[QUOTEAlso learned what it feels like when the bike runs out of gas and you have to pull over on the side of the road in order to switch the tank to reserve.][/QUOTE]

hahaha, too funny especially since it happens alot. Get comfy and know your petcock.

 

You're doing the right thing by getting out there and putting on the miles. I would recommend if you want to practice city riding, do it at a time when the traffic is light, like early on a weekend morning. Otherwise try putting on some miles in less crowded areas, and dirt riding skills are invaluable on the street, so go find some dirt! Other than the MSF course, I would highly recommend reading Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. It's got pretty much everything you need to know for surviving street riding.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/books/pr...torcycling.htm

 

try running out of gas on the interstate wide open.
i got pretty good at reaching down and hitting reserve on the move

 

I got the petcock thing mastered! 90 % of the time I hit reserve before I get gas. After fill up I reset the trip counter and take her off reserve before getting on the bike. Becomes second nature after a while. After a while you'll get a good idea of when your gonna run out. For me it happens around 140 kms or more. So if I'm in traffic that's tight to my rear I switch to reserve before actually running out. Then head to a nearby gas station. As for the seat being uncomfy-----all I can say is: if yer **** is numb, yer trail is too smooth. You'll understand after doing some offroad trails.

 

+1 (especially about the seat!)

 

When I first got my bike I hated the seat. Of course being a beginner I was doing mostly pavement and smooth trails. Now that I have progressed to a lot of offfoad and little pavement there are many times the seat becomes "oh ......so comfy". Especially after 8 hours of mostly standing!

 

MSF offers the classes up here in Alpharetta if you don't mind the hike up 400.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
MSF Campus @ Alpharetta, Ga.
Located within the American Honda Complex
1450 Morrison Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga.
(770) 442-2043
Dirt and street classes are done at this location.