Compared to my Vespa it was a dramatic change. The basic riding principles were the same but the practical realities of such a powerful machine just sort of threw that out the door until I adapted.

Good luck with your bike and thanks for commenting here.

Ride safe.

Another comment I have is that this bike is a bit high for my height. I bought a lower seat, which makes the ride easier but still I feel like on top of a tower.

The problem usually is when stopping and climbing off. So gotta use bigger boots for that to keep one foot all the way to the floor while the other on the shift lever side.

Any tips?

Regards,

Steve

When I rode it myself I thought more than once how challenging it would be for a new rider. So much power available at just the faintest twist of the wrist. Nothing like your Yamaha 125 that you learned to ride on.

Your description of what happened is classic. I had the exact same thing happen to me albeit on a Honda 50 MiniTrail when I was a kid. I panicked at the surge of power, grabbed more grips (and throttle) and promptly rode through a hedge. It was a lesson I never forgot.

And protective gear…. good stuff when you wear it.

Congratulations on planning to get back on. Take it slow and practice in a parking lot until you are completely comfortable with the bike.

Let us all know how things go!

Good luck.

I wish I had read your post a little earlier. It happens that last week I bought a brand new Ducati HM 1100S. A beast!

This is my first bike ever! Before I was just taking a few bike lessons on a small Yamaha 125.

Well, first try on the HM went ok, short laps around the compound in 1st gear mostly (ocassional 2nd) and very slowly. Had fun, adjusted well!

Second try, I totally lost control!! trying 2nd gear in a more decisive way. The thing just flew out and I felt I was being left behind, causing me to grab hard no the handles, increasing the power and eventually hitting a sidewalk a bit too fast! Fell off (wearing no protective gear whatsoever) and thank God just got a few bruises on my arms and face. The bike however sustained some serioous damage on the oil reservoir, side walls and mirrors. They all have to be replaced.

I was/still are scared shitless at my total impotency at trying to control this bike that day. I think I applied brakes, clutch and steering at the same time without realizing that I my hand was stuck to the Gas lever and glued with strong muscular tension to it!

All I can say is that reading yours and other comments have been quite informative which makes me determined to climb on the horse again and ride one more time until I can feel at least in positive control at low Speeds.

Regards,

Steve Gonzalez

Ronman: Thanks for the kind words. I like the notion that I am a normal rider. I don’t often hear that!

David: Kissell’s had a V-Strom 650 in their pre-owned collection that I almost took for a ride. Next time I am sure to try one out. They have always looked completely functional to me—like the KLR.