Motorcycle beginer's tips?
 

Hi,I'm planning on investing in a motorcycle for commuting purpose and for fun of joyriding. I have just completed the MSF course recently and obtained my license; I think I've made the right choice in joining the ride. However I have some fears of the safety issues of being a motorcyclist. I want to enjoy the feeling of freedom on a bike but not to end up as a statistic in crashes.I want to hear comments, opinions, and tips from experienced and beginning riders nationwide about this hobby. I want to be sure and free of any doubts before I invest in a motorcycle. Please share your experience. Thank you

Don't fall off

It depends on what the main use will be for, travel or road trips, stunting, city use, or racing.-If you are going to be using it mostly for city use, stunting, or racing get a sport bike.(city and stunting under 1000cc)-If it is for travel/road trips, or city use you could buy a bigger street bike like a Harley.As for fears, don't be afraid to try something new, as long as you get proper equipment and take baby steps in skill you will not become a "statistic".A motorcycle is a fun and rewarding skill/hobby/lifestyle.Congrats on the decision.

Definitely ride defensively and watch cars. A lot of auto drivers don't pay a lot of attention to motorcycles. If you hit gravel on the road be extra cautious. It's like riding on marbles. Wet road is slippery and even more so just after it starts raining. Some rail road crossings are slippery. A sharp "U" curve can put you on the asphalt. Leather jackets and pants can be hot but they save a lot of road rash. Watch the kickstand (I started out one time with the kickstand down and wiped out a ditch line). If the rear tire happens to blow and it happened to me, it like riding on ice and the bike is nearly impossible to control, cleaned out another ditch line.

when i got my first bike about 3 yrs ago the first thing i did after i got the feel of it was i found a long, straight, flat, road with no traffic. i started at one end and just opened it up and got going as fast as i could. this was also a used bike. i wouldnt suggest doing this with a new bike thats not already broke in. man it was fun. i got up to 180 before i started slowing down. also if you do this then you cant be getting scared and freaking out because you need a clear head so you can react better.

Great decision. I am a rider for quite some time and enjoy it immensely. Certainly ride defensively, as if you are thinking for every other road user, but not inconfidently. Also know what you are capable of. You will develop your skills with time - don't rush it!The crash that hospitalised me happened early in my life. I didn't even see the car that hit me. Even afterwards. But I made the decision to always be aware of what is happening all around me, possible scenarios, possible 'way outs' and to be prepared to drop the bike if necessary to avoid a more dangerous event. It becomes second nature.I wish you well. Enjoy.

you've taken the safety course that's a good start first and probably one of the most important things is never ride beyond your ability's Honda says it best when they say stupid hurts start with a small bike Ive sen many accidents most of the time its to much bike for the rider 400 cc or less to start no racing bikes yet . yea they look cool but your not ready yet don't rush it .at least wait a year you should think about getting a dirt bike you really learn allot on a dirt bike what to do if you get into trouble you learn the bike as a three dimensional vehicle best way i can explain it since you haven't ridden one once you become proficient at riding in the dirt you will know what i mean stay off the freeway till your use to the bike if your on the freeway try to stay in pockets as far away from cars as you can Ive been ridding for allot of years and i still have close calls almost always its somebody doing something stupid you never eliminate the risk its always there every time you ride even if its just down the block allot of the times its just being in the wrong place at the wrong time there's allot to know more than can be said in a paragraph or two but i would say riding in the dirt increased my skill level more than anything Ive done on bikes and I have thirty years of riding bikes . enjoy riding but do know the risk as well

hey good choice i did it too first get gloves boots leather jacket and learners wheels it helps the first 4-5 000 miles !

Why are you sooo nervous about riding? Some part of you chose to take the MSF class, which was a very smart thing to do. Just remember what you learned in class and you;ll be fine. Don't drive over your limit and try to ride with other people cause you'll pick up more experience that way and have a lot fun at the same time. I'm on the east coast and ride all year round, only time I don't ride is when it's snowing or freezing rain and stuff like that. When you go and buy a ride test ride, that's all I can recommend before you buy and ask a lot of questions. Good luck and be safe.