2Wheeltips

Hello,

Hi Dolly, I can tell you that any training is going to help you regardless of where you take it (assuming they are professional instructors) I can tell you that the most likely cause of you dropping your bike is that you are probably looking down. Also, most beginners have a tendency to hit the front brake with the handle bar turned coming to a stop, which will pull you to the ground like a huge magnet (due to weight shift that occurs to quickly for you to prepare for). When starting and stopping keep your eyes forward and looking into an imaginary point at least 20 to 30 feet ahead and about 5 feet above the ground. Make a reasonable attempt to start and stop with your right foot on the brake, when you are going slow, it's ok to drag the back brake a little, and remember that if your bike is moving, your feet belong on the pegs/floorboards. Do not get too frustrated, it gets easier with time, you just need to start trusting yourself and trusting your machine. It won't fall over unless you take away the forward energy by pulling on the clutch or hitting the brake at a near stop. Don't panic when you feel uncomfortable, straighten your handlebars slowly let out the clutch and roll on the throttle. Next time I'm in Oz, I'll need a riding buddy, so get out there and practice.

Dolly,

None of those classes are geared to help you ride. All of the Harley classes are there to sell you more stuff.
Like VTXRon said, you need to get out and practice. That's the only way you will get better. Also let us know what problems you are having and we'll give tips on how to correct what you are doing wrong. Hope this helps.

Tony

Dolly Hi,

A suggestion I would make is to see what riding clubs are active in your area. Though I agree with VTXRon that the Harley sponsored classes are skewed to get you comfortable with the dealership for self serving reasons, Harley does do a fantastic job of supporting their riding groups, sponsoring events and providing a meeting place for riders to meet and share comradarie. Meeting riders that can help you and spend time with you to work through the problems you are experiencing would be a good thing. Riders love to help each other and I'm willing to bet you could find assistance without much trouble.

If you bought your Suzuki from a dealer I would be willing to bet that the dealer would have one of their sales folks, who are usually avid riders, tutor you at no-charge, to get you acclimated and able to get out on the roads. I would not be at all reluctant or embarrassed to ask them for help because that is the business they are in and need to help new riders through that initial learning curve. Reggie

Hi guys. Just thought I'd stop by to post an update. Thanks to your helpful tips (thank you Ron!!!) I have been out on the road and adding hours and miles to my bike. I'm really enjoying myself and each ride is just a little less stressful and that much more enjoyable. Practice, practice, practice and the very detailed instructions on how to make those turns and other parking lot practice guides have made all the difference. I still have A LOT to learn, but now that it is actually starting to be fun, it should be easier. I am always careful and riding in full gear and finally able to ride beyond my neighborhood with my boyfriend, although not on highways yet.