Hi All

[Stickchick]

I just got given a VT250F for Christmas due to my partner loving motorbikes and I love being on the back. I'm soo looking forward to learning to ride but he hasn't had the time to teach me so haven't had a go yet.

Was anyone nervous first time on a bike? I had never been on a bike until I met my man in August but wow what an amazing feeling. Now all I have to do is find time to learn. Is it that hard if you don't even have a car licence?

[Grumpy]

Welcome and congrats on the new bike. The trick is learn right first time and take your time. There are a couple of outfits out there that can help you on your way. You have to do a basic handling course anyway to get your learners so you'll get a good start. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

[KATWYN]

I just got given a VT250F for Christmas due to my partner loving motorbikes and I love being on the back. I'm soo looking forward to learning to ride but he hasn't had the time to teach me so haven't had a go yet.

Was anyone nervous first time on a bike? I had never been on a bike until I met my man in August but wow what an amazing feeling. Now all I have to do is find time to learn. Is it that hard if you don't even have a car licence?

Welcome to the site. Good on you for learning. I was nervous first time on a bike. Just take it at your own pace and ride in expectation of the unexpected & you will be ok.

[Stickchick]

What exactly is involved in getting your learners? Is not just theory like a car?

[Scorpygirl]

Hi there

Welcome to KB. Just take your time. If you have ridden a pushbike and/or a horse it makes it way easier. Sometimes I think it might be easier not knowing how to drive a car as you have to relearn stuff. Good luck and learn heaps from this site.

[sels1]

What exactly is involved in getting your learners? Is not just theory like a car?

I did mine years ago and its all changed since then. Try doing a search on licences on this site, there has been plenty of posts about it in the past. Some of our newer members may help you out. Good luck with learning to ride - thats a awesome Xmas pressie!

Welcome aboard the site btw

[APPLE]

welcome 2 KB'r mrs fizz?(learner riding)hav your wits ''about yah''stay calm,and wotch those cagers?......

[XP@]

It's ok if he dosent have time to teach you. Just give Andrew Templeton a call www.roadsafe.co.nz then any nerves you had will disappear.

( statistically it is better to get proper instruction )

[Riff Raff]

I just got given a VT250F for Christmas due to my partner loving motorbikes and I love being on the back. I'm soo looking forward to learning to ride but he hasn't had the time to teach me so haven't had a go yet.

Ah finally got yourself sorted and started posting Jodi. If that slackarse man hasn't started teaching you by the next time I come down to Welly then I'll do it. Actually, do you really want Drew teaching you? Terrifying thought.

As for nervousness and all that, you'll be fine. I started riding a motorbike before I learned to drive a car and I reckon it's better to do it that way. Best way to start is to do the Basic Handling course - not sure if that's still a requirement for getting your learners licence - was back in my day.

[SpeedyGirl]

Welcome, you will love riding, just take it at your own pace and mostly have fun !!!

[Philenstein]

Welcome, I got a bike for christmas too (from me). Didn't get to ride it for ages for several reasons. Did the basic handling course in november and was slightly nervous, but not really (I knew nothing about motorbikes except they have two wheels). Jumped on the bike the first time 2 weeks ago and was very nervous about going on the road and all that, but now 2 weeks later not nervous anymore (well maybe a bit coz I got sore hands still from gripping the bars so tight). Absolutely lovin riding now, so much fun and well worth the effort nervousness or not ! Good luck.

[Rosie]

I was pretty nervous when I first started riding a bike. And stalling all the time didn't help. I've been doing some practise in carparks etc and am getting comfortable with the bike, I haven't done the basic handling skills course yet because I'm being a big girl's blouse about it all.
I think it depends on the kind of person you are, I'm fairly nervous and timid at the best of times, so it has taken a while to get comfortable with the bike and figure out the controls, but some people could jump on the bike for the first time at the BHS course and do fine.
Other than figuring out the controls (driving a car didn't help there) I found the weight of the bike took a bit of getting used to (and mine is only little).
I hope you get the time to try your new toy out! When you are first starting you probably only want to practise for 0.5 - 1 hour at a time, otherwise your brain will become frazzled

[Fishy]

Welcome to the site mate!. Just remember, ride at your own ability not the person's in front.

[judgeshock]

Welcome along

[phoenixgtr]

Welcome to the site. The basic handling skills test is a requirement to sit your licence. Andrew Templeton is the man. He's really helpful. The course is really good. It just involves a few basic manouvers like stopping and cornering but he kind of teaches you as you go. I didn't have any experience when I did mine and I was fine.

Have fun with your new bike, you've just walked into a whole new world!