Newbie from Austin [Archive]

Anonymous

02-02-2004, 09:49 AM

Hello everyone...I just got my first bike this past saturday....'01 SV650S (John-kawi jm's bike)...rode it around the apartment complex for a little bit on saturday night...I'll be riding it around my neighborhood for a while..until I feel comfortable with the bike...and then I'll hit the streets...hope to see you guys around...

Liquid

02-02-2004, 09:51 AM

Tourmeister

02-02-2004, 12:15 PM

Howdy Liquid,

:tab Congrats on the bike!! You're gonna love it, hehe.

:tab Did you take the MSF course? If not, I highly recommend it. It will do wonders for your confidence. If there is a Mall in your area, at night they make excellent practice courses. Typically, they will leave their lights on most of the night. Also, they usually have the little roads that circle the entire mall around the outside of the parking lot. This is a great place to practice starts, stops, turns, etc,... without any traffic to distract you.

:tab I would also recommend two very good books: Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough and Twist of the Wrist II by Kieth Code. It is best to focus on correct riding skills early before the bad habits start setting in ;-) Unlearning bad habits can be a real chore.

:tab Be sure to keep an eye on the Upcoming Events/Rides/Trips section. We will be doing some Newbie rides during the year specifically oriented towards new riders.

:tab By the way, where is ATX? Austin?

Adios,

Desmo

02-02-2004, 12:16 PM

Welcome to the insanity! I have seen the taillight of that SV a time or two. Good choice, it is one of the best handling bikes available right now.

BE CAREFULL. Since you are new to motorcycling, you will be the limiting factor on that bike. Give it a lot of respect, learn slow, and take a riding coarse. Plus have fun.

Steve

buck000

02-02-2004, 12:57 PM

Hey, Liquid, welcome to the addiction.

I'd echo previous folks' sentiments about MSF. I'm only 2.5 years young in riding, and the MSF course was the best start I can possibly imagine making.

Also, my first 1000 miles were away from traffic, up in Williamson County roads. If you can easily get out of town, I'd recommend that, too.

All the best to ya.

Liquid

02-02-2004, 03:02 PM

Thanks for the welcome and advice guys...I already took the MSF course...and have my license and riding gear...the thing is that I had not ridden since I took the MSF course about 4 months ago...I have read Twist of the Wrist II...and I will get a copy of Proficient Motorcycling...also do you guys recommend any books for motorcycle maintenance?...I'll keep an eye out for upcoming events...oh yeah and ATX = Austin, TX...

Snoopster

02-05-2004, 02:48 PM

Welcome to the TWT family. This is a really great group to be a part of. I'm envious of you :evil: .... John's bike is great. Just rode with him on a group ride a couple of weeks ago and it sounded like he still wasn't 100% on selling it. I was really oogling over the SVS in general when trying to decide on my first bike but wisely choose a naked bike. Now for my second bike ..... just kidding :wink: .... I'm still enjoying mine. Hope to see you on the road sometime.

Dirtrideroader

02-05-2004, 10:10 PM

Did you take the MSF course? If not, I highly recommend it. It will do wonders for your confidence. If there is a Mall in your area, at night they make excellent practice courses.

I agree totally with what Scott said. Learning in a controlled envirionment is the best way to learn to ride. Plus, you get to ride their bikes and it is usually fun.

As for practicing in a mall parking lot, look out for loose gravel and if you are near Greenspoint(GunsPoint), look out for muggers.

Welcome to the site. Once you start riding, it is hard to ever be without it. Just be careful.

Tourmeister

02-05-2004, 11:57 PM

Once you start riding, it is hard to ever be without it.

Man... oh man... this is so true!!

Adios,