Well I made it! I finally get to ditch the L plate!
Sat my 6R at 7:30 this morning in the pissing rain at AA Meadowlands.
Cruisy as ride for me, and good setup / route there. Would definitely recommend them.
I’m in a bit of a philosophical mood, so figured I’d share some of my musings looking back over things for the benefit of other newbies out there
The mighty GN250
As much as people rubbish GN’s, they are a magnificent machine. Yes, I have one of the new ‘crappy Chinese ones’, and no, I have never had any problems with it. I’m a tall heavy set guy, and I thrash the living snot out of her, but she has never complained. A bit over 5000km in 4 months of riding, none too shabby.
Yes, you can get around on a GN, and yes you can have a bloody good time along the way. I have taken her all the way to Cape Reinga and back with no problems, despite approx 50km of gravel, and 3 days of nearly always running at painfully high revs.
There is a certain satisfaction in knowing that despite your small steed, you are getting every drop out of her and are kicking the butt of people on ‘better’, ‘faster’, ‘better handling’, ‘more powerful’ machines. I have had a great amount of fun scraping pegs and pulling wheelstands much to the shock and amusement of my fellow riders.
Don’t discount the GN because it’s not as powerful or fast as those plastic coated crotch-rockets. It is an excellent bike to learn basic skills on, and is a perfect commuter bike. Sure, it’s not ideal on the open rd, but it will also make it a lot harder to get tickets! It’s cheap to buy and maintain, no expensive fairings to damage if you drop it, and it holds it’s value ridiculously well. One thing I’d definitely recommend though, CHANGE THE TIRES. The plasticy ones they come with are deathtraps. I spent 260 on a good set of rubber, I now throw that thing around like no-mans business, and she always sticks.
Practice Practice Practice
The more time you spend on your baby, the more you develop your riding skills. You never stop learning. Just because you’ve got a license doesn’t mean you know how to ride. Find an empty carpark and practice emergency braking, practice swerving, practice countersteering, practice handling a lockup. Practice all the things you’ll need to know how to do without thinking if you get in a sticky spot out on the road.
Go on newbie rides!
Find newbie friendly rides in your area and go along. Meet some great people, and get some good advice on your riding from experienced people. Don’t feel to proud to declare yourself a newbie, even Rossi had to start somewhere! Don’t succumb to the race-face or red-eye syndrome (whatever you choose to call it). Don’t ride like you have something to prove. Ride your own ride, at your own pace, and have fun!
Once you get your confidence up, go on longer rides! The longer you spend on your ride at a time, the more you get the feel for it. You get in the rhythm and that’s when your confidence and skill are really boosted. Find a newbie friendly tour if you’re up to it, they are an awesome way to see more of this wonderful country, make some great mates, and ride some amazing roads.
Clean your Machine!
Giving your bike a really good clean is a great way to get to know it more fully, and will help you spot any little things that may cause trouble down the line. Learn basic maintenance too. Keep the chain tight and lubed, check your air pressures , regular oil changes. It’s all part of the fun of owning and riding a bike. Keep her clean and maintained, and she’ll treat you well in return.
Well, that's enough blabber for one night, time to go give my baby a clean and ceremoniously remove the L plate
IT'S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!!!
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Good to hear that you've gone out and ridden a bike like a bike should be ridden! Often, far and with plenty of twisties in between! 
Originally Posted by marioc
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