First legal night ride and bonus push start experience

[Bernoodle]

So, last night I took my NH out for the first time since getting my license (been practicing on permit for last month).  I did the safety course last weekend and got all DMV issues with adding the endorsement done by Tuesday evening.  I had ordered two key blanks from the local shop as my bike only came with one slightly bent key.  So, I figured last night was a good time to take my first (legal) ride at night to the local shop to pick up the keys.  I memorized the route I needed to take and set out.  Unfortunately, an overpass I needed to take was blocked by some police incident so I pulled over to figure out a re-route with my phone.  However, I had a brain fart and stalled out because I didn't put it in neutral.  When I went to start it up again, battery didn't have enough juice to turn it over (doh!).  I was contemplating what to do but ended up just trying to push start it.  Sure enough, got up to a fast walking speed and popped the clutch in 1st gear.  Fired right up! 

Rest of evening was uneventful and it started up when I left the shop.  Just another mini-adventure for a beginner.

[Spoonman]

Glad you enjoyed it! Sorry to hear about the battery, but these things happen. I've taken to parking up hill when possible with my Yamaha because of such things happening.

[Hawks_Nest]

Congratulations on getting MC endorsement.  Sorry to hear the battery issue. If it died out during a ride, it must be very weak. Check the battery fluid levels. If they are good, then it is time for a new one.

Local (NY-NJ) riders are planning a meet up in Nov. Please check this out and hope you can join.

http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,8917.25.html

[Harrison]

Hahahaha that sounds like my first ride. I didn't have my license yet, so I guess it wasn't really legal but I couldn't wait. Went out at 2am because I was terrified of riding around traffic. I lived in Madison that summer, anyone else who lives can probably attest to the place turning into a ghost town after 1:30 in the morning when students aren't around. Anyways I killed the bike so many times and didn't know then that my alternator rotor was toasted so the battery ended up dying about a mile from home on my way back. Ended up having to push the thing all the way back, uphill some of the way at like 4am. Very tiring, thank God no one was awake to see it.

[Floridamtbiker99]

My starter went bad.  To push start a motorcycle, the best results are to start it in second gear.  It is easier.  I do not know why but it is.