Hi From a Bike NOOB

[baxman]

Hello everyone,
I joined the rest of the US and got tired of gas prices so I bought a 2000 GZ250 from a coworker with only 500 miles on it. I never rode a bike before the safety course but did pass it first time a month ago. at age 42 I at first felt silly just getting into it until I saw that most of my safety course classmates were at least as old as I am and many more older.

I've been reading the forums for a while now and I have to agree that at least for this noob, I'm still a bit intimidated about anything above 35 mph for now. I got the bike up to 50 last weekend on a beautiful non-windy day and I felt like the wind was trying to knock me off of the bike.
Any advice on how to get over the trepidation is greatly appreciated.
Here is a pic of my bike....

[alanmcorcoran]

Just keep up the practice and ride regularly and carefully. There are still situations that get me a little scared, but, give it 500 miles and you'll be a lot more comfortable. Focus on developing good habits:

1) Hand and foot braking.
2) Downshifting before stopping.
3) Smooth starts.
4) Cornering by countersteering/pressing the handles/leaning the bike

Don't worry about the speed. Stay slow until you gain confidence. The speed will come soon enough.

Also, if you don't like the wind, you might try looking into a windshield.

You'll be fine. Just take your time. I'm 50 and I'm one of the younger guys on here.

I also strongly recommend Proficient Motorcycling as a good guide to developing good habits. It's a beautiful book and packed with excellent info. Kind of entertaining to read too.

Good luck. And take your time.

[mr. softie]

Your new ride looks terrific baxman. What alanmcorcoran said +1. Keep a song in your heart, a smile on your lips, and your attention on the road ahead!

[Water Warrior 2]

Hi Baxman. Always glad to have another member join the insanity. Big + on what Allan said too. Just keep in mind we are all newbies compared to some of the really old guys. I have met riders in their 80's who have been riding all their lives. You have a lot of years of pleasure ahead. Oh, by the way, what year is the bike ??

[patrick_777]

To WW: :whistle:

Originally Posted by baxman

I bought a 2000 GZ250 from a coworker with only 500 miles on it.

Welcome!

[philbert]

Welcome baxman...
My GZ250 is my first bike and I'm 50+. Like you I took the MSC this past spring and was surprised at the number of people my age and older. We had an exceptional instructor who has 35 years of riding experience and was great at imparting his knowledge to us noobs.
One thing he suggested was to go to a local cemetery early in the morning to practice. It seemed like an odd suggestion until he explained that there is no traffic to deal with, there are nice curvy roadways to practice on and the residents won't complain.
Alan makes some great points.
Stay focused, get lots of practice and before you know it you'll be riding with confidence.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by baxman

I'm still a bit intimidated about anything above 35 mph for now. I got the bike up to 50 last weekend on a beautiful non-windy day and I felt like the wind was trying to knock me off of the bike.
Any advice on how to get over the trepidation is greatly appreciated.

Welcome! May your stay be pleasant and informative.

A small bit of healthy fear is good......especially for a new rider.
It will become less as you practice and RIDE.
Consider a windshield.....one discussion active right now and many previous ones.

[Sarris]

Welcome to OUR WORLD!!!

:biggrin:

[theneanderthal]

Welcome, be well, ride safe, and use the gear, just in case. It takes a long time to heal as we get older.

Also I might suggest you visit the tips section at msgroup.org for some very pertinant
info on keepin' yourself safe.

[alantf]

Don't worry about not being confident yet. I've been riding for over 40 years, & I still don't feel totally confident on any new bike until I've done 1000 km (thats just over 620 miles)