Well, i cant get into MSF classes till end of june or begining of july.  so i figured i can ride my new gs500f on my dead end street till then.
street is pretty short, so i dont think im gonna go pass 2-3 gear.

anyways.. below questions gonna make you laugh hard.. so enjoy  it.   but please answer it because im not kidding here.

1. How do i start it?  I know theres a start button and kill button, but does it have to be in gear? do i have to press clutch?


2. how do i park it after complete stop?  do i put it in nutural and kill engine?   what?

3.  when do i shift gears?  like at what speeds?  (example, 1st 0-5mph)

4.  say im getting off highway ramp (aint gonna happen for looong time), say i was on the 5th gear, so i need to come to a stop at the end of the ramp, i'm thinking i press clutch, and start braking woth both brakes together at the same time i downshift without realeasing clutch.  is that a way to do it?    I can drive a stick car, there i just throw it in nutural and stop.

Ok, I'll bite.  I have a '93, but the basics should be the same.  Please find a friend that rides, or a local GSTwin member, to help you through the basic controls if you insist on riding before the MSF.

1.  straight from the MSF: FINE-C.  Fuel valve on. Ignition on. bike in Neutral. Engine cutoff switch to on or run.  Choke on.  Then hit the start button.  

2.  To park it after stopped: Put it in neutral, hit the kill switch, then turn it off. Reason for using kill switch rather than the ignition is both hands are on the bars, just in case you need them.

3.  When to shift?  You drive a stick shift car, do it the same way you do in your car. High enough revs not to bog down in the next gear, not so high to make you crap your pants. In your neighborhood, shift up at about 4k rpms.  you'll be at 4k in 3rd gear at 30.  No need to wind it out, you're learning. Later on you'll get a feel for it and shift whenever its appropriate for the situation.  

4.  You are correct, no need to let the clutch out in each gear on the way down. An authoritative CLICK down through each gear will get the job done. Try not to use engine braking, as the drivers behind you don't know you're slowing (no brake lights!!).

I didn't laugh, I was 2 hours on a dirt bike from being a complete newbie 2 months ago.  Your best bet is some sunday morning rides, preferably with a competent rider, and not much else til the MSF.  OTOH, you bought the bike to ride it, just be safe.

Quote1. How do i start it? I know theres a start button and kill button, but does it have to be in gear? do i have to press clutch?

In MSF they give you an acronym, FINEC I think it is. Make sure the fuel valve is on, turn on the ignition, put the bike in neutral, turn on the kill switch, adjust the choke (may not need to - I haven't been on a GS500 yet, but on my current bike I have to finesse it a bit), squeeze the clutch and fire it up.

Quote2. how do i park it after complete stop? do i put it in nutural and kill engine? what?

Basically yeah, stop the bike, hit the kill switch. You can put it in neutral before or after that, then just turn off the ignition. If you're not riding soon after turn off the fuel.

Quotewhen do i shift gears? like at what speeds? (example, 1st 0-5mph)

I'll let someone else take that.

Quote4. say im getting off highway ramp (aint gonna happen for looong time), say i was on the 5th gear, so i need to come to a stop at the end of the ramp, i'm thinking i press clutch, and start braking woth both brakes together at the same time i downshift without realeasing clutch. is that a way to do it? I can drive a stick car, there i just throw it in nutural and stop.

You could do that, I've debated over this with friends and that is what I do. Some people downshift and engine brake as they approach the stop. Some people think it's bad for the bike, some don't, I have no idea whether it is or not. I just know when I engine brake in my car, people don't see brakelights and get a little too close for comfort. I like to flash my brakes on my bike.[/quote]

Quote from: drvmystckOk, I'll bite.  I have a '93, but the basics should be the same.  Please find a friend that rides, or a local GSTwin member, to help you through the basic controls if you insist on riding before the MSF.

1.  straight from the MSF: FINE-C.  Fuel valve on. Ignition on. bike in Neutral. Engine cutoff switch to on or run.  Choke on.  Then hit the start button.  

2.  To park it after stopped: Put it in neutral, hit the kill switch, then turn it off. Reason for using kill switch rather than the ignition is both hands are on the bars, just in case you need them.

3.  When to shift?  You drive a stick shift car, do it the same way you do in your car. High enough revs not to bog down in the next gear, not so high to make you crap your pants. In your neighborhood, shift up at about 4k rpms.  you'll be at 4k in 3rd gear at 30.  No need to wind it out, you're learning. Later on you'll get a feel for it and shift whenever its appropriate for the situation.  

4.  You are correct, no need to let the clutch out in each gear on the way down. An authoritative CLICK down through each gear will get the job done. Try not to use engine braking, as the drivers behind you don't know you're slowing (no brake lights!!).

I didn't laugh, I was 2 hours on a dirt bike from being a complete newbie 2 months ago.  Your best bet is some sunday morning rides, preferably with a competent rider, and not much else til the MSF.  OTOH, you bought the bike to ride it, just be safe.

Thanks!  Sure helps alot. My street is too short for 3rd i guess, so i wont go pass 2nd.

Adding on to my last post, like drvmystck said, find a friend or someone else that rides to show you the basics. Just because you can start it and give it power doesn't mean you can control it. There are things you don't know you don't know and a lot of fundamentals that you should practice so you have good habits which they'll stress in MSF, like head turns and using both brakes. Back when I took it I thought it would be easy, I'd seen people ride, I drive a manual car.. but it was trickier than I thought. I definitely wouldn't want to go trial-and-error on my own.

Quote from: ANTVolt

Quote1. How do i start it? I know theres a start button and kill button, but does it have to be in gear? do i have to press clutch?

In MSF they give you an acronym, FINEC I think it is. Make sure the fuel valve is on, turn on the ignition, put the bike in neutral, turn on the kill switch, adjust the choke (may not need to - I haven't been on a GS500 yet, but on my current bike I have to finesse it a bit), squeeze the clutch and fire it up.

Quote2. how do i park it after complete stop? do i put it in nutural and kill engine? what?

Basically yeah, stop the bike, hit the kill switch. You can put it in neutral before or after that, then just turn off the ignition. If you're not riding soon after turn off the fuel.

Quotewhen do i shift gears? like at what speeds? (example, 1st 0-5mph)

I'll let someone else take that.

Quote4. say im getting off highway ramp (aint gonna happen for looong time), say i was on the 5th gear, so i need to come to a stop at the end of the ramp, i'm thinking i press clutch, and start braking woth both brakes together at the same time i downshift without realeasing clutch. is that a way to do it? I can drive a stick car, there i just throw it in nutural and stop.

You could do that, I've debated over this with friends and that is what I do. Some people downshift and engine brake as they approach the stop. Some people think it's bad for the bike, some don't, I have no idea whether it is or not. I just know when I engine brake in my car, people don't see brakelights and get a little too close for comfort. I like to flash my brakes on my bike.

[/quote]

I don't think i like engine braking , unless im going down hill.
Thanks for your help guys.

No laughing we all start somewhere. Oh and welcome to the forum.
First off to answer your first question. lets start with the basics. the transmission gearing is six speed. One down the rest up.
Start by putting the key in the on position. put the bike into neutral ( can be figured out by the green neutral light)

make sure that the red run switch on the right hand bar is in the on position

with the bike in neutral, put the clutch in and press the start button. you might need to use the choke to help you out. that is just pulled forward on the left bar.

On to your second question:
I normally get the bike to a stop and with the clutch still pulled in, in first gear, cut the engine off with the kill switch and when engine stops spinning (completely) let go of the clutch. this is a good habit to get into if you park on hills from time to time. if you always do it that way you will never have to say your sorry later! the gear will help hold the bike.
Put your kick stand down. If facing uphill then let it roll back a tiny bit until you feel the gear holding the bike, then set it on the stand.

On the third question I will let someone with the manual answer as I have never paid attention when I shift. ( you get like that over time)

on the forth question:
you do want the engine to help slow the bike so dont just pull in the clutch and hold it in, treat it just like getting on the highway, you speed up and go threw the gears. When you slow down you should also go back down threw the gears. your car doesnt shift into neutral when you put on the brakes. you need to downshift as well.

hope that helps and welcome to the group



Mike

Also, here in Wisconsin they have free motorcyclist handbooks at the DoT centers. They're about the same as the MSF books, if you can get one of those and read it over I would.

ok, now i can use a list of common newbie mistakes that will make me drop the bike or hurt my self.


 Once again, i will not be riding it pass 2nd gear on my dead end street, i'm going to attend MSF class before i leave my street. I dont wanna get hurt.

For coming to a stop from high speed quickley leave the gears alone and just brake and don't pull in the clutch untill just before you stop as it helps reduce the risk of locking the back wheel. I think it is better to just use the front brake as the back break can easily lock the rear wheel.
You should not need to stop on the on ramp unless you are on a 50cc scooter as the gs has anough power so you can match your speed for entry on the highway.

Quote from: DarkCyDENo laughing we all start somewhere. Oh and welcome to the forum.
First off to answer your first question. lets start with the basics. the transmission gearing is six speed. One down the rest up.
Start by putting the key in the on position. put the bike into neutral ( can be figured out by the green neutral light)

make sure that the red run switch on the right hand bar is in the on position

with the bike in neutral, put the clutch in and press the start button. you might need to use the choke to help you out. that is just pulled forward on the left bar.

On to your second question:
I normally get the bike to a stop and with the clutch still pulled in, in first gear, cut the engine off with the kill switch and when engine stops spinning (completely) let go of the clutch. this is a good habit to get into if you park on hills from time to time. if you always do it that way you will never have to say your sorry later! the gear will help hold the bike.
Put your kick stand down. If facing uphill then let it roll back a tiny bit until you feel the gear holding the bike, then set it on the stand.

On the third question I will let someone with the manual answer as I have never paid attention when I shift. ( you get like that over time)

on the forth question:
you do want the engine to help slow the bike so dont just pull in the clutch and hold it in, treat it just like getting on the highway, you speed up and go threw the gears. When you slow down you should also go back down threw the gears. your car doesnt shift into neutral when you put on the brakes. you need to downshift as well.

hope that helps and welcome to the group



Mike

You right about car not going to neutral when i hit brakes, however, there is no need to downshift thru all gears to get to it.  Highway and engine braking are long long time away from me right now.  Thank you for your advice.

I will say that I totally agree with drvystck. you really should have someone that rides there to help you. there are too many things that can go wrong when your first learning.  Having a seasoned rider there will save you alot of problems and maybe some pain!

Quote from: DarkCyDEI will say that I totally agree with drvystck. you really should have someone that rides there to help you. there are too many things that can go wrong when your first learning.  Having a seasoned rider there will save you alot of problems and maybe some pain!

Yes,  maybe someone who reads this and near 44515 zip, let me know.

Quote2. To park it after stopped: Put it in neutral, hit the kill switch, then turn it off. Reason for using kill switch rather than the ignition is both hands are on the bars, just in case you need them.

don't put it in neutural when parking. when you're ready to kill the ignition, you should be in first gear. leave it in the first gear. kill the ignition using the switch. turn the key to lock position.

when you start the bike up again, make sure you put it in neutural (FIND-C).

reason why you should use the kill switch is so that you don't accidentally start the engine. if you always use the kill switch, you would always have turn the switch back on when ever you start the bike. it's just a good habit to have.

Quote from: slytekok, now i can use a list of common newbie mistakes that will make me drop the bike or hurt my self.

 Once again, i will not be riding it pass 2nd gear on my dead end street, i'm going to attend MSF class before i leave my street. I dont wanna get hurt.

remember...you can be going from one end of driveway to the other, you can still hurt yourself or your baby if you don't know what you're doing.

Quote from: JetSwing

Quote from: slytekok, now i can use a list of common newbie mistakes that will make me drop the bike or hurt my self.

 Once again, i will not be riding it pass 2nd gear on my dead end street, i'm going to attend MSF class before i leave my street. I dont wanna get hurt.

remember...you can be going from one end of driveway to the other, you can still hurt yourself or your baby if you don't know what you're doing.

I'm still looking for some one to post a list of common newbie mistakes.

QuoteI'm still looking for some one to post a list of common newbie mistakes.

here is a list of 128 ways to drop your bike.

http://www.klouseau.com/oops.html

good luck...

welcome to the family,

now, im not flaming so hope no one see's it as such,  I dont have any issues doleing out info other then the fact you are extremely new. I mean so new as to (by your questions) not to have the Slightest clue or what to expect when you climb on board the first time.

I belive You should either wait for MSF corse, OR wait till someone you know rides/has been riding  can take the time to walk you through the begining. This is also a good thing as someone can help you pick your bike up should you fall, or at worse, get you help if you happen to get hurt.  I still dont understand why some folks get bikes within 5 years of new as a starter bike. its very typical for a new rider to drop the bike once or twice while getting use to it. even if it falls of the stand.
one doesnt cry as hard when a used lower cost to repair bike gets a dent/scratch/dent from a fall.  used bike is also cheaper to purchase and should you not like it or get scared of riding, your generaly not stuck with payments for next couple years while bike sits.   (ITS HAPPEND BEFORE)

This is going to sound stupid, but before even sitting on the bike look the manual over (you did say new 500F) to see what the controls are and what they do. once you have an idea, sit on the bike, key in but not on, ballence the bike alittle with side stand up, feel the weight rock side to side abit, then DUCK WALK the bike for a distance of about 10 paces then sqeeze the front brake alittle to get the idea on whats going to happen and how soon they will grab. do this for some time. this will also help you understand some basic steering and how weight shift can effect you.

thats as far as im going right now, i still stand by having someone with experience and selfcontrol work with you, and not like that video of the dude with the stunt bike trying to give a newb his first riding lesson. if someone has a link for it please post it.

Just take your time, dont be in a rush, you will be riding the highway soon enough. dont jepordize your licence before getting it by doing this on the street. a parking lot is ok aslong as a licensed driver takes you there and brings you back without you operating it yourself (unless you have learners permit)

good luck

If a newbie needs tips from a newbie, then I will be the one to help what not to do.
My first bike was a 250cc 4cyl yamaha phazer, fortunately not strong enough to do dangerous things on it. I wasn't brave enough to start with a GS500, so I bought mine after 2 years on the phazer.
Some things to remember if you're not experienced:
-When you apply throttle, you're most likely going to go forward. Turning becomes much harder as speed increases.
-The safest way to avoid any incident is to pull both te clutch and the front brake. Definitely a great help to remember if you are not yet fully familiar with the controls on the bike. Always be in control of the power.
-If you are going very slowly, which you should do when getting familiar with the bike, if you are about to lose balance at 1mph, put down your foot rather than falling. I know, I have been under a GS on driving exam. :x  Failed.
-Always double check the kickstand before starting. Taking a corner with the kickstand down can be unpleasant.
-If your pants get hung on the footrest if you are about to stop and put down our foot, you will fall.
-Do not downshift too early if you are braking, or you might over-rev if you are in a low gear in high speed. Being in a high gear at low speed is a much better scenario.
-If you get going on your bike, always check if you have removed the lock from your wheel.  Make it a good habit.
-Parking your GS and leaving it in park position instead of locked may drain your battery.
-Make sure you have enough fuel, and not in reserve or you might find yourelf stopped in the middle of nowhere. (Happened to me this monday.)