New rider here... Hi All!

[Breed777]

My names Sean from Tauranga, and last week i bought my first bike. Dunno much about them but something i always wanted to learn. Through a dealer i Got a 1988 Suzuki GSXR250 and today was my first ride!....
I live right in town so finding a spot to practice on is difficult. I spent half and hour going up and down my drive way just getting use to letting the clutch out and taking off. When i felt confident, I wheeled her down the road to a quiet street and tried taking off and going into second. Did this a few times and then wheeled her back home.
Im guessing eventually I will need to get a handling Cert before my learners? Just wondering is what I am doing the best way to go about it, just playing around in a quiet street? I cant afford private lessons right now.

But as a new rider I have a couple of quick questions and you guys seem really helpful.

I have a Nitro Helmet, Gloves, and I wear thick boots and Jeans, and a leather Jacket. Havent been over about 25/30km. Am I missing any important protective gear?

Is the GSXR a good bike to learn on? its just imported, first NZ owner, 7000k.

When im starting it from cold I have put the Choke on full and it still runs for about 20 secs then stops, does this a few times and eventually warms up and runs. Starts from warm no probs.

Whats the handling cert test like... I HATE tests, how can i be best prepared?
How tolerant are they?


Thanks guys, I enjoy reading all your posts....

[macros87]

i am no expert, i have only been riding a proper bike for the last 5 months, but i might be able to settle some of your worries :P

i did exactly as you are doing, i bought my ZXR (the kawasaki equivalent of your GSXR) did a alot of riding around during non peak traffic hours on very quiet roads, untill i felt confident about the clutch and taking corners (slow corners mind you) and 5 days later i went and did the basic handling on a gn 125. test is easy enough just practice very slow riding, (walking pace) some weaving thru cones, and your breaking all of it while having your feet on the pegs, they will mark you down if your feet touch the ground before the bike is completely stationary, and thats really all that is tested in it.

as for your gear, you are all ready much better than most of the other people starting, it sounds like you have it covered. you may want to invest in drag jeans in the future but you should be fine for now, i havent bought any myself.

as for your bike, it sounds great at 7000 km, it will be a good learner bike, it will keep you entertained at least until your restricted but hopefully through it as well, im told they handle well enough and you know they just have a bit more power than the newer 250s, yours sounds nice, how much did it set you back?

as for the choke.. its a bit of a learning curve if like me you had never had a bike before, i used to give it different amounts of choke all the time untill i realised for my bike about 2 thirds seem the right amount of choke, and now it starts all the time first time, you may be giving it the wrong amount, this is just a guess tho, and there may be another explanation, just remember they are older bikes so they might have a lil more trouble to start, but it shouldn't be a major problem. perhaps using the throttle to keep the revs up through those 20 seconds might help?

as to how tolerant they are at the test... no feet of the pegs while moving.. no stalling... those are the major things i think, but it will also vary depending on whos testing you.

others may give you better answers, just choose what sounds best to you and good luck riding man

[SMOKEU]

To be honest GSXRs are shit to learn on. They are very good bikes, but they're too powerful unless you have a fair bit of experience. And most learners tend to drop their bikes at least once, you will not be happy once you find out the cost of replacement fairings. The basic handling skills test is not too hard, but you need to be fairly confident on a bike before you go for it. After a few weeks of riding around you should be able to pass it.

[jim.cox]

Welcome to the Mad House :)

[Breed777]

Bike cost me $4000 from Adrenalyn Motorcycles in Mt Maunganui...

Gonna try and post a few pics if i can figure out how....

I was told GSX's are a good learners bike? I have only stalled it once, they are heavy but seems pretty forgiving? dunno, you guys tell me....im no expert... today was the first time i have ever ridden a bike!

[del-solider]

Bike cost me $4000 from Adrenalyn Motorcycles in Mt Maunganui...

Gonna try and post a few pics if i can figure out how....

I was told GSX's are a good learners bike? I have only stalled it once, they are heavy but seems pretty forgiving? dunno, you guys tell me....im no expert... today was the first time i have ever ridden a bike!

Nice bike mate :niceone:.

GSX's are good leaner bikes imo, yes they are a bit heavy but if you can handle the weight then no worrys! All bikes are going to take practice to learn to ride anyway so just keeping going with it and youll get it in no time, hell i learned to ride on a two stroke :doh:

Enjoy it mate!

[The Baron]

Welcome Breed777.

Nice bike. Bit flash for a first bike though...

Good luck and have fun.

My family used to go to the pub carpark on sunday mornings to learn.

[Breed777]

Thanks for the positive advice guys.... I just wanna learn so I can ride around the city really, not long trips or going fast (I survived my boy racer stage in cars and now I just enjoy the challenge of learning to ride)...I have read in all the posts that im gonna drop it, take the fairings off etc, but I am being so careful its not funny.... would be nice to read a post from those of you who havent dropped it or pranged it as a learner.... I can see how tho!
If I accidently give it too much throttle etc my instinct is to pull the clutch in, so thus far no accidents. It looks nice for $4000, but then again they do the whole polish amour-all thing to make it look good huh.
I put 98 in it today.....is it safe to run on 91?

any maintenance things i should look for that are different to a car (i,e oil and filter in know about) ummm, chains and brakes etc?

Cheers guys, im learning so much from you guys!

[Stirts]

My names Sean from Tauranga....

Hi Sean from Tauranga!!

Quiet streets are good but empty car parks (the bigger the better) are betterer!! Gives you more space to learn how to handle your bike without worrying about kerbs jumping at you.

Congrats on your first ride...so scary and so cool all at the same timetime :)

Welcome to the site too....lotsa good info and lotsa BS too :clap:

Check out the Bay of Plenty thread in Meetings and Events to meet up with some TGA riders. We also meet every Thurs at Drivers Bar 7pmish

[macros87]

its really a question of preference, and tons of people will tell you the gsxr is a great bike to learn on, like myself. looks nice by the way.

you wanted to read about someone who hadnt dropped his, i just realized my wof is about to run out , which means im not far from being able to get my restricted, so if in a couple to a few more weeks i havent dropped mine, then i will not have dropped it while on my learners..

i also used to have a vespa (yes i have corrected the error of my ways) and i had it for about a year, not once did i drop it, so no not everyone drops their stuff you don't have to be sooooo careful, just get comfortable with your bike and everything works it self out from there.

[Okey Dokey]

Great bike, Sean! I've got the 750 version from 88. Chokes are fiddly things and you'll soon get the hang of it-they are all a bit different.

As has been said, practice your low speed maneuvres, cone weaving, shifting gears up and down, and from memory you will be sweet.

Welcome to the wonderful world of biking and the weird world of kb! :niceone:

[HappyGOriding]

Welcome Breed777
I think that you've got all the advise that you probably need for now. Just find yourself a nice big carpark this weekend(use a trailer if you aint up to riding there) and try some 2nd gear riding and manouvers.

Your bike looks awesome great learner bike and you wont get bored of it once you are no longer a learner
Been riding for over 18 months, still on my learner bike and still havent put a scratch on it:2thumbsup

Take your time and enjoy your GSXR 250

[wbks]

Well if you give it too much gas it will rev higher, and when you release the clutch once the revs have built up it will usually break traction. Apart from changing gears, it is a good idea (especially if you are beginning like you are) to stay away from the clutch when you're riding. A few general things that would have helped me when I was first starting road riding that might help you: NEVER... N E V E R Try to keep up with another rider you may know or are trying to ride with if they are riding too fast. That just about caught me out once and never again.

Don't get too stressed when you make mistakes. Bikes can be a macho thing for some people so they will act like they have never done anything wrong and are the shit on a bike... Everyone that has ever ridden a bike has done something stupid, amateurish, that they are embarrassed of.

Warm up your engine AND your tires and brakes before you go at any speed. Because it isn't your engine you're relying on to save your life when you realize the corner is coming up a little faster than you thought it would, or that car just pulled out in front of you.

As for maintenance, the oil should be changed a lot more frequently than a car. My zxr250 (like your zxr only different haha) gets them every 3000km's with a new filter. And yes, if your chain or sprockets are worn it is good to change them, but it is a good idea to do all sprocket and chain changes at once, as if you put a new chain on old sprockets it will wear the chain out prematurely and vice-versa.

[archie-no2]

hi sean

i started on a gn250 i just practiced the clutch in the driveway then i went out onto our street its a no exit so very few cars.
just take it slow at the start and the test is easy just practice simple corners emergency stops and when you go around a corner look where you want to end up.

[Skinnyninny]

I have read in all the posts that im gonna drop it, take the fairings off etc, but I am being so careful its not funny.... would be nice to read a post from those of you who havent dropped it or pranged it as a learner.... I can see how tho!
If I accidently give it too much throttle etc my instinct is to pull the clutch in, so thus far no accidents. Cheers guys, im learning so much from you guys!

Hey man just don't pulled the clutch in if you think your going to fall while going around a corner. Pulling it in and braking at the same time while going in a straight line is all good though. If you do come off and go for a slide try kick the bike away from you regardless of how you may feel about getting your baby hurt. I say this from my CRASH experience :eek: that i got when i hit a log in the road. Anyways.. shiny side up rubber side down mate and welcome to the forum!

Dan

[Breed777]

So at what revs/speed should i be looking to change to 2nd?

When changing to the next gear, say 1st to 2nd, do i let the throttle off briefly, or keep it constant?


Thanks guys, sure i will have more Q's to come.....

[Breed777]

Sorry post was meant to be part of the other thread.....kinda new to this forum thing.... does this count as a screw up? :)

[RocKai]

One more thing: Ride in at least Draggins Jeans or Cordura (For Me). Saved my kneed today on a low spill. Mine got soft paddings on it so only a little bruise. Imagine jump from your bed height onto the road on Soft paddings or Jeans than you'll feel much safer wearing the right gear.

Mike

[RocKai]

Change the rev when you hear it needs to change. When starting in cold you'll probably wanna keep it low rev i.e. 4-6k on your 250 until it warms up and do whatever you want.

When changing gear, let the throttle off then clutch in at the same time. Just release it slowly on the low gear, if you need the power then give it more rev before releasing your clutch. Just like car you know.

Just my N00Bish 0.02c.

[DMNTD]

So at what revs/speed should i be looking to change to 2nd?

When changing to the next gear, say 1st to 2nd, do i let the throttle off briefly, or keep it constant?
Thanks guys, sure i will have more Q's to come.....

Come into Bayride Motorcycles and ask for Chris (me)...I'll point ya in the right direction for your basic handling test and give you more than a few pointers.

[hellnback]

Basic Handling course & test is usually about $100 - they teach you how to ride clutch/brake control, gears, then teach you how to pass the test, then sit the test. Easy peasy - missis did it in 1 try having never ridden a bike before. That was in Auck, not sure what's avaliable in Tga though.

I'd take DMNTD up on his offer...

[sleeqe2000]

I found the best way to learn is to try and find a new sub-division that is close to where you live where the roads are empty and you can get lots of practice in - Aotea just outside Wellington was a great spot for me.

And ignore those saying that you're going to drop your bike - I've done over 10000 k's in the last 6 months and never come close to it
- good luck (nice looking bike too)

[Skinnyninny]

And ignore those saying that you're going to drop your bike - I've done over 10000 k's in the last 6 months and never come close to it(nice looking bike too)

It does happen but don't let this put you off. No rider should ever be at a point where they are confident they will never crash as this is not the right attitude to have as i found out the hard way. Ride safe and you should be fine, just never get too cocky like i did.

Dan

[GOONR]

I did my BHT not so long ago, I was all over the clutch and the front brake, this makes one bouncy bike. Personally, may get bitten by others on the forum here but... I would get the slow speed stuff sorted first.. use the back brake to control your speed, you will be amazed at the difference it makes to the handling. If you haven't had any training I would recommend getting some, even just an hour with someone will make sooo much difference to your skill and confidence.

Good luck..

EDIT: I was all over the clutch and front brake before my instructor (training before BHT) told me how to make it a smoother ride.

[cheekyone]

hey breed777 i got an 88gsxr250 also mine got a bit more on the lock than yours but they go like a rocket as for smokeu's comment on them being shit THAT DEFINATLY AIN'T TRUE. i rode 15 different 4 stroke bikes before i decided on the gsxr and this one smokes them all. i found it easier to get a couple of mates with bike (regardless of cc) i just go out for rides with them thats how i was able to build up my ability to ride. As for the choke start it on full choke with just a bit of gas then after it starts move the choke up about 10mm leave it till i revs out till about 7000rpm then open the choke fully. been doing that with mine perfect everytime. lastly change your profile so that it says your ride is a GSXR not a GSX, they're different bikes (ours are better :kick:

[gatch]

Hey man, you should be sweet on the gsxr, little 4 cyl bikes are sweet for power, they will only make any if you rev them out to red line etc.

As for the choke, having it wide open is not always the best, just got to fiddle with it a little (that's what she said :p).

Shifting gears on a bike is much the same as in a car unless you are going flat out or riding a harley.. You are at an rpm which requires shifting up a gear, back off the gas and pull clutch, shift up(try not to hit neutral), release clutch and get back on the gas. And just like cars the exact timing is different on every bike.. Time on your bike is key.

Shifting down is a little different, but like anything else you will figure it out with time. Good luck dude, keep safe.

[Thani-B]

Basic Handling course & test is usually about $100 - they teach you how to ride clutch/brake control, gears, then teach you how to pass the test, then sit the test. Easy peasy - missis did it in 1 try having never ridden a bike before.

Thats what I did, never been on a bike before, did the course, sat the test and got my cert. A month later got my own bike and just started going out for rides to start teaching myself. One tip though, learn to brake properly, its easy enough getting started and changing gears to go faster, but it can be a bit of a problem if you start getting up in speed and then realise you dont know how to stop properly. (Running into a fence to stop is not a good idea :sweatdrop )

[Laxi]

Basic Handling course & test is usually about $100 - they teach you how to ride clutch/brake control, gears, then teach you how to pass the test, then sit the test. Easy peasy - missis did it in 1 try having never ridden a bike before. That was in Auck, not sure what's avaliable in Tga though.

I'd take DMNTD up on his offer...

I'd have to recomend this, test is basic but the course will teach you stuff you wont use in the test but when you need it it'll be money well spent (brake progression & that sort off thing), enjoy your riding and dont worry too much about binning it, not everyone does

[Trudes]

Hey there. Bike shiney!!! Hey enjoy learning (you never stop!) ride safe and have fun!!:sunny:

[hedgier1]

DUDE TAKE DMNTDS OFFER UP !!!!! He can teach ya lots of stuff. I have learnt a lot from him.