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.