how did you learn how to ride a motorcycle?

[nageov3t]

I've been thinking about buying a motorcycle to use to get around town with during the spring, summer, and fall (short errands plus driving to/from work) but I have no clue where to start insofar as learning how to ride one

 

[Kelvrick]

MSF course/CHP course, or other comparable state sponsored riding program.

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

 

[ItsPat]

Yup, MSF is great...take it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

MSF is great. I highly recommend it.

Other than that, don't buy a bike that is too big for a n00b. Stick with something under 600cc for your first bike.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Contact your local DMV and ask them about rider classes. Not only will you learn good habits but, you'll save some cash on insurance.

 

[d33pt]

i learned in the desert first on dirt bikes..

 

[BigJ]

Buddy had a bike that we took to an empty school parking lot Then an MSF course.

 

[FoBoT]

i just bought a cheap one and figured it out

 

[spidey07]

When I was 14 and buddy had a motorcycle. That wasn't a fun crash at all. I didn't even know what a throttle or clutch was so as in panic I grabbed a fist full of throttle straight at a house with my buddy on the back. There were tire marks on the house a good 12 feet up. Seriously.

But do take the course and practice. It takes time before you get comfortable and should then and only then take it on the road.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: spidey07
When I was 14 and buddy had a motorcycle. That wasn't a fun crash at all. I didn't even know what a throttle or clutch was so as in panic I grabbed a fist full of throttle straight at a house with my buddy on the back. There were tire marks on the house a good 12 feet up. Seriously.

But do take the course and practice. It takes time before you get comfortable and should then and only then take it on the road.

That explains a lot actually.

 

[WisMan]

Yeah the MSF course is a good start.

I personally just got on mine and figured it out on the go staying away from anything with more then minimal traffic, then eventually took the MSF when i could get in. The waiting list can get pretty long. Not that i recommend that course of action.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: spidey07
When I was 14 and buddy had a motorcycle. That wasn't a fun crash at all. I didn't even know what a throttle or clutch was so as in panic I grabbed a fist full of throttle straight at a house with my buddy on the back. There were tire marks on the house a good 12 feet up. Seriously.

But do take the course and practice. It takes time before you get comfortable and should then and only then take it on the road.

That explains a lot actually.

Even at that age I could never go fast enough.


It was gnarly. Ran into the air conditioner unit knocking it clean off it's mount and into the house...which made for a perfect angle for the bike and us to do a wall ride. Things are a little unclear from there, but the tiremarks tell the tale.

 

[skim milk]

I paid $195 to take a weekend long class

and I got a certification out of it.. which allowed me to obtain a motorcycle license

 

[Cattlegod]

just buy one and go.

 

[ponyo]

When I bought my motorcycle, I had my cousin ride it home to my house. Then I practiced riding and shifting gears around my neighborhood and school parking lot.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

My brother would sit behind me and I would take it out in empty streets and lots. Same way I learned to drive a car.

 

[Alone]

The training course is a good start, but you won't really know until you actually ride it. If you can find a farmers field and get their permission to ride a bit, that would be a good place. Anywhere with a very open area and soft ground.

 

[Captante]

I learned by doing when I was like 12 years old on a 75cc Honda dirtbike.

Took an advanced rider saftey course a couple years ago.

 

[imported_weadjust]

I got a dirt bike when I was about 8. Dad showed me the clutch, gas, and brake. I popped the clutch did my first wheelie and hit a tree. It was all down hill from there.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: weadjust
I got a dirt bike when I was about 8. Dad showed me the clutch, gas, and brake. I popped the clutch did my first wheelie and hit a tree. It was all down hill from there.

:thumbsup:

Only way to learn.

 

[Clinth]

one controlled crash at a time..... :evil:

got a dirt bike as a kid, here the gas, clutch and brake... and off I was sent.

 

[chusteczka]

Yamaha 80cc dirt bike when I was 11 yrs old.
Rode it each summer while on vacation.

 

[puffff]

MSF. But I think the most important parts were learned way before that: When I learned how to ride a regular bicycle, and when I learned the concepts of using the clutch and gear shifting on a manual car. Combine those two, and handling a motorcycle was a breeze.

 

[waggy]

I started rideing a 50cc when i was about 8 or so. moved up to a bigger bike when needed.

 

[BabaBooey]

By getting on one and taking a dive or two..AKA learning..