Newbie from NorCal

Message

ill'n · #1 Unread post by **ill'n** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:47 am

Hi everyone. Newbie MC rider here from NorCal (Sunnyvale to be exact). I took the MSF class and, following sound advice, got a 2004 Yamaha Virago 250 for starters. I also got full gear from head to toe.

I've been reading a lot of books for beginners to make sure I get as much starting knowledge as possible. The most helpful book I found so far was Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough. I will keep an eye on the beginners forum to see what else I can learn.

I also bought the service manual for my bike and hope to be a weekend mechanic. I already adjusted the chain tension, changed the oil and brake fluid, and checked valve clearance. I'll certainly be delving more into the maintenance forum to see what tidbits of knowledge you guys have to offer.

That's it for now. Take care... err... I mean... keep the rubber side down...

Mon Nov 13, 2006 4:00 pm

, it. Happy to hear you took and passed your course and that you have all your gear. It sounds like you intend to be a safe rider.

There's lots of information here, so you will have no shortage of reading.

Use the search button and you might find what you need. If not there are plenty of knowledgable folks here to help.

The Yamaha Virago is a nice little bike. Congratulations.

#3 Unread post by **Koss** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 3:46 am

Howdy! Welcome to the TMW forums!

It sounds like you got everything down, keep it up!

ill'n · #4 Unread post by **ill'n** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:05 pm

Koss wrote:you got everything down, keep it up!

Very clever.

CycleNewb · #5 Unread post by **CycleNewb** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:19 am

Welcome, and keep the rubber side down! :motorcycle:

Locopez · #6 Unread post by **Locopez** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:58 am

welcome...and enjoy riding. I used to work in Sunnyvale from 1988 til 2004.

ill'n · #7 Unread post by **ill'n** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 10:24 am

Thanks everyone.

Locopez, do you know of a place around here where I can practice slow maneuvers and emergency braking? Everytime I roll into some parking lot somehwere and practice, a security guard always chases me away.

#8 Unread post by **Koss** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:04 am

Sometimes the MSF people will let you use their place if they arn't having classes at the time.

Here where I live, one of MSF approved courses uses a aux. parking lot of the local baseball stadium. Since its winter and don't have ballgames or practices now, the instructors said we could use it if they arn't having classes.

ill'n · #9 Unread post by **ill'n** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:02 pm

Thanks Koss. I'll have to check with my local MSF instructors. I had my MSF class in a high school parking lot, so I don't know if MSF has any control over that.

Locopez · #10 Unread post by **Locopez** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 4:18 pm

why don't you try going to the DMV in Santa Clara after hours? If I recall it is somewhere off of Lawrence exp and El Camino?