thenewb

Hey, whats up guys, i browse the forums often, but now just decided to finally sign up. Now, when it comes to bikes, ive only ridden a couple dirt bikes here and there (a few of my friends had them) but never seriously. Ive heard of MSF(?) courses, i mean, i have the concept of riding bikes, i just dont feel like id competent enough to really ride a real bike. im about 5'8 and weigh around 140ish, so im not quite sure what i can really handle as well. im also in the MD\VA area (live in MD, go to school inVA) so any help you guys could throw my way would be great. peace

Mongo

Welcome to the forums....now that you're registered. I think you'll get a lot of good info here. As for the MSF course, ask around some dealers or contact the DMV in MD to see if the state offers the course near you. I recommend that course to damn near everybody....it's good.

As for finding a bike that fits you, you just have to keep looking for one that fits you. Sit on them, balance them do what you have to do to feel comfortable....it should be the major factor in buying a bike (the cool factor being the other).

Hope to see you around here more. Take care.

PHAT-BOY

Welcome. I'll post more later.

thenewb

yeh, the cool factor is def a plus... i was offered to buy a friends cbr600, with full gear (helmet, jackets and such) hes a lil bigger then men, but it seems like such a great deal, and a great bike to start on, i just keep drooling over the turbo busa thats on ebay but i think that bike is just a wee lil bit to much for me (haha).

WooHoo!

Welcome newb. The MSF courses fill up fast so if you're stinking of taking one, sign up now! :-)

good luck choosing a bike, good luck learning to ride and keep us posted on your progress.

harrigancan

Welcome aboard. I'm 5'8" and go about 180 lbs. I ride a Road King and love it. So you see size is not a deterent. A good riding course should be mandatory. Good luck on your motorcycling endevours.

blue eyes

I too am a newbie. I took the course. I have unfortunately wrecked every toy that I have owned. I was really nervous about riding a bike on the streets. The course was awesome. I highly recommend it to anyone. It took 2 tries to get into my class. The class had all different riding abilitys in it. There were guys that had ridden for years and had alot of bad habits but wanted to get their endorsement, finally. I was one of 3 girls in my class of about 25. There was no favortism at all!!!! You start out on little bikes, to help build your convidence.
As for picking out a bike, I am definetly not an expert but I sat on alot of them before I found mine. As soon as I sat on it I wanted it. Well now I am more confident because the bike is light and easy to handle. Probably next year I will be ready to up size to a Harley. Got about 4000 miles under me so far and loving every minute of it!!!!