Early Experiences of Motorcycling Freedom - Suzuki GN125 - New Rider's Journey

After a small crisis of confidence my son is back aboard his Suzuki GN125. With new tyres, new rear brake linings and freshly bled front brakes the little Suzuki is back to commuting duty. This is also the first time he's been recorded actually riding on the road - he got a kick out of watching himself and it was an excellent aid in debriefing when he got home later that evening. Considering he's been off the bike for a few weeks he rode well and I'm really pleased with how he is coming along - I've timestamped the video with a few observations (hopefully helpful for others) and things we talked about post ride but overall, issues were relatively minor and all things that can be addressed easily enough. Progress has definitely been made and although, as with all new road users, there is still plenty to learn, I'm proud of the way he is developing and the measured steps up in confidence but mostly happy to see the smile back on his face and the renewal of his enthusiasm for his bike and motorcycling in general. Please give him a boost with a thumbs up if you think he deserves it! 00:00 We leave town and hit the first stretch of national (60mph) speed limit 01:18 We catch up to a sluggish driver. My boy maintains a variable and safe following distance. Good job. 02:34 As the hazard clears a nice application of throttle to bring our speed back up. 02:52 Approach to roundabout handled well. "Looking to go, planning to stop". A position slightly more into the left & lack of shoulder check are the only minor points. 03:23 Nice smooth and decisive acceleration up to 50mph (still national limit). 03:54 This downhill stretch brings us into a 40mph zone & the bike gets away from him a little. 04:11 He recovers quickly and brings his speed back a notch for the left hander. 05:16 A very quick stop - just to caution him about his approach speeds and remind him how hills & gravity affect performance. 05:50 30mph here but after the "speed" chat he reverts to the opposite extreme but a quick horn toot helps him along once more. 06:19 We enter a 40mph but he holds at 30. However, when we reach the NSL he reacts & adds some speed. 06:38 A more dominant position would be preferable here - a slight temporary slip. Centre or just right of centre of lane is the common default for learners. 06:56 He handles this series of bends steadily and safely. The road surface is very poor in spots through here. 08:02 This is nice. Sensible control of speed through the junctions and looking into each of them. 09:12 Smartly back to 50mph after the crest. Good. 09:23 Minor mention - positioning not taking account of road surface, riding on the uneven trench in the middle of his lane. 10:44 I elect to take the lead for the next series of bends. Like most new riders, his nervousness at lean is a factor so speed must be matched to ability/confidence. 12:49 I put him back in the lead. 13:07 Awareness of hazards reflected in his choice of speed here. Good job. 14:08 Nice timely mirror checks & signal. Good choice to adopt his position for the turn after clearing the oncoming vehicle. 14:21 Nicely done - gets the view before committing to the turn. Albeit slightly late, a shoulder check too! 14:33 I pick up a following rider here and wave him by - my son admits he didn't see him coming so a good illustration of why constant rear observations are important. 14:57 Great that he is mindful of the two junctions to his left but spends too long on them instead of returning his attention to the bend and any possible oncoming threats. 15:55 The downhill 17% gradient presents a bit of an issue again in terms of gear selection and use of brakes which we address post ride. 18:13 Bit of an untidy moment - he had room but, as I told him, always better to be safe than sorry, although it left us briefly blocking the car's progress. 18:58 Where he chose to give way left me blocking the vehicle he ceded to. Be aware of what is occurring behind you - a few feet further, and this minor issue wouldn't have been one.