New guy here. Just got on a bike for the first time today!

[Kokopellian]

Well, I started learning to ride my motorcycle for the first time today (93' Suzuki GS500E). My friend is teaching me for now because all the dang classes EVERYWHERE around here are full for the remainder of the year. I still plan on taking the class, but it won't be till next year around March. I figured I might as well get some riding time and basics under my belt for now. Anyway, it went well. I performed better than I imagined I would! I actually was riding after a couple hours! Not on the roadways at all but in a parking lot. That was a big step for me since I've never even tried to ride before. It was really COOL! I pretty much was able to scoot around in 1st and 2nd gear when it was all said and done. I learned some really great stuff. I still have A LOT more to learn, more than I imagined! However, I'm being patient and I won't be on the road anytime soon. All in all it was a really great day and I look forward to learning more tomorrow. So, back to the parking lot I go.

[rideLIKEjehu]

congrats and welcome from a fellow NOVA gs'r!

i'm planning to hit the alexandria MSF course sometime in the spring as well, mebbe i'll see ya there!

[vtlion]

Welcome to the board!  If you're learning on a GS, odds are you'll fall in love with it, just like everyone else on this board has.  Sounds like you are catching on already, that's great!  I sounded just like you after my first lesson ... 'i'm just beginning to learn'  and ' I won't be on the road for a long time'...

...two weeks in, I was doing 60 down the local stretch of highway and spending hours out in the twisties of central PA...  Its addictive.

Have fun learning, just remember that this time of year the pavement is cooooold, and so are your tires.

[dgyver]

Enjoy your new found addiction. Even after 25 years of riding I am still learning. Just don't get over confident, I have the scars to show the consequence.

[bbanjo]

Excellent choice on your first bike. Welcome!  

[pantablo]

welcome to the site and congratulations on both your new bike (wise choice) and your new passion.

You've come to the right place to talk GS stuff. Lurk around the home page here for useful links on maintenance and upgrades and also check out my site for more of the same.

If you have trouble getting into one of the classes you should try going "stand-by". There's almost always someone that doesnt show-you can take their place if you're there for the start of the class.

[Kokopellian]

Thanks everybody for the encouragement and great advice.  I plan on being safe for certain.  Wouldn't you know it that the first post I ever viewed on this site was that post showing that guy in Brazil, or what's left of him.  Talk about an awakening!  I pray that I never end up like that guy   Anyway, VTLion, you were right!  It does pick up fast when you're learning.  I was out again today for about 3 hours and I was up to third gear and riding with my friend on my neighborhood roads.  I never got over 35mph though.  Wow!  Not only am I learning from my riding, but this site has some really great information that I never thought about or new anything about.  This is a great resource.  Whoever the administrators and creators are mad kudos!