First 1/4 mile tips for new rider?

[Stig / Major Tom]

Hello folks,
OK, have helmet and stuff on the way now.....sitting on this new LX Like 200i I find myself a little nervous. It has been 40+ yrs since I've been on a motorcycle. My permit is in my pocket - and the rider's course is scheduled in several weeks. But I'd surely like to ride this baby to work before then. City streets, 35MPH max, 3 miles.
Anyone else real nervous  before their first go?
Sure would appreciate some riding tips for beginners.  !!
Thanks........

[Vivo]

I won't say nervous... super excited is more like it....  just relax...and ride safe   

[kriden]

It's like riding a bike...(sorry, bad pun).  Actually, the scoot is very easy to ride and well balanced.  Common sense and your "gut feeling" will kick in for sure regardless if you rode 40 years or 4 mins ago.  Don't rule out 30-60 min in an empty parking lot.  Get used to the brakes and how/when they grab etc.  Run some slow speed turns etc and don't forget YouTube.  There must be tons of short tips/videos to check out.  You will be fine.  Congrats and good luck. 

[MaryK]

Do NOT use riding to work as the 1st session on your scooter...
Do some practice on low-traffic streets and parking lots first.
And don't be in a hurry or need to get somewhere on time.

Do you have all of your safety gear?
boots, jacket, gloves & helmet ?  We also wear Kevlar-lined jeans.
On my 1st rides, I wore mesh overpants with armor. 
Perhaps overkill, but I walked away from my 1st 2 bike drops.

Use some of the time to get used to the safety gear... If the boots and gloves are new, they may need to be
broken in around the house.  And you can wear your helmet, too; and freak out the neighbors.
Shouting voom! voom!  is optional.

scoot safely,

[donandrews]

Congrats! You have picked a great scoot. Have had mind for about 1700 miles and loving every one of them. Tips? As the others have written, safety is first. 'Nuf said about that. Best advice I got out of the training for my permit in two sentences....(1) Assume you are invisible.  (2)You will steer where you look.
Ride safe and may the scooter gods be with you!

[tclhb]

Those tips are huge donandrews. I'll add something to look out for also. Oncoming cars making a left turn right in front of you. That is the most common motorcycle accident. Of course that is your #1, assume you are invisible.

[donandrews]

Good tip tclhb-and one that, unfortunately, we will all have to use someday if we ride long enough. One of my favorites that I have had to use twice this spring already. Dog coming out of his yard to cut you off in the street. Slow way down. He will change his trajectory to coincide with yours. Then speed up. He can't change his trajectory fast enough and speed up enough to catch you. He will be left in your dust. Works every time! 

[Vivo]

When a ball rolls out the street..... assume there's a child following it....