Why oh why did I buy a 1200 Sportie for my first bike?

Everyone said..don't get an 883..you'll outgrow it too quick. So a week after taking my basic rider course on a Suzuki 250 I buy an XL1200R with a Hypercharger and all these other upgrades that I don't even know what they are. I love it! But I'm scared of it! I haven't even taken it out of the yard! How do i get my nerve back!? I know I CAN ride it. A very good friend of mine who is also a female and smaller than me rides one. I know lots of women that ride Dyna's but when I feel the power of this bike it scares me!!! Help!

In a word, Baby Steps. Trailer it out someplace safe like a secluded parking lot with plenty of room, or a have a friend ride it for you, and just practice the maneuvers that you learned in the course on your bike.

You need to feel you're in command of the bike. Concentrate on good technique and the bike will do whatever you want it to. Remember, you are riding the bike, not the other way around.

Take it easy and slow, just like you did at the beginners course. Work your way up from there and you'll feel your confidence build. You can do it. You've learned the skills. And lastly, don't over think it. You should keep practicing those basics until you don't have to think about them anymore. They should become second nature.

Good Luck and Ride Safe!

Thank you. Well, I had someone come ride it for me and found out a few things. First is the throttle does not return to it's original position when released. That is why it felt so powerful...the throttle was alwasy open just a little. Also the clutch needed adjusted.

Yesterday my friendly neighborhood bike mechanic came and put her on a trailer and she went off to be tweaked. When I get her back she will be completely safe and then I will feel more confident! I'm a happy girl!

Sounds like a throttle adjustment is necessary. You might consider adding an easy clutch by White Bro's for ease of clutch use. Then short rides with a friend. Baby steps first that will build your confidence. My wife rides a Heritage Softail, stands 5"6" and weighs 125lb with no problems.