| Motorcycling is cool. Motorcycling is fast. Motorcycling | | | | tank as much as I used to. Style is not as important |
| gives you a rush. There is no doubt about it. I don't | | | | to me anymore and comfort is becoming more. Also, |
| think anyone can dispute the fact that there is a | | | | having a larger seat for a passenger is becoming a |
| certain breed of person out there that just loves the | | | | necessity. No passenger likes riding so high up and |
| feeling of being out in the fresh air, cruising down the | | | | having to hold on for dear life. |
| highway. I suspect there are a lot more people who | | | | With all the experience I have gained on a wide |
| would like to ride than we know about. The question | | | | variety of motorcycles through the years, I feel that |
| is, how do they get going? | | | | I am in a position to offer to some great tips on |
| It's like a lot of things; take it one step at a time. | | | | how to get into riding. |
| Later on, I will give my 5 top ways to get into riding, | | | | 1. Visit a dealership. Yes, it seems so simple, but a |
| but first, I am going to tell you about my own | | | | huge hurdle to get past is deciding if you really can |
| experience learning to love motorcycles. | | | | feel it in your blood. If you are like me, you will leave |
| I would say I was about 14 years old when I | | | | the dealership panting like a fool. If you leave still |
| purchased my friend's tiny Honda Z50R. It was very | | | | undecided, motorcycling might not be right for you. |
| small, but very fun. I used to ride it around the block | | | | 2. Talk to people. If you have ever heard a group of |
| and travel to friend's houses on it. I grew out of that | | | | riders talk about a trip they have taken or are about |
| bike fast, but I did learn a few things; how to | | | | to take, chime in. Ask them questions and notice |
| balance and corner a motorcycle. | | | | how easily they will include you in the ride. Some of |
| My next few motorcycles were all dirt bikes. They | | | | them might even offer to take you as a passenger. |
| were a Suzuki RM80, Honda CR125 and a Suzuki | | | | The community is friendly and always welcoming to |
| RM125. These were bigger machines and worthwhile | | | | new riders. |
| investments. They taught me how to ride taller | | | | 3. Think about costs. Motorcycling can be an |
| motorcycles and how to ride on a dirt track. | | | | expensive hobby if you are just getting by already. |
| There were many other smaller learning experiences | | | | You need to be ready for the financial side of things. |
| that went along with owning and riding dirt bikes. | | | | You can expect the cost of the motorcycle, |
| Those came with time. Some of them included | | | | insurance, registration, maintenance, apparel and the |
| learning where the best dealerships were located, | | | | cost of fuel. It's easy to get sucked in to buying |
| how to repair and maintain a motorcycle, how to | | | | every after market part available for your |
| purchase the right parts and where the best places | | | | motorcycle, so be sure you can afford the hobby |
| to ride were. It was a lot of fun and I wouldn't give | | | | first. |
| up those experiences for anything. | | | | 4. Go for a ride. Try to find someone who owns a |
| When I turned 17 years old, I purchased my first | | | | motorcycle and ask them if you can hop on the back |
| street bike. It was a Suzuki GR 650 Tempter. This | | | | during their next ride. Try to find someone with a |
| was a big change for me, because I had never ridden | | | | larger motorcycle for this, especially if you are larger |
| a street motorcycle before. I have to say, it was a | | | | yourself. You'll know if motorcycling is the right thing |
| great learning bike. There was enough power, but | | | | to do once the wind hits your face. |
| not too much to do anything stupid or get in any | | | | 5. Take a training course. I am one of those types of |
| trouble. The bike was smooth and just enough to | | | | people who just want to get a bike and hop on, but |
| get my feet wet on the streets. | | | | friends of mine have told me how important a |
| There were a few years during college where I didn't | | | | training course really is. They thought they knew all |
| own a motorcycle, but knew I would soon. After | | | | there was to know about motorcycling, but each day |
| college, I went ahead and bought the bike I own | | | | they came away with new knowledge. It's important |
| today, a Suzuki GSXR 1100. This is one serious | | | | to learn how to ride properly. |
| motorcycle, and yes, one I could easily get in trouble | | | | After considering and completing the tips above, you |
| on. Sometimes I get shaken by its unexpected | | | | should be in a position to purchase your first |
| power. I would only recommend this type of | | | | motorcycle. Look through the motorcycle classifieds |
| motorcycle to the most mature and experienced | | | | or visit your local dealer. Find the right motorcycle for |
| rider. | | | | you and make the purchase. Since you made some |
| I love my current motorcycle, but will admit that it | | | | riding contacts and are somewhat familiar with |
| does get on my nerves at times. I sometimes wish I | | | | motorcycling in general, you should be in good shape. |
| owned a laid back highway cruiser. Now that I am | | | | Just remember, safety comes first and when it |
| getting older, I don't enjoy hunching over the gas | | | | comes to riding, patience is a virtue. |