8) Hey everyone,, i am brand new to this site. Just bought me a 02 and I took it out for the first time yesterday,,, learning to ride,,, tried to get going at a traffic light,,, on my way to the parking lot to practice. Rushed to get going after stalling twice with traffic behind me,, long story short i popped the clutch next thing i know i am standing up looking at my seat. well i need to order some body parts... Where is the best place on the net to find OEM fairings, mirrors etc???
thanks !!!
Mirrors can be found anywhere and everywhere and are very universal.
For the plastics you will have to pay the dealer or you can try:
Bikebandit.com (usually about the same if not a tad more than dealers)
Ron Ayeres(sp?) (One of Srinrath's recomendations.)(I would do a search on the For Sale board for his info as I have heard he is cheaper.)
How bad is it ? After a light get off. I made spiffy stickers to cover my scratches and later got good with the rattle can.
Check out my site and see if you can spot my cover-up.
Bummer about the dump, but its not too unusual when you are learning. If the damage is just cosmetic I'd leave it the way it is, at least until you get more comfortable on the bike. Would be a shame to replace the tank/plastics and then dump it again while you're still learning. There aren't too many newer plastics available so you'll probably find the best deal with some of the discount online places, but it will still be pricey (see the for sale forum for a list of places that sell parts and you can find the part numbers you'll need through bikebandit.com ).
And make sure to replace your helmet if you took a good bump to the head. The insides of the helmet self destruct on impact to absorb some of the shock.
Good luck and take it easy ... rjs
Thanks for the advice. I am going to see what I can do with using the broken stuff, a few zip ties etc. I am in the Navy and out to sea at the moment. I am really looking forward to getting back home so I can start practicing again. (suprisingly my wife was very helpful by reassuring me that it is bound to happen(dumping the bike). Still was a bit embarassing to do at a traffic light with a handfull of cars behind me!!! Going to look up some safety courses in my area. Wondering if anyone is from the San Diego area that knows of some good ones???
MSF is about the best anywhere for safety and you get that insurance discount. I beleive Pablo used to have the CA. 1 800 #. I have formated my hard drive since he last gave it to me.
Thanks, I am actually looking up MSF right now. I was looking at a few tips and techniques pages I found on the web. Seems there is a lot more to simply riding the bike then I thought there was going to be(braking, which f/r to use amount of pressure, etc). Some of it is pretty intimidating, but that is what practice is for !!!!
They got MSF classes at Palomar College and I think Chula Vista. You should try to sign up for one as soon as possible because they are popular and fill up fast.
Take a look at Arizona's MSF-derived practice booklet: http://www.dot.state.az.us/mvd/driver/motorcycle/mcmanual/pguide.htm.
If you have a parking lot handy, going through these exercises over and over will help a LOT as you and your bike get used to each other.
But you're right - there's a LOT to know about riding a motorcycle well. Look into buying a book or two - I got a lot out of "Proficient Motorcycling". Others have learned a lot from "A Twist of the Wrist II".
You (and others) may find this set of articles to be helpful. I sure did!
http://www.msgroup.org/DISCUSS.asp
Try reading a few every day. Like they (used to?) say in the MSF course: "The more you know, the better it gets."
Thanks for the advice all,, now i am really itching to get back home and book a safety course. For the little while i did get to ride the bike before i dropped it and had to get underway, I really enjoyed it.
Kee what part of SD are you from. I live in Mira Mesa at the moment.
I'll take this chance to pimp out Proficient Motorcycling. One of the absolute must-reads for anyone who takes a bike on the street. Lots of information about avoiding dangerous situations and conditions and developing good and safe riding habits. It's what the MSF would make you read if the saftey course was a semester instead of a weekend.
I live in PB and work in Point Loma, right next to the sub base. I just started riding and the MSF course taught me everything I know, because I didn't know anything before.
Are you stationed out at 32nd St?
Hey kee,
You should email me at robbm@lake-champlain.navy :cheers:
where did you take the course?? was it a long wait,?
i was trying to get my wife to book me a class while i was away. we are heading to Cabo san Lucas for a few days!!!
yes, i am staioned at 32nd street.
So i take it you are much more comfortable with the bike??
i am really excited, i bought it last sat. only road it for a little bit so far.
looking foward to getting to work and passing the long line at the front gate then getting those nice parking spots right by the pier!!!!!!!