Greetings from NH USA

[Bubbaschill]

Hi Everyone - I just bought my first motorcycle (I'm 63 years old) !  A gently used (12K miles) 2016 light white S1K-XR. It's being delivered within the next 2 weeks. A motorcycle has been on my "bucket list" since I was 10 years old. A couple of friends recently bought Harleys and I went this route instead. I'm binging on Youtube and I'm prepared to be patient and take baby steps. I'm planning on a 3 day riding course in the Spring. I grew up skiing competitively and have driven manual cars my entire adult life (latest is tracking a 2010 e92 M3 6 speed). I've never had a car accident. Drive defensively and take driving very seriously. I'm hoping that my background/experience will give me a slight headstart. I'm super excited - yet a tad apprehensive. Any advice from my experienced S1KXR riders is always appreciated.

[chuckxr]

Originally Posted by Bubbaschill

Hi Everyone - I just bought my first motorcycle (I'm 63 years old) !  A gently used (12K miles) 2016 light white S1K-XR. It's being delivered within the next 2 weeks. A motorcycle has been on my "bucket list" since I was 10 years old. A couple of friends recently bought Harleys and I went this route instead. I'm binging on Youtube and I'm prepared to be patient and take baby steps. I'm planning on a 3 day riding course in the Spring. I grew up skiing competitively and have driven manual cars my entire adult life (latest is tracking a 2010 e92 M3 6 speed). I've never had a car accident. Drive defensively and take driving very seriously. I'm hoping that my background/experience will give me a slight headstart. I'm super excited - yet a tad apprehensive. Any advice from my experienced S1KXR riders is always appreciated.

Welcome to the forum! I take it you have at least ridden motorcycles before? On the street? dirt? Is the 3 day riding course a refresher or is it to get your motorcycle license (not sure how NH licensing works)? Does the riding course provide motorcycles or is it byob? Also, riding a motorcycle takes a different skill-set than driving a car. The reason I ask is, the s1000xr is a very powerful and tall bike for a first ever owned bike. Since you've already purchased it, you should take a good read through the Owners manual (available online) as there are some options available to tame it down a bit, such as riding modes, dtc and such. 

[Bubbaschill]

Hi Chuck XR -

Thanks for the reply. Nope - I haven't ridden a motorcycle previously. The 3 day course is to get my license. Yep - I get that this machine is a serious beast. I'm going to respect the power  - start in rain mode and practice, practice, and practice. Long Drive way, Neighborhood and parking lots - - - balance, clutch and a conservative approach. I'm super psyched and determined to be fast but safe.

[brickit]

 
It does seem extraordinary that an 18 year old with a car licence can roll up, take a 2 day course, pass a practical and written exam, (90% pass rate) and ride off on a 150bhp bike.
I guess insurance could be a big leveller, but it does make you think the British system is just a bit OTT.
 Starting in Rain mode is a good idea. I would also suggest you fit crash bars or frame protectors to protect the bike in case of a spill. It is a heavy lump if you lose the balance. Better to let it go over, knowing you won't do damage, than hurt yourself trying to keep things sunny side up.
Please let us know how you get on. We often get inexperienced riders introducing themselves on the forum, but they will all have ridden a bike before and are just upgrading. We don't generally hear from them again, so assume that all went well?   

[Bubbaschill]

Hi Brickit - Good advice. Thanks. I'm taking this riding experience very seriously and will be patient and concentrated.

[chuckxr]

Originally Posted by brickit

It does seem extraordinary that an 18 year old with a car licence can roll up, take a 2 day course, pass a practical and written exam, (90% pass rate) and ride off on a 150bhp bike.
I guess insurance could be a big leveller, but it does make you think the British system is just a bit OTT.
 Starting in Rain mode is a good idea. I would also suggest you fit crash bars or frame protectors to protect the bike in case of a spill. It is a heavy lump if you lose the balance. Better to let it go over, knowing you won't do damage, than hurt yourself trying to keep things sunny side up.
Please let us know how you get on. We often get inexperienced riders introducing themselves on the forum, but they will all have ridden a bike before and are just upgrading. We don't generally hear from them again, so assume that all went well?   

In California, if you are under 21 and applying for an M1 (any size motorcycle) endorsement I'm pretty sure you must successfully complete a California Motorcycle Training program (CSMP), I think it's 5 hours of class time and 10 hours of on cycle training before even getting the limited instruction permit. You then need to have that limited operating permit for 6 months before getting the actual license. The CSMP provides motorcycles for folks to attend the class. I've known people that have taken and failed the CSMP, sometimes more than once. For those failing multiple times, I sorta hinted that maybe motorcycling isn't for you ;)  Oh and yes, insurance is quite expensive if you're under 21!

[Bubbaschill]

Yes - It's a similar gig in NH too. They supply the motorcycles and I think, about 20% fail 1st time around . . .

[MyzTied]

  Yes take it slow. Enjoy your ride. Congrats