Just wanted to register and say I.  I am new to bikes and will be taking my msf class in 2 weeks.  I have never driven a bike..only been a passenger.  I looked at a few bikes and like the look at feel of the GS500..course I havent driven yet.  I have been looking and cant find a used one local so look like I may pick up an 06 in a few weeks.

well just wanted to say hi

Daniel

 Hi Daniel, the GS is a great bike to start out on, and might even be a bike you will always keep. MSF class is aways a great start, I would take that first before you even ride your first time on a new bike, if your were to drop a MSF bike its not all that bad, but if you drop your new 06, well that would suck. Don't forget about your safety gear, helmet, jacket, and gloves is that's something you most definitely should wear all the time, and just take it nice and easy till you get very comfortable on a bike. Practice in empty parking lots if you can and  try to avoid very busy streets and highways for awhile. Before to long you will riding like a pro, but you can still never be to careful.
  P.S. there's a ton of info on this forum about the GS, search first, then post and you will always get all kinds of help.

I started with the Ninja 250 but wish I would have just started with the GS500...a much better choice and just as easy to ride and control also 17" wheels vs 16".  (Just don't do like me...being light do not grab the front brake in slow turn...they teach all this in MSF...I did it 3X already!  Dumped bike 3X!  (minor cosmetics) but you think I'd learn!

Quote from: LMT on July 16, 2006, 02:36:37 PM
I started with the Ninja 250 but wish I would have just started with the GS500...a much better choice and just as easy to ride and control also 17" wheels vs 16".  (Just don't do like me...being light do not grab the front brake in slow turn...they teach all this in MSF...I did it 3X already!  Dumped bike 3X!  (minor cosmetics) but you think I'd learn!

Yes, brake and slow down before the turn and  then excelerate through it. 

Welcome!

Always use BOTH brakes at the same time.  More control that way.

Ok the only advice you should listen to is this.

Rubber Side Down.

Shiny Side Up.

Don't Panic.


Adhere to those and you'll be fine.

thanks for the warm welcome everyone.  yea even though I live is hell err Phoenix, I still plan on wearing full gear..to cover my pretty hide..lol

I have already scoped out several places to practice as I have a good size neighborhood but not alot of folksl

thanks again