So those two wheeled things...

[Doc45]

Also remember there are two kinds of riders-those that have crashed and those that will. I'm also a strong believer in a used/beater first bike. Having all the gear has saved my life and allowed me to enjoy life and keep riding.

From ages 12-18 I raced moto x and flat track. Transitioned to the street at 18 (41 years ago). I still take classes for riding as well as shooting. I also feel like a kid again every time I get on the bike.

[TheSparkens]

I have ridden for a very long time and every summer I find time to do a refresher riding course. They will teach you things about your bike, and break bad habits that you will no doubt fall into. I ride a GL1800 Goldwing and treat it like a sports bike at times. ATGATT baby. All the gear all the time. I ride across country and have never needed to remove any riding gear. I was a Paramedic for about 8 years and can tell you in a lower speed accident the gear will save your life. Be sure you can afford the correct clothing if you get the bike. Be sure everyone knows your wishes if you decide not to were a helmet.

[buffalobo]

MSF course for sure. I taught the course for 6 years and the principles are sound even though the classroom stuff is very basic. Trust and respect whatever bike you get.
if your interested in reading something, Keith Code's , A Twist of the Wrist II is a great book. His first book and video is a waste though.

This^^^^

+ a ton for Keith Codes book. Have had it for many years and read it several times.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[TheGrey]

IMO for a specific bike, check out the forums geared towards that type mc & riding. I like the look, but like a gun it's what you like and feel comfortable with that matters.

Thank you! I'll do that. I was hoping there was someone on here that had tried one.

[TFOGGER]

Gimme a call, I can get some amazing deals for you on gear, especially if you're not average sized.

TFOG Wheelsports 303-216-2400

Jim

Edit to add: SV650 is a great choice for first bike, as is the Kawasaki EX500/EX650, Honda CB500F, Yamaha FZ6. I'd recommend something with minimal bodywork, both from an insurance standpoint and for minimizing damage in the event of a low speed oops.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thats not bad advice. Pretty much how I did it. Rode dirt for years before I decided I wanted a street bike. There are things you learn on the dirt that make transitioning to the street easy.

Like what, flipping a jackrabbit off?

[Jim B]

Like what, flipping a jackrabbit off?

Like learning to keep the bike upright in less-than-ideal conditions. Like learning the limits of traction without sliding under an 18-wheeler.

[ruthabagah]

Lots a good advice from good people!

Just wanna add mine: don't be cheap with your safety equipments. One day they will save your life. And, wear a helmet, all the time.

[Great-Kazoo]

Like learning to keep the bike upright in less-than-ideal conditions. Like learning the limits of traction without sliding under an 18-wheeler.

The dirt will not save you from some dick too busy with their hair, texting or yelling at the kids. Or save you when a car full of kids blows the stop sign thinking it's funny they cut you off, while sliding to a stop. Until you catch them 2 lights later.
OR save you when you get rear ended at a light or stop sign.
NOTHING WILL SAVE YOU from the unexpected, Nothing. However having as much training as you can get is a good idea.
Some people don't have access to off road riding or the budget to do so. I learned my life saving techniques in NYC riding, on a left hand shift no front brake mc.

Honestly IF i could ride again, i wouldn't. Not along CO's front range anyway. These drivers are insane, entitled don't give a fuk soccer moms.
Some even have the ovaries to look straight at you as they blow through the stop sign, light, or right of way. Like they're the only ones who deserve to be on the road. Everyone else is just an inconvenience to their daily routine. Forget 25.

Lots a good advice from good people!

Just wanna add mine: don't be cheap with your safety equipments. One day they will save your life. And, wear a helmet, all the time.

That's a personal choice and not the law in CO. I did not wear a helmet till the last few years of riding, after increased traffic AND cell phones, took peoples eyes off the road. That and i liked to split lanes at higher then suggested speeds. Having that buffer of protection was nice. Again a personal choice as an adult you must make.

[PugnacAutMortem]

I'll throw my 2 cents into the ring on this one...

I learned to ride on a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 450. Since learning how to ride I've rode my Dad's 1800VTX and and my Mom's 1100 touring something or other and I have enjoyed riding WAY more on the Nighthawk. It's just a fun little bike, easy to ride, easy to control. You can cruise around town on it easy and if you need to get on the highway it will do 65 no sweat (and I'm 285lbs so it probably could go 75 with a normal sized person). It makes me sad because that Nighthawk is in many pieces in my garage because of an ill-timed restoration so I can't even ride it anymore...

But others have given the perfect advice. Get good training, ride what you're comfortable on. Who cares if it's a sports bike or a cruiser or a touring or an endura. As long as you enjoy riding it and can do it safely then that's all that matters.

Oh and one last thing...probably the most important piece of advice...DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT ever forget to wave at EVERY passing motorcycle.