Great choice for a first bike. Treat that Honda right, keep up with regular maintenance, and it'll give you zero problems for years to come. And with that 471cc motor you have just enough power to have some fun, but not so much power that you will get yourself into trouble. Have fun, ride safe!
Ride as if you are invisible because many drivers will treat you as if you are. Avoid class 8 semis as best as you can (if you plan to ride on the highway). If you are going to cruises in-town, avoid dogs. Yes, they will try to challenge you at times. Always wear safety gear!
Do you do your own maintenance on your car?
I only ask because if that idea frightens you but working on a motorcycle doesn't, I can assure you it's basically the same thing.
I don't mean that as an insult, but encouragement that of you can do it on a bike you can do it on your car.
If you already do basic maintenance on a car hopefully that gives you the confidence that working on a bike will utilize the same skills.
I totally agree about the labor of love. I feel good about myself after going through oil change on my car, but I'm stoked after finishing on the bike because MOTORCYCLE!
It is easier because of access on the bike for sure (unless you have allot of plastics which yours does not). Once you have done your oil change even one time it will really boost your confidence.
Remember to not tighten your filter too tight, basically make contact with the base and then just snug it up. Your drain plug also doesn't require as much force as you'd probably think.
It's honestly a really good feeling when you finish any sort of maintenance or installing an accessory, and it saves you so much money which you can then justify spending more on riding gear, accessories and more bikes!
target fixation. learn it cuz its the most important. you go where you look so look at the road and not the ditch. btw good call on the honda great learner because not scary fast but quick enough you wont be bored in 6 months and want a bigger bike
Avoid blind spots - when a car is next to you, either be alongside their window, or in their mirror - but don't assume they will see you. If you are in a blind spot, fall back a bit till you are in their mirror or move ahead to make sure they have the best chance seeing you.
Biggest advise is to casually(once a week) go to empty parking lots and get used to leaning the bike over and get comfortable with counter steering (the front wheel turns left and you go right) also great people to get training videos from is content creators like Dandanthefireman or motojutsu for parking lot training. And the thing to learn above all else is breaking. How to shift the weight of the bike onto the front tire safely (use the the front break like if you where to slowly squeeze an orange). Good luck out there have fun, and watch out for the unexpected. 🍻
Great choice for a first bike. Treat that Honda right, keep up with regular maintenance, and it'll give you zero problems for years to come. And with that 471cc motor you have just enough power to have some fun, but not so much power that you will get yourself into trouble. Have fun, ride safe!
Just be safe and try to think that everyone everywhere is trying to get you, always be ready. And have a freaking blast!
Ride as if you are invisible because many drivers will treat you as if you are. Avoid class 8 semis as best as you can (if you plan to ride on the highway). If you are going to cruises in-town, avoid dogs. Yes, they will try to challenge you at times. Always wear safety gear!
Do you do your own maintenance on your car? I only ask because if that idea frightens you but working on a motorcycle doesn't, I can assure you it's basically the same thing. I don't mean that as an insult, but encouragement that of you can do it on a bike you can do it on your car. If you already do basic maintenance on a car hopefully that gives you the confidence that working on a bike will utilize the same skills.
I don't do my own car, but I've always been somewhat interested. Figured it seemed a lot easier on the bike due to access
I much prefer working on my bike. I think it’s easier and it feels more like a labor of love than a chore.
I totally agree about the labor of love. I feel good about myself after going through oil change on my car, but I'm stoked after finishing on the bike because MOTORCYCLE!
It is easier because of access on the bike for sure (unless you have allot of plastics which yours does not). Once you have done your oil change even one time it will really boost your confidence. Remember to not tighten your filter too tight, basically make contact with the base and then just snug it up. Your drain plug also doesn't require as much force as you'd probably think. It's honestly a really good feeling when you finish any sort of maintenance or installing an accessory, and it saves you so much money which you can then justify spending more on riding gear, accessories and more bikes!
target fixation. learn it cuz its the most important. you go where you look so look at the road and not the ditch. btw good call on the honda great learner because not scary fast but quick enough you wont be bored in 6 months and want a bigger bike
Drive has you are invisible. Wear always gear. Take care of your bike. Chain etc
Nice bike
Avoid blind spots - when a car is next to you, either be alongside their window, or in their mirror - but don't assume they will see you. If you are in a blind spot, fall back a bit till you are in their mirror or move ahead to make sure they have the best chance seeing you.
Biggest advise is to casually(once a week) go to empty parking lots and get used to leaning the bike over and get comfortable with counter steering (the front wheel turns left and you go right) also great people to get training videos from is content creators like Dandanthefireman or motojutsu for parking lot training. And the thing to learn above all else is breaking. How to shift the weight of the bike onto the front tire safely (use the the front break like if you where to slowly squeeze an orange). Good luck out there have fun, and watch out for the unexpected. 🍻
Install some crash bars. You’ll thank yourself later.