[smith_scotr]

Hi all,

I'm new here and this is my first post. I'm a newbie and I'm totally spooked after reading the posts on this site for over an hour. I just bought my first bike, an 03 GSX-R600. For the money I would have spent on a used bike of my liking (I know I'm picky) this time of year in the seasonal northeast, the difference in monthly payments for a leftover from 03 was minimal. However, you have all got me thinking I may have gotten in over my head. I've got all my gear now, jacket, helmet, gloves, etc. and I've passed the MSF course, but I'm wondering if that's not enough. I've only been out on the roads a few times, and things have gone well so far as I'm taking it nice and slow, learning at my own pace. However, right turns are a still a little challenging and I haven't got caught on an incline yet, but I've practiced a little in my driveway which has a slight incline. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...

 

[wafflehouse]

sounds like youre doing the right things to keep you alive

-wafflehouse

 

[mac]

Get out into an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice. Don't allow yourself to become overconfident and don't allow the bike to control you. Always wear your gear, and you may want to invest in a set of sliders.

 

[smith_scotr]

Thanks...

Did both...had a buddy who is an experienced rider take it from the dealer to a parking lot where I practiced for a while. Then I hit the calm quiet backroads. Today I cruised som nice roads, fairly slow but curvy/hilly to help me get a feel for the leaning and balancing of the bike.

The frame sliders are a top priority, I've been calling the dealer every day to check and see if they've arrived yet (they're currently on backorder).

Thanks again...

 

[Gixxerdale]

Yep, sounds like you are doing well. Practice is the key now. Daily if possible. If you take a break from practicing, you will notice yourself rapidly stepping backwards in your comfort level. Get 5 or 10k miles in this season and you'll be fine! But always wear all your gear!

 

[saleemas]

Congrats and good luck I know how you feel. my first two bikes were over my head (gixxer still is)and I bought them before I knew better. All of the local Fast guys I respect told me the same things:
knowing your limitations
staying within your comfort zones
TRAINING (try to get some track training)
Practice - emergency stops are top of the list
I can't ride my Gixxer to the limit. I accept that. One day I will, and it's up to me to stay alive and whole until I do.

Good luck
ride safe
G-

 

[stellabobella]

I definitley suggest going to a track if you can. You will learn more on a track than you could ever imagine, without worrying about cars or other distractions you find on the street. Also, always wear your leathers and proper gear. I'm a pretty new rider too and I won't ride without my armored leather jacket. I cringe when I see riders out there in shorts and t-shirts. It's not about "if" you go down, it's "when". I've been down three times, and thank God I was wearing my leathers.

Ride safe!