As someone who’s never ridden a bicycle more than 5-10mins… I tried the MSF course and got dropped because I wasn’t catching on quick enough with balance and controls (which is all a bike is at some point) similar experience to you… BUT I do want to try to learn my balance on a bicycle AND keep trying MSF. I understand it means I need to be slower than most but I do want it.

I love this mans attitude when it comes to finding your limit and having the humility to speak about it. It is relative to every single person, and self aware enough to ‘knock it off’ when he did not feel safe. I admire the humbleness in his approach, and hope he found the 3-wheeled courses confidence inspiring as well as had the wonderful independence felt when operating one. Hell yeah!

You've got much more than balance issues mate , you got many issues. You'v admitted to being on mental issues medications , so much baggage there.

My advice to anybody that wants to get into riding motorcycles is to first spend some time on a dirtbike. Buy a used 125cc, find a field and or trails and practice. Noting will teach you better. I started this way in 3rd grade and hit the streets at 20 years old with no problems. I am now 60 years old and ride every chance I get. The idea of somebody with only a riding class experience being out on the road scares the hell out of me. Im sure some will tell you how wrong I am. Good luck and stay safe my friend.

motoring cycles isnt for everyone

Kudos to you Sir! I admire and respect your decision!! And it's true..NO ONE knows better than you ! Thank You for the video!

"Maybe I need to get in a little better shape". There's your key to everything my friend. I too was obese, lethargic, and depressed but after taking charge of my life through exercise and weight loss that's all changed for the better. I really hope you can overcome some issues and someday return to riding because I've been on two wheels for the last 15 years and it's the best therapy you could ever hope for. Best wishes to you.

I do burnouts in my sxt all the time 😭

I never have them on because I don't want people to think I'm ignoring them.

Yep for new riders it’s intimidating sitting on a 400 pound bike, although as you’re sitting on it stationary and vertical, it’s essentially weightless. The next thing is realizing when the bike is rolling at maybe more than 5 mph, the bike wants to stay up, you really have to MAKE it fall over with a mistake like grabbing front brake with handlebars turned. If you really want to ride, maybe look into getting a KTM 200 Duke and just practice in open parking lots, it’s easy to ride not intimidating and heavy and doesn’t matter if you drop it.

Thanks for sharing your story, it takes a lot of intelligence and a healthy ego to be able to assess yourself that honestly on the spot, also I mean this in the best way possible: While its true when you mentioned that balance issues can't be cured just like that, I've found that losing weight, for me at least, has helped in that department (used to be terrified of ladders even😂). I guess what I'm trying to say is, go ahead and try out the whole trike thing of course if you like it, but don't give up on bikes like there isn't a road for you to one day ride one very comfortably! Wish you the best, man!

Try a Honda Monkey or Grom. Very light bikes. If you can ride a peddle bike, you can learn how to ride a motorcycle on those.

You balance a bike with the handlebars, not your legs! No man can press a bike with one leg...not even me! Those instructors suck if it is a beginners course.

your an awesome,honest man,,,i wish the best for you in the coming years

I’m 68 and have bilateral tinnitus. That affects my balance. I stated and continue with a 150 cc Honda. But I’m tall so I don’t have problems with my feet. At least you’re out there, riding your ride. That’s all that counts.

Grow some dude?!

For others, make sure you can still balance a non motorized bike, then find a non Harley msf class, with like Honda rebel 300, I can’t image taking the class with a heavy Harley, the whole class is riding 5mph to 20 mph, and heavy bikes and slow speeds are difficult

So you never even dropped a bike and quit? You didn't even get it moving. You never dropped it... how do you have balance issues if you kept the bike up? Bikes are just heavy at idle. They stabilize once you start moving... Everyone here is being super supportive and I agree with them but I'm going to be the devil in the room and think you should have at least tried finishing the course before giving up on a dream. Those bikes are meant to be dumped.

Always be safe and "ride your own ride" (i.e. do what's comfortable for you). Maybe get a 250cc bike and just ease into it very slowly. Anxiety can be overwhelming and hard to manage. Do what's best for you.

The bike they put you on was too big for your then physical strength level. That was the ultimate root cause of your anxiety and balance issue. Going the trike route while you get your physical issues straightened out was a good move. Then you can restart on a 250 motorcycle.

I started out on a 1200 Sportster 800 pounds now i drive a 06 Electra Glide Classic 1440 pounds with a screaming eagle stage 4 Big bore engine and kit he clearly doesn't belong on a bike driving motorcycle isn't for everybody

John, I have much respect for you knowing your limitations. My girl (50 yrs) started on a 3 wheel, Can Am ryker and was riding the first weekend with no issues to worry about falling and all the other issues that come in the first years of learning to ride a motorcycle. Go for it,you will not regret it! Have fun and stay safe. Always wear a full face helmet and proper riding gear!

those are only 250cc the lightest bikes there is the instructor's don't care they got that big sum of money and get double cause someone will take your place

Reading the title I thought this is going to be someone complaining that it's too hard but this was an excellent video and I really like the guy by the end of it

John, if your desire is still there go back and take the test. I failed twice before i passed on the third try. everybody excels differently in life. You can do it man!

Good video bro. I been doing the weekly shots the about 6 months now.. they work

I think everyone that rides should take that course. I agree with you. ride and drive in your comfort zone. I understand that weight, and I ride a Sportster for that very reason. 800lbs is a weight i cant get comfortable with.

Bravo! As someone who recently completed the MSF beginner course this is so true. Of the 9 students who started the course with me only 6 made it to graduation day. One student had a really bad panic attack the 1st day of bike training. I spoke to him and he realized that motorcycling was not for him. I must say the MSF was one of hardest things I have ever done. I really had to honest with myself. Thanks for sharing!

Better the way you did it than those who ride beyond their limitations and are a danger to themselves or worse , others. Kudos to you brother !

GOAT! GO JOHN!

You are a rare person! Honest. Humble. Sincere. Bless you!!

you are veey brave Sir, i commend you for this.

Great story, never give up and keep going after it stay focused. God bless and good luck brother.

Wonderful video of self awareness, humility and passion to pursue in some form or another. Congratulations and good luck/experiences on your trike journey. I will say this though - that Harley 500 is not a good beginner motorcycle. A 500cc 500lbs bike is not a good beginner bike. For anyone. I'm surprised more don't quit. Sure it is (was) the smallest that Harley offered and hence that particular model. But still too heavy and powerful. For anyone. The MSF course that many offer (usually thru local schools) will use a smaller Honda, Suzuki (like a TU250: 250cc/300lbs) starter bike, and while you can still feel the weight and power, it is not intimidating at all - a much better option for most beginners without being a moped. So I would recommend this option. All the best.

Those street 500’s are great little bikes. BUT I feel sometimes a smaller lighter bike can be helpful for beginning for some folks.. I’ve taken classes on the heavier ones and I found the lighter bikes allowed me to concentrate more on learning the controls and basic maneuvers without such concern for the weight… Good on you mate for posting this!👍🏽💯

Idk why beginner Harley’s are so heavy… my zx6 and s1k are both like a hundred pounds lighter, my r3 was even lighter than those two. I feel like you would have had a much better experience on a Yamaha MT or like ninja 300/400 but if the trikes suit you best I hope you enjoy the ride man.

I dropped out the first time I took it because I didn't feel I was ready. Took it again and missed by 1pt on passing the skills test. This weekend I am giving it another go.... Wish me luck

You’re the best man.

Yet another Rider Coach, late to the party. Much respect on the self awareness and assessment. Looked at other videos, wondering if you did the trike class?

Yes you don't belong on a motorcycle.

I won't take a msc unless I can take it on a scooter. I love the lower center of gravity. I bought a Honda Silver Wing and love it. I'm 68 just getting back into riding. Quality scooters at very cheap and so much fun to just twist and go. No clutch or changing gears.

Im an MSF instructor, too, and I love it when the high-maintenance students quit! It was less work for me, and I still get paid the same cause no refunds! I wish i could have a day where every student quit before we started the engine. On a serious note if you can ride a pedal bike you can ride a motorcycle and to me it sounds like you were struggling with anxiety more that anything else.

I have to agree that it's a bit harrowing the first time you're on a motorcycle. The one saving grace, for me, is that I am very comfortable with a manual transmission, and that made it easier to focus on figuring everything else out. My girlfriend, who isn't familiar with driving manual at all, also bowed out after the first day. Several other students bowed out during and after the first day. It's not easy, and it really does take a lot to know when you don't feel safe. All the best in your journey!

Some of the MSF coaches are just miserable people and when I took it they were not to nice to some of the people having issues especially the woman riders. It rained all day and all they wanted to do is rush and leave.

I took mine last month at my local college. All the bike were 125 kawasaki naked bikes. Even those were awkward to maneuver cause there so small. Dont give up.

I just finished my MSF course today and passed. I had some anxiety issues while taking the test today. I passed but it was a little rough. I agree with you that if you don't feel comfortable on a bike then absolutely bow out. No shame in that decision at all! There is so much to riding a motorcycle that non riders do not know. Everything you said about the weight and the balancing of a motorcycle is a little shocking to find out. Great that you can do the trike class.

Let me get this straight, it was stressful to sit on the bike while it was off and to tilt the bike from left to right to get the feel? Is that Right? Ok forget any fantasy you had about ever riding a bike is my advice! My God grow some balls.

Stick at it bro took me 2 times an some others did it 6 times rock on man from uk😊😊😊

Motorcycles can be anxiety inducing at first. Riding can also be a great way to take your mind off of everything else. I hope you try again, maybe with a smaller, lighter bike.

Great self assessment. Your comments about the motorcycle community are accurate. Do what you are comfortable with. If you aren't comfortable, stop. Keep trying till you get where you want to be!