New bike and rider: brave new world

[Grasshopperus]

So after the saga of choosing, buying and receiving my new (to me) bike I actually got the chance to ride this weekend. Super funtime. It's a 1990 ZXR250A and I absolutely love it.

Here's some things I found out quick
* You can smell a whole bunch more stuff when riding a bike compared to a car
* The condition of a lot of NZ roads is pretty poor. You just don't care (and therefore notice) that much in a car
* Going 100km/h feels a lot faster on a bike
* On the 'twisties' I can barely keep up with a toyota hilux.
* I've no idea how much grip I can get out of the bike, how much lean is safe etc. I don't know the bike's limits.
* Bikers sporting swastikas on their german WW2-style helmets are not to be trifled with (they don't like being called fags - damn SouthPark)
* Learning to relax the hands is an important skill to master.
* Roundabouts need to be practised
* Looking where you want to go is the key

I've read heaps of stuff on the forums about how to practice and I know where to find the info I need, it's going to be a fun, never ending cycle of improvement.

Attached a pic of me looking cool. Feel free to print it out and pin it up in your office.

[Dodgyiti]

With observations like that from so early in your riding/learning curve, you'll do well:sunny:

[Maki]

Interesting. For some reason going 100km/h feels a lot SLOWER to me on the bike than in a car...

All the best to you, you seem quite serious, with full leathers and all.

[Grasshopperus]

you seem quite serious, with full leathers and all.

Hell yeah dude, ATGATT too.

[ital916]

Welcome. You seem quite on to it. Common sense is the key.

rubber side down, and ride safe!

Welcome to the two wheeled world!

[sil3nt]

Interesting. For some reason going 100km/h feels a lot SLOWER to me on the bike than in a car...Yep same here. However when you first try a bike at 100kph it does feel quite fast!

Speed sensation is quite dull on the bike. Without ear plugs 110kph feels a lot faster than 100 as the wind noise is increased a lot. With ear plugs i could be doing 120 without realising it.

Nice leathers and nice bike :niceone:

[TuonoTom]

Looks like you've got the right idea! I remember first starting out, and 70kmph on my CBR felt seriously fast! Also good to see you are in full gear, keep it that way :)

[MyGSXF]

I've read heaps of stuff on the forums about how to practice and I know where to find the info I need, it's going to be a fun, never ending cycle of improvement.

Good attitude fella!!! :yes: & great to see you well kitted out with gear!! :niceone:

Looking where you want to go is the key.. most definitely!!!! :first:

keep up the good work!! & ENJOY!!!! :wari:

[Dirty Heathen]

hey grass do you mind telling me how tall you are?

[Grasshopperus]

hey grass do you mind telling me how tall you are?

Sure thing. 184cm, that's 6 foot I think. I'm 120KG too and of the
CBR250RR
FZR250
GSF250 bandit
VTR250
Hyosung 250R (and the comet too)

bikes that I tried when choosing a bike this Kawasaki ZXR250A was the most comfortable. Hmm, maybe the VTR250 was a little more comfortable but not at speed it wasn't. The hyosung comet was also good but for some reason it stressed my wrists a lot.

[Dirty Heathen]

That's good to know man was really keen on a ZXR250 or CBR but being 6'1 and 95kg thought I might be too big and look like a gorilla on a tricycle but your a little shorter not much and heavier and looks like a good fit from the picture.

[Grasshopperus]

I'm not sure if there's a seating difference between the CBR250R and CBR250RR but the RR had my heels almost touching my butt.

Dude, if you'd like to, you're welcome to come and ride my bike a little. PM me.

[Dirty Heathen]

Thanks for the offer Grass bit i live like 4 hours way.

[atothek]

don't think i'd buy a new hyo - you'd lose too much just driving out of the dealership. theres a few other full size 250's that fit the budget of around 4k. i'm 6'2" and around 115kg and i sat on a hornet, bandit, xelvis, vtr250. everything else i found too small. bandit and hornet were the most comfy but i went with the bandit as it was about a grand cheaper. Got my kit from 1tonne and it's awesome and at a good price - 700 all up. 3800 for the bike.

[wisefxx]

you should come along to the NASS nights sometime!

[Dirty Heathen]

don't think i'd buy a new hyo - you'd lose too much just driving out of the dealership. theres a few other full size 250's that fit the budget of around 4k. i'm 6'2" and around 115kg and i sat on a hornet, bandit, xelvis, vtr250. everything else i found too small. bandit and hornet were the most comfy but i went with the bandit as it was about a grand cheaper. Got my kit from 1tonne and it's awesome and at a good price - 700 all up. 3800 for the bike.

yer at this stage I am looking at spending maybe $5500 I have set a max budget for $1500 on gear I may spend less but i want to get good gear.

So from there is just lots of test rides I guess I have found a lot of pretty good bikes for around $4000 an most people wanting any higher would drop when you turn up with a fist full of cash.

The local bike shop as got quite a few raid shoei on special down from $750 to $500 so looking them or a shark really don't want to skim when it comes to a helmet.

other then what I have found and want
jacket $300
pants $200-$400
Gloves$90
Boots $300
helmet$500- 600

[Mumbles]

Attached a pic of me looking cool. Feel free to print it out and pin it up in your office.

Done!
And man Its the most talked about thing on it! :eek5:

Nice post and southpark ref .... :yes:

Your on the right track.... but looking where you want to go is key! bike will follow you.

[Qkchk]

I have set a max budget for $1500 on gear I may spend less but i want to get good gear.

The local bike shop as got quite a few raid shoei on special down from $750 to $500 so looking them or a shark really don't want to skim when it comes to a helmet.


It's extremely important to spend the $$'s on gear as it's either your skin shaved off on the road or suitable motorcycle wear that will save that skin. Just think of the road surface as a cheese grater...... Unfortunately motorcycling is a dangerous sport and it's not a matter of 'if' but 'when' you have an intimate session with the blacktop. It doesn't have to be gold dipped, just to a good standard. Try to buy the best stuff you can afford at the time. (Just like tyres and helmets!) Good to see you are being responsible! :2thumbsup

Depending on your head shape, if you are comfortable wearing either of those helmets (no pressure points, sore ears etc) I would highly recommend the Shoei. I have two of them (Orginal Raid and a Raid II) and with a whisper kit (http://www.motomail.co.nz/eStore/Style/SHHEWHISPERKIT.aspx) fitted (about an extra $65) these helmets are very quiet and comfortable. I also own a Arai Condor and both my Shoeis' leave it for dead. I assume the price is for a Raid II as the dealers are moving 2009 stock to make way for 2010 stuff... If you can afford to get a pinlock visor kit they are the bees knees - no move fogging! :love:

[Dirty Heathen]

It's extremely important to spend the $$'s on gear as it's either your skin shaved off on the road or suitable motorcycle wear that will save that skin. Just think of the road surface as a cheese grater...... Unfortunately motorcycling is a dangerous sport and it's not a matter of 'if' but 'when' you have an intimate session with the blacktop. It doesn't have to be gold dipped, just to a good standard. Try to buy the best stuff you can afford at the time. (Just like tyres and helmets!) Good to see you are being responsible! :2thumbsup

Depending on your head shape, if you are comfortable wearing either of those helmets (no pressure points, sore ears etc) I would highly recommend the Shoei. I have two of them (Orginal Raid and a Raid II) and with a whisper kit (http://www.motomail.co.nz/eStore/Style/SHHEWHISPERKIT.aspx) fitted (about an extra $65) these helmets are very quiet and comfortable. I also own a Arai Condor and both my Shoeis' leave it for dead. I assume the price is for a Raid II as the dealers are moving 2009 stock to make way for 2010 stuff... If you can afford to get a pinlock visor kit they are the bees knees - no move fogging! :love:


Thanks yer I am not going to skimp on gear yer there the last of the 09 raid II they have in stock so save me a bit of cash with them on special.

I have seen 3 people on the weekend in town riding around in the shorts and t shirt makes me cringe one of them was a on a 900 duc monster he looked like he was about 17 as well board shorts t shirt and trainers but at least had gloves on I guess .

[howdamnhard]

Glad you got your "stolen bike " saga sorted out. Welcome to biking , it's great isn't it? Take your time and enjoy. You will soon be up to speed.
Good to see you have the correct gear and the right attitude. Gleen as much knowledge as you can and practice. NASS and Ride Right Ride Safe are both good .

[Qkchk]

I have seen 3 people on the weekend in town riding around in the shorts and t shirt makes me cringe one of them was a on a 900 duc monster he looked like he was about 17 as well board shorts t shirt and trainers but at least had gloves on I guess .

Yes it annoys the crap outta me. These guys will only add fire to the ACC levy debacle.... If the govt gets its way with the increased prices, these guys will be getting a piece of my mind if I see em!

[sil3nt]

It's extremely important to spend the $$'s on gearSorry but i totally disagree here. Price is absolutely no indication on quality. I picked up all my gear for just under $700. Thats helmet gloves jacket pants and boots. You need to be smart when shopping. Most things have high prices because of the labels stitched onto them. However always look for peoples opinions on cheaper gear before buying! Some of the stuff on trademe does look rather dodgy.

[jakeaveres]

I have a zxr model c, I agree with you also. I had a kr150as a first bike (with power band) and going around the windy hills were a nightmare and after the first time I vowed to keep off them for a long time. I also agree with the whole relaxing the hands/arms and learning your bikes limits. But then again, if you can master a ZXR 250 you will be able to do great on a 400 EG: VFR400.

[jakeaveres]

I have a zxr model c, I agree with you also. I had a kr150as a first bike (with power band) and going around the windy hills were a nightmare and after the first time I vowed to keep off them for a long time. I also agree with the whole relaxing the hands/arms and learning your bikes limits. But then again, if you can master a ZXR 250 you will be able to do great on a 400 EG: VFR400.

[YellowDog]

So after the saga of choosing, buying and receiving my new (to me) bike I actually got the chance to ride this weekend. Super funtime. It's a 1990 ZXR250A and I absolutely love it.

Here's some things I found out quick
* You can smell a whole bunch more stuff when riding a bike compared to a car
* The condition of a lot of NZ roads is pretty poor. You just don't care (and therefore notice) that much in a car
* Going 100km/h feels a lot faster on a bike
* On the 'twisties' I can barely keep up with a toyota hilux.
* I've no idea how much grip I can get out of the bike, how much lean is safe etc. I don't know the bike's limits.
* Bikers sporting swastikas on their german WW2-style helmets are not to be trifled with (they don't like being called fags - damn SouthPark)
* Learning to relax the hands is an important skill to master.
* Roundabouts need to be practised
* Looking where you want to go is the key

I've read heaps of stuff on the forums about how to practice and I know where to find the info I need, it's going to be a fun, never ending cycle of improvement.

Attached a pic of me looking cool. Feel free to print it out and pin it up in your office.
Mate, you have heaps to learn about motorcycling.

Do yourself a big favour and get some training.

You are 10 times better than most noobs in that you are at least able to acknowledge that you don't know what's going on.

100kph is what you slow down to after managing to glance at the speedo.

[Grasshopperus]

Take your time and enjoy. You will soon be up to speed.
Good to see you have the correct gear and the right attitude. Gleen as much knowledge as you can and practice. NASS and Ride Right Ride Safe are both good .

Yep, I think I'm over that intial "ZOMG weeeee!! I'm riding!" phase and am now spending time doing figure 8's, slaloms, emergency braking and all the other basics that need to be practised.
I'd like to get up to NASS but it's on the other side of the harbour bridge and I can't even go on the motorway (not at the learner license speed limit anyway)


Mate, you have heaps to learn about motorcycling.
Do yourself a big favour and get some training.
You are 10 times better than most noobs in that you are at least able to acknowledge that you don't know what's going on.
100kph is what you slow down to after managing to glance at the speedo.

Sure thing YellowDog, I'm going to get me some training somewhere in my local area. RiderSkills run a BHS test in Puke so hopefully they also run some other courses out here too.
100kph is what I see before dropping nuts whilst almost being blown off my bike. Heh, I've only got up to that speed a couple of times so far.

Thanks for all of your advice peeps.

[howdamnhard]

Yep, I think I'm over that intial "ZOMG weeeee!! I'm riding!" phase and am now spending time doing figure 8's, slaloms, emergency braking and all the other basics that need to be practised.
I'd like to get up to NASS but it's on the other side of the harbour bridge and I can't even go on the motorway (not at the learner license speed limit anyway)


Those are all good things to practice. Depending where you are NASS is a little out of the way. If your out East or South there are plenty of nice country roads to ride on. When I'm off on a weekend again I'll organise a learner friendly ride.

[1tonne]

yer at this stage I am looking at spending maybe $5500 I have set a max budget for $1500 on gear I may spend less but i want to get good gear.

So from there is just lots of test rides I guess I have found a lot of pretty good bikes for around $4000 an most people wanting any higher would drop when you turn up with a fist full of cash.

The local bike shop as got quite a few raid shoei on special down from $750 to $500 so looking them or a shark really don't want to skim when it comes to a helmet.

other then what I have found and want
jacket $300
pants $200-$400
Gloves$90
Boots $300
helmet$500- 600

Check out our leather suits. These are awesome.
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listings&categoryid=4
There is also a lot of other awesome stuff on there.

[ReigN]

Yo homez, next time you in central just give us a holla and go for a blat, I'm still on the learner steez too! Churrr Bo!

[BaldingEagle]

The local bike shop as got quite a few raid shoei on special down from $750 to $500 so looking them or a shark really don't want to skim when it comes to a helmet.

Hey man

Red baron city got a special for Shoei xr1000 for $495

http://www.redbaron.co.nz/specials.asp

It the model up but same price.
Mt Eden cycles was doing the Raid $450ish

Cycletrends on Barry point road is having a special on Shark helmets at the moment.

It all depends on what size you need as normal it only on items in stock.


Been looking for a helmet my self. So might save you a little bit of foot work.

Some Advice from my first tutor.
Don’t go overboard on first helmet, in a crash they are normal just as good as each other, thanks to the safety standards. What you’re paying more for is bells and whistles.
But more into the leathers and boots as they are normal what protect learners the most.

Now I don’t take anyone advice to serious, but it up to you as it your head.

Any good luck and hope to see you on the road soon.
Baldingeagle

[Mudfart]

yes, I could smell burning rubber the other morning so pulled onto shoulder to check my tyres as I had just gone through road works and gravel. It was a truck who had been rubbing a tyre and it was smoking hard, about 2kms up the highway!
Also its really noticeable when people are smoking in their cars, ciggies or other, with their families sitting in the back....
I've been riding my ninja hard, but have found cruising just as enjoyable.

[Grasshopperus]

yes, I could smell burning rubber the other morning so pulled onto shoulder to check my tyres as I had just gone through road works and gravel. It was a truck who had been rubbing a tyre and it was smoking hard, about 2kms up the highway!
Also its really noticeable when people are smoking in their cars, ciggies or other, with their families sitting in the back....
I've been riding my ninja hard, but have found cruising just as enjoyable.

I know just what you are talking about. In the almost 2 weeks I've had my bike I've ridden everyday. Twice I've stopped the bike and sniffed it like a dog because I smelt burning plastic once and burning clutch another time. It hasn't been my bike in either situation, just me being unaccustomed to the amount of extra sensory information you get on a bike.

The flip side is that if you cruise around at dinnertime you can smell all sorts of yummy dinners being cooked up. Yes.... I will steal your pic-a-nic basket

Something I just found out today. Using earbuds makes everything seem calmer and frees up more attention for watching the road. Above 60km/h gets pretty noisy and hurts my ears after a little while.

[Dirty Heathen]

Must be your helmet I find even at 100km I cant hear much wind noise at all really certainly not enough to hurt my ears I would say on a long trip would be good though all I mainly hear is the IL4 doing 8000rpm at 100km lol.

[crashalots]

So after the saga of choosing, buying and receiving my new (to me) bike I actually got the chance to ride this weekend. Super funtime. It's a 1990 ZXR250A and I absolutely love it.

Maybe one day you can upgrade to a ZXR250 C! :yes:

Here's my beast...

(for sale by the way too...)

[Mudfart]

Do you reckon it would matter if I listened to my Ipod while I ride? Perhaps I am being overcautious at the moment as a noob rider, I feel as though I require every sense including hearing.

[BoristheBiter]

The only problem i have had with having a ipod/radio on is that you loose your concintration when you get tired.
I have the sound set very low so you can shut out from the music when needed.

I waited for about a year before i tried them and it did take a bit to get used to.
for the moment i would wait untill everything becomes natrual then give it a go but remember don't try and change it while riding and have it inside your jacket.

[vifferman]

Here's some things I found out quick
* You can smell a whole bunch more stuff when riding a bike compared to a car
You have yet to experience Summer on a bike: the smell of fresh-cut hay, and of honeysuckle in the hedgerows, and the feel when you ride through a pool of cool air in the shade of an overhanging bank or tree.

Then there's also the smell of cowshit, and riding through farmland and getting splattered by thousands of insects' innards...

[Dirty Heathen]

Hows riding going grass you been on any longer rides yet? or fun ones?

[gammaguy]

it's going to be a fun, never ending cycle of improvement.



and so it always should be.

ENJOY!(and stay safe):2thumbsup