Wow I feel retarded

[philzphly]

I'm a total newbie too. have been studying bikes for a while and lucked into buying a gs 500 '97 for a first bike. I'm luck to have a ringer helping me (mechanic, racer, teacher generallt motorcycle obsessed guy. i'm in the middle if the MSF class.

I would recommend the The idiot's guide to motorcycles

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0028624165/ref=pd_sxp_f/104-4071618-6919133?v=glance&s=books

It give alot of good basic advice, aquaints you with the bike and gives you a heads up on maintenance etc.

Also on the MSF site you can read the course guide (but you can;t print it out) that will help you get aquainted with the course.

http://www.msf-usa.org/CurriculumMaterials/BRCRiderHndbk_2005v6.pdf


Also there is abnother book there like a state motorcycle manual in the back are excercises to do (after you MSF class) that you can do in a parking lot with soem cones (or soda bottles) to learn certain skills.

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Riding_Tips.pdf

Scroll 3/4 of the way through to 'Practice Guide'


I'm also really excited to see such a strong community around the gs500. I'm really glad i stumbled onto it for my first bike.

[Jusiat]

Wow, thanks for all the links!  Today was a good day. I WD40s the motor, took some grease off of it, and cleaned up the tires. I also spoke with my step fathers brother. He went to a mechanics school where he graduated and is an auto mechanic. He also knows alot about motorcycles, so thatll help me get acquainted with the guts of the motorcycle, and cut down on mechanic bills   Thanks again Philzphly

[scratch]

Welcome, Philzphly!