Hello everyone!

Well, I just bought my first street bike ('94 GS500) and before I start riding I figured I'd get some opinions from those more knowledgeable and experienced than me.  I'm not completely new to motorcycles--rode dirt bikes a lot of my childhood and teen years though I know the two are at most roughly comparable, i.e. dirt bikes are lighter, turn differently, dirt and grass are more forgiving than pavement, etc.    Mainly I want to ask, when should I start riding?

I've gotten conflicting advice from friends and family on the matter.  One side says to ride around the neighborhood for a while to get a good feel for the bike before taking the safety course/getting a license.  Instincts tell me this isn't the best decision, mainly for the risk of not only getting a ticket or arrested, but making a painful mistake or worse.  The other side, which  seems like the more intelligent choice, advises to take the MSC immediately.

Are my instincts correct, or am I being too cautious--is there such a thing with motorcycles?

Thanks in advance for whatever input is posted.  I think this is a great site and resource for riders, and I can only hope that eventually I can add as much to the site as I can gain.

Kevin


*EDIT*
Good helmet?
http://www.thehelmetsource.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=THS&Product_Code=CLSPPHOENIX

Anybody ever have any issues with this or any other HJC helmet?  Everyone I've talked to says their good helmets...just inexpensive...

I rode a motorcycle for the first time at the MSF course.  Since it was under extremely controlled conditions with a knowledgeable instructor teaching me it was really easy to learn to ride properly.

If I were you I'd take the course and then ride around the block for a while.  At leas tin Florida once you pass the course you can get your license and then you can get some insurance.  Good luck and ride safe.

As far as helmets go, you'll want one that is both Snell and DOT approved and the one in the link is so if you like the fit (you should def try one on first) then go for it.  Make sure you get help with the fit since it will feel way too small at first.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking.

I've already tried the helmet out at a local store so sizing isn't an issue.  I've only heard good things about the helmet, but extra opinions are never a bad thing.  The main reason I'm sold on this one is I can get a good helmet for $100.

I have a HJC CL-SP. It's heavy compared to more expensive helmets, but I'm not a pus... I mean, it's not a big deal

As far as riding around the neighbor hood, I think that's a no no. Familiar streets put you at ease, and  you may get slack with less safe, smooth maneuvers. Find a parking lot near by, practice there. Slow speeds, 1st and 2nd gear shifting, slalom, etc to get a feel for the bike.

Once you feel confident with smooooooooooth clutch and brake usage, take the MSF. Get good motorcycle specific boots, good gloves, good pants of some type. I've seen (2nd hand thankfully) what happens to skin that isn't properly protected. Ouch. For months, really.

Take it easy, enjoy the wrenching on the gs that is inevitable, and please, take your time on the streets.

Every single damned cage can kill you.

Yeah, take the MSF class. Also get the book "Proficient Motorcycling" by David L. Hough. It is full of good advice. It also makes the point that statistically speaking, you're better off learning to ride by yourself than learning to ride under the direction of a family member or friend... The MSF class is the best, but learning how to ride with the advice of a family member is actually worse than learning by yourself. Your instincts are correct, take the class and then ride. That will also give you time to assemble a decent collection of gear...

Well, I'd never ridden ANY motorcycle.  IF, it had been an option, I would've taken the course first.  Unfortunately, I bought my first bike in May, and at best I couldn't get into an MSF until September.  Testosterone sort of took over, and I was on my bike the day after I bought it.  I thought I was doing okay, but I destroyed it a week later.     I started looking for a replacement only hours after I crashed.  So, now I have a GS500, and I got right back on the horse.    Personally, I wouldn't think riding cautiously around the neighborhood would be a bad idea--IF you are familiar with and competent with the controls, which you should be.  If I'd had an opportunity to learn on grass and dirt, I don't think I would have ever had a problem.  Just ride like you're invisible.  You'll learn quickly cages don't see you!  But, if you don't feel right about it, take the course first and be happy.  Just keep in mind that taking the course won't guarantee you accident free riding.

Congrats on the bike and welcome to the board! 

Take the MSF course. I had the same motorcycle background as you (dirtbikes) but I learned a lot at the course and broke some bad dirtbike habits. Plus saved a little bit on insurance.
As for a helmet.. don't cheap out. I had some of the cheaper helmets and recently bought a Shoei and you can't compare them. But that's just my .02!

Quote from: Yev on September 22, 2008, 08:38:08 PM
I had the same motorcycle background as you (dirtbikes) but I learned a lot at the course and broke some bad dirtbike habits.

Oh yeah, I wouldn't necessarily advise putting your heal down around a turn on asphalt.  I know somebody who did that out of habit on his first steet bike... 

A note on the MSF course, ride the bike they provide. Even all the guys who rode in on their own bikes still used the ones the class provided. If you drop it, no big deal. Not your bike.

I own an HJC CL-SP in solid matte black. Its my second HJC helmet and ive been very happy with it. I didnt bother trying on any others. I have an oval (egg) head and this helmet fit me like a glove. Weight was never an issue for me.

Take the course, but I also spent about an hour in an empty school parking lot going back and forth practicing, but then I had never ridden a motorcycle before.

Quote from: Yev on September 22, 2008, 08:38:08 PM
Take the MSF course. I had the same motorcycle background as you (dirtbikes) but I learned a lot at the course and broke some bad dirtbike habits. Plus saved a little bit on insurance.
As for a helmet.. don't cheap out. I had some of the cheaper helmets and recently bought a Shoei and you can't compare them. But that's just my .02!

I disagree with the helmet part. The more expensive helmets do not mean better protection, it means more features. My G-Max $74.99 is DOT and SNELL approved, thats all that matters. You pay for the name, and the features of the helmet.

Quote from: Skeets on September 24, 2008, 01:35:31 PM

Quote from: Yev on September 22, 2008, 08:38:08 PM
Take the MSF course. I had the same motorcycle background as you (dirtbikes) but I learned a lot at the course and broke some bad dirtbike habits. Plus saved a little bit on insurance.
As for a helmet.. don't cheap out. I had some of the cheaper helmets and recently bought a Shoei and you can't compare them. But that's just my .02!

I disagree with the helmet part. The more expensive helmets do not mean better protection, it means more features. My G-Max $74.99 is DOT and SNELL approved, thats all that matters. You pay for the name, and the features of the helmet.

I agree that all helmets that pass SNELL offer the same amount of protection in a crash, but a more expensive helmet can be way way more comfortable. My first helmet was a super cheap KBC, but had little in the way of ventilation and was noisy as heck. My new Icon Airframe has way more ventilation and is much quieter, which is really nice. Removable washable liners are also really nice so you can get the helmet to stop smelling like your gym shoes after a while... I think it is well worth the extra money to get some better ventilation and less noise.

I have to agree with Fred.  I tried on some cheaper stuff and ended up with a Suomy Vandal that fits my head like a glove and has great airflow.  You get what you pay for...

That being said, the Scorpion Exo700 is a fantastic helmet. Not quite as quiet as the best, most expensive helmets, but just as comfortable and way cheaper. Even if I had an unlimeted budget (I don't) I think I would buy another Scorpion before paying 3 times as much for a Shoei/Arai/etc. $185 shipped with clear and smoked visors from sportbiketrackgear.com

My point was more money doesn't mean better protection.