[TCAT]

Originally Posted by TJ91

Hey man im coming up on my 6th year of riding. How I did it, was take a motorcycle course. You ride a 250cc and they put you through all the situations you would face on the roads from sharp emergency to turns, to panic stops to complete control of the bike at low speeds. They covered everything. So how it works here in Ontario Canada is you do your written test to get your M1 (beginners). I didnt dare touch the 1000cc Vtwin Superhawk I had in the garage. I then went and did the course which they test you afterwards to get your M2 (basically full license). After that weekend course, I felt way more comfortable and confident. I then took the Superhawk to an empty parking lot. The first thing everyone needs to realize is the weight differnce off a 250 and say a 600 and a 1000. So I began doing laps around the parking lot and practiced all the maneruvers until I began to feel confident. Ive now been riding for about 6 years and absolutely love it. Have had MANY scares and I ride as defensive as possible.

So point of the story, the 250 is great for a weekend to learn how to ride, and thats about it. You will outgrow it for sure much quicker then you expect. Within one riding season for sure. A 600 is a great choice, you can even go 1000 like I did. The key is to be respectful and the bike will respond respectively.

The feeling you get when you ride is completely worth it, in fact I drive my Camaro far less now. My bike is what relieves my stress and gives me that feeling of freedom. Now I cant wait to ride my new Gixxer



Yeah man go 600, but try taking a weekend course on a 250. Would be a great asset. Still get to learn on the 250, but you spend 450 on that and outgrow it in a weekend vs 3000 and stuck with it for a year



This is key! Just like the Camaro, treat the power with respect and youll have no problems.



Hey man, I think I might be the first to say it here, but im sure other bikers here will agree, theres only soo defensive and alert you can be, sometimes shit just happens way out of left field that you can never expect or explain. Shit happens, and I have to honestly say, ive gotten out of tricky situations by sheer luck sometimes. This is not including the MANY near hits ive avoided by being defensive and alert.
Its like anything you do in the world, you cant stop everything but you can do your best to minimize it.
Is it dangerous (hey guys my question mark key keeps putting an É, anyone know how to change this im not a computer literate :( )
anyways is it dangerous, yes but its definitly worth it. Its just the risk of serious injury or death occuring when that shit happens moment happens

This keyboard thing is annoying the shit out of me

Thanks a ton for the great advice and in depth reply. I really appreciate it! I will do just that, take a course, or several courses to et accustomed to riding, as well as riding in various situations. I will also be sure to purchase a bike that will suit me well for years to come that I know I'll still enjoy regardless of experience.

You are so right, as it's impossible to predict all driving situations no matter what. There is always an element of surprise, and all we can do is be alert, and try to always have a plan B, C, etc. if need be. I'm sure I'll have many scary situations riding will come out of nowhere, and I'll have to deal with it. It's nerve racking to be put in situations like that, but at the and time, the reward of riding a motorcycle and the amazing feeling it will provide will likely be worth it. If its not, then I obviously won't ride anymore. I'll never know until I take some classes, and get out there and ride . I'm looking forward to it though.

Thanks again for the great info., and congrats on the Gixxer . Any pics of the bike?!