Girl rider in Johannesburg, South Africa

[Crow]

Hey everyone, I'm brand-new to riding, but SO glad my first bike is a CBR 250R (black - woohoo).

I'm 31, live in Johannesburg, South Africa, where most people have told me I *will* die on the road if I ride a bike. So I guess my adventure into riding has to do with getting over plenty of life-long fears and being willing to try anything to learn life's lessons and not be confined by my fears (I don't have a fear of death... more like a fear of not being perfect. Riding is helping me to not be afraid of making mistakes).

I'm a freelance writer, true animal lover (yes, vegetarian), don't have (nor want) kids, and have an absolutely amazing life that I'm so grateful for.

I'm hoping to connect with other CBR 250R ladies out there - beginners and experienced riders - but will definitely take constructive feedback and advice from the boys too

I'm loving Instagram at the moment, so will post pics when I can.

~,v,~ Crow

[CBRockers]

Welcome to the forum. I'm new too riding too.

Lots of good advice on here...you'll learn who to listen to (and who not)

The CBR250 is a great bike. Have fun, take care.

...oh, and I've been told that I WILL die on the roads here in Las Vegas too.

We shall see.

If you need any beginner thoughts, let me know and I'll gladly tell you any initial problems I had...or continue to have.

Sent from my Desire HD using Motorcycle.com Free App

[Ibex250R]

Welcome to the Lifestyle!

[sac]

Show us your bike!

[Crow]

Originally Posted by sac

Show us your bike!

Hope this works... I've attached them.

[Crow]

Originally Posted by CBRockers

If you need any beginner thoughts, let me know and I'll gladly tell you any initial problems I had...or continue to have.

Thanks for this. I think the biggest, all-consuming thought at the moment is "What if..."
What if that minibus taxi doesn't see me? What if I can't stop in time? etc. etc. In South Africa, taxis are the scourge of our roads, but it doesn't help to blame. Bikers KNOW that taxi drivers don't look or indicate before they change lanes, so we have to be super-vigilant, but I guess it's like that anywhere.

And yet... despite the very obvious fear, when I'm on the bike and opening up that throttle, it's the most natural place in the world to be.

What are your main issues?

[Michael]

Motorcycling hasn't killed or maimed me in more than 45 years of doing it, and I'm no ATGATT zealot. Small, economical motorcycles have allowed me a lot more living than I would have had if I was slave to paying for and running a even a small car.... or a large motorcycle.

Don't let the naysayers bother you, keep your wits about you, and enjoy the ride.

[TheoR]

Always nice to hear from people in exotic locales, and South Africa sounds pretty exotic to me.

I think taxi drivers are pretty much the same in any country, but what's the road condition like in your neck of the woods.

There are certainly risks involved in riding, but as you say, as long as your're vigilant, a lot of the risks can be mitigated.

[LangoPTC]

Welcome from a fellow noob! I've had my bike about a month and a half and put about 600 miles on it so far. My advice for all noobs would be to find an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice. Practice starts (straight, left turn, right turn) , practice stops, practice cornering, practice swerves, practice S's (tennis balls cut in half work well), practice panic stops - that's what I practiced today before I hit the streets -probably need to check the rear tire for flat spots..., practice slow speed manuevering. Once you get comfortable in the parking lot then hit the streets but don't forget to return to the parking lot on occasion.

Good luck and be safe!

[miltonch76]

Welcome aboard! My advise to you: No matter how slow or cautious you are. Sonner or later you will fall off the bike so the smartest thing you can do is wearing protective gear. Enjoy your ride!!!!