Howdy from SoCal. I'm pretty new to the forum, and new to biking as of a few months ago.

I have an '06 500R in Red and I love it. However, I recently totalled my 10-year-old Mustang
and now must use my bike as a full-time commuter.

Today I had my first experience in fog and it was a mess. Visibility was so bad I could hardly see traffic lights until i was right under them. I turned around and stole my wife's car, leaving her without transpo today.

I'll be searching these forums for fog, rain-x, etc... (just fyi I wear a full-face helmet and glasses. Not sunglasses - like i'm-blind-without-'em-glasses).

by the way - my commute is 70 miles each way from Temecula to Irvine. Hating that.
as soon as God blesses me with some money I'll be getting a corbin seat, cushier grips, better mirrors, maybe new foot pegs, dieting...anything to improve comfort on 1.5-2 hour rides. Other recommendations are most welcome.

I bought my bike new new May and didn't ride it too much during the summer due to break-in and new rider nervousness. I also fell in a turn on my first day on the bike running around my neighborhood. Thank-God I was wearing ALL my gear. But since I'm full-time on the bike as of a couple weeks ago I'm racking up the miles. 2100+ so far.

My quick observations as a new motorcyclist:[*]Everyone in cars is apparently TRYING to KILL ME.[*]"lane sharing" in California is both really nice and really scary.[*] Sweating in full gear sucks. Under Armor clothing is essential for Inland Empire hot-weather riding.[*]Those roads with rain grooves make for a weird feeling.[*]Burping in your helmet is kinda gross. Not looking forward to my first sneeze.[/ul]
I just registered at ex-500.com too. Looking forward to learning a lot more about being a better rider.
Cheers, y'all -
VRex

 

welcome to KF

 

Welcome to the KF Family from NORCAL!!! Enjoy your stay

 

welcome!

 

Welcome to KF

It's all true!!

 

Welcome and stay safe out there. Take the MSF when you get a chance.

 

yeah, buddy! I did the MSF class before I ever got on my bike. That was The Rule when my wife agreed to the purchase. Good stuff, there, too. I owe my instructors a drink or two 'cuz I literally hear their voices reminding me to be smart on the road every time I ride.

 

+1 on the msf class. For me since I'm in the Army it was a fun two days off of work. I love my ninja 500. Have fun and stay safe.

 

Welcome to KF, I tried riding with glasses on and the lack of periferal(?) vision really bothered me. Contacts are much better in my opinion, that may help withsome of your issues.

 

hahaha, the burping part was funny. Welcome to the forums!