Blog Comments

Good on ya.
I will be moving to Auckland in August, and will be looking for some good riding roads.

stay safe

I have found that my local garages will ask you to remove helmet before they will serve you. Must be the dodgy area. So I now always remove helmet, really annoys cars waiting for the pump as you fluff around getting helmet & glove back on but wtf. by the way never forget to zero speedo if you have no fuel gauge. Develop a routine & never vary it.

It's personal preference, but I take my helmet off at the service station. It helps promote the positive image of bikers by making them seem less scary.

Often if a seat is slippery its because someone has put a chemical product on it like wax, polish, armourall, etc. Only wash it with soapy water.

Thanks coreys, my R-Jays jacket has a back protector built in, but I imagine you refer to an additional "vest" to wear inside the jacket. I did try on a kidney belt at Motormail, which felt like it provide some support to the lower back but not much protection in a fall I guess - the back protectors look like the way to go & as there is'nt much back usage & won't impair movement whilst riding - this would be a sound investment.

I've seen a great pair of boots in Cycletreads, but as they didn't have my size in pants to see how they felt together have delayed buying until the weekend.

Will probably do another driver training course after I've become more proficient with my bike - but not to late to develop bad techniques (first being basic handling skills).


Thanks

Good luck and welcom to the wonderfull world of motor cycling.

Here's some advice from someone that has left bits of skin across NZ over the years.
Buy the best gear you can afford (helmet, jacket pants BOOTS and Gloves), once your wallet will stretch that far, buy a back protector.
Buy the best tyres you can afford. Check your brakes before every ride

Do advanced rider training. It will do more to improve your safety and speed then ANY other investment or upgrade you will make.

But above all else, Dont ride with an ego. Know your limits and stick well within them. There is an old saying
" a biker can be old OR bold, but never both"

have fun!

Originally Posted by madbikeboy

Hi there, don't be cynical yet - what I'd recommend to you is that you find a KB Mentor in your area and get some support with getting on the road with your new bike. You'll enjoy the experience more with help. As for choice of bike, it's not really all that critical for your first one - just make sure you invest good money in the best helmet and clothes possible.

Good Advice MadbikeBoy - I've already got the Helmet & Jacket - in the market for the boots Gloves & trousers (will be a weekend job).

Thanks for your encouragement, I have a couple of experienced biker mates who have been assisting me.

Hi there, don't be cynical yet - what I'd recommend to you is that you find a KB Mentor in your area and get some support with getting on the road with your new bike. You'll enjoy the experience more with help. As for choice of bike, it's not really all that critical for your first one - just make sure you invest good money in the best helmet and clothes possible.

Originally Posted by Gibbo89

don't rule out the 4 cylinders unless you have tried them and don't like them... most of em are a heap of fun and will keep you happy for the licensing period. good luck on the search.

Of the 4 cylinder machines I were looking at Zeal & Balius they were out of my price range for the year I wanted (sub Y2K) & did feel a more of a step up than I wanted from my GAS Econo-mee days (3 years ago now).
You never know 2 years down the line though.

Originally Posted by Slyer

Excellent bike. Did you buy one yet?

Red 58 is being delivered tonight - cos I've not the confidence to ride it here myself

Hey, Iv been riding a whole 3 months now ! still not binned it either :-) although I'v come close a few times. Know how you feel about being new to it all, I have a 89 GPX250 that I reckon is a great learner machine. it has plenty enough to get me into trouble and is also tons of fun (I don't think its too slow) Have fun on KB, its a madhouse of non PCness ! punctuated by nuggets of useful information.

don't rule out the 4 cylinders unless you have tried them and don't like them... most of em are a heap of fun and will keep you happy for the licensing period. good luck on the search.

Excellent bike. Did you buy one yet?