Quote:
Originally Posted by alpac
Thinking about what bike to start with before thinking about what training to get is kind of putting the cart before the horse. I would strongly strongly suggest to start with a good riding class. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) training are really good and they offer classes in every state. Here is the web site Motorcycle Safety Foundation They have basic and advanced classes. For the basic class they will provide the bike. Believe me you will learn a lot about riding a motorcycle and you will also learn about your own riding skills. After the class you will feel more comfortable at choosing what bike will suit you best. It is crucial that you get the right riding education before hitting the road on your own. It is a matter of life and death, as simple as that. When you are ready to ride on your own always assume that you are invisible to others because most of the time you are. Also always always wear good riding gear and of course a good helmet. Actually I just came back this afternoon from spending the week-end at the bike fest in Myrtle Beach SC. I could not believe how many "riders" were riding in sandals, tee shirts and without an helmet, yes without an helmet because on South Carolina wearing an helmet when riding a motorcycle is not mandatory. |
Well said, I couldn't agree more with most of what you said.
A couple of things I'd like to include are (as mentioned above) correct riding gear/equipment can't be talked up enough for mine. I speek from personal experience of having had an ambulance, yes a friggin siren blaring, lights flashing bloody great huge ambulance that forced me off the road whilst it was on route to an accident. Bugger me it actually caused an accident, mine. Those were the days (about 15+ yrs ago) when I used to ride my pride n joy, a BMW R100RT.
If I hadn't been wearing full leathers, good quality helmet, gloves, boots etc as I laid it down at around 40mph I'd probably only have half an ass from all the skin grafts that would've been needed. Instead I just got up, dusted myself off and walked away. Albeit very shaken and more than pissed off with the ambo driver after I saw my bike all bent up. I digress, sorry.
Mine was identical to this:http://lh6.ggpht.com/_l8786MjsgOM/R2cQ8COiejI/AAAAAAAAAeg/XiH-OQfKwAE/R+2v+parts+for+sale+020.jpg
Secondly I'd like to promote the worthyness of having a riding partner (on another bike), preferably, nay better than oneself. In essence someone to copy if you will, through street/city riding to highways and twisty mountain passes including in the rain. It's akin to learning one of many sports like skiing, surfing, karate etc. If you have someone better than you to copy/follow and you have half a brain, a good set of balls and the desire to practise & improve then improve you shall.
For the record all learner bike riders in Aust. can only ride up to 250cc size m/bikes for the first 12 months, that's for the bleeding obvious reasons. Practise first, follow your mate(s) around, get to know your limits/abilities, gain experience then buy a bigger bike like a thumping Harley, Ducati, BMW or Moto Guzzi.
GL with your future decision and riding days ahead.