Topic: Hey look... new guy!

[OldZaskar]

I'm like a newbie squared - new bike, new rider. And I mean NEW! I'm picking up the bike today and I don't have - never had - a motorcycle license... or a helmet!

Just bought a 1973 CB500 Four. And well, that's all I can tell ya... 'cause that's really all I know. I didn't even test ride the bike. I just watched and listened to the seller ride it. Crazy huh.

This is going to be fun. I am going to learn, learn, LEARN. The plan is:
- Clean it like a crime scene!
- Stand back, look at it - with hands on hips - and think "Holy #&@%. I have a 46-yr-old motorcycle!"
- Have a friend (a vintage Japanese motorcycle guru... the bikes, not him... he's not vintage) go through it with me - and make a list
- Based on ^that^, take care of any and everything it needs to make it mechanically sound... and safe
- Figure out what it takes to get a motorcycle license in Georgia ;-) Oh, and get a helmet
- Go for a ride!

So yeah - I'm pretty stoked. I can offer next to nothing here... but I do appreciate all the insights, tips, answers, etc. that will surely be critical in this journey!

[dhall57]

Welcome

[rocket johnny]

   have fun with your new bike !   take it slow and easy .  buy the best helmet you can afford .  maybe a pair of leather gloves  too ..   and welcome  to the forum

[wi.st.rod]

I experienced the exact same feelings about 20 years ago!  You're going to love it (being a bikerider)! Enjoy.

[calj737]

Welcome. A great start is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation New Rider Training course. It will teach you the basics, and it’s well worth doing.

[MD]

Welcome from NE MN,

I'll second calj737 about taking the MSF class. 

-MD

[OldZaskar]

Thanks guys. Yeah - definitely going to take it slow. I live in Atlanta - 5 million motorists fighting for space for 2 million - at 85mph. I'm going to look into taking that or a similar class. Great idea. Thanks again.

[MD]

Thanks guys. Yeah - definitely going to take it slow. I live in Atlanta - 5 million motorists fighting for space for 2 million - at 85mph. I'm going to look into taking that or a similar class. Great idea. Thanks again.

Looking good for 46.

[Gurp]

Very clean ride man. Remember safety safety and safety... That pavement hurts!!!

[WhyNot2]

Welcome from Georgia........yep, slow, slow slow, and safety.

You have to pass a written test, and a road test for a MC endorsement.

No big deal, unless you've never ridden.  MSF course, is the best thing.

Good luck, you're in great hands here, and nice ride.

Remember, we all were newby squared. I was at the ripe age of 50.

[jgger]

Wow that house in the background looks like my B.I.L.'s house, but I haven't seen it for about 20 years. Are you in Marietta (I think that's how it is spelled)? His last name is Johnson. He is a big friendly guy that reminds me of Mater the tow truck in the cartoon "Cars"!

[OldZaskar]

Ha - I swear half the houses I see in/near Atlanta look just like mine - just a plain mid-century ranch. I'm about 20 miles from Marietta, sort of in-town... the "nearburbs."

[RAFster122s]

Welcome. A great start is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation New Rider Training course. It will teach you the basics, and it’s well worth doing.

+1 on that...


Welcome to the SOHC4 community.


When you buy a helmet be aware you need to replace them every 5 years unless you have dropped it or you have an accident. 


Don't cheap out on protection for your head, hands, tires, jacket, pants, boots and of course gloves.
Your skin will thank you if you get into the habit of all the gear, all the time.


$400-500 or more for a helmet is not a lot considering what it is protecting.
If you buy from some place like Revzilla, try on helmets locally to see what fits and what fits your head shape.


Some insurance companies cover your gear in the event of an accident, no questions asked about it. The safety gear is like a seatbelt, should be replaced in the event of an accident (especially with textile gear).


David

[70CB750]

Welcome!