New to biking!

Philwild · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Karma :

Hi everyone

Been looking at the forum for a while and thought i'd introduce myself.

I have liked motorbikes for a while after riding various mates motorcross bikes in fields and after a quick spin round the industrial estate on a pal's FZR400 RR-SP i was hooked! Thumbs Up

I passed my DAS at the end of April, flogged the car and happened to wonder into Crescent Racing (BSB Rizla Suzuki's showroom in Verwood, Dorset) and ended up buying a Red 2002 R6 with 8k miles.

Just thought i'd say its the best thing I ever did - obviously the bike is way faster than me at the moment as i'm still getting used to it - it feels very different to the GS500E i passed my test on!

People have told me the DAS just teaches you to pass the test, its after that that you learn to ride - very true! I have already had a tankslapper which they didnt tell me about on my lessons! Shocked

Anyway, you learn from it! Should I get a steering damper???

Been enjoying the roads around here so much, the bike has just clocked up 9k miles! Amazing how it all adds up.

One thing I have found is that after 45mins (ish) riding, my hands get pins & needles - I dont think I am gripping the bars too tight - maybe I'll get used to it!

Here's to a nice long dry summer!!! Mr. Green

Jonathan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 18 May 2005 Karma :

im very new to bikes, only been riding a week. But i guess from being pillion for so long, i learnt alot from just watching.

Welcome to the forum Thumbs Up

____________________
Honda NSR125R ... - Awaiting Selection - ...

My Motorbike Website > https://www.freewebs.com/jonsbikes

epz · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Karma :

get crash bungs, plastic is expensive and they are cheap

Fruit'n'nut · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Karma :

Philwild · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Karma :

Thanks for the advice

I'll get some crash bungs tomorrow and on the way try the tank weight support suggestion because I think they are the original bar end weights!

Fruit'n'nut · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Karma :

Philwild · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Karma :

They might have to be a little present from Mastercard!

How thoughtful of them!!

bish777 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Karma :

Philwild · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Karma :

My first tankslapper took a good few MPH off me on the way home from work that day!

I was riding down an A road, single carriageway and just before overtaking a car, I dropped it down a couple of gears and moved out - pinned it and flew passed the car loving the acceleration and thinking I was getting more confident - one slight dip in the road and a catseye and I was not looking quite so cool while the bars were going lock to lock at 100mph! Shocked

God knows how I stayed on it but i shat myself and slowed right down and arrived home in a cold sweat!

Oh well - lesson learned.

As Bish777 says - take it easy!

ciaronr6 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Karma :

As a fellow R6 owner, I'd say go with a good damper. Forget all the stories about it slowing the steering etc. I rode a mates R6 with a damper, then mine which doesnt currently have one, and at normal speeds didnt notice any real difference.

However, if you want to bounce it off the limiter now and again, I think a steering damper will give you peace of mind.

Or live with the head shakes and just make it part of the riding experience!

But a steering damper is next on my list.

Ciaron