I've joined the ranks...

[sully749]

Anyhow, years later, I've raced on and off for a few seasons, turning some respectable lap times in the process and haven't dropped a bike in years.  So, don't let the jitters get to you and just realize that this is all a learning process and within no time, you'll be as fast as Grio.  Maybe.

Of course you're welcome here! 

I agree, you will get much more comfortable with time.  Sometimes even after a while it still happens.  I've been riding my M620 for six years, haven't dropped it since the first year until last weekend.  Just got careless in some sand (in my driveway, no less - so embarrassing!!).     That's the great thing about Monsters, though . . . aside from the obligatory tank ding, they can generally take a drop pretty well!!  (Kinda like me and beer.) 

[Shortie]

Been a while since I've posted, but I thought I'd give my peeps an update.

My confidence has been improving, and each time out I am more and more comfortable with the bike. I'm getting better at pushing it around in the garage and driveway, and managing the weight of the bike at stops is much better than it was before.

A couple weeks ago I got my first public embarrassment out of the way at a local gas station. It wasn't stopping at the pump or filling up that was the problem though. I filled up and did a nice clean U turn through the pumps to the exit of the station. I stopped before the edge of the lot, before the dip in the pavement where I feared my foot might land (and not reach) and beyond that was a square storm grate, which was slightly raised. It was dry, and there was no sand, but for some reason I got it in my noob little head that I didn't want to ride over that grate. So, I turned my bars slightly and started to roll between the grate and the curb. Then I touched the front brake. Duh! Not supposed to do that with the bars turned. Moving so slow. While looking at the ground.  On the ground the bike went. Ping went the brake lever (luckily my man had the foresight to drill the lever so it only broke at the end). Crack went the mirror. Poof went my ego.

There were 3 Poland Spring water tankers in the lot filling up, their drivers all standing around, peeking under their rigs at the tiny little gal with the tiny little bike, flooded, on its side, by the side of the road. 

I shook it out, laughed it off, and we went on with our ride (after the bike dried out enough to start of course. Yay for carbs!)

Haven't dropped it since.

I still haven't been out without Tony in tow, but that's ok with me for now. As long as I'm getting to ride I'm happy. My bike has been running like crap, and we're trying to get the carbs sorted out, but I have a stalling issue that is persisting regardless of the adjustments we make. Luckily there is a very bright group of individuals on the Bandit forum that have been helping us sort it out. T doesn't want to take me on longer rides until we can get the bike to quit stalling at stops. But hey, shorter rides are still rides, right? 

[Stella]

Uh!   I can just feel what that must have been like!  I've been able to save myself a number of times (as recently as yesterday and I think the root cause
of those two near mishaps was because I was all hopped up on coffee!).  One of these days I'll just cut and paste your text but hopefully not anytime soon!

Good riding to you!   

[red baron]

Updates?