I wanted to introduce myself.I just picked up a 1998 VFR. I've never rode a motorcycle and i'm very excited to learn how. This site looks like a great start:biggrin:
Welcome to the group. Be sure to take the time to learn the characterisitics of the bike. Each bike has its own persnality. Hope you enjoy the ride. :thumnb:
If you can find a buddy with a dirt bike and bum a ride, please do it. Then take the MSF course asap. The VFR800 is a great ride, but if you dont know what your doing it can bite you as well. Take it slow. There is lots of beginner advice on this web site. Read as much as you can. I have witnessed one too many rookie riders go down. Best of luck and enjoy!
Welcome aboard ! This site has alot of experience riders and they will give you some good advice. You can listen to them or not :blah: , your choice. Have fun with your new ride and stay on 2 wheels.
:welcome: to the forum, some of the best advise I can give to a new rider is always be ready for the worst case scenario, because cars don't always see you and that split second reaction time if your prepared for the worst can makes a huge difference in the outcome of the situation... That being said, as your confidence grows and you and the VFR become one of the same, you wont be able to wipe that smirk off your face every time you reach for that little key because there is nothing like the feeling of riding in a scenic setting while feeling in perfect harmony with your machine and effortlessly doing about 20 miles of twisty road, when it comes to the VFR, it's not about the destination, it's how you get there...:nod:
Welcome! Perfect description of how I still feel (it's only been a month-and-a-half, but still...) each time I walk to the bike. Even when it's just heading out to work in the morning it's "alright! I get to ride." I've only ridden 4 or 5 different bikes, sat on countless others at dealerships, and always the VFR impressed me as the most comfortable and ergonomically "right" one for me. I think ultimately you'll stay very satisfied with this bike. Ride safe, follow the good advice you'll get here, and enjoy the ride! Phil
congrats on the new bike... I have been riding ince i was 4yrs old and on the street for 25yrs and it is very true that people in cars/trucks will look right at you and just pull out in front of you.. The vfr is a great ride and it can be forgiving or throw you to the ground. As suggested ,take the MSF course and buy riding gear/Helmet/gloves/boots/riding pants as every precaution taken can help if an accident does happen... I have a 99 vfr800 and love it as i have racked up over 12,000 miles in 15 months... Before each ride do a safety check. Check the chain adjustment and see if it needs lubed and check air pressure in tires and check the oil level and anything else you may think of.. A good book to read or get the DVD is " Atwist of the wrist" by keith code. It has very good riding techniques/info , great for beginners or experienced riders.
Thanks for all the comments, and the warm welcome:redface: I've been reading everything i can get my hands on, that pertains to riding. I'll be taking a MSC with my local DMV before i get my endorsements. It's a 16 hour class. I've only owned my VFR for a week, but everyday, i go and sit on it and try to get myself familiar with it. This is a whole new experience for me, which to be honest, has me a little scared but i've been reading that fear is a good thing, it'll keep you on your toe's. Again, thanks for the welcome
First bike being a 98'VFR--- you must know something!! Enjoy your new ride. Don't get sucked in by the fast guys and always look where you want to go and you'll be fine.:biggrin: Everyone started green at some point, there is no rule that you'll crash. Just be real careful especially first couple thousand miles. These folks are super helpful and fun! Im new too!!:lever:
varollon makes a good point, bro. always ride your own bike. there will always be someone faster. you don't need to keep up with them. the VFR is a pretty strong bike to start with. keep your fear, or respect for the VFR, if you will. the great thing is as your skill grows, you already have lots of power to grow with. the bad thing is, the VFR is very forgiving and you can ride above your head easier than some other bikes. the MSF course is good. protective gear is good. congrats on the bike and we are glad to have you here.
