New bike and rider: brave new world

**Grasshopperus** · 8th November 2009, 23:27

So after the saga of choosing, buying and receiving my new (to me) bike I actually got the chance to ride this weekend. Super funtime. It's a 1990 ZXR250A and I absolutely love it.

Here's some things I found out quick
* You can smell a whole bunch more stuff when riding a bike compared to a car
* The condition of a lot of NZ roads is pretty poor. You just don't care (and therefore notice) that much in a car
* Going 100km/h feels a lot faster on a bike
* On the 'twisties' I can barely keep up with a toyota hilux.
* I've no idea how much grip I can get out of the bike, how much lean is safe etc. I don't know the bike's limits.
* Bikers sporting swastikas on their german WW2-style helmets are not to be trifled with (they don't like being called fags - damn SouthPark)
* Learning to relax the hands is an important skill to master.
* Roundabouts need to be practised
* Looking where you want to go is the key

I've read heaps of stuff on the forums about how to practice and I know where to find the info I need, it's going to be a fun, never ending cycle of improvement.

Attached a pic of me looking cool. Feel free to print it out and pin it up in your office.

**Dodgyiti** · 9th November 2009, 06:33

With observations like that from so early in your riding/learning curve, you'll do well

**Maki** · 9th November 2009, 06:48

Interesting. For some reason going 100km/h feels a lot SLOWER to me on the bike than in a car...

All the best to you, you seem quite serious, with full leathers and all.

**Grasshopperus** · 9th November 2009, 08:00

Originally Posted by Maki

you seem quite serious, with full leathers and all.

Hell yeah dude, ATGATT too.

**ital916** · 9th November 2009, 08:06

Welcome. You seem quite on to it. Common sense is the key.

rubber side down, and ride safe!

Welcome to the two wheeled world!

**sil3nt** · 9th November 2009, 09:25

Originally Posted by Maki

Interesting. For some reason going 100km/h feels a lot SLOWER to me on the bike than in a car...

Yep same here. However when you first try a bike at 100kph it does feel quite fast!

Speed sensation is quite dull on the bike. Without ear plugs 110kph feels a lot faster than 100 as the wind noise is increased a lot. With ear plugs i could be doing 120 without realising it.

Nice leathers and nice bike

**TuonoTom** · 9th November 2009, 09:56

Looks like you've got the right idea! I remember first starting out, and 70kmph on my CBR felt seriously fast! Also good to see you are in full gear, keep it that way

**MyGSXF:Me** · 9th November 2009, 10:04

Originally Posted by Grasshopperus

I've read heaps of stuff on the forums about how to practice and I know where to find the info I need, it's going to be a fun, never ending cycle of improvement.

Good attitude fella!!!

& great to see you well kitted out with gear!!

Looking where you want to go is the key.. most definitely!!!!

keep up the good work!! & ENJOY!!!!

**Dirty Heathen** · 9th November 2009, 16:11

hey grass do you mind telling me how tall you are?

**Grasshopperus** · 9th November 2009, 16:33

Originally Posted by Dirty Heathen

hey grass do you mind telling me how tall you are?

Sure thing. 184cm, that's 6 foot I think. I'm 120KG too and of the
CBR250RR
FZR250
GSF250 bandit
VTR250
Hyosung 250R (and the comet too)

bikes that I tried when choosing a bike this Kawasaki ZXR250A was the most comfortable. Hmm, maybe the VTR250 was a little more comfortable but not at speed it wasn't. The hyosung comet was also good but for some reason it stressed my wrists a lot.

**Dirty Heathen** · 9th November 2009, 16:44

That's good to know man was really keen on a ZXR250 or CBR but being 6'1 and 95kg thought I might be too big and look like a gorilla on a tricycle but your a little shorter not much and heavier and looks like a good fit from the picture.

**Grasshopperus** · 9th November 2009, 17:04

I'm not sure if there's a seating difference between the CBR250R and CBR250RR but the RR had my heels almost touching my butt.

Dude, if you'd like to, you're welcome to come and ride my bike a little. PM me.

**Dirty Heathen** · 9th November 2009, 18:01

Thanks for the offer Grass bit i live like 4 hours way.

**atothek** · 9th November 2009, 19:00

don't think i'd buy a new hyo - you'd lose too much just driving out of the dealership. theres a few other full size 250's that fit the budget of around 4k. i'm 6'2" and around 115kg and i sat on a hornet, bandit, xelvis, vtr250. everything else i found too small. bandit and hornet were the most comfy but i went with the bandit as it was about a grand cheaper. Got my kit from 1tonne and it's awesome and at a good price - 700 all up. 3800 for the bike.