Hello from Idaho

[brookwest]

hello from Idaho

I'm a new lady rider, and a new owner of a GZ. It is the perfect little bike for me! I took the Idaho Star rider's class this spring, and just barley passed. I knew I could get the hang of riding a motorcycle, that I just needed more than 8hrs on a bike. (I had never ridden my own before, and well at 51yrs old, it takes just a little while to teach an old dog new tricks! LOL). Yesterday was my third time out on the bike. I was a little nervous about taking her through our little town, getting out in traffic (although where I live, a little town, there isn't much), but after several circuits through empty neighborhoods, I knew I was ready, and went down town and got breakfast. As I was leaving the restaurant, 2 experienced rider's came up who were on a long cruise all over the west, they were so great! Looking at my bike, giving words of encouragement, made me feel like part of the "Family"!!! After that put gas in the bike and headed off on a country road, about an hour out and back! It was exhilarating and the most fun I've had in a while!
I do have a question though, if anyone reads this, When I got home, I noticed that the left side of the rear wheel had some sticky/oily stuff splattered around on it. It looks like it might be coming from the chain. I know when I bought the bike, the previous owner showed me what he used to lube it, some wax based lube, and lubed it so i could see how it's done, so my question is????? is it normal for the lube to sprinkle onto the tire??? It was the first time I had it up to 55 for an extended period of time. Any comments would be appreciated!!!

[Water Warrior 2]

Welcome from the GWN. It is always great to have a new member. My partner in life didn't start riding until she was 60 years young and loved it. The GZ was her choice of a first bike and it was a wonderful decision. The bike is very forgiving to a new rider and will help to build your skill level and confidence on 2 wheels.
Please pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. This is the best written material for both experienced and new riders. You will be glad you did.
The chain is the dirtiest part of bike ownerdship. What you have is a case of the lube flinging off the chain. The cleanest product I found over the years has been DuPont with Teflon. Usually found at hardware stores and a bit cheaper than bike shop prices.

[Goose51683]

Welcome as well Brook. Glad Water Warrior could answer your question. I've only been riding this summer and this forum is full of experienced guys and gals who are more than willing to answer any dumb questions you may have.

Goodness knows I've had more than my fair share and everyone on here has been very helpful. You mention feeling like part of the family, well thats a feeling you will get a lot here on the forum.

So again, Welcome, we are glad to have you.

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. Ride safe.

[alantf]

Something I forgot to mention to a new rider . If you haven't got one already, invest in an engine guard. Dunno why they're called that in America. In England we call them "crash bars" because they're there to protect you if the bike goes down. Dunno why I said "if", because I should've said "WHEN the bike goes down". I reckon that everyone who rides has gone down at some time in their riding career. I've been riding for nigh on fifty years, and I won't ride without one. A coupla years ago, I was overtaking a SUV, when he decided to turn left without signalling or checking his mirrors. The bike went down, and the crash bar got bent, but it was the only thing that stopped my leg from getting trapped under the bike, and getting burned on the engine. We get different crash bars in Spain, but the American guys say that the Suzuki bars are decoration only, and are useless in a fall, so if you decide to get a set (and I really hope that you do) the other guys on the site will steer you to the best sorts to buy. :2tup:

[northsidegz]

Idaho is great country. My wife did some teaching in Nampa while we were dating and I enjoyed that are quite a bit (although the furthest we travelled was up to McCall --- not on a motorcycle though. In a car).

Welcome to the forum! Enjoy and be safe!

[brookwest]

Thanks for the responses everyone! I will get some kerosine soon to clean that chain and try the dupont lube! (thanks W.W. I know it was a dumb question, but I'm doing this bike thing on my own, no help from a mechanically inclined partner, so I'm sure I'll ask more), Like Goose said, it's why this forum is here, for us to help each other. My first couple forays out I was wearing just a half helmet (all I had), my modular full face helmet came today, and I feel much better about hitting the open road, one problem though, it smells horrible! all chemical/plastic, I might have to ride with the visor up for a while till the smell dissipates a little. Still new to this site, what would be the best way of finding what other GZ owners are installing for crash bars, Alen???I'm also thinking I need at least a windsheild, if not a faring for my ride!, and Northside, yes! Idaho is filled with scenic county roads, and quiet highways, I'm so excited to check out a bunch of them!! Would like to find some folks to ride with, I have several friends that ride (mostly big Harleys) and a little hesitant to ask them to ride with me, cause I will go slower than they will want, but until I get some more miles under my belt, slow is best for me, don't want to ride beyond my skill level yet! all about fun and safety!! better order "proficient motorcycling" too!

[Goose51683]

Any new questions you have jus post a new topic with a common sense title and you'll get the responses you need. Everyone here is pretty good about trying to answer every post.

You can also create a post asking for people in your area but I wouldn't shy away from the hd guys. Everyone loves a female biker!

[blaine]

Welcome to the family!!