A little update

[Uncle_Bob]

I showed up here about 4 moths ago wanting to get a bike but winter was about to set in and I was low on money. Still saving up a bike, but I bought a 1st gen Mitsubishi Eclipse with a 5 speed to learn how to shift hears and pay attnetion to the road isntead of listening to music and groping the cofee cup.

[VermilionX]

i learned to drive on a stick shift when i started... back then, automatics are not very common yet.

even now, when i bought a car, i chose a stick, since it's more interesting than auto.

i've been driving for a long time now and i can easily drive w/ only 1-hand on a stick shift. i can easily pay attention to the radio and at the road at the same time.

im new to bikes, so i can't comment on how feasible it is to listen to music/radio while riding. i know i won't try it at my skill level.

i saw these cool oakley shades that has an earphone for MP3/radio. it's great but i can't afford to be distracted.

[Uncle_Bob]

Well I mosty got the 5 speed to change my driving habbits AND attitude, because I have to admint I wasnt the safest driver or pay as much attention as I should, which Im starting to notice now and slowly change my driving habits.

[VermilionX]

yeah, i was just saying that you might go back to your old self after you have become proficient at driving a stick.

[jmillheiser]

it will help you get the timing of throttle and clutch down. when I started riding the clutch was easy for me as I have driven a stick for years.

Vermilion, autos were not common when you learned to drive? Im guessing you grew up outside the us? You are pretty close to me in age and I've always had trouble finding stick shift cars as autos are too common.

Autos have been the dominant transmission choice on american roads since the 60s

[VermilionX]

yeah, i wasn't in the US yet when i learned how to drive a car.