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mayhem39 · #1 Unread post by **mayhem39** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:34 pm

Hi, I have been reading the forums for a few days and found some good stuff here. I do have a question for everyone. I am 44 years old and have never driven a motorcycle. The thing is....I really want to start riding. My question is, how hard is it to learn how to ride one? I am planning on taking the safety course but I really don't want to be embarrassed at the class. I guess I'm just a little nervous about it all.

#2 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:39 pm

Don't worry, they'll treat you right and you'll be ridin' before you know it...

Oh yeah, welcome to the site...

mayhem39 · #3 Unread post by **mayhem39** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:44 pm

Thanks alot. I really cant wait. It's just one of those things I never did when I was younger. I'm really excited to start riding.

#4 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:46 pm

Better late then never...

mayhem39 · #5 Unread post by **mayhem39** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:53 pm

Ok, so once I get through the course I will be looking to buy my first bike. I am 6 ft tall and around 200 lbs. I would like to get a cruiser. Do I need to start out small, such as a Rebel or should I be looking at something bigger?

#6 Unread post by **Wrider** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 6:41 pm

Hey, I'm a bit bigger than you, at 6'2" an 300 lbs, and a bit younger too, at 21. But I started off on an 800cc Suzuki Intruder Volusia, and loved it, honestly I can't say enough good things about it! Basically the only reason I wouldn't recommend the Rebel is that it doesn't get to our Interstate speeds out west here, 75 MPH. Other than that, it's a good bike! For future reference, you can ride just about any bike 2 up, most will get to the speed limit pretty easily, and basically find the most comfortable for you!
Welcome to the site!

Wrider

mayhem39 · #7 Unread post by **mayhem39** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 7:15 pm

Thanks Wrider...I think this looks like a great forum and I look forward to many more posts, especially once I start riding!!

JC Viper · #8 Unread post by **JC Viper** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 7:25 pm

Don't forget to buy David L. Hough's Proficient Motorcycling book. It's a good read for what you're up against and may also give you some insight on certain tasks.

Once you're done with that book, then there's More Proficient Motorcycling by the same author.

jstark47 · #9 Unread post by **jstark47** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 2:33 am

Mayhem, I started in 2004 at age 48. I'm the least coordinated person I know.... if I can do it, anyone can do it. It just takes some of us a little longer, that's all.....

MSF courses vary, but the average age in the group when I took it was definitely up there. Oldest guy was in his 60's, never had even sat on a bike before, he passed the course.

Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:06 am

JC Viper wrote:Don't forget to buy David L. Hough's Proficient Motorcycling book. It's a good read for what you're up against and may also give you some insight on certain tasks.

Once you're done with that book, then there's More Proficient Motorcycling by the same author.

Then subscribe to Motorcycle Consumer news, the monthly rag where all the Proficient Motorcycling articles originated and where there's a new one every month.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/

AS for learning to ride, I see alot of young guys like yourself take the class and have a great time. It's the old people I worry about. You'd be surprised how many 70+ year olds come out to the course.