Advice for novice?

[jrose]

Just got my first scooter--Buddy 125. Love it. Yet, also scared to death because I've never ridden before. Any advice, suggestions, and/or lessons learned would be much appreciated.

[ericalm]

Just got my first scooter--Buddy 125. Love it. Yet, also scared to death because I've never ridden before. Any advice, suggestions, and/or lessons learned would be much appreciated.

Welcome and congrats on the new Buddy!

A good starting point is this thread, which compiles a lot of the frequently asked questions and basic information:
topic1354.html

As far as basic advice for a very new rider, consider taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course (http://www.msf.org). It's offered all over the country and in most states (if not all) will waive the need to take a DMV riding test to get your license. It costs anywhere between $50-$300 depending on which state you're in. Worth the cost at any price.

If you haven't already, put some thought and research into getting good riding gear. A lot of new riders (like, well, me when I started) don't give it much consideration beyond a very basic helmet. A quick scan or the "Who's Crashed" thread will make the case for the importance of this. There are many threads here in which members offer recommendations for jackets, gloves, boots and helmets.

If you have specific questions, give the search function a shot—a lot of issues have been covered in the past. And, if you haven't already, please read the posting guidelines.

[pcbikedude]

I would second what ericalm is saying about the MSF course.

If I hadn't taken the course, I probably would be in the hospital today. I had a near miss with a trash truck yesterday. He pulled out in front of me. If I had not learned how to do an emergency swerve I would have t-boned him at 35mph.

Congrats on the Buddy. I hope you and your Buddy have many happy miles of smiles together.

[ryder1]

Do you have your M endorsement already or a motorcycle permit? (Not sure what is required in your state)

If you are able to ride, find an empy parking lot...school, church, closed business, etc and practice in the parking lot. Good way to practice turns, get accustom to speeds, and the way your Buddy handles.

Congrats on the Buddy--you'll enjoy riding the more you ride.

[jrose]

Thanks for all the good advice! I hope to get into a MSC soon. I am on stand-by--they seem to fill up pretty quickly.

[ryder1]

Illinois; you from Illinois?

Here is the link for IL motorcycle practice test
http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/practice-tests.php

Here are the links for Basic Rider Course/MSF
http://www.msf-usa.org/CourseReview/Questionframe.htm

MSF
http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?sp ... rse%20Info

Scooter Booklet:
http://msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter_tips-screen.pdf

[Dennis Abrams]

I just got my first Buddy (a 125 Italia) three days ago. Love it. I did take the class first though, which greatly added to my enjoyment and my own sense of security. I strongly recommend it. (I'd also see if there is anywhere near you that lets you take the class on a scooter. Mine did, which made me very very happy.)

Have fun and be safe!

[Drumwoulf]

Just got my first scooter--Buddy 125. Love it. Yet, also scared to death because I've never ridden before. Any advice, suggestions, and/or lessons learned would be much appreciated.

Take the MSF course.

And while you're waiting, PRACTICE! Practice in empty parking lots. I usta use empty church lots on weekdays, empty govt municipal lots on weekends.

Practice starting. Braking/stopping. Stopping quickly. Turning. Turning slowly. Turning sharply. Signaling. Getting your feet up quickly after starting.
Get used to the machine and what it does, how it accelerates, how it stops, how it handles around turns. Get to know the scoot VERY WELL before you even consider taking it out into traffic! You want to be able to handle the scoot almost without thinking about it when you're in traffic, because there'll be lots of other things getting your attention then! (Oh yes....

I been riding all kindsa motorbikes for 28 years, and I had this scoot delivered to me by the dealer because I was unfamiliar with it's handling (and quirks), and I wanted to practice in parking lots first before venturing out onto the open road with it!