Completely to new to everything

[John0]

I bought my first bike Saturday.  Before that I had only ridden dirtbikes a lot when I was younger.  My friend bought a CBR recently, and I figured, I'm 20, why not get something to have fun with.  So I found a 2005 GS500F with only 3000 miles.  Anyway, I was wondering what I should know about the bike, the road, or anything else that a beginner should know. 

I started riding today and got fairly upset when it started acting like it was going to choke itself out.  It would idle fine, up until I gave it a little gas.  Then it would just bog down.  I noticed that when it died, the lights didn't work, so I narrowed it to an electrical problem and then checked the battery connection.  Problem solved. 

Any pointers, suggestions, recommendations (already have a helmet and jacket and wear them religiously), would be greatly appreciated.  Even links to other threads that may be helpful would be nice.

Thanks,

JohnO
Clemson, SC

[beRto]

Welcome! 

As a primer for the GS500, check out the wiki:
http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/

[ben2go]

Welcome.I'm in Spartanburg,SC.My advice is to find a large empty parking lot and get to know your bike.Practice tight figure 8's,slowing down without putting your feet/foot down and wiggling.?Have you gotten your license or permit?IF not,google SCDMV and MSF course.You may wanna opt for the MSF because the failure rate is very very low.Where as the DMV has close to a 20% failure rate,or so I'm told.

Check out these GS specific sites.

The famous GS Wiki.
http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Main/HomePage

http://www.bbburma.net/index.htm

http://pantablo500.tripod.com/

http://www.suzukiownersclub.org/usa/

http://johnla2.tripod.com/

[dgyver]

...
Anyway, I was wondering what I should know about the bike, the road, or anything else that a beginner should know. 
...

Do not crash. Like Ben said... Practice Practice Practice.

Enjoy your riding. I am not far away (Williamston) if you need anything.

[John0]

Thanks for the input.  I'll be sure to check all of that out, when I get a chance.  I'm working full time all summer.

[GeeP]

Any Terminators come out to get you lately, John Connor?   

Sorry...  Couldn't resist.   

Welcome to the nuthaus!

Very wise to learn how to ride on the trusty 500.

Remember, in a crash you need to protect more than just your head and upper body.  Your legs, feet, and hands need to be protected as well. 

As others have said, take the MSF course as a start.  Their bikes, their range, your practice.  If you crash their bike, not your problem.  It is free in some states and if you pass the test on the final day then you get a card which you take to the DMV to get your endorsement.   

[John0]

Yea, I get a lot actually.  I looked up the course and its $225 here in SC.  Do you know if I can take it in another state?

[ben2go]

Yea, I get a lot actually.  I looked up the course and its $225 here in SC.  Do you know if I can take it in another state?

The course you want is $120 to get your MC license.It's the intermediate course.

[08GSSteve]

G'day John

Ride safe and have fun. 

[Jay_wolf]

Its around 500 pounds to get your motorbike Licience Over here , they are putting it up to a 1000 pounds soon ,so people will have to shell out 2000 bucks to ride a motorbike... Hardly fair is it ?

[08GSSteve]

Why so expensive?

Bloody hell it is dirt cheap over here in Australia although Rego varies from state to state.  Still nothing like 1000 Quid closer to 140 dollars to register a motorcycle for 6 months or about 70 Quid

[Jay_wolf]

Thats just to take the 3 day test, at the moment its 500 pounds , but in the next couple of months , rising to 1000 , i think its trying to stop people riding motorbikes , tax per year , goes by CC ,  my 70cc Dna , is 15 pounds a year, the Gs is around 50 sum it pounds,, 

So u pay 1000 for the bike ...     500 for the course .,.. 50 Tax ever year , and 300 is my insurance quote for the gs a year , but will drop  .. so yea alot of money to get rolling , still at 1.12 p a Litre of petrol it pays for itself

[commuterdude]

Good God that is expensive!   There is no reason to sock it to a motorbike rider like that.   Over here it is insurance $10.00 a month (older GS w/ no insurance points), license and tags about $50.00.

[ben2go]

Technicaly you can go to any DMV in SC pay $15 and take the riding test.If you pass you have a MC licenses.

[dgyver]

Then why take a MSF course?

[ben2go]

Then why take a MSF course?

MSF course gives you guidance and more than 1 attempt at a manuver, or so I'm told.It's good for riders new to riding on the roads.More experienced riders can save money by taking the DMV driving test.Most SCDMV's follow the MSF test but you only get 1 shot at it with no one giving you guidance or 2nd chances on manuvers.

[dgyver]

Any insurance benefit?

[ben2go]

Any insurance benefit?

Yes and no.If your insurer recognizes the MSF course,yes.If your like me and only have basic coverage, then no.Unless you have a bad driving record,then it could get you a small discount and help lower your insurance over time if you keep a clean driving record.I'm only stating what my local DMV and insurer told me.I have All Star insurance,a independant insurer.Don't confuse that with Allstate that has refused to cover me.I was a customer for 7 years.Ended up in a wreck and they dropped me like a sack of dirt.I didn't get a ticket.The investigation turned up a mechanical fault in my cars brake system due to a blown axle seal, that caused the wheel cylinder to fail, that in turn led to a total loss of brake fluid and pressure.That's what the mechanic said that inspected the car.I know I hit the brakes and woke up on my hood.I didn't go thru the front window.I knocked it out in 1 piece.


Sorry for that long winded thread jack.

[georgel]

Any insurance benefit?

All Star insurance,a independant insurer.Don't confuse that with Allstate that has refused to cover me.I was a customer for 7 years.Ended up in a wreck and they dropped me like a sack of dirt. I'm with Alstate they are the cheapest belive it or not right now. Wonder if they drop me if I have a claim?

[Tang]

welcome!