Thank you sir, I will remember.
First time learning how to ride motorcycle
- Thread starter MetalSlug
- Start date
The class provide a motorcyle, only thing you need to bring your own is the helmet.
Yes sir.
Bud_One
Site Donor 2025
This right here... dirt is where I learned and it helped me become a better street rider. And always have your head on a swivel .
Ride like your invisible and ATGATT.
Note that riding around “on the streets” with intersections, stop signs, red lights, left turning idiots, and roundabouts etc …is quite a bit more hazardous than the “highway” for bike riders.
Motorcycle riding is 100% DEFENSIVE DRIVING! You are nothing but a scratched fender or speed bump to some 4 wheelers. It is ON YOU to avoid trouble no matter who has the right of way. It will make you a safer driver even when you get in your car.
Motorcycle riding is 100% DEFENSIVE DRIVING! You are nothing but a scratched fender or speed bump to some 4 wheelers. It is ON YOU to avoid trouble no matter who has the right of way. It will make you a safer driver even when you get in your car.
You are spot on been ridding bikes since around 1975 about 12 years ago I went with a Hi Viz Jacket it made a huge difference in close calls.
Keep your hand on the front brake lever. It does make a difference. I really enjoy ridding a bike.
I've ridden off and on for ~60 years. None of that is off road, learned on the mean streets of Cook County (Chicago) and southern Wi. Done a couple of coast to coast rides. Don't ride anymore because age and common sense has eclipsed my balance and reflexes.
Not sage advice to a novice, just a few observations from the (sometimes bitter) fruit of experience;
1. Start with a small displacement bike. Motorcycles are deceptively fast, agile and unforgiving of thoughtless inputs.
2. Wear sturdy PPG. Helmet-full face, jacket, jeans or better riding pants and boots. Boots will protect your feet and ankles which are very vulnerable and in an accident could maim you for life.
3. When riding stay within your comfort zone. If a situation seems dangerous it already is.
4. Crabs have their eyes on stalks and can pivot in all directions to see danger. If you want to ride a motorcycle be like a crab.
5. On a motorcycle you will become invisible. Accept it. The Australians have an expression 'SMIDSY' . Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You.
6. Remember, 'There are old riders and there are bold riders but there are no old, bold riders'.
Enjoy the ride!
Not sage advice to a novice, just a few observations from the (sometimes bitter) fruit of experience;
1. Start with a small displacement bike. Motorcycles are deceptively fast, agile and unforgiving of thoughtless inputs.
2. Wear sturdy PPG. Helmet-full face, jacket, jeans or better riding pants and boots. Boots will protect your feet and ankles which are very vulnerable and in an accident could maim you for life.
3. When riding stay within your comfort zone. If a situation seems dangerous it already is.
4. Crabs have their eyes on stalks and can pivot in all directions to see danger. If you want to ride a motorcycle be like a crab.
5. On a motorcycle you will become invisible. Accept it. The Australians have an expression 'SMIDSY' . Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You.
6. Remember, 'There are old riders and there are bold riders but there are no old, bold riders'.
Enjoy the ride!
Dirt bike first, as mentioned above. Ride the trails, dirt roads, hills, sand.
My age and health issues now negatively affect my riding. At about age 50, I no longer felt as "one" with the machine. And that feeling is where the magic lies. When one's confidence, skill level and reflexes bring about the feeling of man and machine working in perfect harmony.
I love flying, more than anything, but motorcycles will always be my first love. My idea of heaven is a 60HP dirt bike, ripping up the fast trails.
For a first bike, I'd suggest a capable dual sport or maybe even a supermoto. Sits up high, easy to ride, not too fast.
A cheesy old pic riding around the NY pine barrens in 1981, I was 17 or 18 there.
Moved on to much nicer bikes and some pretty serious racing.
My age and health issues now negatively affect my riding. At about age 50, I no longer felt as "one" with the machine. And that feeling is where the magic lies. When one's confidence, skill level and reflexes bring about the feeling of man and machine working in perfect harmony.
I love flying, more than anything, but motorcycles will always be my first love. My idea of heaven is a 60HP dirt bike, ripping up the fast trails.
For a first bike, I'd suggest a capable dual sport or maybe even a supermoto. Sits up high, easy to ride, not too fast.
A cheesy old pic riding around the NY pine barrens in 1981, I was 17 or 18 there.
Moved on to much nicer bikes and some pretty serious racing.
I started at the age of 6 on a dirtbike. Rode and raced dirtbikes for the next 10 years. Then got into streetbikes, but still have dirtbikes.
Dirtbikes are invaluable to learn about traction, and what to do, and not to do, when one or both tires are sliding around under you. As someone else mentioned, you want your response to be automatic, where you don't have to think about what to do.
Someone else mentioned the https://msf-usa.org/
I took the classes when I started riding on the street. Then later I was an instructor. Then still later helped teach advanced riding and roadracing classes. And also raced in a regional AMA racing series. No matter how much experience you have, you are always learning.
Riding on the street, ALWAYS assume other drivers will make the worst choice which could effect you. Such as is that car going to make a left turn in front of you? Always assume it will, and be ready to respond appropriately. Practice, practice, practice braking. You want to smoothly get to maximum braking, and maintain it until stopped. Smoothness is very important. Tires can take a lot of load, but it has to applied and released smoothly. Otherwise you overwhelm the tire contact patch with a shock load, which usually results in the bike hitting the ground.
I ALWAYS have two fingers on the front brake lever, ready to apply it hard but smoothly, if the unexpected happens.
Never listen to anyone who tells you to 'lay 'er down' to avoid any accident. Laying a bike down IS a crash, and happens because the rider lacks adequate bike control skills. Any bike will stop more quickly if it's still upright, and you're smoothly applying maximum braking.
The wife and I took the old hot rod for a two-up ride today. It was a brisk Fall day, but the leaves were spectacular with the snow-capped peaks.
Dirtbikes are invaluable to learn about traction, and what to do, and not to do, when one or both tires are sliding around under you. As someone else mentioned, you want your response to be automatic, where you don't have to think about what to do.
Someone else mentioned the https://msf-usa.org/
I took the classes when I started riding on the street. Then later I was an instructor. Then still later helped teach advanced riding and roadracing classes. And also raced in a regional AMA racing series. No matter how much experience you have, you are always learning.
Riding on the street, ALWAYS assume other drivers will make the worst choice which could effect you. Such as is that car going to make a left turn in front of you? Always assume it will, and be ready to respond appropriately. Practice, practice, practice braking. You want to smoothly get to maximum braking, and maintain it until stopped. Smoothness is very important. Tires can take a lot of load, but it has to applied and released smoothly. Otherwise you overwhelm the tire contact patch with a shock load, which usually results in the bike hitting the ground.
I ALWAYS have two fingers on the front brake lever, ready to apply it hard but smoothly, if the unexpected happens.
Never listen to anyone who tells you to 'lay 'er down' to avoid any accident. Laying a bike down IS a crash, and happens because the rider lacks adequate bike control skills. Any bike will stop more quickly if it's still upright, and you're smoothly applying maximum braking.
The wife and I took the old hot rod for a two-up ride today. It was a brisk Fall day, but the leaves were spectacular with the snow-capped peaks.
Everything above exactly nailed it 100%. I ride 5 out of seven days. Dirt bikes where I started. If you have any dirt experience . I will put you on a dyna and you will be fine. Just started my 20 year old 130 pound niece. Riding empty parking lots and empty business parks on weekends . In fact she is riding that 109 hp dyna in my name and pic. Her reward for graduating Honda training class in Colton ca.
Another long time rider here.
I don't ride much anymore, it's just too dangerous since I live in the city. A left turner got me in 2006, and my body has never been the same. Since then, I've focused on fixing and restoring bikes more than riding.
A couple of years ago, my son decided he wanted to learn to ride. He took a course, and got his license. Bought an MT07 Yamaha, and I had the pleasure of riding it home from 100 miles away. And let me tell you, I was seriously nervous! Once we got on the road, though, it all came back, and holy cow, that Yamaha is one heck of a nice bike!
My kid is very sensible. Got the best gear available. Rides very carefully. Every day, coming home from his commute, he was like a little kid; giddy, smiling, so so happy! Biking is just so much FUN! After riding a year, though, he came to the conclusion that it's just too dangerous, living in the city like we do. He sold his bike and has no regrets!
The registration is due on my bike, and I'm going to non-op it. Riding is a sport; either you do it regularly, practice, or you shouldn't be riding at all. It's not like playing bad golf because you don't practice. Bad riding can get you killed! Either you are all in, or don't do it at all. That's my view, anyway...
One of the various bikes I've restored...
P1030024 by nessism, on Flickr
I don't ride much anymore, it's just too dangerous since I live in the city. A left turner got me in 2006, and my body has never been the same. Since then, I've focused on fixing and restoring bikes more than riding.
A couple of years ago, my son decided he wanted to learn to ride. He took a course, and got his license. Bought an MT07 Yamaha, and I had the pleasure of riding it home from 100 miles away. And let me tell you, I was seriously nervous! Once we got on the road, though, it all came back, and holy cow, that Yamaha is one heck of a nice bike!
My kid is very sensible. Got the best gear available. Rides very carefully. Every day, coming home from his commute, he was like a little kid; giddy, smiling, so so happy! Biking is just so much FUN! After riding a year, though, he came to the conclusion that it's just too dangerous, living in the city like we do. He sold his bike and has no regrets!
The registration is due on my bike, and I'm going to non-op it. Riding is a sport; either you do it regularly, practice, or you shouldn't be riding at all. It's not like playing bad golf because you don't practice. Bad riding can get you killed! Either you are all in, or don't do it at all. That's my view, anyway...
One of the various bikes I've restored...
P1030024 by nessism, on FlickrHow is your long distance vision? If its not great, then it makes street riding a bit more dangerous. Mine was 20/10 and it was easier to stuff like sand on the road, or if someone actually saw you when they looked your way before pulling out in front of you. Also for off road, being able to read the dirt/trail further ahead really helps! Now I'm more like 20/20 and find it just gives you less reaction time as you get a little closer before you clearly see things...
Another long time rider here.
I don't ride much anymore, it's just too dangerous since I live in the city. A left turner got me in 2006, and my body has never been the same. Since then, I've focused on fixing and restoring bikes more than riding.
A couple of years ago, my son decided he wanted to learn to ride. He took a course, and got his license. Bought an MT07 Yamaha, and I had the pleasure of riding it home from 100 miles away. And let me tell you, I was seriously nervous! Once we got on the road, though, it all came back, and holy cow, that Yamaha is one heck of a nice bike!
My kid is very sensible. Got the best gear available. Rides very carefully. Every day, coming home from his commute, he was like a little kid; giddy, smiling, so so happy! Biking is just so much FUN! After riding a year, though, he came to the conclusion that it's just too dangerous, living in the city like we do. He sold his bike and has no regrets!
The registration is due on my bike, and I'm going to non-op it. Riding is a sport; either you do it regularly, practice, or you shouldn't be riding at all. It's not like playing bad golf because you don't practice. Bad riding can get you killed! Either you are all in, or don't do it at all. That's my view, anyway...
One of the various bikes I've restored...
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wester Cooley (RIP) several years ago at a racing event. It was his first time back at a track in decades. I still recall watching him ride those old GS's in the AMA races, when I was just a kid.
Oh…and if some one wants to give you tips? And one tip is “only use the rear brake because the front one will launch you over the handle bars”.
Don’t listen to anything they say.
Don’t listen to anything they say.
According to my research, motorcyclists are nearly 30 times more likely to die in a crash compared to the occupants in a passenger car on a per mile basis. There are motorcyclists that have been down and those who will go down. As another member put it, dress for the autumn.
From what I understand, Wes Cooley came out of his self-imposed motorcycle exile a couple of years before he passed. A guy on The GS Resources, who also has a 1000S bike, befriend him. He was a great champion and during his last couple years, he became a wonderful ambassador of the sport.
Riding a motorcycle is managing risk. The risk cannot be eliminated. The x-factor is other drivers, animals, low traction surfaces, etc.
You control your skills, practice, and the condition of your machine. Also you control your attire ( dress for the crash, etc), helmet.
I commute to work, and yes, no one sees you, and everyone is out to kill you.
Much more enjoyable is a ride in the country two lanes, with less population and traffic. Watch out for animals in wooded areas. If you love it, keep taking classes ( google MSF). Keep your skills up. Have fun.
There are so many smaller bikes to choose from today. 250’s, 300, 400, etc.
Best of luck and let us know how this progresses.
You control your skills, practice, and the condition of your machine. Also you control your attire ( dress for the crash, etc), helmet.
I commute to work, and yes, no one sees you, and everyone is out to kill you.
Much more enjoyable is a ride in the country two lanes, with less population and traffic. Watch out for animals in wooded areas. If you love it, keep taking classes ( google MSF). Keep your skills up. Have fun.
There are so many smaller bikes to choose from today. 250’s, 300, 400, etc.
Best of luck and let us know how this progresses.
A number of years back I bought a Honda 750 . My wife asked me to teach her how to ride it . I told her NO . She asked why ? I said because I'll just end up hollering at you . She was determined to learn so she called the Honda dealer . They sponsor the local Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes . She enrolled and there was a group of older , very patient men that were used to teaching clueless women . The Honda dealer provided a bunch of smaller street bikes 250cc etc.
It worked out very well .
It worked out very well .
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Agree with much of the above.
I’d just add, enjoy yourself, and avoid being in a rush to get anywhere.
Also, understand that while it is all doable, and basic classes are are great kick-start, still it will take a season or two for the basics to really sink in, become natural and reflexive, and you really understand what/why things work or happen the way they do. So stay alert, stay humble, take baby steps, and you’ll be fine.
Youtube has some great content, and garbage, too. Opinions on style will vary, but I find the content by Moto Control and CanyonChasers to be well thought out, substantive, and bite-sized for learning concepts.
P.S. also, just know, whatever bike you *think* you want now, it will change six times over before you find one you love AND can live with. So, yes, go modest displacement on the first bike especially, used is smart, and be open to discovering as you try/borrow other bikes. Ultimately, part of what makes bikes so much fun is how individual they all are - much wider spectrum of tastes/performance to experience than say among car choices, for example.
I’d just add, enjoy yourself, and avoid being in a rush to get anywhere.
Also, understand that while it is all doable, and basic classes are are great kick-start, still it will take a season or two for the basics to really sink in, become natural and reflexive, and you really understand what/why things work or happen the way they do. So stay alert, stay humble, take baby steps, and you’ll be fine.
Youtube has some great content, and garbage, too. Opinions on style will vary, but I find the content by Moto Control and CanyonChasers to be well thought out, substantive, and bite-sized for learning concepts.
P.S. also, just know, whatever bike you *think* you want now, it will change six times over before you find one you love AND can live with. So, yes, go modest displacement on the first bike especially, used is smart, and be open to discovering as you try/borrow other bikes. Ultimately, part of what makes bikes so much fun is how individual they all are - much wider spectrum of tastes/performance to experience than say among car choices, for example.
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this is may of 1977..buddy and I just graduated high school and we each had honda 750 and headed to Seattle from Montana and from there down hwy 101 all the way to mexico....we survived lol....ended up doing about 800,000 miles....never down....luck is a good thing...fast bikes, slow bikes, big bikes little bikes...they all are fun....
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