New poster, new bike *and* new biker.

**John Banks** · 10th November 2005, 18:09

Well, after a few days browsing through the forums, here I am.

I had decided that I maybe wanted to get into biking so I went to John Wright's course... two days later I already had my licence and money down on a bike

. A pantsless Honda Xelvis (uh-huh uh-huh) from Red Baron.

My bike riding skill amounts to being able to start the bike (mostly), so I plan on puttering around the back streets behind Red Baron before I venture on. Can't wait. Hopefully I'll have enough skill by the time I'm finished that I'm able to brave the streets around where I live. (Queen St, so it's pretty damn bad).

If anyone's got any advice for a complete biking newbie, I'd be grateful. Otherwise... hi!

**HDTboy** · 10th November 2005, 18:12

G'day, my advice would be to keep the sticky black side down, and the shiny side up

**SPman** · 10th November 2005, 18:21

Unless of course the black side is shiny and wants to go up!

**_Gina_** · 10th November 2005, 18:24

welcome,try one of these

BRONZ - Ride Right Ride Safe Course

This is an all day course to learn the skills required to stay alive on the road.

It is held at the Whenuapai airbase on the third Sunday of each month and the cost is only $45.00

For further details PM CaN or contact BRONZ on either 09 638 9227 or email bronzauckland@hotmail.com to make a booking.

**Ghost Lemur** · 10th November 2005, 18:53

Welcome aboard John Banks.

Pity about the Mayoralty but these things happen.

Sounds like you're making all the right desision as far as riding is concerned. You've got a bike which wont get too damaged in low speed drops, which are more likely when learning of course. You're starting slow and building confidence.

Just one fundamental rule you must remember.....

All Cagers are Homicidal Maniacs!

Just because they are looking straight at you doesn't mean they see you. But if you remember the rule, and are therefore cautious at intersections, lights, etc (even when you have right of way) you should be fine.

Oh and good gear. You didn't mention what gear you have, or are getting. Quality helmet, gloves and boots. Leather or synthetic is somewhat personal opinion, but I'd definitely go leather once you start hitting the open road (but that's MHO), and a back protector.

If you haven't got your gears yet, send a pm Quasi's way. He's got some great value gears for sale.

Beyond all that though, have fun. It's what it's all about.

**John** · 10th November 2005, 20:39

oh, and never ride without (at least) 3rd party insurance.

**John Banks** · 11th November 2005, 21:27

I picked up my bike today and... god damn. I haven't had this much fun since drafting those anti-boy racer laws. I picked up a full set of gear with the bike - helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots and a tank bag along with full insurance on the bike and payments.
I was glad I did - I fell off today

. I was puttering around the middle of the city and had gone up to the domain (I live in the city center so it was the safest place, probably) and I fell off my bike at an intersection

. It was just as I stopped, so the bike didn't go flying, I pretty much just dropped it (I was trying my hardest to pull it back up, but the thing can be pretty heavy - I'd almost dropped it before, but that time I was able to hold on and pull it back up. I wasn't hurt, but the bike suffered a few scratches and the clutch lever got bent right back. *sniff* My poor baby.
There was a worrying bit of fluid that leaked onto the tarseal, but it wasn't leaking when I had it righted and it was able to start. I'm going to take it back to Red Baron and pay up for them to take a look and fix the clutch lever.

Despite that, I still went on a two hour ride after dinner, clocking up 50kms from St Lukes to St Heliers and back to Albert St. I had the most fun then, teaching myself to do countersteering (it's frickin' scary!). My cornering improved significantly after that, but it's still terrible, especially at low speeds.
I didn't stall, though! Some of my starts weren't as smooth as they should be, but I consider it a vast improvement. I can't wait to go out in the morning.

**Karma** · 11th November 2005, 21:40

Originally Posted by John Banks

I was glad I did - I fell off today

Despite that, I still went on a two hour ride after dinner, clocking up 50kms from St Lukes to St Heliers and back to Albert St.

Big rep for that. A lot of people get disheartened when they first drop their bike and won't go near it for a week.

At least you're over that hurdle.

Personally I've never dropped a bike, but it's bound to happen sometime... we all do sooner or later.

**2much** · 11th November 2005, 21:48

Don't worry bout it mate, sounds like you got off pretty lightly, just take the lesson away from it and learn from your mistakes..... it won't be your last. and as Weasel said, well done for getting on with it anyway.

Don't worry bout the liquid, it would've just been fuel from the overflow.

**sels1** · 11th November 2005, 21:49

Originally Posted by John Banks

I was glad I did - I fell off today

. .

All part of the fun. Welcome aboard

**chickenfunkstar** · 11th November 2005, 21:57

Welcome mate. I take it you're not the same John Banks who used to the mayor or Auckland?
I believe he rides a Harley and looks similar to the guy in your profile pic.

**John** · 11th November 2005, 22:13

Good on ya mate, you got the biker attitude so you will be sweet, just remeber to always wear your gear.... althought I dont but I already have suffered from that, but thats the price you pay I dont plan on living long anywho so its no real problem for me

**John Banks** · 11th November 2005, 22:24

Originally Posted by chickenfunkstar

Welcome mate. I take it you're not the same John Banks who used to the mayor or Auckland?
I believe he rides a Harley and looks similar to the guy in your profile pic.

No, but John Banks is a mountain of rage condensed into a tiny person and I want to be just like him.

**John** · 11th November 2005, 22:25

Originally Posted by John Banks

No, but John Banks is a mountain of rage condensed into a tiny person and I want to be just like him.

I love you, in a non gay way...

**John Banks** · 12th November 2005, 21:04

My arse is numb, I can barely use my hands and my riding gear stinks like hell.

People always say that riding is dangerous because you can fall off. Bugger that, it's dangerous because it's so damn addictive.

I started at 9 am, and after travelling over the bridge twice, once up to Whangaparoa, finished riding just before 10pm.

And I plan on doing it again tomorrow.

I might post what I saw today... had a fairly interesting ride - but I think I'll do that once my hands are working properly again.