BTW- Not every one drops their bike or crashes learning... I have been riding for 2+ years, never dropped either of my two bikes nor laid either down... (knock on wood).  But then again dirtbike skills can go a long way when learning on the street.

there are 2 kinds of motorcycle riders, those that have dropped their bike and those that will.  another saying is exactly the same except instead of dropped insert crashed

Mary +4

Quotebut its under my dads name and he says its a perfect beginner bike.

Your dad's right.  It is a great bike for begginers but it will crash just as easily if you're not careful.  Respect the bike, respect the road, and respect the rules.

Aim for the soft trees.

It's not if you've had a wreck, it's when, and how bad.  Assume no more risk than you can handle, and never assume the absolute limit of what you would.

Take the MSF plus you get discounts at least here in California if you're under 21 it's only $150. My out of state license expired and I had to pay $250 to retake it. I really didn't want to deal with the DMV test course and at the time I had over 180,000 miles of riding under my belt and I'm sure I could pass it but better to take a refresher course and get a free license out of it. And without as much riding experience you'd do well to learn how to ride correct.

mary +5

boy im jealous. i started on a scooter injected with steroids wearing a dress and now im an owner of a 1991 gs that to me put me outta pocket and i work full time as an apprentice for a half decent company.. and your 15 and daddy bought you a new bike. damn wish my parents did that. but at the same time i appreciate my bike alot knowing my own sweat has gone into it if you know what i mean. but dude welcome to the realm of biking and the gs'ers. ride safe, wear the gear, look 20 million times before doing anything and enjoy.

Bro, I'm glad you're excited and it definitely sounds like you've got your head on straight.  But for what it's worth, I was only riding a few months (26 yr old) before I put my bike into a rocky canyon.  No kidding around man: I'm lucky to be alive. Sit and think about that for a minute... here is a mid 20s guy telling you he is lucky to be alive because he wrecked the bike you're riding. And I'm not a crazy SOB either, I'm in grad school, I teach, I mow the lawn. I'm a fairly safe guy. And yet there I was, in the canyon, wondering which hand I should try to use to feel for bones coming out of my skin.  This game is a serious one.

Please, please, please take the advice of your dad and others on this board. Be safe. Wear your gear. Practice.

Welcome to the addiction...   

Quote from: Turboryan on April 22, 2009, 01:45:01 PM
BTW- Not every one drops their bike or crashes learning... I have been riding for 2+ years, never dropped either of my two bikes nor laid either down... (knock on wood).  But then again dirtbike skills can go a long way when learning on the street.

It's inevitable...

When I had my GS for TWO years, I NEVER dropped it.  I thought the same way you did.

When I got my R6, I dropped it December 24th low speed....  and I'm talking LOOOOOW speed.  I was pissed that I didn't drop the GS, but I dropped my R6.

When I got my 2nd R6, I dropped that in the parking lot too...  stupid disc lock.


So when everyone says YES YOU WILL DROP IT, they are right.

Quote from: qwiky on April 21, 2009, 07:56:03 PM

Quote from: Toogoofy317 on April 21, 2009, 07:34:23 PM
Uhm, you can't even ride that yet? Why are you not starting on a scooter? Have you taken MSF? Why am I reading disaster all over this? Brand new too I'm assuming because of decals? I didn't get my first 'used' bike until 27! Dropped it first day I owned it!

Not trying to be a downer but dude to big to soon seriously doubt mature enough! Do you have all of the proper gear? I'm worried for you!

My advice store it 'till you've had a drivers license for a year and prove you can drive safely.
Here is one pic for ya don't won't random peeps in my photobucket. but, you can get a photobucket album for free and just cut and paste the IMG link like this:

Mary

dont worry i'm stripping the bike and taking it out into the country and yes i have full alpinestar gear which i bought and i'm taking the msf as soon as i turn 16 ;P but its under my dads name and he says its a perfect beginner bike.

this is pretty cool man. can't wait to buy my son's (and daughters') first bikes. good on yer dad.

good on you for having gear, and not soundlng like a complete squid.

that gs is a good beginner (and more bike). respect it, think of family every time your ride, don't push it...

and be here next spring.

-never assume anyone in their cage saw you- (they didn't)


practice the slow speed stuff (parking lot manuevers) cause that's when the gurls will most likely see you drop it

ride safe, new rider !

LOL the old ride off with the disc lock on.....Only happens when the ladies are watching 

I agree with Mary.  This concerns me too.  I think Dad's desire to be a hero (and I totally understand) has usurped good judgement.

I got my first bike at 15 also, but it was a 125 trail bike I saved for two years for.  I spent the next two years riding on dirt, gravel, and fields so I didn't hit the road clueless.  Since I saved so long for it I tried very hard to stop it from being damaged. (it did anyway, but nothing major I couldn't fix)  Then I got a 350 thumper, then a 650 three years after that.  I think that's a safer way to go.

I'm a big believer in riding on dirt first.  The MSF course is a great tool that wasn't there for me but riding on dirt first has advantages by teaching control in ways riding on pavement only can't.  Falling in a field also doesn't hurt as much!

Falling is actually an education in itself, and new riders will fall, it's only a question of when and how serious will it be.  Any of us can fall no matter how experienced we are, but I think moving up gradually in machinery reduces the odds, and cutting your teeth on dirt reduces injury and cost of fixing the bike.

Quote from: Turboryan on April 22, 2009, 01:45:01 PM
BTW- Not every one drops their bike or crashes learning... I have been riding for 2+ years, never dropped either of my two bikes nor laid either down... (knock on wood).  But then again dirtbike skills can go a long way when learning on the street.

Ahh but how many times have you been down on your dirt bike 

So in actual fact you HAVE been down while learning.

I see where you are comming from though.  Dirt bikes although different and handle different are a great step before getting on a road bike.

well i was planning on saving up for a used gs or a dirtbike i have 4k saved but he had it bought in september so .. yea =P but i totally agree but i'm taking all he plastic off and putting something (like wood or homeade framesliders) on so it gets less scratched for when i do drop it this summer practicing in parking lots  any suggestions on slider type things?

Quote from: qwiky on April 22, 2009, 06:36:39 PM
i have 4k saved

Well then, let me sell you a seat cowl for it.   

Quote from: cafeboy on April 22, 2009, 07:06:47 PM

Quote from: qwiky on April 22, 2009, 06:36:39 PM
i have 4k saved

Well then, let me sell you a seat cowl for it.   

lol i think i'm putting that towards insurance =P

If your going naked than case guards will work fine. I m not sure where to get case guards but I have seen people with them on this site. And dont let the wrinkled crowd hold you back, If you can handle power of your beast err uhhh mower than props to you.. ride safe and keep it on two wheels or just keep it on the wheels either one or two four if you need some training wheels I can make them for you helmet and knee pads should do fine.

28 is old now??!?!?!? We just care about you on here if you haven't noticed with this thread LOL! My bike has been down twice by me twice by jerk neighbors! First time was the learning curve drop in front of my friend Gawd did I feel stupid but only my pride was hurt. Second time was at a stop light thought I could hop off  and push at same time to get leverage. Pavement uneven lost balance and my ankle got caught under left side of bike. Thought at first it was just my pride but as I stood up I pulled up my  pant leg and my ankle was black and blue. Good samaratin took me to get gas and I had to ride my bike five miles home on an ankle that had three torn ligaments!

It can also happen when you are doing everything right! See this post for that story http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=47539.0

Just remember every action you take has consequences even when you're not moving!

Mary

You are a lucky guy.
My advise is take is slow, learn how traffic works as well as riding. It is much harder for learner riders than learner drivers.
Try to go out with your dad to learn how the nature of motorcycling works.
Treat the bike well and it will soldier on.
Buffer Buffer Buffer.


Once again, welcome and i hope you become a regular. Remember if you have any problems with your bike       search threads       before you post a new topic. Your questions have usually been asked more than 10 times.

Quite a birthday present!   

If yout take the MSF course and listen to dad and I'm sure you'll do well.  It sounds like you have a full set of riding gear, which is very good.  You have a good first bike and it sounds like the right attitude.

Enjoy the ride, it's a lot of fun.