New to the scene....my thoughts

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c-los
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New to the scene....my thoughts

#1 Unread post by c-los »

Sup everyone. I've been into bikes since my dad bought me my first dirt bike @ 9 yrs old. I've been wanting to get into street riding for years, now. Now that my school career is coming to a close, (and my parents can't stop me :D ) I'm going to do it! I've decided on a Kawasaki ex250 or 250r...probably used (maybe even a 500r). I'm planning on taking the MSF course when I move back home and I'll start shopping around for a sled, thereafter.

Honestly, I'm kind of scared about the whole thing. I've had some bad spills in my time from dirt bikes, and I can't imagine how it would have felt to have fallen on asphalt with cars around. My biggest fear is other motorists, but when I think about the worst possible consquence of an accident (you guys know what I mean here) the enjoyment or just the excitement of trying something new seems to overpower any of the negative parts of riding.

Well, I'm 25 now, and I'm glad I'm starting riding at this age, and not...say, 18 or even 21...when I was still really dumb. I think maturity doesn't come so much from age, though, as it does from experience..because I've been through some stuff...close calls, friends passing, that has REALLY made me think twice about doing certain things, and now I think I could start something like street riding that requires a level of maturity, respect, and responsibility that a lot of people in the scene (at least back home) don't seem to have, and I think I finally do......I just hope I'm not wrong about myself!!!

On a lighter note, I look forward to reading the forum and learning tips and what not from you guys!

BTW, do you think a Kawasaki 500R would be too much for me?
Sorry this was a bit long-winded, but thanks for reading and for your input!

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Toyuzu
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#2 Unread post by Toyuzu »

Welcome to TMW c-los!

It looks like you are going about beginning street riding the right way. Definitely take the basic rider course first. As far as the 500R - it is a fine beginner bike, and is in fact in our list of suggested bikes for beginners. It offers more than adequate power for freeways, handles great, and won't overwhelm a beginner with too much power, or too touchy brakes.

The 250 by comparison is also adequate, but just barely. It is capable of freeway speeds, but it will feel like you're winding it out a lot more than the 500. Learn to ride either of them well, and build your skills. Then you can probably out-ride much faster bikes because the other rider started on a faster bike, and never was able to build their skills like you.
[i]Only the dead have seen the end of war. (Plato)[/i]

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barmy_carmy
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#3 Unread post by barmy_carmy »

Hiya C-los, welcome. You sound very sensible and I am sure you will achieve your goal. The more experience you get, thre more confident you will be. I dont know if its law where you are, but we always ride the bike with lights on, then if car drivers dont hear you at least they can see you, There are many car drivers that dont even consider bikes when they make a move. even after 20yrs of riding I still find it exhilerating, that feeling dont leave you! Wah Hey! :twisted:
I'm not riding fast...........Just flying low!

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