Complete Newbie here!!

[Nakoda]

Hey there!! So I just purchased a 1979 GS750 that is in need of a lot of work . It's a project for both my daughter and myself . We are not only new to this bike , we are completely new to motorbikes completely . We bought this with a two-fold purpose - to have a project we can work on together and to get into riding motorcycles . Nether of us have ever ridden before , although I have been a passenger many times . A lot of people in my family ride . As far as the work goes , we are pretty confident we can pull this off . I am a 27 year auto mechanic and my daughter is training to be an automotive painter . And knowing that when it comes to this bike that we know very little , I decided to find a forum where we can learn more . So please forgive me if I ask what some may think of as a silly question from time to time .

 

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome and congratulations to both of you; I did a similar project with my daughter and she loves riding. I would strongly urge both of you to take a motorcycle safety riding course provided by whoever up north does it (the Motorcycle safety foundation provides some here in the States).

No question is silly but go here (http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff) to get valuable information. Additionally, search the forum for a thread called top ten newbie mistakes to help get through some very common issues.

 

[Redman]

Many folks here willing to help.

My first comment would be to find a MSF class to attend, both of you. I dont know what is available in Canada. You say you have family members that ride, so maybe one of them MIGHT be good at teaching some basics. BUt, I will caitiuon you, just because someone can get the bike going down the road and shift thru the gears doesnt mean they know what they are doing, nor know how to teach.

If they say:
- might have to lay it down
or
- dont use the front brake
or
- you turn by pushing on the tank with your knee to get it to leanover
or
- you turn by leaning
You can thanks them, then walk away and find a class.
Or better yet, dont even ask anybody, just assume they dont know how to teach, and find a class.

 

[Nakoda]

Already planning on us both taking a rider safety course . Just waiting for the snow to melt and spring to arrive . We have a rather short riding season here . We usually have snow about 6-7 months out of the year .

 

[chuckcal]

I was exactly in the same situation 12 months ago, daughter and I both wanted to learn to ride. We took the MSF class together, and we acquired a '79 GS1000 and an '81 Honda CM400A that both needed resurrection. Had a great summer, and planning on more riding and (a little) less working on the bikes this summer. Enjoy.

 

[LAB3]

I was exactly in the same situation 12 months ago, daughter and I both wanted to learn to ride. We took the MSF class together, and we acquired a '79 GS1000 and an '81 Honda CM400A that both needed resurrection. Had a great summer, and planning on more riding and (a little) less working on the bikes this summer. Enjoy.

The CM400A is a great first road bike, had one of those myself back when that I used as a commuter.