Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey all! So, I'm going to go purchase my new 2006 Ninja 250R on Saturday from the dealership. I was planning on getting a ride there, and just driving my new bike home (about 10 miles? 15 maybe?) The quickest way to get there is on the highway, but I plan on taking side streets home. Is this how you guys picked up your first bike? Or did you have it delievered to your house or take it home on a trailer and ride it around your neighborhood first? I feel confident in the little riding experience I've had (MSF course back in September) enough to go on the street, but is that a noob move? (From dealership lot to traffic?). Just lookin' for some advice from the pros...

I rode my first bike home after I purchased it. I was rather nervous but got it home without any trouble.
Just make sure you are familiar with the controls of your new bike and look out for yourself.

I had a mate that asked me to ride his spanking new bike home from the dealership as he did not have his learners permit yet. I was about 30 seconds away from the shop where he bought it and was nearly cleaned up by a car paying absolutely no attention to the road. Some fairly vigorous evasive action kept the bike and myself in one piece and my mate commented when we got it home (he saw it all from his car) that if he was on the bike it would be a wreck by now.

If you know an experienced rider, I'd ask him/her. Not saying you can't do it, and I don't know how traffic is where you live, but you know your abilities better than we do.
I rode around a parking lot for about 50 miles after I took my MSF, then hit the streets, but results may vary . Just be careful out there, and keep the shiny side up.

gitarjunky wrote:Is this how you guys picked up your first bike?

I rode mine home...at night....in winter....on the Interstate....

Don't do that.

You know the conditions around you and your abilities better than we do. But, if you can, have someone trailer it or ride it for you. If you *must* ride it, do it in daylight and on the side streets you mention.

Important thing is to take your time, stay cool and take it nice and easy. Wouldn't want to wreck on the way home.

Good luck and safe riding!

I had the dealership bring mine home. Than I rode it around my neighborhood for the next couple weeks. Actually, after my Rebel, I bought an FZ6, and had them bring it home too, since it was such a different kind of bike.

Dealership was located on a busy shopping street and it was Sat afternoon so I got my son to ride my first bike home; I was 52 and never rode and he had been riding for years. I practiced in the apartment parking lot when we got home for an hour and put it away. Next morning, Sun with min traffic, I hit the road alone and never stopped and never intend too.

I followed my friend home, having already taken the MSF course. It was raining pretty hard,and we went through a couple of traffic circles, but when you're following someone on a bike, it's a lot easier then following someone in a car.

If youve ridden before, especially if youve taken the MSF and have your license, its probably safe to ride it home...just be extra careful. The Ninja 250 was a good choice. If you have NO riding experience I would recommend having it delivered or an experienced friend ride it.

I recall seeing the video of the guy who hops on his brand new supersport (wearing no gear btw), guns it out of the parking lot and doesnt even make it onto the street before flipping and wrecking it. Dont let that be you!

I recall seeing the video of the guy who hops on his brand new supersport (wearing no gear btw), guns it out of the parking lot and doesnt even make it onto the street before flipping and wrecking it. Dont let that be you!

Ha! I've seen that video too. I love that idiot...oh man, yeah I've taken the MSF course and have my liscense and I've ridden my friends dirtbikes and stuff. I'm totally comfortable with the actual operation of the motorcycle its just the fact that I've never been in traffic before. I guess you gotta start sometime! I'll let you all know how it goes...90% chance of rain tomorrow...damn it!

I got my Bonneville 4 days after my MSF course. My wife, who took the MSF course a year before, rode the bike home 4 miles from the dealership, and handed it over. I started riding around our development. After 30 minutes I felt comfortable to go out on the back roads in light traffic. The first week I just progressively increased the difficulty of the riding I was doing. The Bonneville is a very easy bike to adapt to. Within a month I was taking on 85mph runs on the interestate, heavy stop and go traffic situations, and 200+ mile days.