so, I picked up my 1999 750 today.. I took it down the 800 foot driveway a few times.. Then decided to try the road to the corner... its a non traveled country road.. I was going 10 mph, and caught a small (12"x12") patch of snow... well, I guess the bike didn't like it and promptly slid out from under me. I scraped my knee, but the bike never hit the pavement. I was able to turn the handle bars before it fell and the bike rested on my knee and the tire...
So I learned somethings that I think will make you veterans laugh...

1). Don;t drive on snow.
2). PPE is not cool, but necessary
3). falling takes skill and knowing what to is important
4). Laugh at yourself for being stupid and learn from your stupidity, but also others'.
5). always be able to handle your bike before trying something new.

It brought 'reality' to a 20 year old, "Yep, I can get hurt".

I am glad I took the fall and that what happened happened.. I learned why i need padded protection and not just abrasion... AND I got educated in a way that didn't hurt me seriously or the bike at all...

Hehe..you'l find that ice, snow, gravel, etc.. does not mix too good with two wheels, most importantly those that are HEAVY LOL. I might suggest a safety course and alot of practice, and wait till it warms up just a bit for the ice and snow to melt.
Remember to stay safe out there and have alot of fun! Thanx for the laugh, I've had a rough week so that made me smile :) Glad you and the bike are Ok!

As far as I'm concerned, ya ain't anywhere near an experienced biker till you've fell. As ya said - the young mind needs a reminder that ya can get hurt ;-)

Driving in snow... it's an art form... err.. it's sheer luck when ya are dumb enough (like me) to ride in it and don't fall.

Glad to hear that you and the bike are OK. Such things definitely make us more cautious.

6. it's hard to look cool with a 500+ pound bike laying on your leg

haha- yep..no one was on the road. so I got lucky there...

It aint easy finding snow chains for a motorcycle. Glad you and the bike are ok.