Riding A Motorcycle

[Robert Riley]

How do y'all start riding? I'd like to get started, idk where to start, so I signed up for a safety course through my local university. Idk how you can learn to pass the test without a license, same as a car?

[SirSnookalot]

My first bike was in 1963, a 250 Yamaha big bear scrambler, at the time you just got on it and learned on your own.  I graduated from that bike pretty quick, the hot bikes of the day were English Trumph's & BSA's, my favorite was Norton Matchless.  My fastest was my Kawi 500, my last bike in 1971, haven't ridden since.

There was just something about those old sportsters, sore leg and all from kicking it over.  At that time not a very well made bike, but they were something special.

[mrmacwvu1]

Just remember there are two types of motercycle riders, ones that have crashed and ones who will. Too many idiots on the road for me to be out there riding.

[Senko lover]

Get a bike like Raider's.

[slonezp]

How did I start? I bought a bike and taught myself. Rode for years and never had a license to do so. I gave up riding close to 20 years ago. A few people around me had lost their lives over the course of a few years, a close call for me, and I was done. I always said if I ever moved out of a major metropolitan area I'd get another bike. Never moved. I'll stick with my boat for now

[fishinfiend]

Just remember there are two types of motercycle riders, ones that have crashed and ones who will. Too many idiots on the road for me to be out there riding.

 

 

Yep, I'd love to have one but never will

[Al Wolbach]

I started riding dirt bikes in the sixties and glad I did that first but you are starting the correct way. A motorcycle safety course is a must in my opinion. You will learn a lot of things that you may overlook if learning on your on. Pay attention to the blind spot training, this will prevent you from becoming a statistic. I have two Harleys now and ride about 5K-10K miles a year. It is rare to go on a ride that I don't have to take evasive action to prevent being in an accident. Most of the time motorist just don't see you, so be prepared to maneuver. Always be aware of your surroundings in order to safely evade a dog, cat, car or anything unexpected, because it will happen. You can't prevent it but you can prepare for it. loud mufflers save lives. This is offensive to some but the truth remains, they may hear you when they can't see you. This is especially true on multi lane roads. I will be 68 years old in a couple of months and ride better/safer now than any time in my life. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm preaching, I don't mean to, just want you to learn in that course. A decision to ride a motorcycle is a big one and should not be made without serious thought, but it's a blast, if done safely. Good luck and be safe........Al

[ThatZX14Fella]

I learned on a XR70 when I was eight with my dad riding on the back. After a few laps around the yard he let me go. I wish I could get another bike so I could start racing again, but I don't want to sell my quad to get one.

[retiredbosn]

My first street bike was a Honda ACE Tourer 800 lbs and 1100cc's. Not the best choice to learn on, the motorcycle road test generally comprises of weaving thru cones, a right turn and a 20mph lock up skid. I used a buddies street and trail to pass the test on, easy on it, it wasn't so easy on my touring bike. Bikes today are no where near as powerful as in the past, I would recommend taking the course, most places supply the bike, then depending on the style of riding u want to do pick your bike. If you like the crotch rocket stay around 600cc max for your first one and buy used, you'll likely be selling it in a couple years for a bigger one. If you like cruisers stay under 1000cc and under 600lbs. Again buy used you will want to up size soon. I really enjoy riding and miss it, maybe I'll have another one someday.

[F14A-B]

Under the circumstances, sounds like your on the right path.. I learned on my Suzuki RM 125.. After that a Honda CBR I bought a Harley in Jax, Fl and a year later it was stolen, that sucked..

I bought another years later, & sold mine after my brother was killed on his in 2006. I loved riding & have thought about buying again, soo maybe a new Goldwing? Or a new or lightly used Harley! Maybe..

[retiredbosn]

I loved riding & have thought about buying again, soo maybe a new Goldwing? Or a new or lightly used Harley! Maybe..

As a previous Goldwing owner, not the newest style the last type before the current 1800, unless they're vastly improved in suspension, they're about as fun to ride as a couch. Complete yawn fest and I'm a cruiser guy! I've owned Harley, Honda, Kawasaki and a Yammy, all cruisers except the Goldwing and a street trail KLR.

[Al Wolbach]

How do y'all start riding? I'd like to get started, idk where to start, so I signed up for a safety course through my local university. Idk how you can learn to pass the test without a license, same as a car?

You ask about the test and I overlooked it, sorry. The test will vary from state to state but in Tennessee this is the law unless changed in the last year or so. If you take an approved safety course you do not have to take a written test and I'm sure a university course would qualify. If you have a drivers license you have, I believe, a year after getting a bike to take the test. Anyway a long time. After you take the written test you must schedule a road test and it may take 6 months to get the road test. The road test is really a bike inspection. The bike inspection took a few minutes, the road test was about 15 seconds, lol. Literally ride to the stop sign and back. I did not have a motorcycle endorsement on my license for decades until my insurance agent suggested I obtain one soon,lol. So I have had one for about 4 years now and no one has asked to see it. Again this is Tennessee law and you are in the wrong color state so it is probably much more complicated......Good Luck, Al

[Robert Riley]

Thanks guys. I put my deposit in today, and I'll take the class in about two weeks. Looking to get any bike for cheap at this point. Want all the confidence before I invest. 

[Fishing Rhino]

Here's a good starter bike for you.

 

[Siebert Outdoors]

A safety course is a must.  Al pretty much summed it up.  Riding has made me a more aware driver even in my truck.  Most wrecks around here if you get the full details the guy on the bike was doing something he/she should not have.  Mostly speeding or blowing through intersections.  With that said I always ride with the knowing that any car I see at an intersection may not stop even if you have a green light.  I always wait until all cars have stopped in the lanes that were moving before I go.  Always know your exit paths.  Most of my close calls have been from kids texting.  IMO texters are as bad as drunk drivers.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I know in PA, at the end of the class you actually take the test on one of their bikes and you get your license if you pass. I took that option just in case I had a mishap, I wasn't dinging up my own equipment.

 

I think the class is definitely worthwhile. There was a classroom component and a practical component. Both had merit and I learned great stuff from each.

 

Good luck. I've been riding for 14 years. My 3 year old has definitely curbed me some but I still enjoy getting out when I can.

[DogBone_384]

I took my brother's '86 Ninja 600 for a ride one afternoon and that was it.  I immediately bought a Suzuki Katana 600 and rode it year round until I wrecked it.  In '95 I bought a RF900 from the dealer my 600 came from.  I still have it, and it looks almost new with 36,000+ on it.  

 

A few years ago I bought a TL1000S in the same factory color as my RF.  They're both covered in my heated garage when not in use.  They're also going up for sale this year because it's time for the BMW K1300S I want.

 

As far as getting started, look for a Motorcycle Safety Course in your area and take their class, if offered. In MA, they offer weekend classes with 250CC bikes and classroom time.  If you pass the course, you go to the registry and pick up your license.

 

When you're ready to buy, get something used, that you like, and can handle.  I've been riding almost 30 years and have some track time, and don't recommend ANY 1000CC bikes for beginners.  

 

Bottom line is riding is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

[slonezp]

I know in PA, at the end of the class you actually take the test on one of their bikes and you get your license if you pass. I took that option just in case I had a mishap, I wasn't dinging up my own equipment.

 

I think the class is definitely worthwhile. There was a classroom component and a practical component. Both had merit and I learned great stuff from each.

 

Good luck. I've been riding for 14 years. My 3 year old has definitely curbed me some but I still enjoy getting out when I can.

You brought up your son. My son would sit on the bikes and go to the bike shows but as soon as the motor would fire up, he was done. One day, I show up at his school when he was in kindergarten or first grade to pick him up. He asked me where the car was. I told him it was at home and if he wanted to go home, he would need to get on the back of the bike, and I gave him a pair of sunglasses. This was probably not the brightest thing to do but hindsight is 20/20. He was hooked and he wanted to go out riding every chance he could.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Take the safety course then go buy a Harley. Stay away from those crappy Japanese bikes. Seriously though. Find what YOU are most comfortable on. Everyone likes different bikes. It all boils down to what you feel the most comfortable sitting on and the type of riding you intend to do. Don't get a touring bike if your just going around town. Don't get a Dyna or smaller bike if you are planning on packing a passenger and goings touring. Along those lines. Don't get a Harley, Night Rod excluded, and expect to be weaving in and out of traffic and flying around at 100 plus mph.

Always keep in mind that its not a question of if you lay it down or wreck, but when. Your abilities and instincts can lessen the damage that is done when it happens.

Ger comfortable riding by yourself before you start packing a passenger. The dynamics completely change when a second person is on the bike with you. It generally takes 2 to 3 months, depending on how much you ride.

Pay attention to your surrondings. 3 car lengths ahead and to both sides of you. People will come over on you like you are not even there. Don't matter how loud your pipes are. Cagers (car drivers) are stupid and don't pay attention to anything.

Don't be afraid of a little speed. Your bike much like a gyroscope is more stable at higher speeds. Within a certain limit. In no way am I saying fly around like a bat out of hell. The sweet spot on my Dyna was 65 to 70. The sweet spot on my Ultra Limited is closer to 70 Or 75. That's when you have the best control and manuverability.

Don't buy a touring bike for your first ride. My bike, a 2012 Ultra Limited, is 1150 pounds empty. If you lay it down you had better be able to pick it back up. My first bike that I owned was a 2013 Dyna Wide Glide. She had a 103CI motor and weighed around 750lbs. Its the bike in my profile picture. She would absolutely fly. I traded up to a touring model, cause my old lady hated the back of that bike. That and the fact I mayyyyyyyyyy have been going faster then I should and doing some things I definitely shouldn't have been.

Always keep a healthy respect for your bike and yourself the bike is an extension of you. Don't abuse it and she will take care of you.

Most importantly. Have fun. You will be uncomfortable and nervous the first couple times you ride. It passes with time and experience.

If I can be of any help in regards to questions or bikes in general feel free to Message me or ask on here.