First time rider with first bike
June 8, 2009 by dailydriver
Hello All - I am new to riding as of two weeks ago when I took the two day course for my license. I am 38 years old and have been thinking about getting into riding for some time and finally decided it was something I wanted to do. I have several friends that have had a variety of motorcycles over the years and have also been a huge help in getting me started. I had never driven a motorcycle until the MSF class and now can’t believe I waited this long. I bought a 2007 Yamaha FZ6 last week and took my first ride on Friday. The first ride was a bit nerve racking, but with each ride this weekend it became, (dare I say) relaxing and… right. Although I do not have much to compare it to, the bike feels great - balanced, comfortable, etc.
I have been reading some of the other posts and have picked up some good tips already; so thanks to those sharing their experiences.
I have been reading some of the other posts and have picked up some good tips already; so thanks to those sharing their experiences.
Comments
welcome to the group and ride safe.
I would recommend the MSF course to anyone. It is experience and seat time that would be difficult to come by otherwise.
Taking the bike to work for the first time today. This riding thing is addictive!!
Happy riding all.
To this point, I am thrilled with the bike, but it may or may not have much to do with it being a 600cc. When looking to purchase, the big thing for me was an upright position and nothing "too" big. (I know there is plenty of debate as to what that means!)
Long answer, but that is kind of how I ended up with this as my first bike. (sat on probably 30 bikes, but kept coming back to this one)
http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=83383
have fun on your bike
good choice in bikes! that fz6 will run forever... provided you take care of it. i wouldnt say its the best first bike given its power, and performance, however you wont outgrow it your first year either. i would bet you will get a few seasons out of the bike before you want more. just remember to stay relaxed, and trust your gut.
i would also suggest some proper gear to wear while you are on that thing. its best to dress for the crash. just ask arch, or jessie b.
have fun on your bike
It is the candy red; kind of a maroon color - then again, any red not fire engine red is maroon to me! It only had 730 miles on it when I picked it up. Very clean. I need to get some pictures taken and will hopefully add shortly.
Great write up! At least you were able to walk away, humbled it sounds like, but was able to share the story with the rest of us. I guess even good people have bad days sometimes.
I have some new gear with more on the way and have a good friend that is letting me borrow some until the rest comes in.
Once you learn to ride, it is something that you will want to do for the rest of your life.
Just be safe and remember that you are invisible.
Eric
The first year of owning a new cycle, or your first year riding, is an especially risky time. The site has a lot of links to help you be a little bit safer.
Momac61 - Riding is definitely not second nature for me either, but I get a little more confident and/or learn something new each time out. Now if only the weather would cooperate life would be even better.
67fire - "Just be safe and remember that you are invisible." On the days I am not riding, I drive a 3/4 ton crew cab pickup that it seems like people should be able to see pretty easily, but people still cut me off & and do crazy things that puts them at more risk than me. So far, nothing like that while I have been on the bike, but I have been avoiding higher traffic areas and tough intersections when I can. (I know, high traffic in Maine!!
extratestk - Good website! The tips on the site give you a lot to think about. good stuff
You are starting out right by thinking about these things and getting some training.
Momac61 - Riding is definitely not second nature for me either, but I get a little more confident and/or learn something new each time out. Now if only the weather would cooperate life would be even better.
67fire - "Just be safe and remember that you are invisible." On the days I am not riding, I drive a 3/4 ton crew cab pickup that it seems like people should be able to see pretty easily, but people still cut me off & and do crazy things that puts them at more risk than me. So far, nothing like that while I have been on the bike, but I have been avoiding higher traffic areas and tough intersections when I can. (I know, high traffic in Maine!!
extratestk - Good website! The tips on the site give you a lot to think about. good stuff
all in the same week, got my license, bought my first bike, rode on the street for the first time!
been riding regularly since fall/winter will be setting in soon for me, so im squeezing out as much riding time as i can before hopping back on my car for the winter lol
So far my closest calls on the road have been with wildlife. Closeups with a couple of whitetail deer and turkeys also pose an interesting challenge. If you haven't seen one fly, it is like a basketball with wings and no rudder.
As far as the four wheeled wildlife, I look at them differently than I used to. The assumption I make is that someone is going to do something unexpected that has the potential to hurt me. Pain isn't my thing so I ride pretty defensive.
Ride safe all.
Last edited by dailydriver; 09-03-2009 at 08:59 AM. Reason: lack of spelling before having my coffee
I take the MSF course on Sept. 26-27. The weather here is great and your posts make me anxious to get the course over with so I can get my bike.