1337haxor

Hey,
I recently started to think about other modes of transportation and motorcycles came to mind. Now I probably won't get a motorcycle for awhile, but what can I do the get ready? Honestly I haven't riden a bicycle for a few years now, but I'm sure I can handle a bicycle. Should I start to ride my bicycle around the neighborhood instead of my car for short trips? Also my dad has an old scooter/motorcycle thing he has never used. Should I get that back into working order and drive that around? I'd have to get it re-registered though since it's registration and tags have expired. It's only for street use and not highway.
Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert

BooRadley

The easiest way (and risk free) way to get into motorcycling is take the motorcycle safety foundations beginner riding class

It is a 3 day class, they provide motorcycles and helmets. Runs anywhere from free-$250, with 90% of locations being under $150. You can find out whether you like motorcycling, or are terrified of it at the class, risk free.

If you end up passing ( which 98% of people do ), you usually will get insurance discounts and maybe even your states liscense.

You can find out more at

Motorcycle Safety Foundation


Also, check out

Beginner Bikes

for first bike suggestions.

Rabelais

The safety course is the very best way to learn how to use a motorcycle. They provide the bikes (mainly 125cc, pretty small) and the helmets. The classes are pretty fun, with plenty of real skills.

WarWagon

Absolutely, take the training/safety course. Depending where you're located, they can help tremendously in getting your bike license, too.

Oh, it will typically cut back in insurance costs, too.

Rabelais

Yeah, forgot to mention that... When you take the course, all you have to do is take the certificate to the DMV for the motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license.

silenced

Here in Upstate NY, the cost of the course is $320. I looked at it last year in hope of taking it, but that was a little high priced at the time, since i was unemployed. But I plan to take it at some point. Some information that was sent to me, which might be useful, it is NYS but it might be similiar in other states.

hope this helps a little bit.

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1337haxor

Thanks everyone!,
I will look into taking this course over the summer

-Robert

merkerguitars

I also second the course.......when I took it I was riding for 4 years already......I learned ALOT!.....plus its very very fun

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BooRadley

Here in Kentucky, you don't have to have a permit, and it costs $90-100 , depending on location. Worth every penny in insurance savings alone.

BooRadley

This is not a double post... I wanted to point out an additional ( and unrelated thing)

IMO , a bicycle has nothing to do with riding a motorcycle, provided you have ridden a bicycle before. If you haven't ridden a bicycle, a motorcycle might be a problem with low speed balancing.
But... you don't have to balance a motorcycle nearly as much as they gain stability with speed. To get ready to ride , basically, take the beginners class, and read up at the forums on beginnerbikes. That will help you the most.

I hear "A twist of the Wrist" and "Proficent Motorcycling" by Keith Code are good books to read, but personally haven't read them.

About your dads bike/scooter... if you don't know much about mechanics, I wouldn't mess with it. In fact, I would venture to say just leave it where it is and get a newer bike.

I say this because old bikes are nice, but they have gremlins which can show up seemingly out of nowhere. Some are harmless, like lights going out, but there can be things alot more dangerous happen...

Of course, my view is biased, as my first bike (and only bike, currently) is a 1974 Suzuki TS400 dual-sport.

You need to focus on riding, not finding parts for an ancient motorcycle.

Kurant

In Alaska you have to take the Saftey Course to get your license. You can't recieve it without it.

It's a cool class. I don't have a bike anymore, but when I did, it was fun times.

PDOUBLEOP

I agree with the course. Please don't make the common mistake of buying a big-bore sport bike right off the bat. It takes years of practice to even half-way know what you're doing on a motorcycle. I own one. Trust me, they're dangerous as hell.

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Vaultboy

I was considering buying a bike. Nothing fancy. I was eyeing a Cagiva 125 Mito. My supervisor owns a Aprilla. Fast as hell. He advised against a sport bike. Told me to get a naked bike to learn on. Something thats cheap (to fix if it falls) and robust. Said I should only consider a sport bike after a year or so. Best damn advice he ever gave me.

I agree with PDOUBLEOP. Get something else first. Move on to sport bikes later.

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Rand007

I agree with the MSF course suggestion, you'll learn a lot and come out feeling much more comfortable on a bike. 'Twist of the Wrist II' by Keith Code is the book I'd recommend. It has quite a bit of track focus, but it teaches you techniques that are very applicable on the street as well, including some great mental techniques to improve your riding. Also, you will drop the bike, it is inevitable. I would suggest buying a used naked bike to start off with and install frame sliders. Have fun, riding is incredible, there is no car that can give you the rush and excitement you get from riding.

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THGL

Whatever you do, always wear your helmet, please. I lost my best friend of 30 years to a steel mailbox pole a couple of years ago.

The feeling of "the wind in your hair" really isn't worth it, IMO.

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1337haxor

Sorry to hear about your friend
I plan on wearing my helmet at all times. I am the type that won't move my car until all my passengers have their seatbelts on.

-robert