Ok so I am in the US Army and stationed in korea right now. On overseas military posts they have these programs where you can get great deals on new american cars and motorcycles (harley and buell). I always wanted a bike, so i went ahead and bought the 2009 buell xb9sx for a great deal. I get the bike when i finish my tour here and go back to the states. But my problem is that I've never ridden a motorcycle before. Am I in way over my head with this 1000cc bike? I plan on taking some safety courses, but will this be enough? I would appreciate any advice you guys could give me. Thanks.
brand new rider
- Thread starter ARMYrider
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Hi ARMY!
Thanks for your service, and congrats on the new bike.
I just bought my first bike last year, and guess what it is...That's right an XB9S (it's an 03 though), and I never rode a motorcycle before. Except the MSF course I took, and once in a parking lot.
jsg is right. Do yourself a favor and take a MSF course, you'll learn a lot of good stuff.
Respect your limits, cause the bike wont, and once you're past them you're very prone to making mistakes.
Don't kid yourself...this isn't a liter bike. Not like the metrics anyway. It does have more than enough power to get you into trouble in a hurry though. But it's probably more fun around town, and comfortable while cruising.
Please get yourself some protective gear. You'll need a helmet, gloves, and boots for the MSF course. Check out newenough.com great prices, and better service.
Thanks for your service, and congrats on the new bike.
I just bought my first bike last year, and guess what it is...That's right an XB9S (it's an 03 though), and I never rode a motorcycle before. Except the MSF course I took, and once in a parking lot.
jsg is right. Do yourself a favor and take a MSF course, you'll learn a lot of good stuff.
Respect your limits, cause the bike wont, and once you're past them you're very prone to making mistakes.
Don't kid yourself...this isn't a liter bike. Not like the metrics anyway. It does have more than enough power to get you into trouble in a hurry though. But it's probably more fun around town, and comfortable while cruising.
Please get yourself some protective gear. You'll need a helmet, gloves, and boots for the MSF course. Check out newenough.com great prices, and better service.
To tell you the truth, once you get used to the clutch its easy. I hadn't really ridden a street bike until I bought my xb12s, but I have been riding and racing dirt bikes since I was 12 years old. So I pretty much just hopped on and took off, since they are so similar. The bottom line is don't try to learn how to ride out on the public roads.
Stevenc150
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Welcome to the board ARMY. It's been said, but Thank you for your Service. [up] Congrats on your Buy!
I got the XB12S as my first and after only taking an MSF course also. My advice is to take an MSF course, start at a slow pace, and Ride Safe. This thing will corner and feel so natural after such a short time, that it's easy to get over-confident. Just remember there's no forgiveness to be found with the pavement so Wear your Gear. The rest will come in it's own time.
I got the XB12S as my first and after only taking an MSF course also. My advice is to take an MSF course, start at a slow pace, and Ride Safe. This thing will corner and feel so natural after such a short time, that it's easy to get over-confident. Just remember there's no forgiveness to be found with the pavement so Wear your Gear. The rest will come in it's own time.
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I will definitely take an MSF course and get all of the proper safety gear. Everything we do in the army we put safety first, and riding a motorcycle won't be any different.
I do have another problem/question though: Before I can pick up my bike at the HD dealership, I have to show them proof of insurance. But to get insurance I'm pretty sure i need a license. When I leave korea I will probably get to go home for 20-30 days before I go to my next duty station- Is this enough time to learn to ride well enough to get my license? I live in North Carolina, and i read that there is a written exam as well as a driving exam. Thanks again for your feedback.
I do have another problem/question though: Before I can pick up my bike at the HD dealership, I have to show them proof of insurance. But to get insurance I'm pretty sure i need a license. When I leave korea I will probably get to go home for 20-30 days before I go to my next duty station- Is this enough time to learn to ride well enough to get my license? I live in North Carolina, and i read that there is a written exam as well as a driving exam. Thanks again for your feedback.
xtremelow
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- May 19, 2007
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- 6,243
MSF course will set you up since the military will start with someone who has never ridin before and build from there.
I almost got an '07 when I was overseas like you did but decided not to. Biggest thing within your first year of riding is don't get cocky. Also first thing you need to invest on would be frame pucks and axle sliders since you WILL lay the bike down at some point and that is never good with a brand new bike.
I almost got an '07 when I was overseas like you did but decided not to. Biggest thing within your first year of riding is don't get cocky. Also first thing you need to invest on would be frame pucks and axle sliders since you WILL lay the bike down at some point and that is never good with a brand new bike.
