Ahoy hoy!

[Alvis]

Hi there, guys! I've been rebuilding and riding mopeds for the past several years, but finally decided to take the plunge and get a full-sized bike. I was planning on getting a 2009 TU250, but after seeing how much I owe in taxes this year, and finding a good deal on a used 2003 GZ250, it was just too awesome to pass up.

I'm scheduled to take a motorcycle training and safety course in three weeks; having no license yet and with the bike sitting in the driveway are going to make those a LONG three weeks.

[blaine]

Welcome to the fourm.Ride safe,have fun! You have bought a great bike.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Alvis

having no license yet and with the bike sitting in the driveway are going to make those a LONG three weeks.

Resist the temptation to do any more than start it in place and run it a bit.

It would be a MUCH longer 3 weeks if you had to spend it in a hospital bed !!

[alanmcorcoran]

I disagree. Read the manual. Study the controls.

Fire it up. Duck walk it 50 feet, drop it into first, let out the clutch and go for a ride. Ideally there is an empty parking lot nearby. If you can ride a moped, you can ride a GZ. Just stick to light to no traffic roads for the first few miles. Avoid hills.

I rode mine the first day I got it, I hadn't been on a moped in 30 years and I was fine. Make sure you understand how to shift the first three gears, wear a helmet and the other gear, keep your speed under 20 til you get the hang of it. Watch out for the tailpipe (It gets hot and will burn you if you touch it.)

Have fun.

EDIT: OOPS, just re read that you have no license. Get your permit or whatever you need to practice first!

[Alvis]

Yeah, I've got the permit, but I think I'll wait till the course to try riding it. I understand the mechanics of shifting well enough, but would rather practice on the course's bikes than mess up my gearbox.

[mole2]

Welcome aboard Alvis. I agee...it's going to be a long three weeks for you.

[Alvis]

Took delivery yesterday. Very anxious to get my license!

I'm planning some rides in advance around central NJ. I want to check out Frenchtown on the PA border, which looks awesome on Google Maps. Any other suggestions, if anyone's familiar with the area?

[dhgeyer]

Here are a few things you can do to pass the time.

Download the service manual from this site and give the manual and the bike a good going over.

Check the DOT codes on the tires to make sure they're not more than 5 years old. Check tire pressures.

It may just be the photo, but the chain looks a tad loose and maybe has some rust on it. Might want to tighten it up a little. Check service or owner's manual for correct tightness and how to move the wheel if you do need to. Get some kind of spray lube, chain wax or Teflon.

Order _Proficient Motorcycling_ by David L. Hough from Amazon and read it.

Google "Hurt Report" and read the 50 odd summary findings. Know them by heart.

If your permit allows you to do so, I would say, after all of the above, go ahead and get in some parking lot time, assuming you can get to one without riding in traffic. If you've been riding mopeds for years, you won't find it that hard. Stay in first gear for a while till you get the hang of that. Practice braking with both brakes, and stopping with only the left foot down - they stress this in the course. Keep your head and eyes up. Have fun.

[mrlmd1]

Get some gear - full face helmet, armored jacket, good gloves, boots, riding pants - to keep yourself safe, and an engine guard/crash bar to keep the bike and also yourself from getting hurt. You want to enjoy the ride as long as you can and do it right.

[Clockwork]

Beautiful bike - like it in the blue!