women on motorcycles?

[vashti]

I am thinking of learning how to ride. The jackass I was dating had 8 bikes, but wouldn't ever teach me to ride, so I am thinking of doing it on my own.

Does anyone know anything about motorcycles? I don't know how to start.

[Love'sReject]

Awesome. That is very cool, wish I could help but I dunno anything about 'em.

[pcmaster]

I know that you have to start with small ones and the gradual go on to bigger bikes so you wont smash your brains cause its harder to feel speed on big machines.

[vashti]

Thanks guys. I am not sure if it is best to start with a cruiser, or a street bike. I don't think I would consider anything too sporty - I am not interested in leaning so far forward.

[HeartIsAching]

I am thinking of learning how to ride. The jackass I was dating had 8 bikes, but wouldn't ever teach me to ride, so I am thinking of doing it on my own.

Does anyone know anything about motorcycles? I don't know how to start.

I do! Rode one for years, will be getting another one soon, I hope.

Start with your local MSF course. www.ca-msp.org

I never took the course, but I sat in on my ex's class when she took it, and they teach a VERY good course. After riding for 10+ years prior, I actually learned something.

I suggest a small (250-500cc) used bike to start. Pay cash for it, when it's time to step up, you can usually re-sell it for what you paid for it. I say this because it's probable that you'll drop it a time or two. If you do it with a small bike it's easy to pick up, and you won't care so much about scuffing/denting it.

A lot of people think a 600cc sportbike is a good starter - it's not. That's sort of like trying to learn to drive in a Ferrari... the power-to-weight ratio is nuts on those things.

I'll post more if you want, or you can PM me.

[vashti]

"Drop" it? Do you mean fall off? Am I supposed to expect to fall off?

[vashti]

When you talk about 250-500 cc, are you talking about a dirt bike?

[HeartIsAching]

Not necessarily, no... but during low-speed maneuvers parking and stuff it will likely get away from you once or twice, and even a small bike is hard to hold up once it gets past the balance point, though it's easier to pick up once you get off.

Other things happen too, like not getting the kickstand fully settled and the bike falls over, or something.

It's just likely that once or twice while you're learning, the bike will tip over. It's a normal part of the learning process, nearly everyone does it.

[HeartIsAching]

When you talk about 250-500 cc, are you talking about a dirt bike?

No, though there are some enduro bikes (street-legal dirt bike) that are good for that sort of thing.

I was thinking more like a Ninja 250, 300 (new replacement for the 250) or a Honda Rebel or some such.

[vashti]

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/3725863231.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/3752655085.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/3747846187.html

Like those?

[HeartIsAching]

Here's a couple of lists with some good beginner's bikes. Personally I would avoid anything bigger than 500CC's:

http://www.adventureseeker.org/thrill-seeker/10-great-beginner-motorcycles-to-get-you-started/

http://motorcycles.about.com/od/howtostartridin1/tp/Ten-Great-Beginner-Motorcycles.htm

One thing: Shop your gear first. That way you don't over-spend and then be unable to afford decent gear. I'm an ATTGATT (All The Gear, All The Time) guy... I'd rather sweat than bleed.

This is a good site to buy gear from - their prices are very reasonable, and they frequently have good deals. Don't buy online without trying on at a shop first, particularly helmets, not all helmets fit all heads, even when they're the right size.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/

[HeartIsAching]

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/3725863231.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/3752655085.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/3747846187.html

Like those?

Yes, yes and yes. None of those makes a crapload of power, none of them weigh a whole lot.

[HeartIsAching]

Ooo... that Ninja 500 - avoid it. It's got a salvage title, price is way too high.

[HeartIsAching]

Oh, BTW - women on motorcycles are dead sexy by default.

[Love'sReject]

I've never seen a woman on a bike.