Hey deedee,
Feel free to start a new post/thread if you have questions. I'm sure the mods won't mind.
When I began riding, I got in the habit of counting up my gears as I went up & keeping track as I went down again. When you get more familiar with your bike, you should be able to tell what gear you are in based on engine noise relative to your speed and/or the tach reading. As for stopping, you should learn this in the msf course: get in the habit of stepping down on the shifter a few times as you come to a stop (tap-tap-tap with maybe an extra 1 or 2 taps to be sure) to ensure you are in 1st when stopped. I don't recommend sitting in neutral at a stop cause you never know when you may need to move quickly (which also reminds me, keep an eye on your mirrors of what's coming up behind you). All good stuff though which the instructors should go over in the course.
Neutral - doesn't your Kawi have that positive neutral finder from 1st btw?
M-C messers...well I won't tell you what I Really want to do to them. But stay calm and don't let them put you of of your comfort zone by doing something you wouldn't normally do. Then when it's safe to do so, change lanes or pull over & let them pass if there isn't another lane. And of course if there is, keep an eye out cause the a$$wipe will likely swerve over & scream by you with honking and rude gestures as soon as he can. Just remember, some people are jerks no matter what so just be careful out there and hopefully it won't put you off riding. (By way of example, a guy that left turned into me - scary near miss - gave ME the finger...

)
P.S. - msf course next month? Lucky you! Next month (hope not but) may likely be the time I'll have to winterize my bike til next season
