new to riding (hopefully)

[wshockey30]

Hey guys,
I'm from northern, va, and am hoping to get a sportbike in the near future. i have just graduated high school, and am still trying to convince my parents, but i'm making progress. I currently have an xr100 bike, but have no where to ride around here, so that just sits in the shed.I spent the whole day looking through this site and others to see what i could learn about bikes. I think ive decided on either a Ninja 500 or the Suzuki gs500. The law requires you to be 19 or hold a learners for 9 months, but I may go ahead and get the bike, then learn to ride in my neighborhood. Look forward to talking to you all.
Thanks,

Lee

[Scoutmedic]

I'd recommend taking a training course even though you have prior riding experience. Riding off road is different than riding on the street. Also, I wouldn't recommend riding on the road before you get your permit. You wouldn't want to get pulled over and lose any chance of getting your license for another year or two.

[wshockey30]

yeah i plan on taking a course sometime. It would help convince my parents to let me ride too. Problem is with a permit, i'd still need to have someone with a class M license supervise me from another vehicle, and nobody else i know has their license. I dont plan on going out to the main roads, just around my neighboorhood, which is small and quiet and wouldnt be a problem.

[NorthernPete]

if your only option is too have the supervised ride, Id do the course for sure... maybe a bit of practice around the block, but even then ID be too paranoid the cops wouyld stop me, or Id do something that would result in the cops coming...

Welcome to the board BTW!

[VermilionX]

yeah i plan on taking a course sometime. It would help convince my parents to let me ride too. Problem is with a permit, i'd still need to have someone with a class M license supervise me from another vehicle, and nobody else i know has their license. I dont plan on going out to the main roads, just around my neighboorhood, which is small and quiet and wouldnt be a problem.

wow! that sucks.

here in california, a permit is good for riding all by yourself.

the restrictions are...

NO freeways
NO night riding
NO passengers

[sharpmagna]

Hey fellow NOVA guy. Definitely take the MSF BRC course. Riding on the dirt will prepare you for riding on the street some, but the BRC also teaches you strategies for street riding.

Check out Coleman Powersports. They periodically have a New Rider's night where they show some videos (same video as the BRC shows) and give you some suggestions on the gear you should get. End of the presentation, they give you a coupon book with some discounts.

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

Welcome to the forum Lee!