Confessions of a New Rider... By cavenger (Read 713 times)

[cavenger]

So as many of you know, I recently purchased a used Sym Citycom 300i scooter. This is my first bike and I wanted to relay some of confessions being a new rider:

1. My butt hurts!
2. I was surprised how much time it takes to transition to riding and from riding a bike. Just getting all gear on and everything in place and loaded up can take 10 minutes. Much different than driving in a car. 
3. My butt hurts!!
4. I was scared, at first. I am definitely more confident a month out. I realize I need to continue to learn and that learning will never stop. Cornering still needs work but my leaning the bike is coming along. This bike is fun to ride. It leans easily and I am learning I can push it a little more. It will take time.
5. My butt hurts!!!
6. Its hot here in the south. Commuting in traffic can really get you to sweating. But right now, I dont care, I want to ride constantly. 
7. My butt hurts!!!!
8. I still have much to learn about maintenance. The starter episode was actually a great learning experience. I still need to know how to do regular maintenance. I am tempted to take it to a local bike shop to have them give it a once over.
9. My butt hurts!!!!!
10. Riding on the interstate is a SCARY experience. The Sym can do it, but no matter what bike I was on, I would be pretty hesitant about getting on there. During rush hour?....wow!.
11. My butt hurts!!!!!
12. I bought a jacket and a nice helmet. I always wear long pants but no actual riding pants yet. I have only high-top leather basketball shoes and a pair of regular leather gloves. I plan on buying more gloves also.
13. My butt hurts!!!!!!
14. Reaction from everyone, people I know, other riders, non-riders has been interest and kindness. I have gotten waves from all kinds of riders and it is commonplace. Maybe it is because the Sym looks different from the front, It could be that Sym looks like a regular motorcycle but everyone has been great about it. 
15. My butt hurts!!!!!!!
16. I am getting a good bit of buffering in my helmet and my ears are taking a pounding. I have earplugs but it still loud. I was also looking at getting a new shield that might help.
 
Seriously having a blast on this thing. Measured, because I am new, but this thing is fun to ride, will gitty up and go and is economical. I don't think I am saving any money though because a short trip takes me forever because I always go the long way. GREAT FUN!

I will add more as I think of them!

[richardv]

"My butt hurts"

Here's a couple helpful suggestions. Search for Air Hawk or go to www.skwoosh.com/product/Pillion.html

Another possibility is a sheep skin cover.

[czmdiver]

Too Funny
Monkey Butt Bruh!
Yull hardin yo arse.
What type of helmut do u have?
I'm done with wind noise, my fancy cappi is too loud, I wear a full face Noise Reduction Arai.
When in doubt throttle out!

Very good read!!

[cookees]

www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Driver-Seat-Gel-Pad-Seat-Cushion-Black-with-Gel-and-Memory-Foam-Combo-/261963251272?hash=item3cfe39fe48&vxp=mtr

[skunkhome]

My butt doesn't hurt $60 worth. I find my butt gets hot during these summer rides. Today I was riding with a half helmet in 101° heat and my ears were taking quite a beating. I spread my knees to get a bit of air up under my butt and discovered it stopped the buffeting around my ears. Regardless the buffeting is far less on my piaggio than it was on my Marauder.

[czmdiver]

Aug 8, 2015 19:53:01 GMT -6 skunkhome said:

My butt doesn't hurt $60 worth. I find my butt gets hot during these summer rides. Today I was riding with a half helmet in 101° heat and my ears were taking quite a beating. I spread my knees to get a bit of air up under my butt and discovered it stopped the buffeting around my ears. Regardless the buffeting is far less on my piaggio than it was on my Marauder.

"spread my knees"
I look like a ol goober going down the road doing the same

[Guitarman]

The buffeting around your head is caused by air flowing up and around your body from below. By spreading your knees, you change the airflow patterns and ease the buffeting. Cycle Air Dynamics 101.


The gel pad is great for monkey butt. That combined with the sheepskin is awesome.
I don't like the air hawk because once air is compressed it gets hard. That pad is not as comfy as you would think. Gave mine away for free.

[cyborg]

you think you have monkey butt now,,,wait till you take the sym in for service,,,,the only thing thats going to get the once over is your butt

[skunkhome]

Aug 8, 2015 21:17:00 GMT -6 czmdiver said:

Aug 8, 2015 19:53:01 GMT -6 skunkhome said:

My butt doesn't hurt $60 worth. I find my butt gets hot during these summer rides. Today I was riding with a half helmet in 101° heat and my ears were taking quite a beating. I spread my knees to get a bit of air up under my butt and discovered it stopped the buffeting around my ears. Regardless the buffeting is far less on my piaggio than it was on my Marauder.

"spread my knees"
I look like a ol goober going down the road doing the same

Since I'm an old goober that seems only fitting.   

[skunkhome]

Aug 8, 2015 21:17:00 GMT -6 czmdiver said:

Aug 8, 2015 19:53:01 GMT -6 skunkhome said:

My butt doesn't hurt $60 worth. I find my butt gets hot during these summer rides. Today I was riding with a half helmet in 101° heat and my ears were taking quite a beating. I spread my knees to get a bit of air up under my butt and discovered it stopped the buffeting around my ears. Regardless the buffeting is far less on my piaggio than it was on my Marauder.

"spread my knees"
I look like a ol goober going down the road doing the same

Since I'm an old goober that seems only fitting.   

[cavenger]

Aug 9, 2015 8:22:12 GMT -6 cyborg said:

you think you have monkey butt now,,,wait till you take the sym in for service,,,,the only thing thats going to get the once over is your butt

LOL! I have already paid $180 for a new starter! and all of my gear and tools, my wallet is done! ....but now I am looking for a bluetooth headset. LOL

[cavenger]

Aug 8, 2015 23:45:39 GMT -6 Guitarman said:

The buffeting around your head is caused by air flowing up and around your body from below. By spreading your knees, you change the airflow patterns and ease the buffeting. Cycle Air Dynamics 101.


The gel pad is great for monkey butt. That combined with the sheepskin is awesome.
I don't like the air hawk because once air is compressed it gets hard. That pad is not as comfy as you would think. Gave mine away for free.

You have no idea how much you helped me! I would have never thought about the knees thing! Now I am riding around with my legs spread like a $2 hooker, but it is a much enjoyable ride that way. (that's what she said)!

[czmdiver]

Scoot Areo package, Ol Goober Knee Spread.

[Guitarman]

Aug 9, 2015 15:41:23 GMT -6 czmdiver said:

Scoot Areo package, Ol Goober Knee Spread.

Is that Grape or Wrinkle berry?

[novaraptor]

And for the summer heat, I recommend Heat Out t shirts $10.00 if you can get 'em on sale, kool tie neck wraps around $5.00, and for even better, a hyperKewl vest around $50-$80 (My first summer with one of these. Worn under a mesh riding jacket in 100+ heat, it feels like around 75).