Introduction - As new as you get

[RichInFla]

Hello all. This might be a little long, but figured I'd better give you all the background so I might get better feedback. I've never driven before and took the MSF class in our area in June (as of 7/1/08, in Florida the class is required to get motorcycle endorsement). Barely passed (aced the written though). I'm over 40 and very level headed, so I'm not some 20-year old speed freak (like my step-son, longer story !!). I travel locally for work and my Jeep barely gets 20 MPG, so it's an economy thing for me.

Bought my gz250 last weekend, 2000 with 5k miles, great condition. Managed to get the 13 miles home (only one stall and wife following behind in the mini-van (don't laugh) to "block", but I know I really need to get out and practice. My neighbor, who is a Harley rider (since birth probably), is going to take me to a new housing subdivision where the roads are in place but only one house. He says it's nice and curvy, which is what I feel I need to work on.

I know I need to practice, so I refuse to immediately get out there on the road. At this point, I don't want to be a danger to myself or anyone else. I know my limitations and limited skill level. As I notice more scooters and bikes on the road as I drive my Jeep, I often find myself shaking my head saying, that doesn't look good.

So, need tips..cornering...I learned about the "push right, turn right", "push left, turn left", but sometimes I try that around a corner, and it's like the bike doesn't want to turn, even though I'm looking through the turn to make my shoulders turn. I think it's a lean thing. I think I'm still trying to keep my body upright when I should be leaning through the curve. Also, the gear ratio is pretty low, is it okay to shift while making a left turn from a stop or stop light ??

Anyway, that's about it. I will continue to practice until I'm confident enough in my ability to actually get into traffic, then maybe short runs with my neighbor or good buddy (who got his last weekend, but has driven before). It will probably be a couple months before I actually start riding to work and using it as planned.

So, hi everyone...suggestions are welcome. Everyone says I'm going to want a bigger bike is less than 6 weeks. While that may be true, the reason was gas mileage, LOL !! Thanks in advance !!