new guy

[italypa99]

hello my name is tony i just got my first bike .... it is a new honda vtx 1300 s so far so good i am new to riding but i am getting a feel for it ... i have always known how to ride i just never have but im just starting out in parking lots and around the block things like that ... if anyone has any pointers im all ears look forward to hearing from everyone

[biker pilot]

hello my name is tony i just got my first bike .... it is a new honda vtx 1300 s so far so good i am new to riding but i am getting a feel for it ... i have always known how to ride i just never have but im just starting out in parking lots and around the block things like that ... if anyone has any pointers im all ears look forward to hearing from everyone
Welcome to the site Tony. You may want to attend a Motorcycle Safety Course in your area. They can really be beneficial to riders of all experience levels, plus you may get a break on your insurance.

[parabians]

Welcome, congrats on the new bike - the best, obviously. This is good site with good folks. +1 on the Motorcycle Safety class. I did it, wife did it, glad we did.

[poor farmer]

As a new member of red rider they will pay for the riders course. one year of red rider comes free with purchase any new honda.
i went when I bought a 750 last year and learnd a lot. Expect an all day session though. Also go before it gets hot. My corse required full leather gear with full helmet. I went in May, almost melted with all my gear on.
Good luck with your new ride.

poor farmer:patriot:

[italypa99]

yes i am taking the safty class at the end of next month .. it is the one the state does for free i hear it is very helpfull

[SylanderXs]

yes i am taking the safty class at the end of next month .. it is the one the state does for free i hear it is very helpfull

pretty cool if your state pays for it. I've only taken the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course which comes highly recommended.

Here's the link for PA:
http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=PA

[italypa99]

yes pa pays for it ... its nice i hear it is a good class im sure i will have been riding the bike for over a month before i goto the class but i still wanted to go ... everyone i talk to say all good things about it .......

does anyone have any general tips as far as the bike ? like maintaining or running it anything i should know ?

[SylanderXs]

MSF is probably the best tip anyone can give. It really is as good as you've heard.

The pointers list:
1) 87 Octane only
2) The headlight rattles but that's an easy fix
3) Gearshifting clunk between 1st and 2nd is normal. Learn to love it.
4) the air in your tires is low. 38 front 40 rear :)
5) There's a spare neutral between 4th and 5th if you get sleepy and don't get it all the way into gear. It's not broke, just shift it with authority :)
6) Many folks recommend synthetic oil at the second oil change. Some don't

Let's see... what else? Oh, don't listen to me... I'm new too. Most of what I know I learned from this site. There are some VERY smart people here who are always more than willing to help out. If you have questions ask.

[italypa99]

MSF is probably the best tip anyone can give. It really is as good as you've heard.

The pointers list:
1) 87 Octane only
2) The headlight rattles but that's an easy fix
3) Gearshifting clunk between 1st and 2nd is normal. Learn to love it.
4) the air in your tires is low. 38 front 40 rear :)
5) There's a spare neutral between 4th and 5th if you get sleepy and don't get it all the way into gear. It's not broke, just shift it with authority :)
6) Many folks recommend synthetic oil at the second oil change. Some don't

Let's see... what else? Oh, don't listen to me... I'm new too. Most of what I know I learned from this site. There are some VERY smart people here who are always more than willing to help out. If you have questions ask.

lol sounds good to me all good tips

there is a spare neutral between 4th and 5th ?? what is the purpose of that ?

[Charlie D]

we just call it a spare neutral it seems to have a bit longer throw and will find a false between if you get lazy on the shift.

Don't be afraid to run the bike hard right from the gate and please don't shift by the book.

At 600 miles oil needs to be changed and the solid lifters on the valves need to be checked and reset bike must sit overnight befor this can be done so if a shop does the first service make sure they open it up and do it right.

Look through the site and get some ideas on what you want yours to look like and watch your $$$ fly away.

[bravovtx]

welcome

[beitz67]

Welcome to the site!!
+1 on sylander's tips too.

[TK421]

Welcome to the site! You'll get a lot of help here. Lot of safe riders with good knowledge.

++1 on sylander's tips.

You should also take a Motorcycle Safety Course, if you can. Don't know if PA offers such a course. If you can take the weekend class, it's totally worth it.

[italypa99]

thanks for all the help and warm welcome

[Charlie D]

MSF is probably the best tip anyone can give. It really is as good as you've heard.

The pointers list:
1) 87 Octane only
2) The headlight rattles but that's an easy fix
3) Gearshifting clunk between 1st and 2nd is normal. Learn to love it.
4) the air in your tires is low. 38 front 40 rear :)
5) There's a spare neutral between 4th and 5th if you get sleepy and don't get it all the way into gear. It's not broke, just shift it with authority :)
6) Many folks recommend synthetic oil at the second oil change. Some don't

Let's see... what else? Oh, don't listen to me... I'm new too. Most of what I know I learned from this site. There are some VERY smart people here who are always more than willing to help out. If you have questions ask.

Right here

[Beastie Boy]

Can't ad anything but my own, Welcome Italypa99!

[Rider208]

Welcome