Most riders learn to ride a motorcycle on something smaller than a GoldWing. Assuming you are thinking of moving up to a bigger bike, these points may help you enjoy the move.

• No matter how many miles you have behind you on a smaller bike, don't assume you can ride a bigger one on the street without practicing in a parking lot first. Moving up to a bigger bike is almost like starting over.

• If you can flatfoot one side and have 'ball of the foot' control on both sides of a big bike, you can probably ride it safely under most circumstances.  Most bikes can have their seats cut down about an inch to improve your ability to control it at the expense of some comfort.

• Before you take your big bike on the road for the first time, sit on it and learn where all the controls are, even the ones you don't think you will need (your 'mute' button, for example.) It can be so exciting to ride one of these beasts that should you forget to learn some of the basics early on, it may be too late when you're out there in traffic and too terrified to even move around on the seat.

• To get a big bike off the side stand when it is leaning so much you can't easily pick it up, grip the front brake and clutch levers securely (whether the engine is running or not) and push the bike FORWARD as you try to bring it upright in one smooth movement. (This modestly compresses the front suspension, making the bike a little shorter.)

• Just because it's big doesn't mean it won't lean smartly. If your engine will dependably carry you through a curve with power, you'll be able to lean a bigger bike just as much as a turn requires, with normal skills, at prudent speed. This is a matter of confidence and parking lot practice. You can control it through the foot brake and the clutch.

• If the wind seems to be buffeting a big bike more than the little bike you used to ride, try to relax and know that your wheels are securely under you. The weight of the big bike will tend to keep the rubber on the road in the absence of crisis braking, even if you have to lean. If you increase speed somewhat in a strong crosswind, this may help to give you stability (and will get you to the next stop a little sooner, where you can relax your pucker string for a while).

• You will soon get past the feeling that you are 'flying a 747' or that the big beast 'wants to go faster', although those are common reactions when you get on a bigger bike. Big bikes tend to have smoother engines and a somewhat different gear ratio from your smaller ride. Once you do get the hang of it, and after that magic 'click' in the mind that tells you you're really RIDING this thing, remember to relax and enjoy yourself -- and now and then, when you feel comfortable, to wave at your admirers!