Yet another newbie on the road :)

**mops** · 29th November 2005, 09:31

Hello guys and gals.
I finally made the decision and bought my first bike - 1999 Suzuki GSF250 Bandit.
I dont have a license yet, so I'm just slowly practising around my driveway and little dead end residental roads. I've been reading heaps on the web on the subject of bike handling and guides for newbie riders/etc and practising every time weather (spelling?) permits.

Anyways, two quick question.
1. Where would I buy thinks like oil filters, chain, sprockets, brake pads/other mechanical consumables. Do I have to go directly to Suzuki dealer or are there any other stores, possible with better prices ?

2. Soon, I'll be applying for an L license and the basic bike handling skills of course. Can somebody explain how that handling test is like ? i.e. what is tested and how ?

Cheers,
Mops.

**emaN** · 29th November 2005, 09:41

welcome mops.
been a while since i did the "Basic Handling" thingymebob...
had us on a scooter weaving around cones, stopping without skidding, riding slow without putting feet down, indicating around corners...
practice that on your bandit & you'll be sweet.
being in Auckland, you're close(r) to some good outlets, just keep an eye on threads..
good luck with the test an' all!

**phoenixgtr** · 29th November 2005, 09:52

The basic handling skills test is easy. Basically what Eman said, you just have to ride in a straight line for 18 metres, ride a slalom round cones, brake properly, ride round a corner, (with indicator) and stop on a corner. You'll be sweet.

BTW Welcome

**FEINT** · 29th November 2005, 09:58

Originally Posted by mops

Hello guys and gals.

Anyways, two quick question.
1. Where would I buy thinks like oil filters, chain, sprockets, brake pads/other mechanical consumables. Do I have to go directly to Suzuki dealer or are there any other stores, possible with better prices ?

2. Soon, I'll be applying for an L license and the basic bike handling skills of course. Can somebody explain how that handling test is like ? i.e. what is tested and how ?

You can buy oil filters, chains, sporckets, brake pads etc from most motorbike shops. You don't have to go back to a Suzuki Dealer for them. You can go to Cycletreads (Barrys Point Road, Takapuna), Motomail (Western Springs), Red Baron (Grey Lynn), Mt Eden Motorcycles (Mt Eden) etc..

The Basic Handling course is easy, the instructor will tell you what to do, he gives you time to practise as well. I did mine with Ridesafe.

Welcome.

**mops** · 29th November 2005, 10:27

Thanks for warm welcome.
Here's a link of the pics of my bike. Well this one is not mine, but mine is exacly the same colour/etc. rego plate is different tho

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/188624/

**Cibby** · 29th November 2005, 10:29

Mops.

Come and see me at Colemans on saturday.

I'll be sleep deprived and hung over however i can give you info re the basic handling course etc etc...

no doubt you can talk shit with Sarge and Dover and all the other kb'ers that pop in during the day

**Pillick** · 29th November 2005, 10:36

the trickiest part of the BHST is the cone weaving thing - find something to use as cones (buckets, shoes, whatever, need 7 or 8 of them) and space them out 3.5 m apart - then offset every second one by moving it sideways 1 m, just to make it a bastard. Its trickier than it sounds, and is definitely the hardest part of the test.

**Phurrball** · 29th November 2005, 10:40

A fine machine you've lined up there Mops!

Do you even have the little fly-screen on the front? (like that bike you linked to) Probably not a bad idea given the bluster I cop one mine (fully naked) in the realms of 100ish...

Like everyone says - BHS isn't too hard. A wee practice now and then in the lead up, and you'll be sweet!

Welcome to the KB madness!

:

edit/

Originally Posted by Pillick

the trickiest part of the BHST is the cone weaving thing - find something to use as cones (buckets, shoes, whatever, need 7 or 8 of them) and space them out 3.5 m apart - then offset every second one by moving it sideways 1 m, just to make it a bastard. Its trickier than it sounds, and is definitely the hardest part of the test.

What Pillick said - but I reckon buy cheap tennis balls, and cut them in half. Less disturbing to run over than cones!

**mops** · 29th November 2005, 10:50

Once again I'm overwhelmed by your great response guys and gals!
I'd really like to come by Colemans on my bike for a prep-up sesion, but I dont really want to ride with no license,no insurance, no skills and no proper riding gear on a busy road

I'll try the slalom thing if the wheather is nice tonight

What I really need to get ASAP is an oil filter cos my oil is kinda dark and that concernes me.

Yes, my bike is *exacly* as the one on the link, except the rego plate

Thanks again guys !

**John Banks** · 29th November 2005, 10:56

Hey there,

I'm another newbie in Auckland, and a couple of us have been trying to organise rides. Feel free to come along to any rides when you feel ready, and if you need any advice I'm currently unemployed and happy to help

**crashe** · 29th November 2005, 11:32

Welcome Mops to KB.

Im not sure where in Auckland you are based...

But here is a list of places you can get bike parts from:

AMPs - Kyber Pass - See Lou (KBer)
Motohaus - Western Springs Rd , Kingsland - See Kerry (KBer)
Mt Eden Motorbikes - Boston Rd, Mt Eden - See Mike or Chris
Colemans - crner Gundry St and K' Rd - See Dallas - SARGE (KBer)
Henderson Motorcycles - View Rd, Henderson - See Adam
Holeshot motorcycles - Barry Point Rd, Takapuna Nrth Shore
Red Baron - 299-305 Great Nrth Rd, Grey Lynn - See the lads upstairs.
There is another m/bike shop next door to Holeshot on the shore as well.

**Sniper** · 29th November 2005, 15:58

Welcome matey. You are in good hands here and Im sure there are multitudes of good blokes in Auks that will help ya out on the riding side.

Take care and ride safe

**mops** · 6th December 2005, 11:16

Hello Again.

So yeah, I'm ready for my basic handling test.

My problem is:

How I i get my bike to the test ? I mean after all I cant ride it on the road, the only way I see it happen is if somebody rode it to the test. Even after the test I cant ride it back... legally that is....

Whats you suggestion guys/gals ?

As far as I know, the basic handling test consists of breaking test, u-turn/circleing and cone course

anything else I shoudl train ??? I'm getting more confidednt every day but I'm still trying to stay away form main roads

**John Banks** · 6th December 2005, 11:18

If you're not doing the course where the bikes are provided, then yes you will need someone to ride it to the test for you. Anyone you can trust that can help you out?