Hi all, after riding a SJ50QT for a year...

[HamishC]

After a year of riding a scooter and thanks to a couple of experience biker friends (nods at Ozzie) I today got my learners class 6. Bought a 2004 GSX250 on Friday and already having heaps of fun getting to grips with it.

Some help for a n00b:

Gear
I have a helmet (3 in fact!) and gloves.

I've been given ~$350 in gift vouchers for Motomail (http://motomail.co.nz/) so was wondering if anyone had any advice in the best way to spend it. I'm a bit low on cash so want to be as safe as possible for as little as possible.

I'm riding about town at low speeds so would you say it's better to get a good jacket now and get the rest when I can? (ok - it's not a GOOD idea, but given that I'm aware of the risks and plan to ride like a nana until I'm totally kitted out - in the meantime I have to get to work )

Maintenance
I downloaded the manual (thanks KB!) and I'm interested in getting a bit more hands on. Can anyone suggest a good book, or even course, for motorbike maintenance? Being around some experienced riders has taught me that I know bugger-all about what to look for.

Cheers all! See you on the road!

[fridayflash]

welcome hamo! and congrats on your nu boike
helmet and gloves are a start and i rekn your on the right track looking
for a jacket next,youll get a good one at motomail for your $$$
when youve got some more dough go for trousres and boots which will have you ready for the open road..yeahhh!

[CDFloss]

Welcome fellow GSX250 rider.
They a doddle to work on which is handy. I took mine to bits just after getting her, and just did the first service last weekend.

Have fun.

[fridayflash]

just thinking about the gear i had when i first started out....none! lol
just a $20 hand me down helmet from a mate and my perenial denim
jacket hehe,later i got a used leather jacket which was soooo cool! hehe
luckily theres a huge range of gear available these days and its all bloody
affordable,i think the cordura type touring gear has been a real revolution

[HamishC]

Cheers guys,

I'm already planning my weekend around cleaning the air filter, checking cables, oiling chains and getting a sweet jacket.

[CB ARGH]

Okay with that sort of money you can't buy anything too grand in the form of brand new stuff. However, I would reccommend checking out the site we all know as TradeMe. I got myself a Leather jacket, retails at 900, paid only $300 as the guy I got it off had a bin and could not ride anymore (the bin was in another jacket BTW).

Before you buy, try it on.

For the motomail voucher, I'd reccommend that you went in and brought a set of gloves (around 80-120 is as low as it goes), a rainsuit, and also spend the rest on motorcycle locks. Then go out and find a second hand jacket.

This is what I would have done, some may not agree.

Edit: Oh shit you already have gloves, excellent! Spend then you could have a look at getting waterproof motorcycle pants (I think they're called cordura). These are about $200 for a decent pair, that way you can bugger the rainsuit and just get a rainjacket instead.

[CDFloss]

I got a pair of macna summer waterproof gloves, and man are they waterproof. Only cost around $70 too. Not too chilly in early morning Wellington either with a set of glove liners. Which wont leave much for a jacket, but my Ixon jacket cost around $300 (or a bit more) from memory, and I'm really happy with it (i.e. comfortable, and water/wind proof).
If you're commuting and its chilly, its also worth getting a balaclava or neck warmer.

[Griffin]

If you have gloves and helmet(s) then Jacket is definitely next on the list... and is a very good idea. Have a look through the bike gear forums for peoples reviews on different styles of jackets and even go to a bike shop and try a few on for fit / comfort.

Hope you enjoy your extra power... people might even wave to you now