34 and Determined to finally ride on two wheels!

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• January 27, 2009 at 3:41 am #16048
  boulevardboy

  Participant

  I would totally take the course first before you get a bike so that you can get a feel for it before you make a firm decision about what bike to buy. Also, if you pass the course and get an endorsment on your license you can then take any bike out for a test drive from a dealer and get a better idea of how a differnt bike feels to your body shape and the style of riding. I didn’t try a sports bike though, as just sitting on it with both feet on the pegs was enough for me to know it was not for me.

  Good luck mate

  January 27, 2009 at 3:43 am #16050
  JakeInFla

  Participant

  Truly appreciate all the advice guys. I’ll be signing up and taking the MSF course prior to coming home with a ride. Odds are I’ll shoot for the Ninja. Good looking and forgiving, and from the reviews I’ve read here and elsewhere added to the Youtube videos I’m hooked on, LOL, I’ll be enjoying the ride and then some.

  Thanks again guys.

  ~J.

  January 27, 2009 at 8:31 am #16059
  Noobacycle

  Participant

  If you are unsure about the learning curve in the motorcycle training course, I suggest that you look into a private lesson with a dedicated instructor first. Thats what I did and I don’t regret it one bit. You’ll have one on one training with someone who’ll instruct you at your own pace. When it comes time to take the MSF course, you’ll have an advantage over everyone (almost everyone) and the course won’t seem so intimidating.

  Being that you are a beefy dude, might I suggest that you don’t pass up a Ninja 500r or even a 650r.

  January 27, 2009 at 12:57 pm #16060
  DK

  Guest

  To the best of my knowledge motorcycle test rides aren’t an option here in Florida. Nobody wants the liability down here. Not even the local used shops allow their bikes to be ridden prior to purchase. Those that want to test ride are limited to promotional events like Daytona Bike Week. I am under the impression that BMW is the exception to that rule.

  January 27, 2009 at 1:15 pm #16061
  Sangria7

  Participant

  Dealers will not let you test ride motorcycles out in Texas as well.

  January 27, 2009 at 2:55 pm #16062
  boulevardboy

  Participant

  I did not know that, not the case in Washington though. I was surprised I have to say that it was so easy to get a test ride – I had even told the guy that I had limited experience with gear changing and he still let me go out!

  January 27, 2009 at 5:14 pm #16066
  eon

  Participant

  If you go on a test ride make sure you know what the consequences are if you drop the bike. I have read several posts of people being burned with repairs in the 2 to 3 thousand dollar range. I have also read of some dealers doing group test rides. I would avoid them. The thought of riding with 6 unknown people on unfamiliar bikes is pretty scary.

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