I love this. The one thing nobody talks about riding a bike, is that first ride home. It’s like being a kid again. I went straight to my moms house to show off 🤪
Pro tip : Do not rely on your mirror. Get use to feel your surroundings, read the traffic (how people behave on the road) and always look with your head (instead with mirror). Anticipate do not trust people on the road, brake n slow down on junctions. No need to be a speedy hero. Watch out for sand build up in da corner, thats number 1 biker enemy. That's how you build your senses on da road. Expect the unexpected.
Good advices, I would like to add: watch out for the white center line, you can easily slip on it. Also in the corners the bike will go wherever you are looking. This is vital to avoid target fixation, your bike is capable of leaning way more then you think, in a corner keep your eyes where you want your bike to go. Also avoid group of bikers as a beginner, it’s best to go out just with one good friend more experienced then you.
@@MrGilRoland I have never had issues on painted lines. I ride a sport bike and can be pretty tight with tire touching road lines, without an issue. I often times can take a corner at 15-20 mph faster due to lean angle than posted. And most time that dark center in road is not from fluids. Just not as driven on part of the road. Next time you're on road where you can pull over, do so and look at road in front of you. The so called drip area will be same color as centerline area, and shoulders. Only tire wear areas will be lighter in color.....as far as lines go people lane spit down them where legal to do so.
The mirror becomes critical at stops though. A common fatal accident is being rear-ended at speed by a vehicle that didn't seen you or your brake light. Always stay in first with your rear brake engaged at a stop until the vehicle behind you comes to a complete stop and have an escape plan ready incase the don't.
Also you can see cars trying to get over by looking at where the tires are they typically start moving over the line or next to it when before they even turn a blinker on
this is the best "beginner ride home" I've seen so far, all the others stall multiple times, are scared to death, make all the silly mistakes possible😂😂. And the fact you are 5"4 makes it even more impressive! Keep riding and stay safe my G
@@moto.nyc718 it’s also interesting to see how different y’all do things in the states…cause I remember taking my first bike home at age 13(my dad took it out of the dealership cause it is illegal for a 13 year old to ride almost everywhere and handed it to me later on) and I had zero fear..but then again it’s probably because in my country everyone rides a 2 wheeler of some sort and automatic transmission cars were unheard of until a few years ago here😂(btw this was 9 years ago…I’ll be thrown in jail if I were to do this now)
Congrats man! I've been trying to get into riding for the past couple years but its been tough with college, its refreshing to see some content like this knowing id have the exact same reactions on my first ride and I'm not alone lol. Be safe out there!
it took about 5 years of convincing my wife to let me get one and I had one and put 1k miles on it before I had to sell it. lol. You'll get your chance.
Had my first ride today on a 2020 ninja 400. I was so nervous man. Stalled twice in a row in front of a car then struggled to get from N to 1. Was biting the inside of my cheeks so hard from the nerves. Good stuff man. The wind on the face does feel nice
understand that lol, use to ride dirtbikes and I drive a manual car, looking into getting my own personal motorcycle in a couple of months. I remember the pain of stalling, heck I stalled with my homie in the car when i had my permit with my dad in the whip to at a stop sign and he was screaming at me because I stalled it like 6 times in a row lmao . Really just remember to take a breather, put on your hazards(if you really want to) , just focus on remaining calm, and slipping the clutch not to fast or slow , anyways people are super impatient. Youll get it in no time.
Congrats! Its such a special feeling on that first ride and in my opinion you did a great job. Dont worry too much about sloppy shifting and stuff, we were all there and it will come with time. You are already doing good by predicting the dangers on the road, stay safe :)
congrats, wish you many many miles ahead. after 20 years of riding, the sites, sounds, and even the smells of riding will always be something new to experience. everything will come naturally over time.
Just picked up a Z500 SE last week. Pumped to be learning alongside you! Subscibed for the journey, man. Grats on the new bike! Ready for the "Of Course" merch.
I just picked up a 2017 Ninja 650 and man do I love it. I have a little experience from riding my friends bike for a week or two and now riding mine its almost like second nature🙏🏽 Its crazy how quick you get used to it, all the luck to us my friend!
First of all, most of those first ride/first bike videos are from people who can't even balance the bike and watching them like "how the heck did this guy got a motorcycle. it's freaking dangerous!" but this one was a legit pure first riding video with all the emotional explosion of it! There is joy even in fear in the first rides and it's amazing. Second, HOW FREAKING BEAUTIFUL is this place? We (Europeans) see NYC as a crowded city full of traffic and lights and I was double and triple checking to see if this scenery is actually there! Really nice video. Be safe!
Thanks so much for sharing this experience! Living vicariously through you since I got too many bills to get a bike rn 😂 we got it on the horizon though hahaha stay safe out there ✌️ definitely bingeing the rest of your uploads tn lol
Congrats man! I’m really hoping to pick up that same bike this summer, would be my first too. Really enjoyed living vicariously through this video & it was fun to see your enjoyment! Ride safe bro!
You will get more comfortable but good job so far. Tip for hills when you are stopped use the back break more so you can have more control over the throttle, and don’t grip too tight and little farther out especially for when you start high speeds if you get a wobble it’s over. Do some googling on it…more you know…Enjoy the ride welcome to the gang!
@@SCP-2402 Personally, when I see a stop ahead I rev match down to first gear (causes engine breaking), rolling off the throttle, gradually apply both breaks, pull in and hold the clutch, with my left foot flat on the ground and right foot on the ped when completely stopped.
Congrats man. just keep riding only way to get better. we have all been there before. when you get more and more comfortable you will learn when to shift depending on what you are wanting from the bike. Keep it Up!!!
My husband got me a z400 and I'm on my 2nd day learning. I'm so glad my mirrors can swivel around because I'm 4'9. Can't wait to take my MSF and be legit like him. Congrats on your new bike as well 🎉
Thanks for sharing this and all your thoughts while riding. I’m thinking about learning how to ride and I felt like I was there with you, hearing your thoughts. I’m encouraged. ❤
Yay congratulations!!! I'm trying to get into riding but I probably won't be able to until after I graduate college in a few years haha, best of luck to you and stay safe out there!!
Great video man, congrats! The shifting will definitely get more comfortable for you as you get used to the bike. My only advice is that it's not a bad idea to keep it in a lower gear to have the RPM's a bit higher, that way if you have to do any evasive maneuvers you'll already have the power available and won't have to shift. It's also nice to be able to decelerate a bit without bogging the engine or having to downshift. Excellent job watching for threats on the road as well! Stay safe edit: After watching again, you might already be in the sweet spot. It's impossible to read the tachometer so I was guessing, but if the break-in period is flashing the tach on you, you're already doing great.
Congrats on a bike! I’ve got a ninja 400 and the 500 looks awesome with you! :) here’s a few tips that I’ve learned from my 400: - Do not hold in the clutch at the friction zone if you’re already rolling, it’s either all the way in or all the way out. The slip is easy to work get worn out and you have to spend bucks to replace them. - I understand that there’s probably a engine breaking period on your bike right now, but once you get out of that, keep in mind that these “sports bike” engines are designed to be ridden hard and go fast! higher RPMs will be better for the bike, and also helps eliminate carbon buildup. (there’s a video from FortNine explaining how it works) - Practice being more natural at coming to a stop with your left foot down and your right foot on the rear break, when you stop on the hill, just simply a hold down the rear break and you won’t slide back. - lastly…ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME ride safe and I hope you have a grand time brother 🫡
Hey, Viewer from France, just adding my own little "wisdom" In France we learn a lot about communicating with other road users. When you rely on engine breaking we're told to communicate you're slowing down by slightly tapping the back break a few times so the break lights blink or come on so people behind can know you're slowing down. Motorbike engine breaking is crazy compared to cars ! Ride safe bigman !
Congrats! Get in the habit of leaving your bike in gear when you get off it. It will prevent it from rolling/falling over. And I know you gotta get used to the gearing, but 6th gear at 36 mph... bro. I would probably be cruising in 3rd gear, maybe 4th on that motor at 30-40 mph (after break-in maintenance). And excellent job telling yourself to "look where you want to go". That's probably the best advice for new riders. Always looking down the road, scanning for possible threats/obstacles. Taking the msf course was a good idea! Also, your mindset is the right one. Ride defensively, pretend you are invisible to cars; then anything they do you will be ready for, not just physically with the bike, but mentally so that it doesn't affect your emotions. Finally got to the end of the vid. The RPM line is flashing for 2 possible reasons. 1) During break-in, the first 600 miles typically, you don't want the RPM to exceed a pre-set number. If this is why it's flashing, then it should stop flashing after the 1st service and oil change. 2) Some bikes have an economy feature that will let you know when you are not at the most fuel efficient engine speed. I haven't owned a Kawi in many years so I can't be sure. Either way, congrats again and welcome to motorcycling!
I live in Spain and it's crazy that you made a 2 day course and you are out driving already, I have to pass a theory exam and 2 practice exams, one in a circuit and another one on the street. Already passed my 1st exam, Ive done 6 classes with an instructor in the circuit and im getting my 2nd exam next week. After I pass that I need to do more classes and another exam, on the street! Cant wait! Ride safe my friend
Congratulations on the new bike!! Word of advice, you definitely don't need to be in 6th gear at 40mph, these bikes like being ridden at a higher rpm. :) the more you ride, the more you'll get to know your bike more and you'll get the hang of it in no time! Keep it up!
Yes! Thanks for the tip 🙏🏼 I think the bike was letting me know not to go too high in rpms since it’s still in the break in period. But i was definitely going too high of a gear for the speed haha! I’m tuning in to see your progress as well on your channel 🙌🏼
@@moto.nyc718 perks of a brand new bike, the break-in period LOL you'll be ripping it in no time. Knowing how to drive a manual definitely helps! I came from dirtbike riding but can't drive a manual car well (if at all) so it's all still a new concept for me on the street lol!!
I was way more wreckless when I had my first bike. I was just meant to take it to a little spin but I had so much fun that I decided on a whim to take an hour-long "detour" on a mountain pass with agressive uphill curves. Ate the other lane like a madman and had to pullover to breathe coz I realized how lucky I was to be alone on that road or else I would've been sent flying. Didn't touch my bike for about a week after that lol. Ride safe!
Its funny how you dont even notice what the trees really look like until you ride. you got a lot to learn but your at least honest with your skill and what you need to work on which will help in the long run. I envy that first ride feeling BRO!
Love it bro... Up front and honest about how you're feeling and not show boating... Best bet is to take the ninja to an empty parking lot and get a feel for the bike... sharp turns, abrupt stopping with front and rear brakes (30% front 70% rear approx), counter steering, etc... Get a aftermarket exhaust so the other drivers can hear you because they are not looking ... Best mirrors for the 400/500 are the 300 mirrors... They're shorter and look better... I have a 400 that had 300 mirrors looked better and seen more... Then got the rizoma stealth mirrors, useless. Welcome to the club... Cars lie to us while bikes are nothing but truth... Free-Bird
Dude, that cracks me up because it’s totally gonna be me in a couple months…but with a 1000cc (54 year old with 5 years riding on a 450cc). Keep the rubber to the road, bruh!
Dropped a sub because you're from NYC! Ride safe man! It's such a fun hobby to have, and you'd be surprised at how your tastes change in just a short amount of time
@@moto.nyc718 also, if no one else has told you, your bike has shift lights that are programmable. I think from factory they tell you to shift around 4k rpm and once your break in period is over, you can set it to be where ever you want in the rev range. Hope this helps!
Love low displacement bikes, really like my Triumph 660cc but bought a '24 R3 white/cyan for commuting cause that Trident guzzles gas lol. Now I literally ride the R3 all the time so probably selling the Triumph. No need for another insurance payment on something just sitting in my garage. Rode the Eliminator for about a month so I know that that 451cc motor is really good. I've only been riding for about a year and was the best decision I've ever made. Enjoy, have fun and be safe.
Congrats on the new bike! I've been wanting to start riding, even want that same exact bike, but was put off due to my height. But since we're the same height and given how quickly you felt comfortable, I feel more reassured 😅
Nice man congrats! I got the same bike as my first bike but the 40th anniversary. You did great. Only advice is try not to have to downshift mid turn, get your entry speed right before you go into your turn so you can accelerate gradually as you exit your turn.
I just got a used bike. Rode the wife's sportster a few days before. To get use to riding again. The test ride went great on it. Even pulled a u turn on the dirt road. So on my way home with bike I stall it. And the battery is low and won't start it. So have to push it through intersection to gas station. Fill it up use the bathroom, and jump start it. Got into left turn lane and light changed fast. Grabbed front brake and accidentally pulled a stoppie. Then had to have wife drive in front of me because no headlights. The suspension on the Buell is way better then the sportster or old 360 enduro.
Good Job my Friend and Wear some ear plugs this will protect you from sound as you get get better as long as you are riding on a motorcycle.Look into some heated grips before winter comes in always have your rain gear handy never know and motorcycle boots protection covering your ankles,mesh jacket as well keep you cool God Bless you my Brother ride safe .
Congratulations on your new bike 🙌🏾 !! I just completed my msf yesterday so I totally understood your emotions of putting everything you learned together cause we most definitely didn’t learn on that type of bike! lol. I’m happy for you! Question for you, I’m looking into the 500 SE, but how much was your bike otd?
Congrats bro! I’m planning to make a video on it soon regarding how much it cost for me to start riding (gear, MSF course, license, insurance, motorcycle, etc.) Appreciate the support and thanks in advance for your patience!
