Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey everyone,

I've been lurking around here for a few months to get a feel for the place and thought I'd join. I don't have a bike yet but am planning on taking the MSF course next spring before choosing a bike. I already visit the local bike shop here in Roanoke at least every other weekend just to sit on different bikes and see what feels right.

I'm 40, 6'-5" and around 225lbs so it's been a challenge to find something that feels right. Roanoke is the first city I've lived in where the traffic is light enough for me to consider riding. I've always liked bikes but was too afraid of the other people on the road to get one.

Anyway, thatnks for the site, I'm a n00b here but have ran a few sites (MotoGP game related) so I'll try not to be too much of a bother.

hope you find your ride soon.

Welcome to the forum ¡

Welcome, Cadgeek,

I'm looking to get back into motorcycles after a long time being a fine, upstanding citizen. If I remember right, it's easy to survive on a motorcycle, just ride chicken, because in any game of chicken between a motorcycle and any other vehicle, the motorcycle rider becomes fodder for the Roadkill Cookbook. Never forget that you are invisible, and never underestimate the stoopidity of people, especially in large groups and behind the wheel of a car.

Welcome to TMW

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I've been sitting on several different sport bikes. I've read the 600cc n00b thread and understand why seasoned riders would want to steer beginner guys away from them however, sport bikes are what attracted me to even consider getting a bike. I'm not a backyard Rossi nor am I a young fearless type who isn't afraid of death. The bikes that "feel right" to me so far have been the Suzuki GSXR600, Kawasaki Ninja Z6R (although the gas tank on the Kawa is a tad wide for my comfort) and the CBR600RR. I know the F4i may be better for a beginner but, the CBR felt like a glove.

Before you guys chip in with all the (correct) precautionary advice, let me say again that I'm very well aware of my lack of ability and I’m in no means eager to hop on the public roads or an interstate without lots and lots of practice. I plan on taking the MSF course and practicing for a long while on my neighborhood streets. There are at least a half dozen guys here at my office who ride (some cruisers and some sport) and I’ll have plenty of people to help me on my quest to become a safe rider. I can see me riding a bit around the neighborhood and the majority of the time cleaning and looking at the bike.

For now, I’ll be doing more research on proper gear. I want to have all the gear before I attend the MSF course.

im not gonna jump on this and scare you but take it easy out there and good luck.