How I did it: First and foremost I took my State's Rider Safety and Education course.  If you're going to ride and be safe it all starts with you.

Then me, well, actually my boyfriend more than me, tooled around the InterWebs looking for good first motorcycle deals. 

I wound up buying a 2005 Honda Shadow 600 V-twin, customized.  Good for local and commuting (work) travel for my area. 

Yay!

Lessons & tips: If you aren't being safe and don't have the techniques down you can't look cool.  I know part of the allure for most is how smooth, sexy and cool you look on a bike, but you can't do that when you can't navigate a turn or shift into the correct gear with ease.

Make the right investments in gear, education and time.  Find empty lots.  And don't be embarrassed if you drop the bike once or twice.  Even the best riders have dropped their bike even once.

Resources: Enlist in the rider safety course for your state.

Its usually about $250 for a 2-3 day course.  Taking the course will also alleviate your need to take the road test at the actual DMV.

Nov 10, 2009, 01:07PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer