Got a question for the more experienced riders...

[mcornelius]

Hi Guys,

I'm 33 years old and have been riding for about 4 months now. I'm past the age of taking excessive risks and I feel that I have a decent handle on the basics of riding a motorcycle. I have taking the MSF course as well. However, I know that I am no where near labeling myself "an experienced rider."

My question is, How long did you guys ride before you felt that you no longer considered yourself a squid? I know that the learning process is ever on going etc...but humor me.

Thanks
Merv

[diavolo]

Welcome to KR, Merv. The term squid is actually an acronym for: Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Ignorant and Dangerous. You seem to be on the right track by taking the MSF course To avoid being classed as a squid would merely require you to ride in a responsible manner, wear proper gear - dress for the slide not the ride. Take your time getting familiar with your bike and it's capabilities, and most importantly, ride your own ride - never ride outside your comfort zone of abilities, as Murphy can be a mean old bastage.

[VifferJim]

There's also an MSF advanced course when you're ready... you might read some books on the "sport" end of sport touring... "Twist of the Wrist II" might be a good start. Finally, find yourself some friends who are experienced riders and get some real seat time.

Be safe.

[mcornelius]

Welcome to KR, Merv. The term squid is actually an acronym for: Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Ignorant and Dangerous. You seem to be on the right track by taking the MSF course To avoid being classed as a squid would merely require you to ride in a responsible manner, wear proper gear - dress for the slide not the ride. Take your time getting familiar with your bike and it's capabilities, and most importantly, ride your own ride - never ride outside your comfort zone of abilities, as Murphy can be a mean old bastage.

Ahh...I thought a squid was the same as newbie...lol!

There's also an MSF advanced course when you're ready... you might read some books on the "sport" end of sport touring... "Twist of the Wrist II" might be a good start. Finally, find yourself some friends who are experienced riders and get some real seat time.

Be safe.

I'm thinking about taking this ERC this coming spring.

[drob]

Nice bike,i'm about to pick up a 98 where did you order most of your parts from.

[mcornelius]

Nice bike,i'm about to pick up a 98 where did you order most of your parts from.

Thanks. The lights are clear alternatives, the slip-on is a yoshi from motorcycle superstore, got the solo cowl off ebay as well as the factory pro advancer, the paint was done by a guy in Yukon, got the 600 top triple tree from Arsenic via ebay, all amsoil fluids via their website...what else...?

[GSXfs600]

The body needs to learn, this can take 3 months or 3 years, for some, never.

[mcornelius]

The body needs to learn, this can take 3 months or 3 years, for some, never.

I guess it that whole muscle memory thing. I tend to pick up things really fast.

[drob]

Thanks. The lights are clear alternatives, the slip-on is a yoshi from motorcycle superstore, got the solo cowl off ebay as well as the factory pro advancer, the paint was done by a guy in Yukon, got the 600 top triple tree from Arsenic via ebay, all amsoil fluids via their website...what else...?

thx man, maybe ill see you riding sometime.

[tdrcomm]

Ahh...I thought a squid was the same as newbie...

Squid and Newbie are VASTLY different. I'll ride with a pack of acknowledged newbies (sweeper) before I'd ride with ONE squid.

The body needs to learn, this can take 3 months or 3 years, for some, never.

Muscle memory, instinct... call it whatever you want, but it takes a while for the riding inputs to become second nature or instinctual. The more you ride and in different conditions the faster that second nature builds up. You want to be able to react correctly without having to think about what you're going to do. Comes with time and experience.

Never ride faster than your instincts will allow.


I've been off the bike for a year and one month. My bike had been my daily transportation for almost 6 years. I have put more miles on my car in the past year than I had in the previous 7, my bike passed on at 80100 miles. In that time I only put 9000 miles on the car. I've been riding for 25 years, regularly for the past 10. I'm going to FINALLY be in position to buy a new bike in a couple months , but with all my experience and knowledge I will not be comfortable or confident on the new bike for at least 6 - 8 months. I know this. It will take me that long to gain the instinctual feel of a new bike (and riding in general) and the reaction confidence I had a year ago.

[mcornelius]

Thanks for your insight tdrcomm...each time I ride, I get more confidence on my bike (not overconfidence). I've gotten pretty comfortable with the city streets around here. My next step is to get more highway time in.

[jbo197]

Twist of the Wrist II

http://www.mediafire.com/?71ynjmmgiuj

Enjoy ~

[kidblooper]

Welcome to KR, Merv. The term squid is actually an acronym for: Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Ignorant and Dangerous. You seem to be on the right track by taking the MSF course To avoid being classed as a squid would merely require you to ride in a responsible manner, wear proper gear - dress for the slide not the ride. Take your time getting familiar with your bike and it's capabilities, and most importantly, ride your own ride - never ride outside your comfort zone of abilities, as Murphy can be a mean old bastage.

Very well said

["K"]

I considered myself an experienced rider after I rode my KTM from coast to coast, 3600 mi., over 60% was off-pavement on the Trans-America Trail.

[KAT TOY]

When I started riding around 1971 we didn't have that term squid. I might have been one a time or two. Mostly I had just enough fear? or respect? of the laws of physics to not be a squid. I can have fun without being dangerous[well mostly]. As you gain more seat time your confidence and skill level will increase. Never submit to peer pressure and ride over your comfort zone, unless maybe at a track day. Good luck and ride safe.