So…been discussing this at length with my brother (who rides an SV) and reading the boards at sport-touring.net. Turns out there really is a lot to do before hopping on a motorcycle:
1) Buy good gear
2) Take the MSF course
3) Get the M1
4) Sit on as many bikes as I can until I find one that’s comfortable (GS500, EX500, Sprint RS, VFR800, etc.)
5) Start riding!
I still picture myself touring the backroads of Northern California…just me, the bike, and the road. One day soon…

