QuestionI am 62 years old from Fort Worth TX, and I just purchased a used 1983 Honda Goldwing 1100 LE motorcycle. The last time I rode a Motorcycle was about 30 years ago and it was a500cc Honda. But due to high gas prices I have returned to bikes. I plan to use this bike for commuting to & from work. The drive includes surface streets, lots of traffic, and about 8 miles of interstate. I took the Motorcycle Driving Course and passed with no problems. But those were 150cc bikes.
I have to say I am very intimidated by the size and weight of the bike. When I rode it prior to purchase, I thought it would be easy to get used to it again. But I find I DO NOT want to ride it now, and must force myself to take it out.
The weight is the main factor, with finding the rear brake in a hurry the second. It just feels so heavy.
I checked for a riding club but most are 'crotch rockets', and the ones that are not are a loooong ways away.
Any suggestions?
AnswerMany returning riders find taking a MSF RiderCourse a useful and informative step to becoming reacquainted with motorcycling. Often when people rode in years past, the bikes were much smaller and they did so with little or no training and many were unlicensed. The MSF classes can provide you with operational skills and risk management knowledge that may immediately increase your confidence. The motorcycle you have chosen is heavy, especially considering your age. As we age, allowances have to be made for increasing deficiencies such as agility, physical strength, endurance, vision, hearing, effects of medication, slowed reactions, reduced mental alertness, etc. Knowledge can be an effective equalizer. Take a class and learn the fundamentals necessary to become a competent motorcyclist, a thinking motorcyclist.
Start Smart, Stay Smart, Ride Smart
Steve
