Motorcycle.com

jeff10236 · 03-21-2010, 08:31 AM

OK, I can ride a bike so I have basic balance. I drive a stick shift, so I assume I'll be able to figure out the clutch. However, that isn't much of a start. I've never been on a motorcycle before. I've never even rented a motorscooter when at the beach.

So, I've wanted to ride for many years and I have finally got around to signing up for the beginning riders course so I can get my license and then I plan to get a motorcycle in the next year (I'm a teacher- if I find a summer job this year I'll reward myself with the motorcycle over the summer).

Anyway, I want to be as safe as possible, and I want to do as well as possible in the class. I was looking at Amazon.com and they have a lot of books and some videos on motorcycle skills. Some are aimed at beginners, some at more expert riders. Would there be any benefit to buying any of these before I go to my class? Would most of the beginners info be unnecessary duplication of what they teach in the course and in the handbook they will be giving me? Would the more expert videos be useless until I get some real time on a motorcycle?

IOW- is there any use to ordering that stuff before my class, or would I just be wasting my money?

acecycleins · 03-21-2010, 10:06 AM

Dude- read the newbie threads. Almost everything you need resides there. After that as questions and we'll respond accordingly.

Dr_Sprocket · 03-21-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acecycleins

Dude- read the newbie threads. Almost everything you need resides there. After that as questions and we'll respond accordingly.

As per his other post, I think he said he already read it.

jeff10236 · 03-21-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acecycleins

Dude- read the newbie threads. Almost everything you need resides there. After that as questions and we'll respond accordingly.

You mean that 40-some pager? I spent several hours reading it yesterday (yup, the whole freakin' thing in one sitting) and I don't recall seeing anything that looked even remotely like my question.

mugwump58 · 03-21-2010, 12:23 PM

I wouldn't worry about reading any books. Get yourself enough safety gear now. After you start riding everything will change though, the helmet you want, the jacket, boots, pants, gloves......so don't spend huge amounts of money. Start watching the adds for a used bike so you get a feel for prices, again after you start riding what you want will change.

Look at some other forums as well, is that blasphemy? A couple of my favorites are:

Sporttouring.net
Thumper Talk
ADV

Search for bike specific forums for bikes you are interested in.

Oh the list is endless. Have fun!

03-21-2010, 08:31 AM	#1
jeff10236 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Annapolis, Maryland Posts: 123	Brand new- never rode before- and taking the Rider's Edge/MSF course OK, I can ride a bike so I have basic balance. I drive a stick shift, so I assume I'll be able to figure out the clutch. However, that isn't much of a start. I've never been on a motorcycle before. I've never even rented a motorscooter when at the beach. So, I've wanted to ride for many years and I have finally got around to signing up for the beginning riders course so I can get my license and then I plan to get a motorcycle in the next year (I'm a teacher- if I find a summer job this year I'll reward myself with the motorcycle over the summer). Anyway, I want to be as safe as possible, and I want to do as well as possible in the class. I was looking at Amazon.com and they have a lot of books and some videos on motorcycle skills. Some are aimed at beginners, some at more expert riders. Would there be any benefit to buying any of these before I go to my class? Would most of the beginners info be unnecessary duplication of what they teach in the course and in the handbook they will be giving me? Would the more expert videos be useless until I get some real time on a motorcycle? IOW- is there any use to ordering that stuff before my class, or would I just be wasting my money?

03-21-2010, 10:06 AM	#2
acecycleins Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North Georgia Posts: 4,125	Dude- read the newbie threads. Almost everything you need resides there. After that as questions and we'll respond accordingly. __________________ "Slack" - a state of being in which everything flows smoothly.....a frame of mind so at ease that the universe naturally cooperates.

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03-21-2010, 12:23 PM	#5
mugwump58 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 43.47N-76.48W Posts: 586	I wouldn't worry about reading any books. Get yourself enough safety gear now. After you start riding everything will change though, the helmet you want, the jacket, boots, pants, gloves......so don't spend huge amounts of money. Start watching the adds for a used bike so you get a feel for prices, again after you start riding what you want will change. Look at some other forums as well, is that blasphemy? A couple of my favorites are: Sporttouring.net Thumper Talk ADV Search for bike specific forums for bikes you are interested in. Oh the list is endless. Have fun!