How to Get Into Riding Motorcycles

Here's a quick run thorough of everything you need to get into the world of motorcycle riding.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A bike
• Around $500
• The will to ride

1. First, before everything else, even before buying your first bike, take a safety course. I know it sounds dorky, but these things are VERY helpful. Even experienced riders get something out of it, plus, if you take and complete it, the DMV riding test is waived and you get discounted insurance. A good place to start is http://www.msf-usa.org/ its around $200 to take, but believe me, it is far worth it. They have bikes for you to use, so you don't need your own.

2. After the course, you will get a proof of completion in the mail, with this, head on over to the DMV and get your license. Many people choose to get their permit first, but because you completed the course, you can skip straight to license after an easy multiple choice test. If you fail, just take it again, no worries.

3. Once the course is done, and you're licensed, decide what type of bike you want. I advise starting small. As small as you can, at least to learn on. I started on a Ninja 250, and am thankful I did, cause i would've gotten messed up on a few occasions otherwise. You can always upgrade later, and small bikes tend to have good resale, for they get great mileage.

4. Buying your bike: I would suggest craigslist.org for a starter bike. I found my first bike there, it had 500 miles on it and was a year old for $2800, so not too bad. I don't suggest buying new to learn on, save that money for your upgrade, when you know just what you want in a bike and have the experience.

5. Once you have your bike, shop you insurance, it may be able to be combined with your current auto insurance, or you may have to get new insurance, for many companies do not cover bikes. I have USAA myself, but just call around.

6. After you are insured, you have the joy of registering with the DMV.

7. Once all the bureaucratic fun is out of the way and you have your bike, get out to your local bike shop and get the necessary gear. I would advise wearing a helmet, jacket and gloves at all times. but a helmet is the only TRUE necessity. There are many brands and styles of helmets, and depending on your budget, many options. I went with a $120 scorpion exo400 and have no complaints, and a $600 Arai helmet is slightly unnecessary.

8. As for jackets, leather is always good, but it really depends on the weather. I personally have a lined leather jacket (scorpion stinger) for the cold, rainy days, and a light mesh jacket for the hot days (fieldsheer) get something comfortable and suitable for your conditions.

9. Gloves: not always needed, but i just think they are a good idea, cause i don't think my palms are asphalt proof. and you will definitely want them if its cold.

10. Also, many people wear motorcycle boots. This is an option, and i have a pair myself (icon field armor's). i love 'em for long freeway rides, as they give great ankle support, but are somewhat unnecessary for around town commuting, as i would prefer to walk around the grocery store in shoes. I would advise getting boots if you will be doing freeway commutes or just generally longer rides.

11. So that's just about all the bases. Have fun, riding is one of the best things I've started, so i hope you enjoy it too.

Tips & Warnings

• Start small, you'll be thankful you did.
• Try to wear as much protective gear as is comfortable.
• Have a blast
• People tend not to see you, so just be expecting that car next to you to run you off the road, and you should be good. Anticipate.
• Slow it WAY down in the rain, if you have to ride in it. It's not horrible, just be careful.