I am almost 40 and am interested in getting a motorcycle for my basic transportation. I live in a moderate climate in Texas. I would like to do this intelligently. Where should I go/what should I get to instruct me on how to ride safely? Thanks!
2007-01-01 10:22:31 · 9 answers · asked by Ron W 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
check your phone book for schools offering vclases they are out there and worth it to me
or try
www.msf-usa.org
2007-01-01 10:26:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've got to second (or third, etc.) all the recommendations to take the MSF class. You'll learn a lot about riding there. Next, you'll want to get some good gear. I wear a riding jacket and overpants year round as well as my helmet; you can get mesh jackets for hot days. They won't protect against every injury, but it's good to be wearing full gear just in case.
Next, you'll want to pick a bike that fits you. Here's my four rules for a great first bike:
1. Get one light enough you can easily pick it up. One over 500 lbs will be tough for a beginner to handle.
2. Get one that's got a seat height low enough that you can put both feet flat on the ground when you're sitting on it.
3. Pick one with 50 hp or less - they'll be a lot easier for you to control when just learning. Most 4 cylinder 600 cc sport bikes have twice that much power and are a real handful.
4. Sit on the bike for a while and make sure you're comfortable with it - the seating position, the style, everything.
2007-01-02 22:09:19 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can contact the DPS Local office in your area, they will be able to tell you where in your area the classes are being held, It will also get you the Motorcycle license as part of the class.
It is called the Basic Motorcycle Safety Class. Most of the instructors are Police officers or retired, with lots of knowledge of the principals of riding.
Don't buy a motor cycle which is to heavy for your body weight.
You should check out these types of bikes, if you plan to use it as a daily driver.
Honda 1300 w/ABS, great bike with electric adj. windshield.
BMW 1200, is also similar to the Honda, lot's of great features.
Honda Goldwing, is the cream of the crop for riding around the entire country.
Harley's are also a great bike, I have one. I would not recommend them for comfort, unless you spend the money and buy a touring HD. If you are only going to ride 20-40 miles per day then HD would be just fine.
Here's some links for motorcyle equiptment which you will need.
I also suggest this list.
1.Vega Flip up fullface helmet
2.Vanson Mark 2 Perforated Jacket
3.Leather/Kevlar Gloves
4.Arirat Leather boots w/rubber soles. Non slip soles
2007-01-01 19:20:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Start with the MFS (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. They have classes in lots of locations. They supply bikes, helmets, instruction and when I took it, many years ago, they even had someone from the DMV come to the training site and test us for our license. This is a great way to learn. If a friend teaches you you'll just pick up his/her bad habits. If you're going to ride a bike for your basic transportation you'll want to decide if a crotch rocket, touring bike or a cruiser is to your liking. Personally I prefer the cruiser style. If you do too, I would suggest looking at Harley-Davidson bikes.
2007-01-02 00:12:52 · answer #4 · answered by BikerBob 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Where I live you have to take a 3 day training course 2 day class third day driving. They provide you with there bikes, then if you pass you get a certificate then go to the DMV get your license start off on the back roads where there is not alot of traffic until you feel confortable once you feel comfortable go with some friends on the highway that you can look out for each other takes about a week and you will be gone all the time if you have a Harley .
2007-01-01 18:27:29 · answer #5 · answered by onecalmbutterfly 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Depending on availability in your town, take the MSF approved Basic Rider Course at the local college. Harley-Davidson dealers also offer a MSF approved course. HD's is more expensive, but available.
Talk to dealers about the kind of riding you'll be doing.
2007-01-01 22:18:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is probably the most recognized site:
http://www.msf-usa.org/
The classes will most likely vary from one state to another. When I took the class it through a local college. and they offered a weekend course or classes nightly.
They also had there own Motorcycles most of them 125cc or so.
I believe it was something on the order of 20 hours.
Be careful
2007-01-01 19:17:52 · answer #7 · answered by gld_2fast4u 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Call your local DMV office---most states offer a free "Motorcycle Rider Safety" program --and it was only 1 week, m-f night and you got your motorcycle license when you "graduated"---they even had their own bikes to ride on (even tho they were like, 120 cc's, small ones)---and my bike insurance was less because I took the course.
2007-01-01 18:26:17 · answer #8 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
try some of the sales locations they have classes
2007-01-01 18:25:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋