New to riding (Metalor)

[Metalor]

Hey guys, just thought I'd ask your opinion on the bike I bought. Paid $2400 for a 2001 Suzuki Volty from Mt Eden Motorcylces, it's done 12000 k's and I got them to chuck a helmet in with it aswell. Thought it was about time I got a bike, especially when I'm goin to uni and need something to learn on cos eventually I'm wanting to get a triumph of some sort.

Bike should be here in 30 mins or so... can't take it out for a ride though cos it's pissing down!

Anyway, cheers.

Oh, anyone know where to get some cheap boots from? I'm wanting some Johnny Reb style boots but without having to spend $300!

[crashe]

Welcome......

Nice bike to learn on........
Klingon has one of them.

Johnny Reb boots....... check out Trade me for a cheaper pair......
Mt Eden bikes sells them...... as does AMPS

Try on a pair at the shops, so then when you spot a pair on TM you will get the correct size.

[klingon]

YAY! Congratulations and welcome to the Volty club!

Depending on the condition, sounds like you got yourself a good deal. We should get together and let our Volties have a play-date

What colour is yours? Mine is black with a black seat but I do feel a little twinge when I see a real tan-seat Volty go by. There's something special about the tan seat.

[MidnightMike]

GO THE VOLTY'S!!!!

Err, yeah, nice bikes those, does it have a tan seat?, my volty had one.

Post up a photo when you get a chance.

[skelstar]

Good stuff bro, welcome to the forum.

[Metalor]

Thanks fellas. Yea, it seems to be in real good condition. It's burgundy (that rich red) with a tan seat. Really looking forward to riding it provided the weather clears up a bit! Then I'll look at getting me learners, haha. Yea, wouldn't mind riding with a couple other Volty owners! Where are you guys based?

[Metalor]

Oh yea, anyone know where to get a pack rack for it? Cos the bike shop is looking for one for me at the moment, but they think they'll have to get the L plates brand new, which makes it around $200 all up :s

[Swoop]

Welcome to KB!

Good gear can be found most places, but if you are saving your pennies - try Motomail Outlet Store in Kingsland as a starting point.

[klingon]

I was thinking about a pack rack for mine but came to the conclusion I can't afford one right now. So my back's being the pack rack.

I live near Unitec and commute along Great North Road to the city each day. Unitec's a great place to mess about and get your confidence up before you're ready to go on the road. It even has pedestrian crossings and stop signs and speed bumps and stuff. I think they just put them there to make it like a toy-town for learners. Gotta watch out for all the crazy learner drivers though.

What part of Auckland are you in?

PS Midnight Mike's an imposter - he sold his Volty but he still wants to hang out with the cool Volty owners

[Metalor]

Haha, sounds like fun. I live out in Massey and I'll be riding into town everyday for uni, so I should get the hang of it pretty fast.

[Metalor]

Just took my bike out for the first time! Nearly came off it going around a corner too! I gave it a bit of gas down the road before I realised the corner was coming up, so I pulled the clutch in and braked then I let the clutch out as I was about to come out of the corner and the back of the bike slid out but I managed to stay on it and not crash first time riding! Haha.

So I guess that you DON'T use the clutch when going round a corner.....

[Ixion]

Arggh. No , NEVER.

Change down to an appropriate gear before the corner. As you enter the corner, hold enough throttle that you are just driving the rear wheel - not accelerating hard but not on the overrun. Once you are past the apex roll on the throttle. Never go through a corner with the clutch pulled in.

(There are other techniques, and this is not the fastest through the corner, but it is simplest for a beginner)

[Metalor]

Arggh. No , NEVER.

Change down to an appropriate gear before the corner. As you enter the corner, hold enough throttle that you are just driving the rear wheel - not accelerating hard but not on the overrun. Once you are past the apex roll on the throttle. Never go through a corner with the clutch pulled in.

(There are other techniques, and this is not the fastest through the corner, but it is simplest for a beginner)

Kool, cheers! I'm thinking of doing a proper riding course, cos they'll teach me all the proper techniques and get my confidence up a bit quicker I'm guessing.

[Lissa]

Welcome to KB Lots of info in the site to help you out, and lots of people. Maybe get yourself a mentor to help you out with your riding.

[Macktheknife]

You might also want to go along to the wednesday night mentor ride to get some tips and skills. see the thread for details.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...t=mentors+ride
that might be a good idea.