Hi! I was bitten by the biker bug years ago, but alas family and job got in the way until now. I'll be 47 next month and my "friend" presented me with a 2000 Kawasaki ZX6. AS A STARTER BIKE! (no, i've never operated a motorcycle before and he's been at it almost 30yrs) I got my permit last week (1st time taking the test) and now to start learning the basics. He's going to teach me. I'm starting to think one of us is crazy......Me or Him??????

Welcome Jean!

You're going to love riding. I'm not a big fan of learning from friends however. I recommend signing up for a MSF course and learn the basics that way. It's well worth the $$$. :thumb:

Good luck and have fun!

Welcome onboard!

Enjoy that ride! Sweet bike...just be gentle on the throttle.

:moto:

Thank you for the advice. I signed up for the MSF class. I have to wait til the last week of July!! For now, I guess I can practice starting it up in the garage.:moto:

I'm relieved that you've signed up for the MSF course. You're going to meet some of the nicest people that you've ever met, (and a couple of boneheads) during the course.

I don't mean to disparage your friend. It's just that some "friends" encourage new riders into riding beyond their ability, because these "friends" have forgotten what it's like to be a new rider again. Much of what you'll learn in the course will teach you *NOT* to listen to your instincts. Your instincts will tell you to grab your brakes :eek: if you're into a corner and you're going too fast. :headbang: This is exactly the wrong thing to do. Training teaches you the right thing to do :thumb: (1) slow down before getting to the curve and (2) look as far as you can into the curve and look where you want to go.

If your friend is cautious, and level headed, and has your best interests at heart, (s)he can teach you some of the basics:

FINE-C
walking the bike while straddling it
Have your friend push you while you're on the bike in neutral
Straight line starting and stopping
Slow circles


Much of this can be learned in an empty parking lot like a school. Have your friend ride the bike over and you can follow him/her in a car.

If however, your friend is telling you how "easy" riding a motorcycle is, just wait until the July course. :laugh: We all want the priviledge of meeting you in person. :moto:

:banana:

How is that new bike doing? Where are the pictures?

:moto2: