If you knew then what you now know

[mgalactico]

A question for all of you experienced riders: now that you have been riding for a while is there a piece of equipment, book, lesson, etc. you wish you had invested on early on your riding days? Just want to learn from your experience.

Thanks, mgalactico

[JWR]

1. Good riding clothing.( other than the standard, neck gaiter)

2. If it don't feel right, don't do it.

[Water Warrior 2]

I never would have married the first one to say yes................................Oh, you mean about bikes and stuff. Okay here goes nothing.
#1 You are rarely as good a rider as you think you are.
#2 Should have had a copy of Proficient Motorcycling from the first day and memorized it.
#3 Participate in an approved rider training course with professional instructors.
#4 Buy some proper armored gear. If you don't like it and are uncomfortable wearing it donate the stuff to another rider. Get more gear that will work for you. BTDT. Still doing it for that matter.
#5 Ride like lightning, crash like thunder. Thankfully no personal experience but I have seen enough of it.
#6 Find as many forums as needed for info and adventure destinations. Forums and PC's were a thing of the future when I started riding. Moto mags were the way to go. I still buy them.
#7 Be safe. If you wake up in the morning and the world doesn't quite fit properly you are better off in a cage. Owning a bike doesn't mean you "have to ride".
#8 Ride your own ride. If you are uncomfortable in a group or the speed is above your level of skill then gracefully back off and tend to your own comfort zone. BTDT too. Don't let peer pressure kill you. You have nothing to prove except the use of common sense.
#9 Always help a stranded rider if possible. Thy are only friends you haven't met yet.

[Gz Rider]

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[mgalactico]

Thank you both for the long and thougthful answers. I have started countering my bike and will be reading Proficient Motorcycling soon.

mgalactico

[5th_bike]

Originally Posted by Gz Rider

What you learn will not only help you with this bike but any vehicle you later own.

So true, after I changed the brake pads on my bike - I changed them on my car. For the first time in my life. Saved a lot of $$.

[edit] Oops, re: thread: um, no idea. Or, maybe:
- torque wrench
- little dispensing can (with squeezer) for easily putting oil on the chain
- valve adjusting kit
- battery charger (low amps)

[jonathan180iq]

Always wear Nitrile gloves.
Orange or Cherry hand pumice are nice, but nitrile gloves will have save you hours of washing grease stains out from under your fingernails.

[mgalactico]

I do not have a torque wrench, bit I wish I had one when I put back in the spark plug. I needto learn why I need a valve adjusting kit. :razz:

mgalactico

[mgalactico]

Ive not used Nitrile gloves but Ill give them a try next f year. Thanks

mgalactico

[alantf]

Originally Posted by mgalactico

I do not have a torque wrench, bit I wish I had one when I put back in the spark plug.

No you don't The spark plug just needs to be snugged up enough to compress the sealing washer. Anyway, on the Gz I doubt you'd have room for a torque wrench. :2tup: