A fellow friend is licensed to teach people how to ride.  He has been doing it for all of his life.  For $75, he will teach you and eleven other people how to operate a motorcycle.  This includes payment for a book and they provide the bike.  He tells me from time to time how I should "get into motorcycles." 

With gas shooting up to four bucks a gallon, it seems like a wise choice and something that's very enjoyable to do.  I see a lot of motorcycles on the road on Sundays and Saturdays.  Just like some people play golf on the weekends, they ride and have friends that ride with them. 

This all seems very appealing to me.  If I were to make the choice to ride, I would wear a helmet religiously.  It is more dangerous than driving in a automobile because there are no sides.  The least someone could do is wear a helemet...and if I were to get sucked into this, I would want to wear a helmet. 

I know that there are a couple of people around here, like FBT and tannerfox, who ride.  I would like to ask them, and anyone else, for any advice on motorcycles.  Examples: What kind of bike do you have?  Any safety tips?  Any tips on what the school experience would be like?   What, exactly, is "Bike Week" in Daytona Beach?  How do you get involved in a group?  What helmet should I get (save the Jughead and Big Ben jokes for later...I'm serious)?  What helmets do you wear?  Anything. 

I don't know very much about the subject.  And if I were to ever ride, I would like to get a full education on it before doing so. 

Regards,

TheClotTroll

Formerly Known As ICF/TheClotTroll Whac-A-Sorgi Weekdays: 25 cents.  Sundays: Absolutely Free

I was 19 years old, and tried riding one for the first time. I borrowed a friend's bike and told him I'd ride in a neighborhood to get a feel for it. I made it 3 whole blocks when someone ran a stop sign and I woke up several minutes later in someone's front yard with a dislocated hip and my leg pointing in a direction it wasn't meant to point.

At that point, I figured if I couldn't get more than 3 blocks without being hit by a car, it wasn't meant to be.

End of story.

Don't Take Life Too Seriously Get Well, 76

 You have got to love it man.If you want to save gas,get a little car.I have been a street rider now for 44 years.Yes it is dangerous imagine driving your car,the car and you are invisible.That is about how it is.You need eyes in the back of your head.

 There are actually some advantages to being on a bike.better visibility and the fact that you need a smaller escape zone.nothing can fully compensate for those people that just do not see motorcycles however.

 I'll never forget my first ride on a bike.Half a mile on the back of a 50 cc Honda.My hair was everywhere my skin was tingling from the wind still when I got off.As I watched the bike being ridden off,I knew I was hooked.

 I am not a risk taker.But having said that.I will repeat something I have heard.

  Everybody dies,Buy not everybody lives. for some educated advice go here.   http://www.roadbikemag.com/forum/index.php

Section 436 Row p     S.T.C. and the Titans too http://www.myspace.com/michaellee32084 http://www.roadbikemag.com/forum/index.php http://www.flixster.com/user/michaellee32084

 You have got to love it man.If you want to save gas,get a little car.I have been a street rider now for 44 years.Yes it is dangerous imagine driving your car,the car and you are invisible.That is about how it is.You need eyes in the back of your head.

 There are actually some advantages to being on a bike.better visibility and the fact that you need a smaller escape zone.nothing can fully compensate for those people that just do not see motorcycles however.

 I'll never forget my first ride on a bike.Half a mile on the back of a 50 cc Honda.My hair was everywhere my skin was tingling from the wind still when I got off.As I watched the bike being ridden off,I knew I was hooked.

 I am not a risk taker.But having said that.I will repeat something I have heard.

  Everybody dies,Buy not everybody lives. for some educated advice go here.   http://www.roadbikemag.com/forum/index.php[/quote]

I'm not doing this for the sole purpose of saving money at the pump. 

All of your stories didn't turn out well, but here's the thing: I want to get a full education on it and go to a school with several different levels before actually going out and buying one and hitting the road.  I don't want to just immediately hop on and ride. 

Formerly Known As ICF/TheClotTroll Whac-A-Sorgi Weekdays: 25 cents.  Sundays: Absolutely Free

I know that there are a couple of people around here, like FBT and tannerfox, who ride.  I would like to ask them, and anyone else, for any advice on motorcycles. 

1)What kind of bike do you have? 

2004 Honda Valkyrie 1500

 2)Any safety tips? 

Do not ride in the center of a highway road. Oil can be found there. Wear gloves for fatigue.

3)Any tips on what the school experience would be like?  

You would be trained the basics on a 250 cc. You would be given a written test at the end of training.

45) What helmet should I get (save the Jughead and Big Ben jokes for later...I'm serious)? 

Full face would be great for beginners. Snell makes them.

Vote for Nobody for President. The best choice BECAUSE: 1)Nobody tells the truth 2) Nobody listens to voters 3)Nobody has real solutions 4) Nobody cares for the people  5) Nobody supports real change in Politicians. http://www.jibjab.com/view/225151