First Bike First Service

[Dave H]

Having recently got my first bike and started riding, I irrationally placed a lot of importance in getting my bike safely to it's first service as a sign that I've safely navigated my early 2-wheeled miles and looked after my bike. Clearly I've still got a HUGE amount to learn but it was very satisfying dropping Zach (yes I've named my bike) off for some fresh oil and realizing how much I've learnt from and enjoyed my first 600 miles.

Anyone else have any silly irrational targets they set themselves or is it just me?!

 

[motomania2007]

Welcome to BARF!

There is lots to learn about motorcycles and riding motorcycles.

Take more classes for riding (Intermediate and Advanced Riding Clinics, track schools, trackdays, etc.) and classes for working on your bike at Moto Guild.

 

[ScottRNelson]

Anyone else have any silly irrational targets they set themselves or is it just me?!

Just one more year and I'll have achieved the goal of owning the same motorcycle for ten years. I always sold all of the others before I got close to that point. I'm pretty sure I'll make that goal with my XR650L.

Oh, and today makes 14 years of not crashing. I may have to post something about that a year from now, assuming I make it to 15.

 

[Cyclesuzy]

Having recently got my first bike and started riding, I irrationally placed a lot of importance in getting my bike safely to it's first service as a sign that I've safely navigated my early 2-wheeled miles and looked after my bike. Clearly I've still got a HUGE amount to learn but it was very satisfying dropping Zach (yes I've named my bike) off for some fresh oil and realizing how much I've learnt from and enjoyed my first 600 miles.

Anyone else have any silly irrational targets they set themselves or is it just me?!

New rider in SF - getting safely to the first service seems like a great milestone to me. I'm sure soon, this will be a minor blip on your radar as you get more experience but it's a nice way to look at servicing your bike.

:welcome

 

[rsrider]

Getting through your first year should be your next goal. Statistically, if you make it past that "milestone" your odds go way up of surviving your motorcycle life choice.

 

[Dave H]

@motomania2007 - definitely planning more courses along with the reading I'm already doing. Part of the fun so far is definitely the feeling of learning something new.

@ScottRNelson - congratulations on so many years safe riding; long may that continue! I've always liked the idea of keeping a car for a long time but never managed. Suspect that will also be true with my first bike...

@Cyclesuzy - suspect you're right; it's one of the realities you have to accept while at the same time doing everything to avoid, right?

@rsrider - yes, I've heard that. I'm definitely trying to follow the softly, softly catchy monkey approach and not try to rush gaining experience which you can't...

 

[dravnx]

Every time I throw my leg over a bike I set 3 goals.
1. Don't do anything to look stupid
2. Don't get hurt
3. Learn something new (usually a result of failing #1)

 

[banshee01]

Remember life is too short to ride the same motorcycle for more than 2 years. Yes you can keep your old bike but after two years it is time to try a new one

 

[Moto Beck]

Remember life is too short to ride the same motorcycle for more than 2 years. Yes you can keep your old bike but after two years it is time to try a new one

I like the way you think


OP - I remember when I first started riding. My first goal was to leave my neighborhood. Then it was to make it to another neighborhood. A week after that it was navigating basic roads around my home. Every time I wanted to do more but I had to be patient and I’m glad I was. These targets or irrational - riding a combustible rocket inbetween your legs can be terrifying. It gets easier - keep setting those goals and ride your own ride.


Your next milestone should be to do your own oil change. It’s super easy and many times more trustworthy than having a stealership do it. See you out there :ride

 

[Maddevill]

Be aware that the danger time is around 6 months and again at 1 or 2 years. I've been riding for 40 years and still learn something almost every ride.

Mad

 

[Losmeister]

setting goals is good..

enjoy your ride

 

[Schnellbandit]

OP, there is absolutely nothing irrational about safety and if it takes thinking about it one day at a time, one week, one month or a year, so what?

You are probably way ahead of many who only think about it in the space of time between the start of the collision or fall and impact.

 

[kuksul08]

During my first year of riding my goal was to get rid of the chicken strips. Turns out they aren't really an indication of your skill level and can even be an indication of bad technique. So that was pretty irrational I guess.

 

[budman]

Good for you.

The future should hold a lot of great goals.
Motorcycle trips, trackdays and so many smiles.

I am sure you will freeze, sweat, enjoy a cold beer at the end of a 10 hour ride etc.

 

[07chuck]

I think that it is good for new riders to learn how to do the basic maintenance on their bikes.

Not that they actually do it, but just that they know how.

 

[Dave H]

I like the idea of doing some basic maintenance but at the same time am not particularly mechanically minded. I'm enjoying the pre-ride ritual of checking various things and can see myself doing the basics (chain service?) but not sure beyond that.

Beyond staying relaxed, concentrating and not doing anything stupid I don't have any major goals right now. Just really enjoying being able to ride when I want having spent so many years talking about riding (and not doing it). I can definitely see group rides, a track day and some touring in my future though!

 

[WWWobble]

...Beyond staying relaxed, concentrating and not doing anything stupid I don't have any major goals right now. Just really enjoying being able to ride when I want having spent so many years talking about riding (and not doing it). I can definitely see group rides, a track day and some touring in my future though!

Dave, welcome.

The three goals you've mentioned are right on, and quite enough for now.

Other goals will come with time to progress your skills. But, hey, take it slow. Enjoy.
I've been at this for most of my long life, and my own personal goals are, relax,
concentrate, don't do anything stupid. :afm199

Ride Well!

 

[Butch]

Remember life is too short to ride the same motorcycle for more than 2 years. Yes you can keep your old bike but after two years it is time to try a new one

Whoa. I kinda keep my bikes forever. i think I have had the KTM now for 12 years. just too much hassle replacing awesome stuff.

I have now had the Alta for a year. Still learning to love it more every day.

Oh, I guess I try other peep's bikes. I still like mine better.