Take a course. It could save your life. IMO, people tend to buy too much bike to learn on. Start slow and work your way up. Yeah, it costs more to keep switching bikes (i.e more experience=more power), but think about all the fun you'll have looking for your next bike! Learning to ride in the dirt helps too (less chance of hitting someone else if you mess up).

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'06 X5 4.8is, TiAg/black, cold weather pkg., comfort seats
'07 750Li, TiAg/black, sport pkg.
'05 Ford F350 silver met./slate gray, Lariat, 6.0 PSD, CC, DRW, FX4