New Bike arrived

J

jdgothtech

New member
Just finished a short ride on my new '06 C50 which was just delivered today. I completed the Riders Edge course last week and got my license today. ( It was a great experience):bluethum: . I was worried about that maiden run but feel much better after even a short ride.

Dave S.
 
I spent about an hour in a local parking lot tonight practicing starts and stops and curves.
 
Hi Dave,

Just wanted to say hello, and let you know I'm going thru the same regime as you my friend. I picked up a new S40 this past Tuesday (8.May) after too long of a "Not Riding" hiatus. I took the MSF course last Fall. Been out both nights since Tuesday practicing & local riding. So far about 50 miles on the odometer, but those first 10 miles were intense (you know what I mean). I have a nice stretch of two lane road posted at 40 MPH that runs about 10 miles, and our local St. John's parish parking lot as a practice area. I am in no hurry to team up with the "Veterans", and know my own personal minimums, as I'm sure you do also. I hope the Good Lord watches over both of us. Good luck with your new bike, and stay safe ..... Rich
 
I'm with you guys....just got a new C50 delivered. Three miles on the odometer and will take it to a parking lot this weekend to get familiar with it. My first bike and am kind of nervous. Took the MSF rider saftey course last year and hope I remember all the good tips. Have a question though.....When I bought the bike the dealer told me that the warrenty info was all computerized and I don't get a warrenty card or paper. If I have a problem just take it to an authorized dealer and they'll look up via VIN. Is this true? I feel more comfortable with some kind of paper. Please let me know what's your experience in that reguard. Thanks
Stanley
 
Congrats a your new rides! I know the feeling, seems like only a year ago I got my first bike. Oh yeah it was only last year. :D

Stanley, I got a paper with my protection plan number and expiry date for my warranty.
 
Hi Stanley,

Got a paper with expiration date for the S40. Looks like Warranty is covered either way, i.e., Paper or VIN / Computer. My bike came from Barkley Motorsports in Latrobe, PA. Ride safe my friend ......... Rich
 
Well I guess I won't worry about having a paper warrenty, if some other guys have had the same experience. I have another worry now. As I said I took the saftey course over a year ago and now I'm re-learning on my new bike. Not good..... because I took it out for the first time this a.m. and I stalled out about 15 times. Can't seem take off smoothly....and to find first gear after stalling and have to pull over to the side of the street. Then try to get her in neutral and start all over again. After probably killing the clutch and tranny, I'm getting the hang of it. I hope they make this Suzuki tough because I'm probably going to need a replacement transmission before long. One of my problems is that I can't seem to find first when nearing a stop light. Let say i'm in fourth gear and have to stop for a light. I'm squezing the clutch and pushing down on the gearshift lever....trying to get it back in first, so I can start off again when the light turns green. But I'm having trouble determining what gear i'm in. I'm probably ruining my bike and I have only 8 miles on it now. Any tips on this?......Thanks guys.
Stanley
 
If you are in 4th, do 3 down shifts.
Just do separate shifts till it does not go down any more.

Did you read the manual???

Do positive shifts, do not gently push down, be firm.
With the bike running, in first, practice throttle control as you release the clutch.
As the bike rolls forward and you move on to the balls of your feet, pull clutch lever in which will kill forward movement. Practice till you feel good.
Then move to the next stage, shifting up to second at 10-15 miles per hour than back to first and a full stop. Repeat till you feel good.
Then from first to second then 3rd at 20 mph and then back down to first and stop.
Do these basics in a parking lot till you feel good. Do not move your eyes off the horizon as you do these. No looking down at the shift lever.

Over and over.

:bluethum:
 
Stanley, my bike is brand new too. It is a little tempermental. Just remember the shifter is like a ratchet. You can only go up or down one gear at a time. If you're in first, when you want to go to second tap the heel shifter firmly till it engages. You can't go accidently into third at that point. Then into third from second, etc. Going back down is the same: you can only do one gear at a time. Remember, don't try to downshift all the way down into first until you are almost at a complete stop or the bike will buck. Try to get to a parking lot (or have a friend get it there for you) and try to practice at least going first to second smoothly. Don't panic, it will come.:bluethum:
 
You have to keep a mental record as to what gear you are in. As you are approaching a stop sign or red light, don't just pull in the clutch and break. Ease your way to the stop. As you are slowing, and the rpms are too low for the gear that you are in, down shift to the next lower gear. Be careful though. Do not down shift too soon cause that can cause your bike to lurch. Also keep a count of the gears.

Don't get discouraged. You'll get it. I think that the bike is tough enough to take the abuse that you are giving it. You have to get it serviced at 600 miles. Just have them check everything out that you are worried about. They should take it out for a test ride when they are done and will be able to tell if any serious damage was done but It will probably be just fine. Now go to a parking lot and practise paractise practise.

Jim
 
Thanks guys. I'll ignore the remark about reading the manual, since I've been reading it every spare moment I have. But most of you guys are keeping me positive, and I realize it'll just take me plenty of practice. Just hope the bike can take a beginners abuse. I think I've been kind of tapping the gearshift gently and it hasn't been changing. I guess I have to be a bit more forceful. I can't practice every day but maybe every other day. Sooner or later, I'll get it. I plan on giving it my best. One good thing I can say is that I haven't dropped the bike yet, Knock on wood....thanks again people for giving me a boost!
Stanley
 
Fellas....I'm getting it now! It feels good to ride that bike, man. I love the bike....when you start shifting correctly and not worrying too much, riding is BIG fun. I am starting to know what gear I'm in by the sound of the engine. As you guys were telling me, it's all about practice. Love it, man, just love it. I'm still lugging the engine at times but much less than before. I just hope I don't have permanent damage from screwing it up. I noticed twice today while riding....a sound like a fan or airconditioner turning on.....is that the air cleaner? Of course it doesn't have AC....but it sounds like a blower.....anybody have that? I looked in the manual and didn't see anything but the aircleaner that may be making the sound but I don't think there is a fan in there, is it? Thanks
Stanley
 
Stanley,
That blower sound is the radiator fan pulling air thru...
You'll hear that cycling on and off while cruising, take a close look between the radiator and forward "jug" or cylinder, you'll see it.

Sounds like you're a bit excited about riding!!

Cool deal!

jim
 
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