I've never ridden a bike before!

[magicmonkey]

Which is odd as I like driving and I'm nearly 30

Anyways, I'm looking to learn and I was wondering if you guys had any pointers on how a complete novice should start out?

I figure that getting my learners license is a good first step but that's a couple of hours on a rented bike and a sit down exam, hardly my idea of getting out on the open road!

After that I figure I'll need a bike (well duh) but that's about where my ideas stop, I haven't a clue about the things!

[vifferman]

Doan do eeet!
You'll die for sure!
Them murdercycles are just too dangerous!!!

[Ixion]

Actually, passing the Basic handling Test (BHS) is the first step.

You need the BHS certificate BEFORE you can sit the learner licence test.

Then once you have your L, this is the best $50 you'll ever spend

[crazyhorse]

Stop procrastinating and just do it!

Sit the exam, do the riding test and go buy a GN250. You will never look back

[MaxCannon]

Two questions

1 - Can you ride a pushbike ?

2 - Can you drive a manual ?

If you can do those then it's easy.
I sat my test when I was 29
Did the basic handling test - was the first time I'd ever sat on a bike.
Stalled a few times, locked the brakes - all the newb mistakes.
Instructor was excellent.
By the end of the course everything felt natural.

Following weekend I did the scratch and win, bought all the kit, bought a bike and rode it home.

Actually three questions....

3 - Do you like spending money ?

All mine goes on bikes, bike gear, bike mags, petrol, track days.......

[magicmonkey]

Actually, passing the Basic handling Test (BHS) is the first step.

You need the BHS certificate BEFORE you can sit the learner licence test.

Then once you have your L, this is the best $50 you'll ever spend

Yeah, BHS will be my first step for sure, quite looking forward to it

The RRRS looks pretty useful, ido you know of anywhere near Wellington that does the courses? That site seems to only deal with Auckland (although a weekend away doesn't sound that bad)

[magicmonkey]

Two questions

1 - Can you ride a pushbike ?

2 - Can you drive a manual ?

If you can do those then it's easy.
I sat my test when I was 29
Did the basic handling test - was the first time I'd ever sat on a bike.
Stalled a few times, locked the brakes - all the newb mistakes.
Instructor was excellent.
By the end of the course everything felt natural.

Following weekend I did the scratch and win, bought all the kit, bought a bike and rode it home.

Actually three questions....

3 - Do you like spending money ?

All mine goes on bikes, bike gear, bike mags, petrol, track days.......

Yup, I can ride a pushbike and I can't stand automatic cars, so far so good. I don't really mind spending money, not having much of it to spend doesn't help though!

[magicmonkey]

Stop procrastinating and just do it!

Sit the exam, do the riding test and go buy a GN250. You will never look back

Well, quick google show's they're not too ugly! How much would one set me back roughly?

[325rocket]

The RRRS looks pretty useful, ido you know of anywhere near Wellington that does the courses?

you could try these guys. they run courses in petone. they are very good to deal with and do a range of advanced courses as well.

welcome to the site

[magicmonkey]

you could try these guys. they run courses in petone. they are very good to deal with and do a range of advanced courses as well.

welcome to the site

Sweet, glad to hear that as I've been poking around their web site quite a bit today

[325rocket]

Sweet, glad to hear that as I've been poking around their web site quite a bit today

99% of wellington bikers went through them. they also have hire bikes available for lessons / tests. im sure you will only hear good things about them.

[magicmonkey]

yeah, that was the big draw to them, at least this way I'll only have lost out on the course cost rather than the cost of a bike if I decide it's not for me (not that I can see that happening!)

[tri boy]

Welcome monkey boy
The whole learner gig may seem a bit daunting/a drag, but time really does fly.
kanny, (the boss in my household, had never ridden a m/cycle before, and was quite nervous about the whole learning etc.
We picked up a s/hand Suzuki Volty, (a bit like a GN), did alot of carpark practice teaching her to ride through a course laid out with cones, Q+a sessions out of the road code and she asked everybody all sorts of Q's.
Cutting the story short, she now rides a 600cc road bike, loves the freedom and lifestyle, and gets real grumpy if she hasn't gone for a ride in a week.
All in two years.
Just do it. ask Q's and be sensible about the learning process.
It's a disease this motorcycle gig, that has no cure.
Ride on.

[slofox]

......You will never look back

Make sure you DO look back - before you change lanes anyway...

[magicmonkey]

Nah, it's doen't look daunting or a drag at all! I enjoy learning new things and I enjoy driving. Fortunately I'm not rich enough to go out and pick up a Ducati to learn on so the bank manager will make me take it steady