So I've been lurking here a while and finally found the time to sign up and throw a post out there. It looks like a great community, and I'm happy to be a part of it. It's good to know I have a resource for what I'm sure will prove to be a big learning experience.
For those that care to read on, the following is a little about me, where I'm coming from, and where I'm headed. If you don't care about that stuff, that's cool, stay tuned for upcoming newbie questions. I appreciate (and will likely need) any and all feedback.
I'm 39 and completely new to riding. I rode once over 20 years ago, for maybe an hour, on a little 125 dirt bike. I don't think I ever got it out of 3nd gear. I read somewhere here that an instructor said, in regards to riding experience, "that don't count". I believe it. Point is, I haven't even sat on a bike in quite a while.
Step 1 is to enroll in a MSF class, probably in August (they're booked through the summer). While I'm chomping at the bit to start riding, the extra time will allow me to get my safety gear in order and start sitting on bikes to get a better feel for what I want.
For my first bike, I'm hoping to land a cruiser in the 500-750 range (I like the Shadow line) at a price that won't kill me and - more importantly - that I won't mind laying down. I'm told the odds of laying down a bike in the first 6 months are better than average. Ultimately I'm working towards a Harley Softail Custom or Fatboy. I'm batcrap mad in love with the Harley style, sound, and history. I feel this strange pull to be a part of it.
Anyway, thanks for reading, and I look forward to talking to you!
Regards,
--Ant.
to TMW. 