[image: View Post]RE-Agent, on Apr 25 2009, 07:33 PM, said:
Be careful. Your skin is more important than the bike but try not to drop the bike either. Contrary to what they say it is possible for a new rider to not drop or slide bike. If you haven't taken a MSF class... Take one. Seriously.
Also, see if you can find a seasoned local ride to give you a few pointers. Not some 23 year old guy who rides around on a Yamaha R6 in shirt sleeves but someone in full gear on a bike like a VFR or BMW.
Speaking of gear you'll hear a term thrown around ATGATT (all the gear all the time) it works. At the minimum: helmet, jacket, gloves and boots (in that order). I know you live in a nice place but there is nothing cool about dane bramage or skin grafts. Oh, and no passengers for a while for your safety as much as theirs.
I don't mean to lecture but I figured I'd get it all in at once. You probably have a pretty level head as you bought one of the best bikes out there, you are looking for a manual and that you showed up here.
Okay... Now for the fun stuff. You are going to love that bike. I only had one other bike for about 3 weeks before I got my first VFR. I never dumped it and I never got over the VFR. I had some other bikes after I sold that first one but none of them felt right.
Enjoy!
+1. Good advice here, this forum is awesome. I would also highly, highly recommend taking the MSF course. It is pretty much a necessity. And most times the reduced insurance is more than the cost of the course. No reason not to take it. If you can't find an experienced rider to help you out, Proficient Motorcycling by Hough is good, too.
I agree that you aren't necessarily going to drop or slide the bike BECAUSE you are a new rider, but I do believe that there are two types of riders-- those who have gone down, and those who will. ATGATT.
Plenty of good safety tips on this site as well. :)
We aren't trying to scare you, we just like to be safe.
Again, welcome!
P.S. Contrary to what everyone on here says, you don't HAVE to spend a fortune customizing your VFR, that's entirely optional. :laugh: