Well...here goes nothing......

[bclinton]

Well, I went ahead and did it. Been curious about bikes for some time now and finally got enough guts to jump in. Haven't ridden one for about 25 years and even back then it was one of those - hey can I try that. A friend of a friend told me he had a 2006 Honda 750 Spirit for sale with all the bells and whistles already added for only $4500. So I did what anyone else would do and bought a bike without really knowing how to drive it. So there it sits in my garage. I can start it, I can sit on it but I havent taken it out on the street yet. I went today and got the attachment to my DL that makes me legal to drive. I have read and read and read and read a lot of articles, tip web sites etc....and part of me wants to drive it out on the neighborhood street and the other part says wait and take a course.

What do you guys think would be the best most responsible thing for me to do? I'm under a lot of peer pressure here guy. I buy a bike and my wife wants to know when I am going to ride it

[jonnythan]

Well, I went ahead and did it. Been curious about bikes for some time now and finally got enough guts to jump in. Haven't ridden one for about 25 years and even back then it was one of those - hey can I try that. A friend of a friend told me he had a 2006 Honda 750 Spirit for sale with all the bells and whistles already added for only $4500. So I did what anyone else would do and bought a bike without really knowing how to drive it. So there it sits in my garage. I can start it, I can sit on it but I havent taken it out on the street yet. I went today and got the attachment to my DL that makes me legal to drive. I have read and read and read and read a lot of articles, tip web sites etc....and part of me wants to drive it out on the neighborhood street and the other part says wait and take a course.

What do you guys think would be the best most responsible thing for me to do? I'm under a lot of peer pressure here guy. I buy a bike and my wife wants to know when I am going to ride it

The only responsible thing for you to do is sign up for an MSF or Riders Edge course.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

[bclinton]

Well, I went ahead and did it. Been curious about bikes for some time now and finally got enough guts to jump in. Haven't ridden one for about 25 years and even back then it was one of those - hey can I try that. A friend of a friend told me he had a 2006 Honda 750 Spirit for sale with all the bells and whistles already added for only $4500. So I did what anyone else would do and bought a bike without really knowing how to drive it. So there it sits in my garage. I can start it, I can sit on it but I havent taken it out on the street yet. I went today and got the attachment to my DL that makes me legal to drive. I have read and read and read and read a lot of articles, tip web sites etc....and part of me wants to drive it out on the neighborhood street and the other part says wait and take a course.

What do you guys think would be the best most responsible thing for me to do? I'm under a lot of peer pressure here guy. I buy a bike and my wife wants to know when I am going to ride it

The only responsible thing for you to do is sign up for an MSF or Riders Edge course.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

Thanks - I think thats what I will do. The only thing is the next course local is over a month away. Oh well. I guess I can wait. Might take it in the back yard and tool around a little until then.

Before I bought it I thought it would be no problem just jumping on a taking off. That was until I got on it and realized it's not a bicycle....after reading a lot of testimonials too......

[Mean KaNean]

The Spirit is a good bike to learn on. I have an 03 that I learned on. But since you have prior riding experience it won't be to bad picking it up again. Good luck.

[jonnythan]

Thanks - I think thats what I will do. The only thing is the next course local is over a month away. Oh well. I guess I can wait. Might take it in the back yard and tool around a little until then.

Don't.

Wait.

You'll wish you had waited when you drop it in your yard.. especially if you break your leg doing so. It happens

[Diecast61]

MSF ....

At least you've ridden before. I haven't ..... and I bought a bike 90+ miles from home .... because the price was right and it was in like new condition. Had to have my mechanic / friend ride it home for me.

I've satisfied my cravings by doing the basic maintenance ..... oil & filer, plugs, coolant, chain lube, fuel filter ..... and of course wash, wax and polish that chrome.

I bought the bike about 3 weeks ago .... and I'm finally taking the MSF this weekend. Hope I pass so I can get my endorsement. At least you don't really need to worry about passing since you are already licensed. It should be a great learning experience for you and fun to boot knowing that there is no real pressure to "pass."

Good luck with the new ride. And enjoy the MSF.. Everything I hear is that if you go in with the right attitude .... it's a blast.

[bclinton]

Thanks - I think thats what I will do. The only thing is the next course local is over a month away. Oh well. I guess I can wait. Might take it in the back yard and tool around a little until then.

Don't.

Wait.

You'll wish you had waited when you drop it in your yard.. especially if you break your leg doing so. It happens

Ok, Ok - I'll wait

I guess it's an ego thing when everyone sees your nice shiny new bike and I haven't even rode it yet. The guys at work are razzing me too - so when you going to ride it in to work? Guess I will continue reading this forum - btw this has got to be the best resource for information i have found. I will make sure and buy my equipment from the advertisers on here. Hopefully the site get click through revenue....

[Shorts]

Don't let others dictate your ride. That's the quickest way to get yourself hurt or killed, at the very least, mess up your bike. Now your ego really looks good, right??


Take the MSF course and figure out the right way to ride. Then hop on it. meanwhile, read up on the Proficient Motorcycling books. They may help you further understand the concepts taught to you at MSF. Also, gather your gear, and maps.

You don't want to be hasty about staring to ride, you might not be riding for long. And riding for a long long time is the goal we pretty much all have

[bclinton]

Don't let others dictate your ride. That's the quickest way to get yourself hurt or killed, at the very least, mess up your bike. Now your ego really looks good, right??


Take the MSF course and figure out the right way to ride. Then hop on it. meanwhile, read up on the Proficient Motorcycling books. They may help you further understand the concepts taught to you at MSF. Also, gather your gear, and maps.

You don't want to be hasty about staring to ride, you might not be riding for long. And riding for a long long time is the goal we pretty much all have

Well, I got good news from the local ABATE club. They have a course September 8/9 so thats not too bad. Will wait as suggested.

Thanks for the advise....