10 things I have learned in the past 5 days.

[Gubb]

Welcome mate.
Whereabouts do you ride? I have a yellow GT250R and I saw a few black ones so maybe i've seen yours too.
I ride from town to the hutt every day and back in the evening. Maybe i'll see you around.

I'm in Karori, but out in the Hutt quite often. Possibly see you at a newbie ride at some stage.

[puddy]

Learning is always the best time. A thrill a minute (relatively speaking)......it's cool. Good luck. And take care. But above all, ENJOY!

[Insanity_rules]

I know that i'm a newbie, and I tossed up with putting this in the newbie thread, but I decided otherwise.

Completely new into the world of two wheels, I completed the Basic Handling Skills Test 2 weeks ago with Andrew at RoadSafe. Sensational guy, and taught me everything that I currently know about Motorbikes, which starting from nothing, is a huge improvement.

I purchased my baby (GT250R) on Saturday, and have been on a steep, and fun learning curve ever since. The guys at TSS in Lower Hutt were phenomenally helpful, and their advice was well and truly above what I recieved at the other 4 stores that I visited, and numerous people that I spoke to. Spent heaps on gear, because the last thing that I want to be thinking after I crash is "I wish I spent more money on decent gear".

Anywho, the things that I have learned on the past 5 days:
1. Leaning in the corners is not the scariest thing in the world, but one of the most exciting.
2. Practicing every day is the only way to improve.
3. I get some cool looks from the ladies. (Albeit, non-biker chicks that can't recognize a 250!)
4. Always have a positive throttle.
5. Lane-splitting is fantastic fun, almost enough to make me go back to a traffic pile up, and do it all over again to laugh at the look on peoples faces as I cruise past.
6. Tailgating drivers in cars are complete wankers.
7. The motorcycle community is amazingly supportive, any questions that I may have, or problems, there are always a big group of people that will offer to help you, as they all seem to remember what it was like to be a learner.
8. Most Harley riders only wave to other Harley riders, and nobody waves to scooters.
9. My friends think I am riding a two-wheeled death machine. they'll eventually come around.
10. This is the best decision I have made in a very long time, and I hope that I will be enjoying it for a very long time.

As you may have guessed, I am now a complete convert, and will never look back. Who needs those 2 extra wheels anyway.

Stay safe, and keep your heads up.

Hee hee I remember feeling exactly the same way and it brings back fond memories. TSS is an awesome shop, they never look down on my cheap ass 250 when I want to spend money on it and they give good advice.

Welcome to the family and I hope your stay is long and fun.

[carver]

ah, but you missed the fact that cruisers are very


GAY!

1. Sometimes
2. Or just riding
3. You should see the amount of sex you get when you own a cruiser then
4. Ok
5. You will save time lane splitting, until someone swerves infront of you and you hit the car
6. Take your L plate off if you have one, and/or get a cruiser. Both can help avoid that.
7. Yeap
8. Ride a cruiser, or try not wiping past cruisers and give some respect and they might. Haven't had any problems myself when I've road up to one and road along along with them. Even moved over so I can tally up. I only wave to scooters if they wave to me.. most scooter riders are on them for commuting only, not for the absolute love of two wheels.
9. Yeah, fun isnt it. Must take about a year off your life.
10. Don't you just wish you had one earlier now :P

Extra 2 wheels still handy.

Always safe, I ride a cruiser 99% of the time so my head is always up.

Time to hit some rallies now man! Now THERE is fun!