You need to get some professional training through the MSF. Riders who are self taught or taught by friends represent 92% (or more) of fatal accidents in the US.
Read these stats (they are a few years old, but still very relevant)
http://www.motorcycle-accidents.com/pages/stats.html
If none of these stats convince you, then remember this; depending on your state, you probably cannot get a license without the MSF course. If you plan on learning to ride on the street unlicensed, then you’re not only heading for a crash, but also a ticked.
It ain’t worth it.
Here’s another suggestion; Go take the MSF with your cousin. If he hasn’t taken it before, the odds are even that you’ll do better in the class that he will!
Promise.
Allen Dye
MSF Rider Coach
Track Day Instructor
435,000 miles (and counting) accident free