Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm not even a rider, yet!

I got my learner's permit yesterday, and I have to wait until 3/29 for the local MSF course. But, I found another teaching facility that doesn't fill up because it's a little out of the way, so I may try to move that date up a bit.

I have wanted to learn to ride for over a decade, when my Dad became a MSF instructor in GA. But, life got busy, I had 3 little ones, and we've moved a lot. My youngest is now in school, and I was getting interested in the Vespas over the past 3 years. Recently, I realized that to take the MSF course ( a great idea, whatever you ride) I had to learn to ride a motorcycle, anyway. Long story short, I am now very excited about getting a motorcycle. Looking at all the 250's out there - also the dual Suzuki 200. (Love the idea of my whole family riding dirt bikes when we go camping). My top items of interest are the Nighthawk (250) and the Ninja250. I also like the Rebel. but I'll never know which one is the best one for me until I can ride one!! Thus the need to get into that course.

My Dad, whom I revere, has recently been diagnosed with a very bad disease. I really want to share this with him. It's given me the push to get going.

Nice to meet you all!

Allison,

First off, I wish your father all the best in his on going battle. Myself, I have had two cancer scares in the past two years. Luckily for myself both biopsy's have been benign. I keep knocking wood each day.

As for your quest to become a rider. Best of luck. I am sure you will do just fine. Pay attention to your instructors. They don't repeat themselves for nothing. I speak from experience. I am an CSC (MSF equivalant here in Canada) instructor.

All the best to you and your father.

Cheers!

Ray

Hey, welcome to TMW.

I would also like to begin by wishing your father the best in what has become part of his life. I hope he can overcome whatever he is able to.

Secondly, welcome to the side. If you're completely new to the site, spend some time to read through most of the stickies on the forums, they are jam-packed with information to really help you start out.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have, we're a great community that likes to help.

Enjoy!

I'm a big advocate of beginners starting small and working their way up. So many beginners think that 600cc sportbikes are good to learn on.

Good thing your dad has been an MSF instructor so you already have the smarts to know that 250s are much more prudent to start on. I put about 18,000 miles on a 250 before I got something bigger.

Have fun in your adventures into motorcycling. Either bike you are considering should serve you well.

welcome aboard.
Been riding for 2 years now and i love it!
Also, grew up in So. Cal and i know the biker scene is crazy there
dont know wherein Cali you are at, but its a strong scene throughout the state!
be safe and keep us posted on how things go!

Hello again, thanks for the welcome and well wishes for my father.
I have noticed that California is a great place to ride a bike! I am not in the south, I am in the silicon valley area. Right over the mountains from Santa Cruz, which is quite a biker haven, it seems. I'd like to give them my business, and buy my bike there. I tell ya what, though, the thought of going over those mountains as one of my first rides scares the $%&# out of me. I suppose I could have something delivered.....
Went and sat on a Ninja yesterday, .... I'm going to move my MSF class up to February 17. I'm going to have my husband take the 3/29 one that I'm already registered for. Then, we can ride together. He rode bikes a long time ago, as a young man, but he never took the course!
Take care....

Welcome to the forum!

Good luck with the MSF...technique is hard to just...DO! Enjoy it!

Bikes are like meditation, and can help in many ways. I hope they help you too.

Take care,

well welcome....so you live near hwy1? I used to go to Santa Cruz all the time...I bought my current bike in Santa Cruz. Great area to ride....becareful....and have fun..... Vespas huh??? You were talking about 250cc bikes....take a look at the Honda Big Ruckus 250cc....

Hope you get to enjoy some riding with your dad, keep your head up