AJ

Hey everyone! Thought it’d be fun to start a nostalgia thread - what was your first bike? Doesn’t matter if it was a hand-me-down, a cheap starter, or your dream machine - we all remember that first taste of freedom on two wheels. Tell us: What was your first ride? How old were you when you got it? Any memorable stories or “learning moments”? And if you’ve got a pic, even better - let’s see it! I’ll start: My first bike was a Benelli TNT 135. It wasn’t the first bike I ever rode, but it was the first one I actually owned. I started out on dirt bikes, so hitting the road was a whole new experience for me. I’m a bit of a late starter - I didn’t get into road riding until I was 35 (better late than never, right?). My best mate finally talked me into getting my bike license, and I’ve been hooked ever since. After a few months on the Benelli, I upgraded to a CB650R once I started feeling more confident on the road - and honestly, I’ve never looked back. So, let’s hear it -what was your first love on two wheels?

Oh that really is a shame! Such a great looking bike. No doubt they will most likely release something different.

The answer is above.

Hey Riders! Want to support the Rider Shed community and earn store credit while you're at it? We’re pumped to introduce our Referral Program, designed to reward you for bringing more legends into the shed. Here’s how it works: Share your unique referral link with your mates When they sign up AND make a purchase from the store You’ll receive 5% store credit based on what they spend – added directly to your account! Example: Your mate spends $100 on gear → You get $5 in credit to use on anything in the shop. No limits. No gimmicks. Just rewards for growing the crew. Get your referral link here: https://ridershed.com.au/settings/referrals/ Let your mates know – and let the rewards roll in. – The Rider Shed Team View full article

Hey everyone, We wanted to share a recent incident reported by NSW Police to highlight the importance of understanding — and respecting — speed limits, especially for provisional riders. A provisional rider was caught speeding at 203 km/h in the Murrumbidgee region. The rider was stopped, admitted he didn’t realize his speed, and received a fine of $2,959, 12 demerit points (double demerits), an immediate 6-month licence suspension, and had his plates confiscated for 3 months. For newer riders (and all of us, really!), this is a critical reminder: Know your speed limits. P1 riders in NSW are limited to 90 km/h regardless of the posted limit. Going over that — especially by more than 45 km/h — carries severe penalties and real safety risks. Respect your bike’s power. Even mid-range bikes like the Ninja 650 can easily exceed safe speeds. Learning throttle control and situational awareness is vital. Be aware of your surroundings. Stationary speed enforcement (like this) is in place to keep all road users safe. Excessive speed puts everyone — including yourself — at risk. Your licence is precious. As a provisional rider, building your skills and experience safely should be your priority. Losing your licence early on can delay your progression and limit your riding opportunities. Let’s all ride smart and support each other in staying safe and legal on the roads. If anyone has questions about speed limits, licensing, or safe riding tips, please feel free to ask — we’re all here to help each other out. Ride safe, everyone!

Hey Batkwaka! Welcome aboard! Great to have you here. Thanks for taking the time to say hello — every bit of input helps make this community better for all of us. Looking forward to your occasional posts and any riding tales you’d like to share.

Hey mate, Welcome to the community! That’s an awesome background—reviewing cars and bikes sounds like a dream gig, especially when you get to share those experiences with others. It’s always interesting to hear a journo’s take on learner riding and gear—feel free to drop links to your articles or share your top tips here! Hope you’re back on a bike soon—nothing beats the freedom of two wheels.

We all have our favourite lid! Which helmet brand do you trust most on your rides? Vote below and let’s see who’s on top!

Hey everyone, I thought I’d start a thread on something we all deal with—cleaning and maintaining our chains. A well-kept chain means better performance, less wear on your sprockets, and, let’s be honest, it just looks better! Here are a couple of popular methods I’ve come across—keen to hear what everyone else uses too: Method 1: Dedicated Chain Cleaner & Brush Spray on a chain-specific cleaner (e.g. Motul, Maxima, or Muc-Off). Let it soak for a few minutes to break down the grime. Scrub gently with a chain brush or old toothbrush. Rinse lightly (if using a hose, keep the pressure low). Dry thoroughly before applying fresh lube. Method 2: Kerosene or Paraffin Bath Use a small container with kerosene or paraffin (some swear by this!). Dip a brush or rag and clean each section. Wipe off excess and let it dry. Follow up with your preferred chain lube. Tips: Always cover or protect your rear tyre and brake disc from overspray. Avoid using high-pressure water—can force water into O-rings. Don’t forget to lubricate after cleaning. Some riders also swear by WD-40 (as a cleaner, not a lube), while others avoid it. What’s your go-to method? Do you use a special product, or just household kerosene? Any must-have brushes or chain lubes you’d recommend? Let’s keep those chains clean and those wheels turning!