[Zig308]

Just stopped lurking after about 2 weeks. I’m signed up for the MSF the weekend after this one coming up. I bought some boots, helmet, and gloves from a local shop on Friday and got to check out a Ninja250r in blue which I’m planning on getting after the MSF class.

Can’t wait to start the class and get to ride!

[Munch]

Howdy from NC…. what part of Va you in? I have alot of family in the Fredircksburg/Spotsylvania County area. Matter of fact I learned how to drive in a 280Z running the back roads between Culpepper, Spotsy and other counties up that way. Ranched for a couple of years in Thornburg. My uncle always swore I should go into Rally Racing…. I made that 280 scream, blind turns didn’t worry me much and if your familiar with that area you know they are truly blind. Small hill before a turn that obscures the road and a tree line to hide the direction… oh the memories…. any way……. speed and bullet proof is wayyyy behind me now which is a good thing.
Learn all you can in the MSF and take every caution and warning they can give you to heart. Maybe when I go up to visit the family if your near by we can get a scenic going. Good Luck!! and Welcome!

[Zig308]

I’m up in Northern VA in the Loudoun area. It’s kinda of countryish where I am. I’ve seen sooooo many bikes out lately. Seems to be every kind of rider out here from all walks of life. Harley’s to sport bikes, to standards, and a few choppers all over the place.

Once I get the MSF behind me, some practice around the neighborhood, I’ll have some easy country roads to learn on. Biggest thing I am worried about is wildlife… I hit a deer a year and a 1/2 ago in my car and had a couple close calls since.

[owlie]

I know about the seen soooo many bikes around thing… I haven’t seen any packs out yet, but the season is early… The worst part is when I walk out to get my morning cuppa joe and there are three, count them three bikes parked right in front of the building.

Good luck in the MSF class!

[Zig308]

Now that I’ve been reading up on gear and safety. I notice a lot of guys out with shorts/t-shirts, loafers, and a helmet…cracks me up. Hope they have a good life insurance policy and health insurance.

Lots of bikes at my work now too. Mostly BMW’s, a couple sport bikes, and a couple standards.

[owlie]

Honestly, while I like my skin and skull in one piece, I can understand how feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your shoulders while your cruising down the highway can give you a certain sense of exhilaration and freedom.

However, being somewhat vain of my unremarkable good looks, I want neither the annoyance of working the rats out of my hair, or the lifelong task of covering up road rash scars on my face.

[dcJohn]

Welcome from nearby MD (I’m in the DC burbs, Bethesda). I originally started on a Ninja 250 myself, and I’m glad I did.

There’s a ton of great riding in the area, and there’s a very active and well organized NoVA meetup group that you might want to check out once you’ve gotten your bike and some miles under your belt. Likewise, I’m happy to join up for a ride sometime.

[Zig308]

Thanks for the info and invite. I’ve got a helmet on order at Loudoun Motorsports and am anxiously awaiting the MSF class next weekend. I was afraid they wouldn’t have helmets big enough for my XXL melon.

I know that I should probably start with the Ninja250, but the 650 just looks so inviting as well

[dcJohn]

I agree, the 650 is a great looking bike. My Versys uses the 650 engine, and while I’m glad I started on a 250 and worked up, the Kawi 650 engine at least has a predictable and even power delivery, so no sudden surprises.

[Zig308]

2nd day of MSF today. Tomorrow is 2nd day of riding and riding test. I stopped by the cycle shop to pick up my new HJC helmet that came in for my big ol’ noggin.

I rode the Suzuki DR200 in class. It was a nice little bike for maneuvering. I felt very comfortable on it in class. Not sure I would feel comfortable riding something like that on real roads though. It was fun and all and great learning on so far, but I would never buy it.

When I was at the shop picking up my helmet, I sat on almost everything that had a low seat and looked appealing to me from a 1700cc cruiser to another 250 that I saw someone riding in class today. I think the best two bikes that felt comfortable was #1 Suzuki Gladius, #2 Ninja 650. Not sure yet if I will buy either one, but I just can’t see getting a Rebel 250 or similar at this point unless I could get back down to 150lbs…

Looks like the purchase will depend on how bad I want a Browning Cynergy this summer.

[Zig308]

Passed the MSF riding test yesterday after the 2nd day of riding. Despite receiving a very high final score, I certainly wouldn’t say that it was an easy course. After 2, six hour days of riding plus an hour drive back and forth to the class, I was whipped. Only 9/12 of the people that started my class made it to the final riding test and I believe 3 of those failed the final. I guess a 50% passing rate is normal for a class?

Honestly, after the final riding test yesterday, I don’t want to see a motorcycle for a couple more days. I’ll probably take my license endorsement to the DMV today to pick up the “M”, but I can’t say that I will rush right out to buy something. Not much on craigslist around here that is beginner like and also runs. Still thinking about the Gladius when finances permit.

[Author]

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