Memoirs from the Maiden Voyage on the C50T

P

[email protected]

New member
Alright, I was a bit naughty today. I'm on my second day of the motorcycle safety course and when I got home from a day of riding on a dual sport Suzuki 200, the wife convinced me to pratice some around the neighborhood on the C50T. You can sure tell the difference in weight between these two bikes. I'm still shaky turning around in the cul-de-sacs but, it got better as the afternoon wore on. The foot paddles take a little getting used to when taking off. I'm so used to those tiny, jagged pegs. I kept forgetting to get my foot up on that rear brake paddle. The heel paddle on the shifter is something I've never had before either. I guess I'll remember to use it eventually. I'm sure they are nice additions. Then there's the turn signals. I kept forgetting to press the *&$%#@ cancel button., over and over again. Why can't they be self canceling? Got out on a short 40MPH section of highway and winded her out a little. Then came just a bit of a panic attack and tightening up when cars came past me the other way. A strange feeling indeed. I don't recall feeling that way in my youth (I was invincible back then. And cycling through the woods and back roads of Georgia in the 70's didn't require the use of signals or worry of what other traffic around me was going to do.) After class tomorrow (final Day! Got 97 on the written test today and have the rider evaluation to get through tomorrow.) I plan to get over to the elementary school parking lot and try to smooth out my manuvering techniques when I get home. It's about the biggest lot in this small town I can think of and the closest. That shakiness and anxiety does subside, right? Bedtime. I have to get up at 5:30 to make it to the 7:15 start of class.:horse:
 
Hi Brian,

I can very well relate to your bio as posted here and excitement in attempt to mastering your C50T. My C50 will be 1 year old this April 19 and can't wait to take her for a spin soon. I'm a novice rider myself and will have to polish up on the essential skills...

I highly recommend the "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L. Hough". Your local library might have it.

:cheers:
 
Thank you E. I need some books for the rainy days. I'm going to pour over the handbook they give you at the safety class again as well. They go through it way too fast in class. Our class basically just highlighted points to remember and moved on after just a couple hours on the first night. I'm sure they're all like that.
 
Thanks guys. I passed my evaluation today. It was chilly, rainy and damp out today yet we were out on the bikes from 7:15 to around 12:30 or so. I imagined it as sort of a motorcycle boot camp. Now it's off to the DMV to get the license changed officially. Then it's practice, practice, practice until I build up enough skill and bravery to go somewhere just for fun on it. First I need some sunshine and warmer temps!
 
Congrats on passing, about a month shy of passing mine a year ago...Have put a little over 7,000 on mine since and have loved every single mile...Ride safe...:bluethum:
 
Congrats and take your time. If you do the right things it won't be long until you are comfortable. Be safe, take it slow and you will be fine. The Proficient Motorcycling book is a great read for saftey. You will realize you don't know how to stop bike well if you go out and practice emergency stops. To me this is the most important part of the book. There are plenty other reminders it it that will make you a better rider.
 
Got my license last summer and felt the same as your initial post. One year later and I still forget to cancel my signals. Nothing scared me more than the first time I ventured out onto the Interstate, a bus came speeding by, and blew me and my C50 onto the emergency range then sucked me back into the right lane when it passed by. IT was a BIG rectangular bus sailing downhill in the middle lane on the Mass TPike. I pulled off at the next exit and rode home on backroads!

Just now trading up to a C109R with a touring aftermarket package. I am 49 (and holding) and I never rode before now, so I am safety conscious.

Funny stuff
 
:lol4: Man! I know some of those bus drivers will stick it on 80-90 MPH and try to keep it there through anything. I don't plan to do interstates for a while. How long? I can't say. I used to ride about 25 years ago or so. I had a couple mini bikes and a trail bike. Back then, if you asked me to do a loop-de-loop in the air on that trail bike, I would have found a way to do it. Today, I don't feel invincible anymore. I'm 43. But I feel 20-something8) Thanks for the chuckle.
 
Back
Top