A message to all learners/wannabes.

[Choco]

On Wednesday I passed my restricted test and finally took my L-plate off the back of my GN250.

I've read a lot of posts of people jumping with joy, doing burnouts on the yellow piece of plastic and so on, but I just feel kind of empty inside. I've done some crazy things on my learners and finally realizing that that part of my license has ended, almost come as a bit of a shock.
I've ridden over 4000km in 4 months, travelled to Rotorua and Taranaki and back, binned, stalled, dropped and even taken my bike off-road; and ALWAYS with my L-plate on the back. I've met new friends, seen new places and experienced new things that I would have never been able to do if I hadn't gone and done that basic handling course with a mate as a bit of a joke.

But now it's time to move on, and this is some advice I have to give to you newbies:

-The GN250:
No matter what ANYONE says is one of the best bikes in the world. I have had random people come up and start up a conversation with me because they ride, used to ride, knew someone who rode/rides a GN and loved it to bits (No joke, it happens about twice a month). It's cheap, reliable, simple, survives bin's well and has damn good fuel economy. Don't just ignore it as your first bike because it can’t go faster than 120.

- Wear your L-plate with pride:
I've waved to coppers on the motorway and they have waved back while I was doing 100km/hr. While you’re on your learners you might accidentally do some crazy things; your L-plate just tells the motorist behind you this BEFORE you do it. I've never had people road-rage/go crazy/tailgate me because they saw my piece of yellow plastic, so don't be in a huge rush to leave it at home.

- Wannabe Bikers:
I have loved pretty much every second I have been on my bike and don't regret investing in my GN. If you are seriously looking to getting into biking; do LOTS of research first before you slap down your money for your first bike. Take it easy when you're learning and enjoy it!

- Learners going for their restricted test:
I found my test crazy easy. I can seriously say that the hardest part of the test was keeping to the speed limit. Chill, take it easy and you will be fine. If you're not sure if you're up to scratch for your test, join up for a short group ride and ask the other riders what they think.


So take it easy guys and girls, enjoy your learners and maybe we might meet on a ride some time. I'm now off to hang my L-plate on my wall as a reminder of my eventful first six months of my biking career!

C-W

[DingoZ]

Nice.....

[Kittyhawk]

At the end of the day 2 wheels is 2 wheels and it will always strike conversations with any ex biker or enthusiast.

[Jiminy]

Good one

I've never had people road-rage/go crazy/tailgate me because they saw my piece of yellow plastic, so don't be in a huge rush to leave it at home.

I actually had it done on me for my very first ride coming back from the dealer. Not fun. I still kept my L until I passed the test, and I think a few drivers have been MORE considerate after noticing the yellow bit of plastic, so, yeah, worth puting it on the bike.

[howdamnhard]

Yeh go the mighty GN!Makes a great little commuter.Wise words Chocolate wheels,enjoy the riding.

[BiK3RChiK]

Awesome Post! Well said. I wear my L-Plate with pride. Sometimes I even forget it is there! LOL

Good on you for sharing,

M

[CookMySock]

wow, I sense an end-of-an-era for you - one likely you will never forget.. now on yer bike !! and off into the sunset!!

DB

[Mikkel]

Congratulations mate!

Whether you'll miss your yellow L-plate or not just think of it as one less thing to keep clean

I'm sitting my 6R monday so looking forward to that

[Blossom]

On Wednesday I passed my restricted test and finally took my L-plate off the back of my GN250.

I've read a lot of posts of people jumping with joy, doing burnouts on the yellow piece of plastic and so on, but I just feel kind of empty inside. I've done some crazy things on my learners and finally realizing that that part of my license has ended, almost come as a bit of a shock.
I've ridden over 4000km in 4 months, travelled to Rotorua and Taranaki and back, binned, stalled, dropped and even taken my bike off-road; and ALWAYS with my L-plate on the back. I've met new friends, seen new places and experienced new things that I would have never been able to do if I hadn't gone and done that basic handling course with a mate as a bit of a joke.



- Learners going for their restricted test:
I found my test crazy easy. I can seriously say that the hardest part of the test was keeping to the speed limit. Chill, take it easy and you will be fine. If you're not sure if you're up to scratch for your test, join up for a short group ride and ask the other riders what they think.

C-W

Chocolate that is some awesome advice about the restricted test. I am just a couple of weeks into my learners and am pretty nervous about the restricted test and its still months away. Thanks for the sigh of relief that maybe I will not die of stupidity when I do the test.
As for you reaching your restricted. WELL DONE! I will remember your post on the shock feeling no doubt when I get there myself. Good for you. I wear my L with pride...even if it does make my plate look like it says L58ZER which my charming husband says looks like Loozer...nice.

[Trudes]

Some sound advice right there!! Congrats on passing. I re-learnt to ride on a GN, great learners wheels, especially if you're not the most confident person. Well done CW!!!

[Sofa]

Yay good job! And thanks for the great advice!

[Ixion]

Congratulations. Well done. Both on passing your R and on your riding career to date. You have the true biker attitude! We need more like you.

Now, on to the F.

[fizbin]

Hey man congrates on you passing!
i pick my bike up on sat! that is some really sound advice for someone like me who is just starting out. thanks for that!

[alex]

Some great advice, thanks mate

[Choco]

Wow just a huge response form everyone! Thanks guys!

At the end of the day 2 wheels is 2 wheels and it will always strike conversations with any ex biker or enthusiast.

True, but when you're a learner and random people come up to you and give you props BECAUSE you're on a GN, it boosts your confidence a little :P

and I think a few drivers have been MORE considerate after noticing the yellow bit of plastic,

I agree with you. On the motorway especially I found that cars would give me a lot of room which is always nice.

Yeh go the mighty GN!

Awesome Post! Well said. I wear my L-Plate with pride. Sometimes I even forget it is there! LOL

I got used to it being there and felt lonely when I took it off
Keep up the good work!

wow, I sense an end-of-an-era for you - one likely you will never forget.. now on yer bike !! and off into the sunset!!

Yessir!