First day on a bike...

[Thumper]

I live about 150km from Calgary, AB Canada. By the end of the evening (about 1.5h in) I was able to drive ok but obviously I am not used to proper steering etc. It was just starting the bike that I got hurt.

Is the GS500 a good beginner bike?

ALso is it worth investing in some riding pants? I did get a really nice full face helmet, leather gloves and a riding jacket.. but not the pants or boots.

It's a reasonable beginner bike--and it's a bike you might want to keep, too. I started out on a little Honda Rebel, which was a total blast, but after a year I wanted (not needed, just wanted) a little more power. If I'd started on something like the GS500, I might have stayed on it for several years.

Riding pants are a very good investment...and there are tons of options out there. Ideally you want pants with armor, but buy what you know you'll wear. I have Kevlar-lined jeans that I really like, and recently bought a pair of Olympia Airglide pants...those are awesome. The airflow through them is better than with jeans, even, and if you get them a size larger than normal you can use them as overpants.

I'd stay away from chaps; they help keep bug and stuff from stinging when they hit you, but if you go down, your entire backside is exposed...and there's a good chance you might slide some on your tushy.

And if you just can't get into a class, aside from all the books out there, you might want to order [url=http://ridelikeapro.com"]Ride Like a Pro[/url]...you get pick up some excellent tips with it.

[sunshine229]

Hi Caitlyn! Welcome to TMW!

I am sorry to hear about your experience, but I'm not surprised. Learning to ride a bike is not at all like learning, say driving a car, because when you are riding you are the sole person in control, there is no one that can help when you need instant help and there is no one that can help you keep it upright when things aren't going so well.

Every person learns at a different pace so there is no answer to your question about being a slow learner. It took me years to feel truly comfortable on a bike but at least I started with an excellent MSF course so the first few years weren't too bad. But still, I was a very nervous rider when beginning and so my learning was a bit slower than the average.

I taught my husband to drive a car and I will never do it again. I would NEVER teach someone to ride. Your bf, if he cares about your safety and your longevity as a rider, should stop trying to teach you and get you on an MSF. It's imperitive.

The GS500 is a great bike to learn on, as long as you are not petite (said before).

Read the TMW beginner's guide and book yourself a course! Even if you have to spend a weekend in Calgary or whatever your nearest centre is!!!!!!

Best of luck.

[jamesd23]

some can learn riding a bike fast and some are not. but i think according to your story you are eager to learn it will not take you long to really be familiar with it. you just need a little patience and be extra careful with it.

[vampfiend687]

I did about the same thing my first time out, don't feel too bad. I would recommend the MSF if possible. and as far as safety gear goes, you can buy kevlar motorcycle pants that would protect better than regualr denim.

[madjak30]

I live in Sylvan Lake...if you are north of Calgary, I would check out the Alberta Motorcycle Training school in Springbrook, AB...the instructors are awesome...

As for the GS500, I just sold mine a couple of months ago to another beginner rider. I put on over 10,000kms with that bike so I know a fair amount about it...it is a great bike to start out on, has enough power so that you don't get bored but not so much that is scares the crap out of you...if you in the Red Deer area, send me a PM...

Later.