Just this weekend I got my first bike - a Honda XL750 Transalp. Winter is coming where I live, so when I saw a blue sky, dry roads and temperatures just over 0, I thought I could have a little ride. But that wasn’t the stupid, even though I forgot the keys after being completely suited up with thin jogging gloves and winter gloves.
There wasn’t any stupid during the ride, although I forgot the keys again after putting on the two pairs of gloves after a little break. Or that I kept hitting the hazard lights by accident, or the high beams.
The stupid was when I got back and rolled into the driveway. I wanted to slowly roll in and park in front of the wall of the garage. Had the clutch pulled and apparently twisted my wrist to get my thumb on the kill switch. The motor revved up so loud it scared the whole family out the house and onto the porch, where they witnessed me rolling towards the wall, bumping into it because I was so startled I didn’t remember to apply the brake and me falling very, very slowly and gently (almost with a certain grace, I hope) to the side.
As far as I could see, there’s only a few scratches on the bar end and the peg. Whew! But, I was told I bumped hard enough that the rear wheel lifted into the air! Hope that the fork and frame are ok!
Was a real downer after the nice ride, but I guess it’s true what I heard, that all riders fall at least once!
750 is a lot of CC for a first bike. Do carpark drills so you get used to the hardest part of riding; slow speed and manoeuvring. Especially that weight.
The bike only does what it’s told to do.
But don’t worry, you’ll fuck up more. Accept it. Each time you’ll get better and better. Not many riders out there that have a first bike and first few months free of physical (bike or themselves) and/or pride damage. Glad you shared. Just minimise the risk to others and train safely. Get better in no time 👍
I think your first doing a stupid is buying a 750 for your first bike!
Nothing wrong with a 750 for your first bike.
Depends on the 750.
This bike I think is definitely too much for a first bike. Tons of power and lots of potential for whiskey throttle.
But some of the cruiser 750s would make a good first motorcycle as they don’t make lots of power. Something like a Honda Shadow 750 would be a great starter bike with a comfortable ride and enough power to keep up and have some fun but not overwhelming.
You sound like a mess. Take some time to learn your machine. Not in a driveway and not in freezing temps. It’s clear you need to take the MSF course.
