A message to all learners/wannabes.

[Choco]

On Wednesday I passed my restricted test and finally took my L-plate off the back of my GN250.

I've read a lot of posts of people jumping with joy, doing burnouts on the yellow piece of plastic and so on, but I just feel kind of empty inside. I've done some crazy things on my learners and finally realizing that that part of my license has ended, almost come as a bit of a shock.
I've ridden over 4000km in 4 months, travelled to Rotorua and Taranaki and back, binned, stalled, dropped and even taken my bike off-road; and ALWAYS with my L-plate on the back. I've met new friends, seen new places and experienced new things that I would have never been able to do if I hadn't gone and done that basic handling course with a mate as a bit of a joke.

But now it's time to move on, and this is some advice I have to give to you newbies:

-The GN250:
No matter what ANYONE says is one of the best bikes in the world. I have had random people come up and start up a conversation with me because they ride, used to ride, knew someone who rode/rides a GN and loved it to bits (No joke, it happens about twice a month). It's cheap, reliable, simple, survives bin's well and has damn good fuel economy. Don't just ignore it as your first bike because it can’t go faster than 120.

- Wear your L-plate with pride:
I've waved to coppers on the motorway and they have waved back while I was doing 100km/hr. While you’re on your learners you might accidentally do some crazy things; your L-plate just tells the motorist behind you this BEFORE you do it. I've never had people road-rage/go crazy/tailgate me because they saw my piece of yellow plastic, so don't be in a huge rush to leave it at home.

- Wannabe Bikers:
I have loved pretty much every second I have been on my bike and don't regret investing in my GN. If you are seriously looking to getting into biking; do LOTS of research first before you slap down your money for your first bike. Take it easy when you're learning and enjoy it!

- Learners going for their restricted test:
I found my test crazy easy. I can seriously say that the hardest part of the test was keeping to the speed limit. Chill, take it easy and you will be fine. If you're not sure if you're up to scratch for your test, join up for a short group ride and ask the other riders what they think.


So take it easy guys and girls, enjoy your learners and maybe we might meet on a ride some time. I'm now off to hang my L-plate on my wall as a reminder of my eventful first six months of my biking career!

C-W

[DingoZ]

Nice.....:)

[Kittyhawk]

At the end of the day 2 wheels is 2 wheels and it will always strike conversations with any ex biker or enthusiast.

[Jiminy]

Good one :)


I've never had people road-rage/go crazy/tailgate me because they saw my piece of yellow plastic, so don't be in a huge rush to leave it at home.

I actually had it done on me for my very first ride coming back from the dealer. Not fun. I still kept my L until I passed the test, and I think a few drivers have been MORE considerate after noticing the yellow bit of plastic, so, yeah, worth puting it on the bike.

[howdamnhard]

Yeh go the mighty GN!:clap:Makes a great little commuter.Wise words Chocolate wheels,enjoy the riding.

[BiK3RChiK]

Awesome Post! Well said. I wear my L-Plate with pride. Sometimes I even forget it is there! LOL

Good on you for sharing,

M

[CookMySock]

wow, I sense an end-of-an-era for you - one likely you will never forget.. now on yer bike !! and off into the sunset!! :cool:

DB

[Mikkel]

Congratulations mate! :niceone:

Whether you'll miss your yellow L-plate or not just think of it as one less thing to keep clean ;)

I'm sitting my 6R monday so looking forward to that :yes:

[Blossom]

On Wednesday I passed my restricted test and finally took my L-plate off the back of my GN250.

I've read a lot of posts of people jumping with joy, doing burnouts on the yellow piece of plastic and so on, but I just feel kind of empty inside. I've done some crazy things on my learners and finally realizing that that part of my license has ended, almost come as a bit of a shock.
I've ridden over 4000km in 4 months, travelled to Rotorua and Taranaki and back, binned, stalled, dropped and even taken my bike off-road; and ALWAYS with my L-plate on the back. I've met new friends, seen new places and experienced new things that I would have never been able to do if I hadn't gone and done that basic handling course with a mate as a bit of a joke.



- Learners going for their restricted test:
I found my test crazy easy. I can seriously say that the hardest part of the test was keeping to the speed limit. Chill, take it easy and you will be fine. If you're not sure if you're up to scratch for your test, join up for a short group ride and ask the other riders what they think.

C-W

Chocolate that is some awesome advice about the restricted test. I am just a couple of weeks into my learners and am pretty nervous about the restricted test and its still months away. Thanks for the sigh of relief that maybe I will not die of stupidity when I do the test.
As for you reaching your restricted. WELL DONE! I will remember your post on the shock feeling no doubt when I get there myself. Good for you. I wear my L with pride...even if it does make my plate look like it says L58ZER which my charming husband says looks like Loozer...nice. :lol:

[Trudes]

Some sound advice right there!! Congrats on passing. I re-learnt to ride on a GN, great learners wheels, especially if you're not the most confident person. Well done CW!!!

[Sofa]

Yay good job! And thanks for the great advice! :)

[Ixion]

Congratulations. Well done. Both on passing your R and on your riding career to date. You have the true biker attitude! We need more like you.

Now, on to the F.

[fizbin]

Hey man congrates on you passing!
i pick my bike up on sat! that is some really sound advice for someone like me who is just starting out. thanks for that!
:niceone:

[alex]

Some great advice, thanks mate

[Choco]

Wow just a huge response form everyone! Thanks guys!


At the end of the day 2 wheels is 2 wheels and it will always strike conversations with any ex biker or enthusiast.

True, but when you're a learner and random people come up to you and give you props BECAUSE you're on a GN, it boosts your confidence a little :P


and I think a few drivers have been MORE considerate after noticing the yellow bit of plastic,

:yes: I agree with you. On the motorway especially I found that cars would give me a lot of room which is always nice.


Yeh go the mighty GN!:clap:
:rockon:


Awesome Post! Well said. I wear my L-Plate with pride. Sometimes I even forget it is there! LOL

I got used to it being there and felt lonely when I took it off :lol:
Keep up the good work!


wow, I sense an end-of-an-era for you - one likely you will never forget.. now on yer bike !! and off into the sunset!! :cool:

Yessir! :ride:

[Choco]

Congratulations mate! :niceone:

Whether you'll miss your yellow L-plate or not just think of it as one less thing to keep clean ;)

I'm sitting my 6R monday so looking forward to that :yes:

Good luck man, if you get a similar guy as me you will pass no trouble!


Chocolate that is some awesome advice about the restricted test. I am just a couple of weeks into my learners and am pretty nervous about the restricted test and its still months away. Thanks for the sigh of relief that maybe I will not die of stupidity when I do the test.
As for you reaching your restricted. WELL DONE! I will remember your post on the shock feeling no doubt when I get there myself. Good for you. I wear my L with pride...even if it does make my plate look like it says L58ZER which my charming husband says looks like Loozer...nice. :lol:

Get a personalized plate, maybe something like [L]egend :D
Ride safe and you will be ready for your test in no time!


I re-learnt to ride on a GN, great learners wheels, especially if you're not the most confident person.

Yup, I can still remember my first time on it, going around a car park in second gear. It's also really good on gravel if you ever have to ride on it!


Yay good job! And thanks for the great advice! :)

Thanks!


Congratulations. Well done. Both on passing your R and on your riding career to date. You have the true biker attitude! We need more like you.

Now, on to the F.

Thanks Ixion! I just hope the 6F is just as easy :niceone:

[Choco]

Hey man congrates on you passing!
i pick my bike up on sat! that is some really sound advice for someone like me who is just starting out. thanks for that!
:niceone:

Glad I could help. Take your time learning, always wear your kit and enjoy! :Punk:


Some great advice, thanks mate

No problem!



Thanks again for your posts guys and ride safe!

[MsKABC]

Thanks Ixion! I just hope the 6F is just as easy :niceone:

Probably easier, if anything! :gob: I found both tests a piece of cake. The most difficult part was figuring out where the assessor wanted you to go! For my R I had an earpiece, which was great, apart from the assessor saying my name each time he gave an instruction in this really drawn out tone: "And turn left here pleeeeease, Annaliiiiiiiise." Cracked me up every time :lol:

For my F test there was no earpiece and I had to watch for his indicator behind me and try not to leave him behind.

So to anyone yet to do the tests, don't sweat it, they're ridiculously easy :calm: :D.

Must admit, I was a baaaad biker chick and took my L-plate off after the first week and it didn't go back on until test day :nono: :spanking:
Great advice CW, thanks for sharing.

[Ragingrob]

Sweet bro nice one! I can go for mine from tomorrow... Whoa shit better actually get it booked for wednesday or something! :woohoo:

[gijoe1313]

The mighty Ginny has served you well and will keep on doing so! Just remember not to give it the flick :weep: too quickly when you do get your 6F. Always good to take your time and look around!

[scumdog]

Yup, as he said: Just because you've gone from 'L' to 'R' does not mean your riding is going to be any better - UNLESS you make it better.


Likewise when you get to your Full licence, ride just as cautiously as you did when you first started riding - you may live a little longer.

[irishlad]

Nice one chocolate.
I got my full yesterday, again test was piss easy. I was very nervous getting to the centre. Once test started I just kept my head down & got throught it.
Yes the GN is a cracker first bike. The only complaint I have, ever since I first got it, is that its too small for me. I get cramped on the small frame. I have already paid deposit on new bike an XJR400 I saw on KB Trading section. I will keep GN for a month or two & then hopefully seel on to another KB'r.
Be safe out there & I'll see you about

[Stromble]

Maybe, you should get one of these from Ireland...

Just to get you through the next era..

[Choco]

Must admit, I was a baaaad biker chick and took my L-plate off after the first week and it didn't go back on until test day :nono: :spanking:
Great advice CW, thanks for sharing.

:shit: Naughty! :lol:


Sweet bro nice one! I can go for mine from tomorrow... Whoa shit better actually get it booked for wednesday or something! :woohoo:

Good luck man, you should pass no worries!


The mighty Ginny has served you well and will keep on doing so! Just remember not to give it the flick :weep: too quickly when you do get your 6F. Always good to take your time and look around!

Yup, I can wait for a good deal to come around! (and I have to get the cash first anyway :lol:)


Yup, as he said: Just because you've gone from 'L' to 'R' does not mean your riding is going to be any better - UNLESS you make it better.

Thats true! I'm still looking to go on a BRONZ course at some stage.


Yes the GN is a cracker first bike. The only complaint I have, ever since I first got it, is that its too small for me. I get cramped on the small frame.

I'm 6" and on the highway I usually sit on the pillion because it's more comfotable (and aerodynamic!)


Maybe, you should get one of these from Ireland...

Just to get you through the next era..

I'm tempted to redesign my L plate into something like that :niceone:

[TOTO]

Only just seen this thread ... lol


MAny congrats Choco, you are the man. What you said can not be more true. I get people coming to my bike and say: you know I used to have a bike GN ....bla bla bla and on we go to talk for 30 minutes .

GNs Rock. Way to go brother :niceone:

[Insanity_rules]

Ah the mighty GN, many a learner piloting one. Heaps of fun and not expensive! The license tests are only physcologically scary in my opinion, once its done, its done!

Anyone round here ever failed?

[EJK]

Honestly mate, you are one of the sensible riders that I've met :yes:
You have my respect :)

Always :)

[NOMIS]

Lol ive been riding almost 3times as long as you and i still havnt even sat my licence, not because i wont pass or anything but paying the money for a test i done in a car, waaa guess i need to tak e a leaf out og your book and just do it. im talking about my learners.
II done the basic handling and the hardest thing about that was having to pay :-( i wasnt impressed with the price. yes im a tight ass. but then i think of the fines i could get.

[Choco]

Ah the mighty GN, many a learner piloting one. Heaps of fun and not expensive! The license tests are only physcologically scary in my opinion, once its done, its done!

Very true!


Lol ive been riding almost 3times as long as you and i still havnt even sat my licence, not because i wont pass or anything but paying the money for a test i done in a car, waaa guess i need to tak e a leaf out og your book and just do it. im talking about my learners.
II done the basic handling and the hardest thing about that was having to pay :-( i wasnt impressed with the price. yes im a tight ass. but then i think of the fines i could get.

Its only an extra $80 odd, compared to $???? if you get busted without a licence at all?



MAny congrats Choco, you are the man. What you said can not be more true. I get people coming to my bike and say: you know I used to have a bike GN ....bla bla bla and on we go to talk for 30 minutes .

GNs Rock. Way to go brother :niceone:

:rockon:


Honestly mate, you are one of the sensible riders that I've met :yes:
You have my respect :)

Always :)

Thanks man, it means a lot when it comes from one of the first KB'ers I ever met, can't wait to ride with you again sometime!

[Gregd17]

Go ChocolateWheels, your the man.:2thumbsup . I like what you say. Go the GN250. And you did totally LEGITIMATELY kick my ass on saturday. My hero :clap: If you ever come for a ride down Hamilton way, look me up. It would be cool to catch up again. Maybe a rematch.;)

[Choco]

And you did totally LEGITIMATELY kick my ass on saturday. My hero :clap: If you ever come for a ride down Hamilton way, look me up. It would be cool to catch up again. Maybe a rematch.;)

That was you? :lol:
You ride bloody quick for a sports bike on gravel man! But i just HAD to overtake you so i could give hope to all GN riders in the world :D
Anytime i'm heading down south man i'l give you a PM and we can have round two :niceone:

[Oakie]

Good on you CW. Good post. I'm a little concerned though that you may think you're not still a 'learner' just because you've got rid of your 'L' thingee.You've got 6 months in the saddle and some good kms under your wheels but please don't get too complacent or something will come up and bite you in the arse. You've only done 6 months so that means you haven't yet learned the joys of winter riding. Much fun! There are also a heap of odd situations that you won't have come across yet so just keep your wits about you.
I've always reckoned that if you can survive the first 18 months then you're well on the way to making it as a biker. Good luck for the next year dude.

[TOTO]

I've always reckoned that if you can survive the first 18 months then you're well on the way to making it as a biker. Good luck for the next year dude.


Agree with you 100%. I'm in the same situation as Choco.

Just wondering...

At what Point can i call myself a Real biker ? How many years or how many Kmrs ?

[Choco]

Good on you CW. Good post. I'm a little concerned though that you may think you're not still a 'learner' just because you've got rid of your 'L' thingee.

I am, and always be learner.
We learn new things everyday; like on Toto's ride i learned how to get the GN revving nicely in 5th gear (get a bit of a boost going down hill).

One of the things that made me feel weird was the fact that i still feel like a learner; but i just dont have the plate to prove it to everyone else anymore.


Agree with you 100%. I'm in the same situation as Choco.

Just wondering...

At what Point can i call myself a Real biker ? How many years or how many Kmrs ?

I think it's when you stop trying to be a biker. One of those reverse logic thingys. :yes:

[Oakie]

At what Point can i call myself a Real biker ? How many years or how many Kmrs ?
If you know a bit about bikes, respect other riders and seek out their company, ride your bike even when it's raining or ride your bike somewhere when it would be easier just to take the car, then I think you are a real biker.

[TOTO]

If you know a bit about bikes, respect other riders and seek out their company, ride your bike even when it's raining or ride your bike somewhere when it would be easier just to take the car, then I think you are a real biker.

Wooohooo , I'm a real biker then :woohoo:

[Choco]

I ride by bike damn well EVERYWHERE, so i must be getting close :bleh:

[Zuki Bandit]

Awesome mate, that kinda set my mind at ease with my restricted test looming an all!:)

[nevets]

for ugly learner plates.

Never really understood why people are so resistant to using them. All the who-har about being treated weird on the road, as targets etc... bleh, never noticed any difference personally.

And besides, nothing beats out dragging silly rice cookers whilst proudly displaying said L plate. Good times :laugh:

[Choco]

And besides, nothing beats out dragging silly rice cookers whilst proudly displaying said L plate. Good times :laugh:

Very true! I can smoke pretty much any car at the lights up to 50km/hr and thats on a GN! :D

[EJK]

Gotta be honest, Its an honor to be the one of the first KBers you've met :yes:

[Choco]

Gotta be honest, Its an honor to be the one of the first KBers you've met :yes:

I can still remember that first ride man with you and Training_Wheels! It's all your guys fault that i'm into group rides now. :laugh:
On that note; I can't wait till your bike gets fixed and we can go riding again, I think I've improved quite a bit since the last time!:woohoo:

[EJK]

Do you remember the second? :lol:

Ofcourse you do ;)

[Choco]

Do you remember the second? :lol:

Ofcourse you do ;)

That was the first time I actually got to have a nice sit down with other bikers! It was still a very good day :laugh:

[quickbuck]

I'm a little concerned though that you may think you're not still a 'learner' just because you've got rid of your 'L' thingee.

Yep, been riding 30 years here... Still learning.

[LittleAngel]

I got my full licence ummm nearly a year ago and both the restricted and full licence test were easier than I thought they would be.

The problem I had was (orginally had a GN but it died :crybaby:) I had to hire 250's to do the licences on, by the restricted test I was already riding on a my 400 and the before the full license I was on my 750!!! So had to learn a new bike in less than a few hours.. but it was do-able! :shifty:

I highly recommend the L plates - I found people always allowed a little more room for error (as in they didn't sit right up ya arse when ya at lights... knowing full well that ya gonna stall!!! :Oops:). Even in my job where I spend nearly 90% of my day in a cage.. I always respect the L plates (bikes and cages!).. :D

Admittly along with the L plate comes the taunting of "loser plates" and the feeling of being 15 again (Sudden thought... "Is that all bad"??? :confused:) :lol:

I think the thing to remember is... Even if ya on ya learners, restricted or full or have been riding for years.. The day you become too over confident or don't pay enough attention is the day ya don't return home upright.. :no: