Eeeek... a newbie panics

[jazbug5]

Ahem.

Yeeeessss. Problem solved- it was pretty much what a few of you said; I obviously got my wires crossed about the key positions. It is, indeed, one click to the right to put it into park, and two to the LEFT to lock the steering column (?) into place. Cringe. (Thanks, toad et al..!)
Still, great to have met you all, and than you all so much for being so cool. Thanks scroter, I will try to remember to relax... just finding the weight of the thing a bit to get used to at first. I'm a puny 52 kg with my coat on, and am used to cycling! I know it's going to be well worth it once I'm not so spooked! Paul in NZ: that sounds like a fine idea. If someone awfully clever could be persuaded to give up valuable weekend time in exchange for gushing praise and a few tins, that is..? I'm signing up for Roadsafe's next maintenance course, if I can afford it, too.
As for the high/low beam thing, maybewhen I get the engine going next (I feel an early morning ride coming on) I'll figure it out. It might make sense that it doesn't really switch when the bike is stopped.
Anyway, cheers again, everyone, and maybe see some of you soon!!

[Paul in NZ]

Well if you are signing up for roadsafes course I guess thats best.

Offer is there if you need it. Don't stress about being nervous or slow, ride your own ride, we were all like that at one stage and you don't owe it to anyone else to meet their expectations. Biking really is one of the only pastimes that IS all about you!

Have FUN!!!!

Paul N

[toads]

I'm glad you are resolving some of the concerns you have with your GN, they have a good reputation as a first bike, in fact if you search through the old posts using the search function you will find several good write ups about them. Your bike will be way nicer to ride than mine as your one has disk brakes in the front, mine had drum brakes which felt horrible! and made for nasty spills when turning at low speed, such as into a driveway, also the fact that I am only 5ft 1 meant I had difficulty holding the bike up if it started to fall over, so I could only watch it drop and break clutch and brake levers, I don't think your weight is too much of a problem as opposed to height and being able to place both feet on the ground whilst seated on the bike. Hopefully you are not as short as me. While you are riding your bike, it really pays to scan the road, starting immediately in front of your front wheel up to 100 meters ahead and back again, and keep doing this, the road surface can change quickly and also be aware of what every other idiot is doing out there, car drivers do not seem to be aware of bikes a lot of the time, so never assume they have seen you. happy riding

[toads]

Biking really is one of the only pastimes that IS all about you!
Paul N

definately, and so therapeutic

[wari]

MY WOrke here is done ....

YOu will neverr have to sleepe ina tent again ... :spudwave:

[Posh Tourer :P]

Thanks scroter, I will try to remember to relax... just finding the weight of the thing a bit to get used to at first. I'm a puny 52 kg with my coat on, and am used to cycling

If you are used to cycling you should be aware of other road users / the road surface. It is a good start into motorcycling.... I cycled for years before I got a bike, and I found that it was good to be able to concentrate on riding the bike rather than having to concentrate on learning about the traffic/road hazards that one faces on any version of two wheels

[FROSTY:Me]

Ahh Mystery solved--It seems the GN in question has one of those ORRIBLE universal switches--ya know -hi-lo/indicators all in one switch
What a bloody stupid idea mr suzuki-every time ya flick the right indicator on ya tend to flash hi beam.

[scroter]

Well if you are signing up for roadsafes course I guess thats best.

Offer is there if you need it. Don't stress about being nervous or slow, ride your own ride, we were all like that at one stage and you don't owe it to anyone else to meet their expectations. Biking really is one of the only pastimes that IS all about you!

Have FUN!!!!

Paul N

ah ha, this is extremely important. one of the things about biking is it can be so easy to wanta strut your stuff in front of ya mates. and you know what normally comes after that. what ever happens though just stick at it youll get used to the weight of the bike suprisingly quickly if your not too short. i couldnt give up biking for anything. :spudwave: