Motorcycle advice

[lakesailor]

Looking to make the plunge - I am a complete newbie to 'bikes but life is short and your never to old to learn something new. I expect this will be a multi-step process but any advice or suggestions for someone getting into motorbikes for the first time ?

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by lakesailor

Looking to make the plunge - I am a complete newbie to 'bikes but life is short and your never to old to learn something new. I expect this will be a multi-step process but any advice or suggestions for someone getting into motorbikes for the first time ?

Without a question, start here (an MSF course!)

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

[PHC1]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prR20YZtPGU&feature=share&list=TL1KSt-fZIB08]Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse Highlights - YouTube[/ame]

[Rayooo]

The 8 or so most important things are: (I'm assuming by your posting you are not an experienced rider)

Motorcycle safety training
Motorcycle safety training
Motorcycle safety training
Rider training
Rider training
Rider training
Rider training
Rider training

As you said, life is short, don't make it shorter by jumping on a motorcycle without the proper training.

Sorry, I've now come down off my soapbox.

PS I love motorcycles... Been riding since I was 10 or so.

[NOLG4EVR]

I absolutely agree with the previous posts. Take some training and practice, practice on a small bike, preferably in a very low traffic area.
I started riding nearly 30 years ago in my early 20's and did not do any of these things. My first bike was a Harley and bought it after riding my brother's Honda 3 times. I rode the Harley home with very little experience and learned on the fly. Didn't even get a motorcycle license for over 2 months.
I was young and stupid. I was also very LUCKY nothing bad happened. Close calls for sure, still get them.
Remember, cars do not see you. Ride defensively and pay attention to your surroundings. It will serve you well and make you a better driver as well.
Most of all ride safe and enjoy the wind in your face.

[lakesailor]

Thx for the comments and suggestions guys. I am definitely taking it very slowly and making every effort to start small and learn from experienced riders along the way. Greatly appreciate the advice.

[Rilands]

My 22 year old bought his first bike, an 800cc, a couple of months a go. He took the driving course. He has already been hit and wrecked his bike and luckily only had minor injuries. Damage was $2500.00 and a hurt leg.
Do your family a favor & skip this new hobby.

[jameslrock]

I have a Kawasaki Vulcan 800B Classic chromed out that is here in NC. Interested?

[radio times]

Location,location, location. I got knocked off twice on clear summer days in London. Goodbye M/bike. My insurance paid nearly twice the bikes value on the first one, so it had a silver lining. What saved my behind was the low speeds I was going, so stick to a 125cc machine if in an urban location. When you crash it won't crush your legs. I'd learned handling skills from cycling, so I have a nice memory of going to a gig in icy conditions one night and being the only m/bike on the road, with me learner stickers resplendent in the gloom.

Plus the traffic cops will be on your ass as regular as getting out of bed in the morning, so your provisional license will have a limited life. You really see the limits of democracy when you ride a m/bike in the city.

[bzr]

Originally Posted by lakesailor

Looking to make the plunge - I am a complete newbie to 'bikes but life is short and your never to old to learn something new. I expect this will be a multi-step process but any advice or suggestions for someone getting into motorbikes for the first time ?

If you really want to learn how to ride, get yourself an off-road dirt-bike & just ride the wheels off of it. Thats how all the good riders learn & I'm talking WSB riders & the MotoGp boys too. Look to books/dvd's like Twist Of The Wrist, Ian Ienatsch , Lee Parks, etc great skills shared that would take you decades to learn if ever. remember when you stop learning it's time to sell the bike, quickly....