First time rider, first time buyer.

Hey guys great sight. Just found this and I'm really liking it so far. Lots of info and it's almost like I'm reading a online magazine. I just bought a 25th anniversary with only 3600 miles and not a single scratch on it, and like I said, this is my first bike and I'm really loving it so far. My name is Neil, I'm 28 and I'm currently living near Seattle, WA. Hopefully there are some vfr riders around me on this site, I'd love to get out and and get some riding time in with ya. Mostly everyone else I know all have either R1s or Harleys and more R1s. One last thing, I was wanting to know if anyone could refer me to some good riding literature, that would be great thanks.

Neil

 

Wow. a VFR for your first bike , congrats. The very first thing I would suggest is to take a safety riding course ( CHP here in CA has one so I would think they do out there too).When I got my first street bike in 84 it was a 750 Interceptor and my buddy took me to a parking lot to teach me the very first lesson STOPPING , and I'm so glad he did . Do you have dirt bike experience Neil ? That will definitely help on the street . Good Luck . Where are the pictures ?????

 

Ya, I have a narrow selection of bikes that I would like to ride and the vfr was on that list. I was very close to buying a sprint ST not more than a week prior but that fell through. Anywho thank you. And yes we have many moto safety classes, one of which I have taken. I will be the first one to vouch to anyone, if you are just starting out on a bike, it is a must!! Even if you think you already know all you need to know on riding a bike. There is always something out there that you will learn that you didn't know, and that might might just save your life. Case in point, there is a post on this sight about counter steering. Some people don't know how a bike really steers. So ya, take it. It's great.

 

Welcome aboard
My advice for you is use your head (The big one) and ride with protective gears at all time.
Be alert and keep your eyes on the surrounding.

 

Welcome and congrats on the new bike.

 

Yes some very wise words indeed. I have a wife and two very aborable girls at home that remind me of that everytime I even think of getting on my bike. Besides, if I don't and I do get all messed up without my gear, the army won't pay my family and life insurance money so.... Yep got to stay safe all the time.

 

Lots of local poop in the SeaTac area on www.soundrider. com. Clubs, calendars, events, stuff to buy, the usual BS, Not too many Harleys , ect. Pretty sure there is a safety course available at Ft. Lewis.

A good getaway is to take the Tacoma to Vashon Ferry and ride the island.

I'd say, "welcome aboard" but that's swabbie talk..

 

Safety course is a must as well as good insurance my friend, money in the bank. You will never be sorry for the good coverage but will if you do not. Enjoy and good luck my friend.

 

Washington State does not require motorcycle insurance. Odd but true. Required by the US Miliary and CG? You better believe it.

Not that this applies to anyone or everyone but insurance rates are based on tons of things including credit scores. Big Bro is watching so he can go kaching. Words the other way round somtimes. My auto coverage was just cut almost in half because of my credit score.

Do "they" tell you this shit. Not unless pushed..

 

As far as literature goes, look up the book called Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. I have it and find it very informative and interesting. Good luck with the bike.

 

All of Dave's books are available direct from Sound RIDER! - The Northwest's leading motorcycle resource. Washington, Oregon, Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Used bikes or live at Sportbike North West this summer or the Chief Joseph Rallye.

 

My matte black 04 is also my first bike. I was also told to get the same book, it should be here tomorrow.

Amazon.com: Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well (9781933958354): David L. Hough: Books

I also picked up a tourmaster pivot three jacket for some added safty.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/stree...pivot_series_3_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html

I also found this site very helpful.
http://www.ridemyown.com/articles/riding/index.shtml
I guess it is designed for women but whatever the same concepts are applied. I would just read through the back to basics.

I have a car that is faster than the VFR so I wasent really concerned about riding to fast on the bike, if I want to go fast I will drive the car right? But I continually find myself going a little faster than I had anticipated and need to take it down a few notches. Anyways I linked a few good reads for beginning riders, atleast they helped me.

 

Welcome aboard!

That's a pretty big machine for your first bike.......no worries though, respect it and it'll take awesome care of you.

I live up in Calgary and will undoubtedly end up in the Vancouver/Seattle area a couple of times this summer (big Mariners fan).

As for reading materials, let me suggest something slightly different:

Honda VFR800 VTEC Repair Manual covering 782cc from 2002 to 2005

A Haynes or Clymer guide pays for itself, and will save you all kinds of cost, heartache and hassle.

 

Welcome and Congrats on the ride!

As far as literature goes...

A Twist of the Wrist" I & II is pretty informative...