I'm seriously thinking about gettng a motorcycle, but would like to take a class first. I've never driven a motorcycle. Any suggestions on where I can get some good schooling?

TIA

 

http://www.weridesafe.com/number1.asp

My wife took their basic instruction class, and I've taken their advanced rider course.

M
2001 Ducati ST4

 

thanks. Just signed up for a class.

 

tweek-

What type of bike are you looking at?

 

Probably a Kawasaki Ninja. either a 250R or 500R. Both seem like good bikes for a newb.

 

Good thinking! Too many times I see new riders who just have to have the liter-bike-of-the-week, only to find that it's a very harsh mistress. Another bike I'd like to suggest to you is the Suzuki SV-650. A little on the large size for a starters bike, but its a bike you won't grow out of it you keep with it (the 250 is probably a little underpowered for commuting).

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

+1 I agree, although I've never ridden an SV, I only hear good things about them...

Good luck!

 

I still need to shop around more. I've always liked the Kawasaki Ninja, but then again, I'm a sucker for branding. How cool is 'Ninja'? However, Katana is pretty cool too. A sword, motorcycle and **** star all rolled in to one.

I like CBR's too but they cost more than I want to pay. I'd like to get in to a new bike w/ gear for under $7K. The Ninja 250R fits that bill really well (~$4K for the bike, helmet, jacket, pats and boot). The 500R also fits in the budget. Not sure about the Suzuki products. Need to go look.

 

Those are nice bikes, but I feel that you'll be wanting more very quickly..


If you could find one of those used, that would be the best case scenario, so when you upgrade, you wont take such a big hit.

 

Don't do it kid! "You'll put your eye out".

Seriously though, it's good to take the class first if you really have to go the sport bike route. Many years ago I had a Kawasaki 750 H2 (3cyl, 2-stroke) for a couple of years. You'll gain a new appreciation for the total disregard most car drivers have for motorcycles. Be very careful of everybody in a car.

Mark

 

Just getting in to Autocross has made me more aware of how crappy drivers are. I'd get mad if it wasn't so damn funny. A few days ago I watched a guy stop in an intersection, throw it in reverse and drive over the front of the car behind him. My wife and I just sat there watching the action and then we started laughing. Nobody got hurt.