New Rider. New to the Boards.

[paulisnofun]

I have been lurking on here for a while now, and thought it was about time that I posted something, as a thank you for all of the help I have gotten reading the posts here.
As the title stats, I am a new rider. After never even sitting on a motorcycle, I took the PA Motorcycle Safety Course earlier this year, and got my license. It was one of the best things I have ever done. After getting my license, I search around Craigslist for a used bike, but before I could pull the trigger on anything, my friend told me he was selling his 2002 GZ250. It has a few battle scars, but runs great, and is an awesome starter bike. Being a bigger dude, I started to realize the bikes limitations after a few rides, but still know I made a good decision going with the GZ. Honestly, I am not very good at tinkering with anything mechanical, but a lot of the how to's are written so that even someone like me can fix or modify my bike. So thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum. As I don't have a lot of riding experience, or mechanical ability, I will probably go back to checking these pages daily (lurking), and hopefully can start to contribute soon.
With that being said, be prepared to see a bunch of questions. Of course, only after I use the search function.

Paul

[Maggie]

Hi Paul and welcome! Although I was an experienced rider when I found this board, like you, I am not very mechanical. HA! That is changing with all the help I get from the great people here. Because of all the pics and great descriptions and advice, I have changed my oil (a couple of times now), replaced the clutch cover gasket, and cleaned out my petcock filters and installed an in line fuel filter. I am even inspired to try working on my Suzuki VZ 800 Marauder (have changed oil so far).

I regularly clean and lube my chain and am very vigilant about proper tire pressure. Although I am still "terrified" to do anything bordering "serious" I know that when I'm ready the advice will be forthcoming. Don't be too much a "lurker."

[Water Warrior 2]

Welcome Paul. The GZ is an excellent bike for a new rider. Battle scars mean the bike has experience and is being used rather than parked in a dark corner. Yup, you will find the GZ has limitations but it is generally a good thing for a newbie. The GZ does what it is designed for with no promises of hyper speed or massive bursts of power. Just the thing for honing your skills and gaining confidence in your ability to ride safely and consistantly.
There are no stupid questions so feel free to ask about anything that puzzles you about the bike or riding.

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Maggie

Hi Paul and welcome! Although I am still "terrified" to do anything bordering "serious".

I can definitely relate to that. I owned bikes for years and never had the courage to check the rear brake shoes for wear and general condition of the drum. I had memories of all the snafu's with cars and shied away from them. A friend showed me. WTF !!! That was just too simple to describe.
With the forum and How To's it just gets easier and easier every day.

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. Ride safe.

[Rookie Rider]

Welcome to the forum. Im from Queens NY. I took a ride on my gz to PA last week.

[bpdchief]

welcome to the group :2tup: WW is a wealth of knowledge - what he doesn't know he'll makeup and tell in such a convincing way you'll swear it was the gospel. So, sit back, eat your :popcorn: and enjoy the show. The GZ is a great bike... very fun to ride.

Hey... New York to PA is like 20 miles and one bridge isn't it? :poke2:

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by bpdchief

welcome to the group :2tup: WW is a wealth of knowledge - what he doesn't know he'll makeup and tell in such a convincing way you'll swear it was the gospel.

When I can't dazzle with my brilliance I will baffle with BS.

Actually most of my knowledge is from folks I trust and are not known to string a line of crap. A small % of my knowledge is from doing something wrong and then finding out where I went wrong. Quite often when something new goes right the first time I am more than surprised.

Lurking on a few other forums is a great way to learn what to do and what not to do. Also making friends with other riders at the local coffee pit is of great interest to me as they have great stories and info about their rides, their bikes and their previous bikes.

[northsidegz]

Welcome to the forums!

Like you, I don't have much in the way of mechanical experience. But everyone here has been very help when I do have a question! Hope you enjoy your GZ!

[PimpS]

Welcome to the forum and get ready to be helped, it's great here!