Starting out

**merv** · 6th November 2006, 08:55

You need a KiwiBiker sticker on that bare looking front board.

**Alice** · 6th November 2006, 09:36

Mental note to myself... must remember to turn the fuel selector to the 'on' position before heading out.

[/QUOTE]

Ha, Har,
I'm sure I will do those dumb arse things to.Like learning to drive a car, seems like a lot to remember and the brain seems to function at a slower rate of knots when concentrating on each thing individually instead of it being automatic.
Sounds like you having fun.Its interesting to read how other learners are finding the learning process, going through the un'co stage.
My bike is 15 days away now, big countdown, how exciting, can't wait.

**XR250 Si** · 6th November 2006, 10:14

True Merv.

I went for a 50km ride on Saturday morning and all went really well. I stalled twice and that was on my driveway. Apart from that - all good.

Alice, I'm sure I'll do many more dumb ass things over the coming months. I find that when I'm really trying to concentrate on something I cock it up. Like when I'm coming to a stop sign... If I plan ahead too far, I usually end up stalling.

**Alice** · 6th November 2006, 11:38

Glad to hear your Sat ride went well.
I'm not taking the piss out of you, I will be in the same boat soon and probably getting frustrated and wondering how long it takes to get it together.Its just a learning curve and it will be all worth it in the end.
I know its going to be a bit scary at times, just part of it.
Have fun.

**XR250 Si** · 6th November 2006, 12:12

Didn't take it as a piss take Alice

... I believe if I was to take life too seriously I might not make it out alive

I've only got a few rides under my belt and Saturday was double the distance of my previous longest ride. Like you, I was worried about how long it would take to get it together. Must say I feel pretty confident on it now, but definitely not complacent. I know I've still got a lot to learn. It sure is fun though... I look forward to every evening now.

**merv** · 6th November 2006, 12:49

Si I presume you are getting good km/litre out of your XR because mine does well even with it nailed to the throttle stop a lot.

For a dirt bike don't you just love the nice plush suspension and the smooth motor?

**XR250 Si** · 6th November 2006, 13:00

Yeah Merv, still got a fair bit left in the tank. Very smooth it is. Must say I was glad to get off and have a bit of a walk around though. The suspension is still on the factory settings and it feels fine at the moment.

Think I'll have to go for a ride to the bike shop to get them to show me how to adjust the chain when that loosens up a bit. The mechanic went over it briefly when he delivered the bike, but I can't remember exactly what to do.

**Wolf** · 6th November 2006, 14:39

Originally Posted by merv

You need a KiwiBiker sticker on that bare looking front board.

Nah! KB sticker on the tip of the front mudguard, seriously rad-as kick-arse custom graphics on that bare-looking front board...

**merv** · 6th November 2006, 15:01

Originally Posted by XR250 Si

Think I'll have to go for a ride to the bike shop to get them to show me how to adjust the chain when that loosens up a bit. The mechanic went over it briefly when he delivered the bike, but I can't remember exactly what to do.

The long travel suspension on the dirt bike requires a bit of chain slack - don't have less than recommended in your handbook. I have done a few thousand kms on mine since January and have yet to touch the chain. The modern O or X ring chains never need much adjusting, just lubing. My WR which has even more power and is over two years old is still on its original setting too.

To do it though you just loosen off your axle nut and snick the snail cams around one notch on each side (I doubt you'd ever need to do more than one notch at each adjustment as they just don't need that much adjusting) - make sure they are both on the same setting to keep the wheel square in the frame.

**XR250 Si** · 6th December 2006, 10:01

Been a while since I reported in. Still got the bike, it's still in one piece and so am I.

Things are going well, haven't been riding to work, but will begin that soon. Been trying to get a ride in every evening even if it's just 15 minutes.

Done a couple of stupid things like running out of gas (lucky there's that reserve tank eh?) and flattening the battery trying to get it started... found out I had accidently knocked the emergency killswitch

**merv** · 6th December 2006, 12:00

Hey you only learn from doing shit like that so good on you.

Have fun.

**XR250 Si** · 21st December 2006, 15:14

Santa came early today... ordered myself one of the new HJC HQ-X1 helmets

. Hopefully it arrives tomorrow in time for my holiday.

Lately I've been riding around all over the surrounding suburbs and into the city. This Sunday I'll be taking the bike over to Waiheke Island for a week or so. Plan is to explore more of the eastern side of the island. Will be heading out on the dirt and gravel roads for the first time. Nothing major but that's a good thing.

Anyway, Merry Christmas. Be safe out there – catch you next year.

**merv** · 21st December 2006, 18:00

Yeah Merry Xmas to you too - have fun on your bike.

**XR250 Si** · 1st June 2007, 09:30

Still out there doing it and still loving it. Had a couple of weeks with no riding, but making up for it now. Still haven't got rid of my 'L' plate, but that's because I'm slack!

Was sitting in traffic on Khyber Pass this morning, minding my own business and having a look at all the bikes in AMPS front window. Next minute the bike lurches forward and I'm thinking "WTF?"... then I look behind me and this stupid cager is right up my backside

. I don't know if she was txting, doing what ever it is women do instead of scratching their nuts,or what. I naturally gave her an ear full and she's mouthing at me and waving like it's my fault

. She just sat there parked up my backside... two minutes after moving off I thought "Should've spun the rear wheel up on her bumper."