Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey, just wanted to say hi. I probably won't post much but I do check this forum multiple times each day. I've been looking at it for the last two weeks or so and thought I'd register in the event that I want to say something at some point.

Anyhow, I live in Phoenix AZ so I can do the year round riding. I'm going to be taking the MSF course soon, but I'm riding anyways. I know that you folks don't recommend it, but I'm impatient. I picked up a 1980 KZ 550 to start on. Seems pretty nice. Its has really smooth acceleration and seems to get up and go pretty well. Unfortunately its really high and feels almost like I'm riding a dirt bike. Well, i've never actually ridden a dirt bike but I imagine it would be similar It also seems to have a not super comfortable seating position, it feels too aggressive. Once I get to the point where I am going to move up to a different bike, I think I'm going to go with a Honda Spirit.

Riding is definately a lot easier to pick up than I thought it would be by reading through other peoples experiences. I just had my friend run me through it and off I went. He told me to make sure to be careful on the throttle because the bike has decent pick up, so once I learned how much I could safely give it I was good. I've put about 100 miles on in the last week. It's not much I know, but I need to get a few things fixed on the bike before I feel safe on it.

Alright, well, I'll be talkin to a few of you periodically I'm sure. Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Welcome Relapz!

Enjoy the forums!

Cheers,
Gatineau_Guy

Welcome!

I think you have made a wise choice for your starter bike. Reasonably light and peppy - a good confidence builder. I actually prefer the standard riding position your bike has, assuming someone hasn't replaced the handlebars with clip-ons, that is. But that's just me - a lot of folks like the feet-forward, cruiser position.

Glad you're gonna do the MSF - there are a lot of things you'll learn there that would probably take years to pick up on your own.

Welcome to TMW!

I know how you feel about being impatient. I could hardly wait to ride myself when I got my first bike. Here's some tips to help you pass the time while you wait for the course: Find a large parking lot and start practising there. Practise emergency stopping, slow turns, evasive maneuvers like weaving, etc. That will help you hone your skills, and give you a jump on the drills at the MSF course.

You have a decent beginner bike. It's not too expensive in case you drop it, and now you know what kind of seating position you want so when you get some experience under your belt, you'll be ready for that Shadow Spirit.

Good luck, and keep the shiny side up!