New to STN (and Riding)

[stevewaugh76]

Hi all.  

I'm new to both the site and riding.  

I plan to take the MSF class in my area in the coming months.  I've enjoyed reading the posts in the Beginner's Garage over the last few days and just wanted to introduce myself.  Ultimately, my long term goal is sport touring riding, so I feel like I'm in the right place.  I prefer nakeds and will probably try to find a used GS500 (after I've passed the class and purchased all the necessary gear).

For now I'm happy to absorb what I can, meet new people, and purse a lifelong passion!

[garry]

Welcome to STN. Sounds like you have your priorities in order. Gear and training are good. Good choice for a first bike too. Should be able to find a nice used example for not too much money.

[falcofred]

Welcome to STN. Sounds like you have your priorities in order. Gear and training are good. Good choice for a first bike too. Should be able to find a nice used example for not too much money.

+ 1, Welcome

[mxvet57]

Welcome

[squeezer]

Welcome to STN. Sounds like you have your priorities in order. Gear and training are good. Good choice for a first bike too. Should be able to find a nice used example for not too much money.

+ another.

You'll like it here. We're only crazy part of the time.

[sammyseaman]

Welcome and you'll be fine if you disregard *40% of the horeshit you hear on this site  



*60% of the horseshit is good  

[mxvet57]

Welcome and you'll be fine if you disregard *40% of the horeshit you hear on this site  

Like yours.      

[Mr.Black]

Hi.

You can trust the monkey.

[bluepoof]

Welcome!!

[stevewaugh76]

Thanks everyone!  I'm really enjoying the site.  So much to learn....

[mxvet57]

    So much to learn....

Well theres a concept i never thought of.

[falconati]

Hey Steve - welcome!  You've got the right attitude, and it sounds like you're on the right track for a first motorcycle choice.

In Florida, I've noticed that used bikes can have slightly higher-than-average mileage, but I wouldn't be concerned because most of this mileage is done on the highway - since many of the roads are straight and flat.

[Papa Lazarou]

Oh no they're not.

[jsanford]

If I'd suggest one thing to any newbie is that riding is like learning to play the piano. You have to practice consistently to get anywhere.

So once you've had the class and are equipped, ride regularly--shoot for 3/4 days a week the first 500 miles. Even now I commute in the winter just to keep the skills fresh.

[stevewaugh76]

Thanks for the good advice!  

I guess mostly year-round riding is one of the perks of living in the Sunshine State.  Lately I've been reading gear reviews (and posts) to see what I'll need to accomplish the following: A) stay cool; B) stay dry; and C) stay warm.  I'm leaning towards two-piece textile gear at the moment.

[Crackedpot]

If I'd suggest one thing to any newbie is that riding is like learning to play the piano. You have to practice consistently to get anywhere.

So once you've had the class and are equipped, ride regularly--shoot for 3/4 days a week the first 500 miles. Even now I commute in the winter just to keep the skills fresh.

Ride as much as you can. After quite a break I've been riding again for about 5 years now -- not a veteran around here -- and I can still feel the difference in confidence/competence/relaxation if I'm riding regularly as opposed to having a couple weeks off the bike.

BTW, I started back up on a GS400... nice easy bike but really slow, the 500 is a better choice.

Stay alert, ride defensively, wear gear, and have fun!

[ConPilot1]

Haben Sie eine Katze?

[Crackedpot]

Haben Sie eine Katze?

C'mon, he's a newbie. Give him a couple weeks!

[sfalexi]

Hi all.  

I'm new to both the site and riding.  

I plan to take the MSF class in my area in the coming months.  I've enjoyed reading the posts in the Beginner's Garage over the last few days and just wanted to introduce myself.  Ultimately, my long term goal is sport touring riding, so I feel like I'm in the right place.  I prefer nakeds and will probably try to find a used GS500 (after I've passed the class and purchased all the necessary gear).

For now I'm happy to absorb what I can, meet new people, and purse a lifelong passion!

I wish more people had your attitude when getting into riding.

Glad you're here.  I fell out of "sport" touring and fell into "touring", but I check out this board every now and then.  Enjoy the riding and enjoy your MSF class. It was a blast.  I try to take the Experienced course once a year to make sure I'm in shape.

[stevewaugh76]

I wish more people had your attitude when getting into riding.

Glad you're here.  I fell out of "sport" touring and fell into "touring", but I check out this board every now and then.  Enjoy the riding and enjoy your MSF class. It was a blast.  I try to take the Experienced course once a year to make sure I'm in shape.

Thanks for sharing your encouragement!  

I've read how it's a good idea to retake the Experienced MSF class every few years just to ditch newly learned bad habits.  Mainly, I just want to get off in the right (most educated) direction, so starting small makes the most sense to me.  We must all crawl before we walk.  

[Crackedpot]

Thanks for sharing your encouragement!  

I've read how it's a good idea to retake the Experienced MSF class every few years just to ditch newly learned bad habits.  Mainly, I just want to get off in the right (most educated) direction, so starting small makes the most sense to me.  We must all crawl before we walk.  

If you like to read I'd recommend "How To Ride a Motorcycle" by Pat Hahn and "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. Each adds a lifetime of good advice. Then, assuming you've not become too petrified by the potential dangers of riding to continue, you may bypass a lot of lessons learned the hard way!  

[Rabidsnipe]

Welcome to the boards.

[2wTraveler]

Welcome  

[GilaMonster]

Thanks for the good advice!  

I guess mostly year-round riding is one of the perks of living in the Sunshine State.  Lately I've been reading gear reviews (and posts) to see what I'll need to accomplish the following: A) stay cool; B) stay dry; and C) stay warm.  I'm leaning towards two-piece textile gear at the moment.

I would add: D) stay hydrated.  I realize you are in the land of humidity, and I am in the land of the desert, but still keep it in mind.  Dehydration sneaks up on you and can be very dangerous.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

[stevewaugh76]

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

Thanks, I'll save that site for later  

[stevewaugh76]

If you like to read I'd recommend "How To Ride a Motorcycle" by Pat Hahn and "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. Each adds a lifetime of good advice. Then, assuming you've not become too petrified by the potential dangers of riding to continue, you may bypass a lot of lessons learned the hard way!  

Thanks!  

I do enjoy reading so I've added these two books to my list.  I've checked out a half dozen or so motorcycle books from the library.  So far I've enjoyed "The Motorcycle Book: Everything You Need to Know" by Alan Steely and the first chapter of "Live to Ride" by Wayne Johnson is pretty good too.  The former book does it's best to give a 10K foot view of motorcycles, complete with engine type diagrams, inner workings, etc.  

[Mr.Black]

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

I'm with Starbuck! New Enough is the place for the stuff.

[stevewaugh76]

I would add: D) stay hydrated.  I realize you are in the land of humidity, and I am in the land of the desert, but still keep it in mind.  Dehydration sneaks up on you and can be very dangerous.

Right on! I've got a 100oz camelbak for when I go mountain biking.  The guys like to call me "water buffalo"  

But seriously, I do try to drink about 80oz per day every day.  Stopped the caffeine and sugar drinks years ago, but I still indulge in the occasional coffee, even if it's usually decaf.

[Cheddarhead]

Well theres a concept i never thought of.

QFT





(You really shouldn't tempt us like that, Ed...)
 

[stevewaugh76]

Just got my 2011 STN Calendar in the mail for my birthday. She's a beauty!  

[Marcster]

Welcome to the site, Steve!

New Enough is a fantastic resource for buying gear - can't recommend them enough  

I had great experiences with New Enough, but another good place is Competition Accessories http://www.compacc.com -- I had a couple of orders with them....

And JC Whitney (of all places) had the best prices on the front tire I needed: http://www.jcwhitney.com

[cbsnbiker]

Here's another worthwhile book: "MSF Guide to Motorcycling Excellence"

http://store.msf-usa.org/store/moredetails.aspx?pid=135

[Explorer]

Welcome