Yet another new learner rider

Congrats on passing mate, and welcome aboard!:dances

 

Good stuff on getting the bike (and yourself) home safely. It's looking good.

 

I'm hooked after half a day!

Oh yes and discovered possibly the best weight loss concept around!
Just got home again... as I just HAD to go out for more riding!!!!

But now after a quick shower am starting to feel like a human again... was damn hot out there... and I was sweating like nothing else!

Anyway - started in my local streets... did a few blockies. More corners / turns, more indicating (and cancelling), and even riding over large speed humps.

Then decided I needed more... so kept going! Headed a bit further afield, into some main roads, all feeling GREAT!
Lovin this riding... why did I take so long!!!!!
Pottered around Watson, down to Dickson (Antill Street), and headed back up to Watson. Still feeling confident, and now hooked wanting more like the junkie I suspect I am quickly becoming... headed out Federal Hwy, Horsepark Drive, and through Gunghalin. Stopped at CMC Mitchell for a break and quick smoke, and also my first reverse park against the gutter! WOOHOO!

Ok now I'm thinking I need a drink / water / coffee... so decided to be game and try Tilley's.
So out of Mitchell, down Northbourne, and into Tilley's! Black spot intersection (Northbourne / Aspinall) I did well.

Get to Tilley's and another reverse park (or whatever I'm meant to call them).

At this stage by the time I come back out, my bike is attracting a bit of attention. MY initial reaction was - BUGGER what did I leave on it? leave on? do wrong? But then I just worked out, it was just my beautiful bike attracting attention all on it's own.
grin

From Tilley's across to Ainslie, and now driving around roads just for the sake of it! Decided I should come home... but very proud of myself.

No major dramas - but I still need to tweak my mirrors. Gear changes coming along slowly, getting better all the time. Friction point good... starts and stops feeling increasingly comfortable. I'm hooked!

 

Awesome first day

Obviously you chose a bike that is confidence inspiring for you, which is great. Gear changing can take a little while to get smooth at and can vary a fair bit between bikes, but it will just keep getting smoother until it's solid. Keep increasing your confidence at this rate and you'll be riding everywhere in no time.

 

Great write-up DJY - nothing like the big shit-eating grin you get get after enjoying your first decent ride on your new ride. But, without pictures it didn't happen!

 

Have put photos in the Garage of my bike and also in this other thread that can be found
http://canberrariders.org.au/threads/90643-Kawasaki-W800?p=1681933#post1681933

I also have a "proof of life" photo I took outside of Tilley's.

Is a shame the weather today is crap... as I was hoping to get out and about again this morning!!

 

That is one sweat looking bike! :drool

 

Looks like a great bike. You might enjoy the MRA Discovery Rides from Robbo's every few Saturday mornings. They're designed for new and returning riders. There's usually at least 6 and sometimes up to 12 riders. Led by Pete or Rob (not me), the rides generally end at local towns like Gunning or Crookwell for a chat and a coffee and lot's of talk about bikes. Dates are on the MRA website.

 

Hey all,

Was great putting many faces to the names / nicknames in here tonight!
Thanks to those that gave me encouragement, advice, and even tweaked my suspension!

Good to meet you all... and I hate to receive my scores / ratings as I rode away from the spectator gallery.

Headed over to Manuka - and lovin my new addiction. Had a great dinner - although must admit I did park my bike where I could see it from the restaurant... and anytime a car came near it - reversed or parked in front of it... they had my FULL attention!

Just home now - first night ride - and such a GREAT night for a ride! And yes... Madmonk I did come the long way home!!!!!!

 

Woo! Go you!

 

Nice work Dave !!

 

hehe. Totally wearing my "I am not suprised" face at the moment

 

another great day to ride my W800!!!!

Having a ball, and getting alot more confident.
Gear changes now smooth, and I'm finding myself looking further ahead, and looking at vanishing points with corners alot more now.
Headchecks going well, and more confident with my mirrors.

Rode all over town again today... from northern side, inner south, around Fyshwick, out to Jerra, into Woden, and home.
I think it is safe to say I have the bug well and truly now!

Now just to find the ultimate seat bag that looks good for my W800, so that it becomes more versatile!

 

Your only real option for a seat bag is the Ventura one;


In saying that, I had one for long time - and they are very handy.

 

Thanks Lurch.

I have been reading up about that one... but also found this?

http://www.kriega.com.au/bikepacks?...e=flypage.pbv.tpl&product_id=16&category_id=7
I know they do good backpacks... anyone seen their seat bag - or know a local reseller so I can check it out?

 

fixed...

 

This looks smaller than A4 size though? One of the reasons I want it - is to move stuff to and from work...

even this one - has it's specs on the site- but looks smaller than A4 size...
so maybe seat bag isn't going to work... and I need to look at better back packs? Although I have been reading it is better to have bags / weight on the bike not on my own body (I carry enough of that as it)! Mmmm the research continues

 

It might be worth checking if Ventura have a rear rack for your bike already. Then you can use a bigger/your own bag.

 

How about an Axio tail bag? It seems to big bigger than A4 (externally, at least) and despite being 'styled right to compliment your sportbikes bodywork', I think in black it's one of the more subtle bags. I just ordered the Axio tank bag...

 

Thanks guys!
Just got an email from the Kreiga team as well... they are getting a US-30 in this week.. new product... like the US-20 but bigger!
US-20 dimensions are 400mm long x 260 wide x 190 high.

Shame there isn't a Canberra reseller for me to go in and check out!
They do have a 14 day satisfaction guarantee - so if its not what I am after they said I can return it for a refund or exchange which is nice of them!