Launch
Hi, I'm Nello. I'm still a teenager in the SF Bay Area and completely new to riding of any kind. Right now I'm at least a couple years away from riding a motorcycle, but I figured that the sooner I start gathering information and asking questions, the better.
My first question is going to sound like the most idiotic thing ever: Is it necessary to know how to ride a bicycle before attempting to ride a motorcycle?
I think I already know the answer, but I just wanted to make sure. I'll learn. I really can't stand cars for multiple reasons, so I'm fully prepared to do whatever it takes to become a competent motorcyclist. This website seems like a great resource, and I already know more than I did yesterday, so I guess I'm on the right track.
Nice to meet everyone. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. (Here's one thing about me, since I didn't say very much -- I speak some Japanese.)
Pretty Much
The MSF courses by me list that as a prerequisite for the classes.
But I think it's mostly because if you've ridden a bicycle, you'll be familar with how a two-wheeled vehicle handles and moves (and doesn't, as the case may be). The classes will teach you the mechanics of riding a motorycle (how to use the throttle, how to turn, etc.), but they don't teach you the mechanics of how a two-wheeled vehicle operates....they assume you know.
So yeah, get an inexpensive bicycle and learn to ride on that first...will make learning to ride a motorcycle much easier (every bit helps, as there's A LOT to learn).
And there are no stupid questions here, so ask away to your hearts content!
Welcome to the forum! There
Welcome to the forum!
There are also some people, who for whatever reason, can't keep a bicycle upright. You're better off finding out if you can balance on two wheels on something that is slow and light to fast and heavy. (yes, I know at speed the motorcycle keeps itself upright, but try doing a slow race without a natural sense of balance)
We have several bicyclists on the forum; I'm sure that they'll be more than happy to help you with any questions you might have. :)
Good luck!
Bicycle and even Skate Board
Bicycle and even Skate Board is an excellent way to develop balance skills precursor to riding a motorcycle. See: http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/forum/forum/3564/why-i-say-learn-... ...My young friend 'Josh Josh' was a skilled Skate Boarder before he started riding Trials and by the time he was ready to take the MSF course, he could ride a bike over a garbage dumpster, without putting his feet down. Needless to say he passed the course at the top of his class.
You're already old enough to ride dirt bikes if that's an option.
Join the circus
Several years on the high wire should help -- then you can jump straight to a 650.
Hilarious TR.
spoken like 1 who has never tried it
Actually, Josh went for a 250 Ninja and has since sold that to get back into trials on a Beta 250 Evo.