[john z]

Read Keith Codes "A Twist of The Wrist", or at least watch the video on YouTube. It will get you thinking about body positioning as well as throttle control. He also goes in to the fears that new riders experience and how those fears will actually keep you from proper control of your machine. The video is a bit like 70's porn (cheesy dialog and a lot of hair) but the information is very good.
As a new rider, you will feel like you have reached the performance limits of the bike very quickly, and then someone will pass you on a twisty doing twice the speed that you are on the exact same bike because (s)he knows how to get their ass off the seat.
Do lots of parking lot practice. Most MSF places will let you use their course to practice as long as there aren't classes going on.
For rain/bad weather, it is all about SMOOOOTH. If you can wait it out, do so. Other drivers have a hard enough time getting their stuff down the road on a clear day. If you can't wait out the full storm, keep in mind that the road will be slickest in the first 10 minutes or so of a storm from all of the oils being pulled to the surface of the road. Modern tires are pretty darn good, but oil is meant to be slippery.
Please, Please PLEASE wear the gear. Remember what your knee looked like when you crashed your bicycle at 10mph as a kid? Crashes happen to experienced riders as well as noobs. Gear up and walk away from a little tumble.

 

[ducatiman]

Ducati, Honda, wet, dry, mechanical or hydraulic .....my point was not to conduct a "CLUTCH 101" class but to highlight the fact that *we adapt*.

Heck, 2 different EX's, set up to different owners preferences will have different "feels" and will require adapting and familiarization if riding back to back.

Often used phrase..."you never forget how to ride a bicycle". Though they may and do differ, our motor skills quickly allow us to adapt.

The best single thing the new rider/owner can do is get out there and experience miles on the bike. Safely stay within your limits.

 

[one_evil_monkey]

Sorry @ducatiman
I really glossed over OP’s stuff and I really did think he was asking about how to actualy adjust the EX’s cable clutch.
I know you weren’t wanting to go in to a lesson about dry or wet or hydraulic verus cable.

Again, sorry
O_E_M

 

[House_of_Dexter]

You're getting good advice...You control the bike with your clutch. It can never just take off, even if you accidentally roll the throttle while braking.

Parking Lot Practice(aka PLP). Practice braking(no faster than 30mph), cornering, slow speed take off...

Great web site https://www.msgroup.org/

 

[Conax]

I always run the engine in a lower RPM way (shift up a gear higher than I would when strafing the road) when it's raining. I actually avoid the rain like the plague but stuff happens and you find yourself out in it.
Just take it easy, sort of like driving a car on ice, only not so extreme. Just take it easy with the throttle and brakes.
I haven't seen anyone mention the hazards of brand new tires.. New tires can be greasy and treacherous the first 50 miles or so, watch out for that, too.
Just today I brought home my new to me EX500 with its brand new tires, in the rain.
The front end tried to wash out in a gentle curve. I corrected my clumsy technique right then I can tell you.
Unfamiliar bikes, new tires or rain all deserve respect.

 

[Hamburg]

Well done on getting started and the 500R is an excellent first bike, very small light and forgiving, some excellent advice above, as I live in a very busy city and a lot of my riding is at a walking pace through heavy traffic, my advice would be to find an empty car park and practice your low speed riding skills, riding at a steady walking pace by feathering the clutch and using very little throttle, tight U turns without putting your feet down and practice slow speed riding using just the rear brake to moderate your speed, this stops the front diving up and down.

Good luck!