Finally made it (Maverick01)

[Maverick01]

Hi all. Finally have started my biking career always wanted to do it when younger but now 47 better late than never!!! Just got a Honda Hornet 2005 needless to say 250. And loving it. Based out west need to get my slow riding skills together so I'll be looking for some good carparks. Ok well that's it till next time, hopefully I might catch you out there one day for a ride.

[nzspokes]

Howdy.

Plenty of great riding out West. Just had a good run up Highway 16 myself. You dont lack for places to ride round here.

[FJRider]

Based out west need to get my slow riding skills together so I'll be looking for some good carparks.

Forget the carparks ... try Queen street in the rush hour(s) ..


Seriously though ... get out on a few deserted back roads .... watch your mirrors ... and practice the slow speed / braking ... and the basic bike handling stuff out there.

[swtfa]

Welcome

47? Pfft... age ain't nothing but a number

Safe riding

[Maverick01]

Thanks guys for such positive response. I might just give Queen Street a miss this week maybe later

[caseye]

Welcomer along Maverick01, never too late to start a new hobby/passion, enjoy the little bike while you can, soon enough you will want more, by then if you've taken FJ's advice and done your homework it'll be a nice easy transition and you will be a good motorcyclist.
Watch out for the trolls here in KB land, some of em even think they can bite!

[Maverick01]

Thanks caseye. Good to know I have been going out early and after rush hour doing my best to stay out of mainstream traffic for now doing all the back roads. Can really see the importance of being able to handle the bike in slow riding situations.

[eldog]

Good to see a new rider

FJ and Caseye are onto it.

Practise and dont stress if things take time, you will improve in your own time.
#1 ride your own ride

Very hard not to fall into 'must keep up with the other riders'. Ride with those you trust.

Keep an eye on the mirrors more than you would do when driving a car. Surprising the number of cars that try to get as close as possible and push you out of your lane-I even had a coworker try that one.

Own your lane, just because you are on a smaller bike you dont need to let others occupy your space.

Confidence - I found doing a some longer trips on areas you know helps and you will find you will start doing things automatically. Generally I found these better than lots of short rides..

Above all enjoy it.