[KatanaMatt]

Hey riders! I'm new here, but just thought I'd drop a line to introduce myself... I just picked up my very first motorcycle, a 2004 Katana 600, three days ago after having successfully completed th MSF course last month. I love it! I've read some great posts here on this forum, and look forward to adding to them!

 

[Clint]

Woohoo!

 

[Guest]

Woohoo!

WHERE DO YOU GET THOSE SMILEYS!? -----

good job on the msf and keep the shiney side up!

 

[Clint]

I keep a stash in my webspace.

 

[tlwisner]

Enjoy the new bike and ride safe!

 

[Cougerbait]

KatanaMatt, man are you ever in for some fun. Keep the rubber on the raod. And congrats...

 

[themeatmanlandry]

Don't be a squid.
Wear your gear.
RIDE LIKE YOU ARE INVISIBLE TO THE IDIOTS AROUND YOU.

Dress for the wreck, and most importantly . . . put 10,000 miles or so under your belt before you start 'hitting' the corners and such. This thing isn't a dirt bike, and it will kill you. You wreck a dirt bike, you're gonna' get hurt, maybe bad. You wreck a street bike, and you may get hurt . . . and then run over, if you survived the crash.

Let that sink in.

 

[pitbull76]

I hope you enjoy the bike. Welcome to the site.

 

[KatanaMatt]

Thanks for the thanks! :wink: And I did my homework before I got the bike. A lot of people told me it wasn't a good first bike, but I, having now ridden it, disagree. I know this is a frequent topic of conversation here, so I'll keep it short - If you recognize your abilities and ride within them (Even below them for awhile...) you will be fine. So far I haven't taken the bike on the freeway (In Dallas, I'm scared to do that in a cage, much less a bike...), haven't taken *any* corners above second gear, and haven't gotten the engine above 5000 rpms. I love the way the bike handles, and have been concentrating most of my efforts on watching other cagers... Have also been riding mostly after the sun goes down when there's less traffic to worry about - getting stuck in rush hour heat with exhaust from a '76 Olds blowing through your vents, in a word, sucks. Haven't made any rookie mistakes yet, have been keeping a Camel cigarette tin under the stand for the asphault. I love the ride!