My First Ride
With the help of a friend yesterday, I was able to hop on the Electra Glide and cruise around the neighborhood. The feeling was indescribable.
I was very happy to have an experienced rider on hand, as there is quite a bit different between the Honda Nighthawk I rode in my BRC and the Electra Glide. After figuring out the controls we decided to start it up. After it was running for a minute or so, it started spraying oil out of the bottom, bad. Upon further inspection, my experienced rider friend told me this was just from the bike sitting, and that after sitting for awhile they have been known to seep oil. Sure enough, it stopped after a bit.
The first time I mounted up on the bike, I noticed the size difference. It wasn’t so much the weight as it was the actual size of the bike that threw me off. After playing with the clutch a bit and killing the engine finding the “friction” zone of the clutch, I decided it was now or never and off I went. I went down the street, took a corner, and went down that street as well. I knew that there would be some anxiousness back at the house, so I didn’t want to be gone for too long, but once I was off, it got harder and harder to think about turning back. I was gone for maybe 10 minutes or so and decided to turn it around and head back to the house. All said and done I probably got to take in 4 stop signs, 12 corners, and 4 or so turns. I only encountered one other vehicle and I just waved him through the intersection so I could take my time with the turn.
We chatted a bit more about how the ride went. I asked some very basic questions that I just wasn’t sure about like filling it up with gas and whatnot. We found the tattered book of my dad’s that has all the information I will ever need to take care of this bike. A huge thanks to Skinny for stopping by, answering my noobish questions, and giving me some initial confidence for my first ride!
After Skinny and his wife split and I had a chance to re-hydrate, I decided it was time for round two. This time I went quite a bit farther, but I stayed in the neighborhood. I have no doubt in my mind that I can ride the Electa Glide. I plan on keeping to back roads and neighborhoods for a while. I’m going to go fill it up today. While I appreciate everyone’s feedback about whether or not I should find a different bike to learn on, I have decided to just go with it and take my time. Its a bit bigger of a bike. Its an older bike. I don’t think I could find anything that would feel more right for me.
I know my dad would be proud.
Hey Brad glad to have met ya Sat. Think your right, your dad is proud. One day you’ll be riden an you’ll look over to see him beside ya. Take it easy, take your time and ride the FLH. Have fun lilttle Brother an holler if ya need anything.
Comment by Skinny — June 26, 2011 @ 10:08 pm
I always recommend the safe, conservative path to new riders because no experienced rider wants to see a rookie have anything but fun. But sometimes new riders have to go their own way and it turns out they are absolutely right on in choosing their own way even if it’s a little more risky.
“I knew that there would be some anxiousness back at the house, so I didn’t want to be gone for too long, but once I was off, it got harder and harder to think about turning back.”
So yeah, you nailed it, and your dad would be proud. Ride safe.
Comment by Doug — June 27, 2011 @ 1:41 am
Following your own heart and mind is what motorcycling is all about. It’s another reason we ride 2 wheels rather than 4! I’m very glad to learn you’ve chosen to grab the “bull by the horns” and get your bike under you without the intermediate bike. You have the confidence it’s gonna take to be a rider, and that is what is gonna make all the difference as you venture further and further out into the world. I know from experience what I’m talking about. Big grins from this end of your blog.
Chessie
Comment by Chessie — June 27, 2011 @ 5:41 am
I just want to say, Brad…I’m sorry I never got to meet your Dad, but I sure enjoyed all his posts. There’s a real visceral feel you get from old bikes that really can’t be matched by modern bikes..most of my bikes are from the 70s so I can say that with conviction. Although most of us normally tell new riders to get something smaller, the fact this is your Dad’s bike you’re taking over adds an element that can’t be matched and it’s the right thing for you to do….it sounds as though you have a good head on your shoulders for dealing with the considerable learning curve a bike like this will require.
Good luck to you and hope you have many hundreds of great rides with it.
Comment by Judy — June 27, 2011 @ 2:15 pm
YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!!
Comment by mq01 — June 28, 2011 @ 9:58 am
Your Dad would be proud – for getting the blog back up and going…and for getting the ’68 back on the road. Ride safe…and watch out for the idiots.
Comment by Lonnie C. — June 29, 2011 @ 8:28 pm
Freaking AWESOME!
Enjoy!
-Peace
Comment by Allen — July 3, 2011 @ 7:39 pm
All I have to say is (like your old man would be) I’m proud to see you take a new interest and ride. Like I said before I would hate to see the 68′ sit and rot. Enjoy little bro.
Comment by Duke — July 7, 2011 @ 8:47 pm
Brad,
Congratulations on your endorsement and your decision to ride the Electra Glide. When I started riding, I jumped from a Suzuki 800 to a ’98 Electra Glide myself. I was totally intimidated by the mere thought of it… until I got on it.
A lot of riders have different opinions… work your way up in size, or get right on the big daddy and learn from there. I decided that I couldn’t afford multiple bike purchases as I grew my way in experience so, I jumped right on the big one and never looked back. It was awesome! The biggest thing to remember, is ride YOUR ride. Don’t give in to any peer pressure to move out of your comfort zone and all will be well.
Looking forward to more posts as you get to know your “Electra Glide in Blue”. Yep… dad would be proud.
Lady R
Comment by Lady R — July 8, 2011 @ 5:04 am
Just ride safe and do watch for the idiots. They are out there every ride. I think too your dad would be proud.
Comment by Webster World — July 19, 2011 @ 6:09 am