Officially an L-Plate Rider

[Haymaker]

Finally got my learners!
I was told I should post a new thread instead of just commenting in my old one. So here it is.
Aced the test during my lunch break today. So finally ready to get out there and practice. Will be hitting the carpark on Saturday. Can't wait :)

[Mom]

Finally got my learners!
I was told I should post a new thread instead of just commenting in my old one. So here it is.
Aced the test during my lunch break today. So finally ready to get out there and practice. Will be hitting the carpark on Saturday. Can't wait :)

Congratulations! It is such a cool feeling to have achieved that! Well done.

[p.dath]

Well done. Now you need to get some saddle time, and move onto your restricted.

[BikerDazz]

Finally got my learners!
I was told I should post a new thread instead of just commenting in my old one. So here it is.
Aced the test during my lunch break today. So finally ready to get out there and practice. Will be hitting the carpark on Saturday. Can't wait :)

Nice one, well done!
However, I reckon riding the streets is more productive than carpark riding - geting used to intersections and roundabouts etc.
Good luck out there.

[trailblazer]

congratulations. Theres no turning back now. :banana:

[PirateJafa]

Will be hitting the carpark on Saturday.

Guess I best bring the medpack then.

[Haymaker]

Guess I best bring the medpack then.

Haha thanks.
Hopefully I won't be too scared to leave the driveway on Sat...
Will give it another go on Thursday night, try make it down to the petrol station. May as well just get out there and do it. Just a bit scary by myself lol

[nothingflash]

nice one bro...

[huff3r]

Haha thanks.
Hopefully I won't be too scared to leave the driveway on Sat...
Will give it another go on Thursday night, try make it down to the petrol station. May as well just get out there and do it. Just a bit scary by myself lol

Once you're out there, its surprisingly easy :D

[Dirty Heathen]

Haha thanks.
Hopefully I won't be too scared to leave the driveway on Sat...
Will give it another go on Thursday night, try make it down to the petrol station. May as well just get out there and do it. Just a bit scary by myself lol


I know how you feel got my bike today and I live on main road so no nice 50km zone to muck around in was straight on main road was pretty worried got off on a nice quite farm road after about 3-4 km got used to the bike for about 20 minutes then went for a hour ride over to the beach and back was great fun even passed car coming back ( car was only doing 70km on main road:)

[howdamnhard]

Finally got my learners!
Aced the test during my lunch break today. So finally ready to get out there and practice. Will be hitting the carpark on Saturday. Can't wait :)

Well done , another biker on the road means one less car. A carpark is a good place for learning to use the clutch and brakes. Once you are confident in that then ride on some quiet roads and get used to gear changes , cornering and watching out for every other idiot on the road.
Use the back brake at slow speeds (can use front if riding straight). When going quicker the front does most of the stopping.
If nervous about going out by yourself ( we all where) then find out if someone in your area can Chaperone you.
Good luck , take care and most of all enjoy.:scooter:

[Thani-B]

Congrats chicky. I'll be there on Sat to help ya out if you need it. You'll be sweet.

[Cr1MiNaL]

Well done, well done... I got one question wrong on my test. Will make you faster and better than Thani_B!

[Haymaker]

I know how you feel got my bike today and I live on main road so no nice 50km zone to muck around in was straight on main road was pretty worried got off on a nice quite farm road after about 3-4 km got used to the bike for about 20 minutes then went for a hour ride over to the beach and back was great fun even passed car coming back ( car was only doing 70km on main road:)

Nice work! I went out for about an hour tonight. Just stuck to the streets around my house. I was scared enough going 50, dunno how you managed the open road so soon. But I suppose when you've got no choice you just gotta do it. Well done :)

[Dirty Heathen]

Yer its is scary I have been riding dirt bikes since I was a kid so i think that helps a lot with feeling comfortable on a bike but of coarse there is a heap skills to learn on the road.

I went for a really good ride today all open road did maybe 50km I think.

And one jerk off tail gating me which I found really scary don't like cars behind me as it is let alone right up my arse.

I tend to stick to back roads and round here they are quite and have more twisty in them.

Still getting really sore hands for some reason try to stay as relaxed as I can have tried changing leaning more forward using my legs to hold the bike everything but my hands still get a little sore and then go kinda of numb after a while.

I think I tense my hands up and then only stop doing it when they get sore and I remember to relax them either that or my riding position is wrong nothing else gets sore though.

But yer everyone has there own pace as long as you are having fun thats all that matters.

[Haymaker]

Well done , another biker on the road means one less car. A carpark is a good place for learning to use the clutch and brakes. Once you are confident in that then ride on some quiet roads and get used to gear changes , cornering and watching out for every other idiot on the road.
Use the back brake at slow speeds (can use front if riding straight). When going quicker the front does most of the stopping.
If nervous about going out by yourself ( we all where) then find out if someone in your area can Chaperone you.
Good luck , take care and most of all enjoy.:scooter:

I took to the quiet streets nearby tonight. Practiced going through all the gears, braking, emergency braking (although I only attempted that at about 30-40kmph, so will need more practice there), hill starts, a couple of give way intersections and just turning around in the cul-de-sacs. A few cars about and pedestrians and a cat. So was a good first practice I think.

[Haymaker]

Will make you faster and better than Thani_B!

Haha I got 2 years worth of catching up to do. Probably more cos of the distance she travels. I'll get there eventually I hope, but will be a long way away, and she'll be better by then too. Nice to dream though..

[Haymaker]

Congrats chicky. I'll be there on Sat to help ya out if you need it. You'll be sweet.

Convoy down to the petrol station haha

[Haymaker]

Yer its is scary I have been riding dirt bikes since I was a kid so i think that helps a lot with feeling comfortable on a bike but of coarse there is a heap skills to learn on the road.

I went for a really good ride today all open road did maybe 50km I think.

And one jerk off tail gating me which I found really scary don't like cars behind me as it is let alone right up my arse.

I tend to stick to back roads and round here they are quite and have more twisty in them.

Yeah that would help a fair bit. But yeah different skills to learn on the road.
I can't wait 'til I'm ready for some twisties, will be a while yet though.
And gosh yes, hate tailgaters, they're intimidating enough in a car, must feel worse on a bike.
Glad to hear you still had a good ride though :sunny:

[Tink]

Finally got my learners!
I was told I should post a new thread instead of just commenting in my old one. So here it is.
Aced the test during my lunch break today. So finally ready to get out there and practice. Will be hitting the carpark on Saturday. Can't wait :)

congrats.... I was like you 50km around home, and I live in the country... very quickly I thought SHIT this is not so hard... still working up to a hundred, but since have rode 2 different bikes... and in the rain, wind, and strange roads... I have been up for 2 months, you will be fine... Thani is cool..and all woman here an inspiration... !! GO GIRL

[Tink]

Yeah that would help a fair bit. But yeah different skills to learn on the road.
I can't wait 'til I'm ready for some twisties, will be a while yet though.
And gosh yes, hate tailgaters, they're intimidating enough in a car, must feel worse on a bike.
Glad to hear you still had a good ride though :sunny:

Get your own personal TEC... it will boost your confidence no end!

[howdamnhard]

I took to the quiet streets nearby tonight. Practiced going through all the gears, braking, emergency braking (although I only attempted that at about 30-40kmph, so will need more practice there), hill starts, a couple of give way intersections and just turning around in the cul-de-sacs. A few cars about and pedestrians and a cat. So was a good first practice I think.

Thats the way to do it. Practice the basics and get familiar with the controls in a nice quiet safe environment. You don't want to be mastering the controls and looking out for idiots at the same time.
With the braking : try just the back first (gently and progressively) and see how the bikes weight transfers onto the front wheel. As the weight comes off the back the rear brakes become less effectively due to loss of traction by the rear wheel. To hard on the rear brake locks the rear causing it to slide,easy to fix just keep looking where you want to go and release pressure on the rear brake.
Have a go on the front only (gently and progressively), as the weight moves forward under braking the front tyre squashes down increasing its contact area allowing you to brake harder.If you grab the front to quickly the front doesn't get a chance squash the tyre down and grip causing it to wash out.This happens very quickly and you normally only realise it with the sudden change in horizon.
To sum up use both brakes smoothly and progressively. When practising
use both brakes and work up to braking progressively. Start slowly and work up to braking harder. This way you will safely get a feel for your bikes limits.
Anyway enough of that, get out and enjoy.:scooter:

[wisefxx]

firstly well done. you should come along to NASS one night. They can offer you amazing advice and help build your confidence

[Haymaker]

firstly well done. you should come along to NASS one night. They can offer you amazing advice and help build your confidence

When I'm ready to make my way out that way I will for sure :)

[wisefxx]

When I'm ready to make my way out that way I will for sure :)

yeah for sure. if you need someone to tag along with you or show you the way let me know. I have already guided a couple of first timers there in the past few weeks so mopre than happy to help :yes:

[Haymaker]

yeah for sure. if you need someone to tag along with you or show you the way let me know. I have already guided a couple of first timers there in the past few weeks so mopre than happy to help :yes:

May do. Cos I'm out Sylvia Park way, so would mean a fair bit of motorway riding, or extreme back streets haha. Once I've built up a bit of skill and confidence I'll try the higher speeds though. All in good time. Thanks

[Haymaker]

Thats the way to do it. Practice the basics and get familiar with the controls in a nice quiet safe environment. You don't want to be mastering the controls and looking out for idiots at the same time.
With the braking : try just the back first (gently and progressively) and see how the bikes weight transfers onto the front wheel. As the weight comes off the back the rear brakes become less effectively due to loss of traction by the rear wheel. To hard on the rear brake locks the rear causing it to slide,easy to fix just keep looking where you want to go and release pressure on the rear brake.
Have a go on the front only (gently and progressively), as the weight moves forward under braking the front tyre squashes down increasing its contact area allowing you to brake harder.If you grab the front to quickly the front doesn't get a chance squash the tyre down and grip causing it to wash out.This happens very quickly and you normally only realise it with the sudden change in horizon.
To sum up use both brakes smoothly and progressively. When practising
use both brakes and work up to braking progressively. Start slowly and work up to braking harder. This way you will safely get a feel for your bikes limits.
Anyway enough of that, get out and enjoy.:scooter:

Pretty much the same advice Thani gave me the other day :) thanks.
Also had my first object fly at me. I think it was a small stone cos the road had recently been re-sealed, and it made a bit of a clang on the helmet for the slow speed I was travelling. Was so close to hitting my face as I had the visor up, but thankfully all good and it didn't startle me. And it didn't leave a mark on the helmet either :)

[Tink]

Pretty much the same advice Thani gave me the other day :) thanks.
Also had my first object fly at me. I think it was a small stone cos the road had recently been re-sealed, and it made a bit of a clang on the helmet for the slow speed I was travelling. Was so close to hitting my face as I had the visor up, but thankfully all good and it didn't startle me. And it didn't leave a mark on the helmet either :)

And your on your way... :) my fav is the bug on the visor.. little buggers!!

[Thani-B]

Well done, well done... I got one question wrong on my test. Will make you faster and better than Thani_B!

:p

Like she said, shes got about 2 years and 17000kms to go to catch up to me.

[howdamnhard]

Also had my first object fly at me. I think it was a small stone cos the road had recently been re-sealed, and it made a bit of a clang on the helmet for the slow speed I was travelling. Was so close to hitting my face as I had the visor up, but thankfully all good and it didn't startle me. And it didn't leave a mark on the helmet either :)

It pays to leave the visor down as a bug in the eye ain't so much fun. Then you also get the stinging variety.

[howdamnhard]

:p

Like she said, shes got about 2 years and 17000kms to go to catch up to me.

So she will soon have caught up with you.:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Haymaker]

Been getting some good riding practice in lately. Thanks to Raj and CC for escorting me over the Harbour Bridge yesterday :) Will need to go on a proper ride soon and post some photos

[tate35]

Cool....and congratulations!!!! I really should do mine now :)

U will be out of that driveway so fast on Saturday lol:scooter:

[The Everlasting]

Been getting some good riding practice in lately. Thanks to Raj and CC for escorting me over the Harbour Bridge yesterday :) Will need to go on a proper ride soon and post some photos



Your lucky,I had to pick up my bike from Howick(when i bought it),and ride to west auckland,I had never riden a motorbike before,it was really scary,but I made it home in one piece,just.

[Cr1MiNaL]

Your doing really well Haymaker, but then again learning from the best has it's advatages! next time we get some pics ;)

[zealchick]

Congrats to you. I too have got my learners about a month ago and got my first bike I was pretty cautious at first just cruising around the local streets... have done a quick jaunt up the motorway and then after a couple of days ventured onto the open road.... I was so loving it until.... well i pulled out of my drive made a silly mistake and binned it :-( i just found out today that i have written it off.... thats Ok i'm going to buy a new one and get straight back out there!

[The Everlasting]

^Sorry to hear that,hope you weren't injured!

I assume you had insurance..

[Mrs Cowboyz]

Congrats Haymaker! I remember my first group ride....was sooo daunting! But had lotsa mates to keep the cages away! Just remember to learn at your own pace....dont push yourself too hard and you will have fun!

[Dean]

Congrats to you. I too have got my learners about a month ago and got my first bike I was pretty cautious at first just cruising around the local streets... have done a quick jaunt up the motorway and then after a couple of days ventured onto the open road.... I was so loving it until.... well i pulled out of my drive made a silly mistake and binned it :-( i just found out today that i have written it off.... thats Ok i'm going to buy a new one and get straight back out there!

Guts! Hopefully you arent seriously hurt, well atleast you had fun the previous few days yeh. Will you buy another Zeal?

Oh and Hi Haymaker, goodluck with getting out there and riding.

[Cr1MiNaL]

Congrats to you. I too have got my learners about a month ago and got my first bike I was pretty cautious at first just cruising around the local streets... have done a quick jaunt up the motorway and then after a couple of days ventured onto the open road.... I was so loving it until.... well i pulled out of my drive made a silly mistake and binned it :-( i just found out today that i have written it off.... thats Ok i'm going to buy a new one and get straight back out there!

Hi, not sure if you have someone around you who knows a thing or two about bikes (you being relatively new to the scene) but they write off bikes for minor things these days; as they sell them for a lot more later. Sometimes it is perhaps wiser to assess the damage yourself, source the parts and then fix it yourself over the course of a week -10 days. You get to keep your clean insurance history and no claims bonus and also get a bike that's perhaps better to 'learn' on than an new shiney is. Just something to think about. I learned the hard way, maybe you could learn from my mistakes.

[bittertwistedcute]

Congrats to you. I too have got my learners about a month ago and got my first bike I was pretty cautious at first just cruising around the local streets... have done a quick jaunt up the motorway and then after a couple of days ventured onto the open road.... I was so loving it until.... well i pulled out of my drive made a silly mistake and binned it :-( i just found out today that i have written it off.... thats Ok i'm going to buy a new one and get straight back out there!

I hae a zeal (took 4 bikes to find the perfect fit lol) I love it - I hope you get a new bike soon that you feel confident to zoom about on

Haymaker & Dirty Heathen - yay for you both - have lots of fun, be safe and expect the occasional set back. I have had a few and now am trying to build up the courage to go for my full...

[zealchick]

not seriously hurt a good knock to my knee:-( I have bought a honda vtr this time... and i got to say its much easier to handle. Now that i have got my confidence back. It took quite a knock.

[zealchick]

Yeah thanks. i really wanted to keep my bike i got a couple of opions and because i bent the forks, wheel and disc brakes among other things 11k in total although i'm pretty sure some of the minor dings and things were already there, I decided to go with the right off.

[thebadger]

not seriously hurt a good knock to my knee:-( I have bought a honda vtr this time... and i got to say its much easier to handle. Now that i have got my confidence back. It took quite a knock.

Glad to hear you're OK. I've got a VTR...I test rode a Zeal way back in the beginning along with a ton of others but the VTR is much easier to throw around. Mine ate up 1300 kms of prime North Island open road recently so you should have some good riding ahead of you. I'm just waiting for my upgrade in September now ;)

[Cr1MiNaL]

Yeah thanks. i really wanted to keep my bike i got a couple of opions and because i bent the forks, wheel and disc brakes among other things 11k in total although i'm pretty sure some of the minor dings and things were already there, I decided to go with the right off.
Hey good on ya for not giving up. it can be quite the mind fuck after you come off to regain that lost confidence. The best way I have found is to get straight back on (if your not too broken) and think about it while telling yourself your notafraid. it's fear more than lack of skill that makes us do silly stuff on bikes.

On another note Haymaker is getting rather good (no surprise there) *wink wink* and I shall be taking her on more rides now that the weathers better. If you and other L platers would like to come than I can arrange such a ride. You will have a chance to ask questions and we'll play a few games like follow the leader :yes: Good way to learn I reckon.