Rookie Rider

[Rangerman83]

Hey Fellow Riders,
I just purchased my first bike ever, a 1999 Suzuki Katana GSX600F. I'm really excited about riding it for the first time. I don't have my M1 yet so I will be riding it around my neighborhood for now. I've got all my protective gear now I just need to some friendly advice. If anyone can pass down some helpful wisdom for someone who has never rode before I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[whitecl0ver]

from Florida!

Keep the rubber down and the shiny bits up!

[CenCalKat]

Welcome from Los Banos!

Advice - take the MSF course before you hit the streets if you have never ridden before. And at least go to DMV and get your learners permit. If you get stopped by Clovis PD and they will tow your chit for 30 days.

[Randy G]

Best advice, take the MSF course.

Have fun!

[mather_builders]

Gear was the first great move, next is to take her to a vacant lot and practice until you can't stand it no more. Taking off and stopping smoothly, large figure 8's slowly bringing them in tighter. Most importantly, do everything GENTLY when it comes to braking. Don't use the front brake at slow speed or while you have the bike leaned. Give yourself time and everything will fall into place. Might bring along a friend(followed in a car not riding with you) in case you drop the bike to assist in picking her back up. Good luck and stay safe. Congrats on your new ride and welcome to KR...

[katanawarrior]

MSF


Congrats and Welcome....

[gobigorange189]

welcome!!

practice practice and practice some more!

[Black_peter]

Welcome,
Check these threads out:

http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=61328

http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=79083

[DOCTORNITRO]

Welcome to KR




THE DOC

[JIB]

Welcome to KR

[Enjay386]

Welcome to KR!

[kidblooper]

MSF is a good place to start, but if your like me i wanted to know i'd pass right from the get go.. florida has a really high failure rate, so i was worried. now i realize i shouldn't have been. but just for the sake of praticing i used a large parking lot after closing hours.small cups or cut in half tennis balls make great cones. also somthing to check out would be ride like a pro V, if you can do all the exercises in the video, then msf will be easy.. good luck and keep your eyes and head up !

[XKillerEliteX]

Welcome to KR

[kat_kitten]

respect it =)

welcome

[Shifty]

I was in your shoes not too long ago. I think everyone has a different comfort zone the first time they get on a bike. For me, motorcycles had always been very intimidating things and I wasn't sure what to expect when I suddenly wanted one (last year). I always told people I wouldn't get a bike because I loved my cars so much and had no reason for a bike. When gas prices jumped I started looking a little bit and rode a scooter for a few months. That got me hooked.

Anyway, I was quite intimidated when I went to pick up the Kat. I was familiar with street riding on the scooter but the size and power of the Katana had me worried. Turns out I was completely comfortable on the bike after about two minutes and rode home 20 miles. I continued to ride all day long. I rode almost 500 miles before really opening the throttle, and I still have a healthy respect for the bike.

People will tell you these bikes are slow - they don't know what they're talking about. A 12-second 1/4 mile is FAST, especially on 2 wheels. You'll cock your wrist a little on the highway and look down to see 100+ mph on your speedo in an instant. Always be aware of that. Get that MSF, stay geared up and maintain that respect for your bike. Good luck, and welcome to KR!

PS- Lets see some pics of the bike!