First 100 miles

[Xen]

I just got my '95 gs500e this saturday, I was so excited when I finally got a chance to put my leg over it and start the engine, what a wonderful experience. Here's a small log of the first 100 miles,

1) Stalled it about 3 times within the first 25 minutes, but as the day wore on it went pretty flawlessly.

2) The major roadway around here is scarier then what I thought it would be, I think Ill give it a few more weeks of back-road and not so busy streets before I try it again.

3) There was a squirell the size of a small bear that  jumped out in front of me. I was about a 100 feet out when I first saw it, I blew the horn...and he didn't move...I blew the horn again and he just kinda looked at me and growled. Finally when I got within 20 feet he finally scampered off into the woods.

4) I have to go buy a rain suit. I was about 15 minutes away from my apartment when it decided to down pour, luckily there was a gas station near by and only had to wait about 30 minutes before I could start off again.

Now some questions.
1) What kind of clothing do you all wear when riding? I had on boots, gloves, helmet, jeans, and a couple of heavy long-sleeve shirts. I would like to get a jacket though, any suggestions?

2) I need to get a cover for the bike since I don't have a garage any suggestions on a good cover?

Thanks!

[Cal Price]

I think MOST would agree that Helmet, Gloves & Jacket are pretty well essential, if you are going to ride a lot then consider leg protection but lots of us, including me, ride in "ordinary" jeans or trousers. I have some inexpensive padded waterproof overtrousers which I tend to use in winter and some plain waterproofs without padding for summer use.

Advice on Jackets, use the search facility, there are lots of threads about textile vs leather and lots about jackets in general and how "cool" they are in both senses of the word. My personal view, and that's all, is that you should not skimp on gloves, think about it if you trip or fall what hits the deck first, your automatic reaction is to stick out your hand. I also favour a lot of HiViz as in winter our dark hours go from about 1530 to 0800 and the most common thing said after an accident involving a bike is "I never saw him" even in broad daylight but give yourself every chance. I have a mid-price range textile, waterproof with EC armour, removable winter liner and reflective strip also a couple of leather jackets, one heavy and one light for winter-summer when it's dry. I am very happy with the "Buffalo" textile but the racers all go for leather, some say that the textile shreds and is only good for a one-off. I figure that if it shreds instead of me then it's done it's job, time to get another.

I also have no garage and the bike lives outside in my damp coastal climate with no apparent harm but I ride pretty much every day. If you are going to leave it for periods look at covers there are loads available.

Most of all, enjoy the experience.

[scratch]

Welcome!

Go to an actual motorcycle shop or motorcycle accessory shop and try on jackets. Leather is best. Try Cycle Gear.com and look for a location or check your phone book.

[MarkusN]

What he said.

And on defiant squirrels and bikes. (Oh, and on the merits of protective gear, incidentally. Not new, but good.)

[novon]

Hey

I just started 2 weeks ago... it only gets better from here  

Try //www.newenough.com for jackets - checkout their closeout section for great deals.

And ride everyday to get comfortable...don't ride when you are tired or stressed.

Enjoy!