New biker, new bike, new member, etc

[sneakercat]

Hello-

Just bought a 2004 GZ250 a few days ago- it's my first bike. After a few early mishaps (stupid me, ran the battery down adjusting the rear brake light when I adjusted the pedal- went to go for a ride afterward- no juice! No juice= no ride!) I took my bike out this AM for her first ride. I'm in the Burlington, VT area, so this was no mean feat- it was a brisk 28 degrees out! Got a bit of frostnip on a finger (I thought my leather gloves would be warmer than they are), but otherwise the gear I had was great for the cold. Spent about an hour in an abandoned commuter parking lot. Practiced the turns, swerves, etc that I learned in the MSF class last year and haven't had a chance to do yet since I didn't have a bike then- and generally introduced myself to my new bike and vice versa. Now that it's the heat of the day and hitting the mid-40's temps, I took her out again and played another hour with the cages out and about and felt okay- cautious, cognizant of my utter lack of experience, but in general on the right track. Need more practice, practice, practice!

I was looking at getting a VStar 650 as my first bike, and the instructor at the MSF course flatly informed me I wasn't ready for it. Remind me to write that guy a thank you note. I think that, right now, a ~330lb, 250cc bike is right on the money for me to safely learn on. I can buy the bigger bike next year if I want. This year is for learning, and hopefully not killing myself in the process.

Glad to have found the forums. I'm already picking up valuable information and am looking forward to learning more. Got a lot of ground to cover before I can call myself an experienced rider, but, hey- everyone's gotta start somewhere. I figure I'd rather revel in my noob-ness and work to move on from that, than pretend to be better than I am only to have be disabused of that notion with my face skidding 50mph down the asphalt!

[patrick_777]

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the board. This is one of the most reasonable moto boards out there, but like all families, we have our red-headed stepchildren, grouchy old geezers and more than a few creepy, wall-eyed uncles.

We all started where you are one time or another, so enjoy and don't be afraid to ask n00bish questions if you can't find the info right away.

BTW, pics of your ride are more than welcome in the Pics forum.

[blaine]

Welcome.Lots of info in this fourm.Have fun.Ride safe.

[Water Warrior 2]

Welcome Sneakercat. Always nice to have a new face and voice join up. You will be more than thankful your instructor steered you towards a smaller first bike. The GZ is a great first bike. You have the right attitude and will have a ball as your learning curve increases. Pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling and read it cover to cover. Just chalk full of info and will make the riding experience even better.

[Easy Rider]

......we have our red-headed stepchildren, grouchy old geezers and more than a few creepy, wall-eyed uncles.

And then there is YOU !!! :shocked: :crackup

SneakerCat:
Yes, welcome.
Sounds like you are starting out with good advice and a good attitude.
You should be just fine.

[alanmcorcoran]

SC, I had a similar plan and I set a minimum transition point at 3000 miles. It worked out pretty well, but I think I improved as much if not more over the next 3000 miles. I think you do reach a point though where, if you are going heavier, you just have to go heavier and get in the miles. As mentioned above, you seem to have a very wise attitude. Practice a lot in the beginning and read Proficient Motorcycling if you can. Stay alert and within your abilities until you get through your first year. By next year you'll be amazed at how far you've come.

[dhgeyer]

Hey there, sneakercat! It sounds like you are really off on the right foot. Congrats on starting with a great bike. Some of us more experienced types keep our GZ250's as second bikes because they're a blast to ride, cheap and easy to run and maintain, and they're just so darned good looking!

Any help you need with accessories, troubleshooting, riding tips, etc., you're definitely in the right place.

By the way, I'm in Merrimack, NH, and get up your way sometimes.

[alanmcorcoran]

we have our red-headed stepchildren, grouchy old geezers and more than a few creepy, wall-eyed uncles.

Can you change the member categories to match the above? Also, I will need one more... "douchebag" should do it.

[Fish Baseball]

Welcome aboard! These guys know their stuff, and any help you need is given, all you need do is ask. Mate, ride in all conditions and the GZ will take care of you. Enjoy!

[alantf]

Some of us more experienced types keep our GZ250's as second bikes because they're a blast to ride,

.......... and some of us keep them as our ONLY bike because they're so damn manouverable in the heavy traffic we meet every day on a small island :whistle: :2tup: Seriously though, I've had mine for nearly three years now (been riding about 45 years though) & even though I might like a faster bike for those occasions when I go on the autopista (speed limit 120km/hr), the majority of my riding is done on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/hr & heavy traffic, so if I DID upgrade, I'd still need something as manouverable as the gz. Also, as I'm on pension, the good mileage, & relative cheaper maintenance/upkeep of th gz, also plays a big part. :2tup:

[bonehead]

Welcome, and enjoy the madness.

[jofa41]

Burlington, VT? Love Al's French Fries! Good luck with the new bike.

[sneakercat]

Picked up Proficient Motorcycling yesterday on the advice here- thank! Loads of stuff to learn. I've gotten out on the roads a few times now, but still frequently find myself back in that abandoned lot doing quick stop and countersteering drills and the like. Loving the bike! My wife came home just as I was leaving for a ride this afternoon; she's already teasing me about my "mistress."

Jofa- there's a joke at the hospital I work at that the reason our Cardiology Department does so well is thanks to Al's French Fries. I disagree: I believe it's their milkshakes! ;-)

[burkbuilds]

SC, glad to have you on board. You will find lots of good advice and interesting characters on this forum. The GZ is a great bike, very forgiving while you are learning and still very forgiving when you have experience and just screw up sometimes. The great gas mileage, excellent looks and easy maintenance are just some of the nice extra "perks" you get with the GZ.

[Water Warrior 2]

Picked up Proficient Motorcycling yesterday on the advice here- thank! Loads of stuff to learn. I've gotten out on the roads a few times now, but still frequently find myself back in that abandoned lot doing quick stop and countersteering drills and the like. Loving the bike! My wife came home just as I was leaving for a ride this afternoon; she's already teasing me about my "mistress."

Jofa- there's a joke at the hospital I work at that the reason our Cardiology Department does so well is thanks to Al's French Fries. I disagree: I believe it's their milkshakes! ;-)
Glad to hear you have the reading well in hand. Probably the cheapest insurance you can buy.

And now that you brought it up, what do you do at the hospital ??

[mole2]

Welcome aboard SC. Like you, I'm a noobie on his first year. I'm also working on the material from the MSF course now that the weather here is in the 60's. Good luck and enjoy the ride.


:)

[sneakercat]

And now that you brought it up, what do you do at the hospital ??

I'm an ICU nurse. :roll: Hoping- *REALLY* hoping- not to become a patient status post crash. It would be terribly awkward to have to have my butt wiped by my coworkers! O_o

[Water Warrior 2]

And now that you brought it up, what do you do at the hospital ??

I'm an ICU nurse. :roll: Hoping- *REALLY* hoping- not to become a patient status post crash. It would be terribly awkward to have to have my butt wiped by my coworkers! O_o
I am sure they would be very professional if that ever happens. Let's just hope that you never have to find out.