the first time this evening and I didn't drop it or crash or anything bad!!! For those of you who don't know…my '12 650 Exec came home on June 1, and this is my first scoot ever and I'm a newly MC endorsed rider and have only ever ridden an '07 Honda Meto and that for only a few weeks!! There is still MUCH practice and reps to be done (with my hubby as my rider coach), but I DID IT and lived!! LOL!! Heckuva summer ahead!!!

In your practice, be sure not to use the front brake at slow speeds unless the front wheel is absolutely straight. Like any bike, it will go down quickly if you do.

If an exercise becomes at all uncomfortable, simultaneously straighten the front wheel, look straight ahead, release the brakes and add a little power.

For U turns and other exercises, you will need to learn to use a little throttle and use the rear brake to control speed.

Be sure to learn the ABS. Learn what it feels like to have the ABS cycle on each wheel. The rear brake does more of the braking on the Burgman than it would on other bikes with a CG more forward.

Gaining full confidence in push steering is an important early step. Learn to push FORWARD lightly in the direction of the curve and release pressure with the opposite hand so you aren't fighting yourself.

I'd suggest working on right turns at slow speeds and from a stop like you would at an intersection.

The Burgman 650 handles so well it's easy to go faster than your ability to handle some hazardous situations. It probably feels heavy now, but after a couple hundred miles it will be easy to ride and you won't notice the weight.

If you are ever at a stop and you sense you are about to drop it, stand up and let the seat lean against the inside of your thigh. Turn the front wheel in the direction it is starting to fall.

Don't put the key in your jacket pocket and then store your jacket under the seat.

Be VERY careful at the gas pump. If you bump the door for the gas cap, it will break off easily. Most everyone does it. The part is about $7.00. Ok, I admit it, I've done it 3 times.

And get a full face helmet so people don't see your Burgman grin.

[terraunbound]

Don't put the key in your jacket pocket and then store your jacket under the seat.

That one

Way to go! It is a new sense of freedom!