Getting into riding

[Featen]

Hi guys,

Been thinking about getting into bikes a lot recently, so the first thing to do is getting myself a real bike, I think. Just to be clear, the only bike I tried is my friends Honda CB599F, we used to ride on weekends, but it was like 5 years ago back in Denver... So, any advice for starters?

[pbfoot]

Get some formal training. Practice panic stopping in a parking lot before hitting the streets. Look where you want to go. If you look at the ditch that is where you will end up. Ride slow in town. Save riding fast for the freeways and the countryside. Watch your 6 at red lights and have an escape route planned out. Learn to counter steer. You might consider a track day to learn a little more. Wear gear.

[flipstyledsm22]

Since you have prior experience on a motorcycle, I would suggest taking a ride smart class to refresh.

As far as bikes are concerned... What type of riding are you looking to get into?

[TaiMc]

Originally Posted by Featen

Hi guys,

Been thinking about getting into bikes a lot recently, so the first thing to do is getting myself a real bike, I think. Just to be clear, the only bike I tried is my friends Honda CB599F, we used to ride on weekends, but it was like 5 years ago back in Denver... So, any advice for starters?

Hello! I recommend the first thing you do is take the MSF class and obtain your license. That would be the first box I'd check.

[gots2no]

Originally Posted by pbfoot

Get some formal training. Practice panic stopping in a parking lot before hitting the streets. Look where you want to go. If you look at the ditch that is where you will end up. Ride slow in town. Save riding fast for the freeways and the countryside. Watch your 6 at red lights and have an escape route planned out. Learn to counter steer. You might consider a track day to learn a little more. Wear gear.

This ^^

[Featen]

Originally Posted by flipstyledsm22

Since you have prior experience on a motorcycle, I would suggest taking a ride smart class to refresh.

As far as bikes are concerned... What type of riding are you looking to get into?

Generally, I was looking at something more comfortable rather than speedy - was thinking about going on some long trips when I gain experience

[Featen]

Originally Posted by pbfoot

Get some formal training. Practice panic stopping in a parking lot before hitting the streets. Look where you want to go. If you look at the ditch that is where you will end up. Ride slow in town. Save riding fast for the freeways and the countryside. Watch your 6 at red lights and have an escape route planned out. Learn to counter steer. You might consider a track day to learn a little more. Wear gear.

Thanks, I'll take it into my improvised to-do list

[Oskar_Z28]

First - MSF and a license, then go get a used bike for little $$$ - best choice is SV650 or FZ07. You can go smaller, but you will want a bigger bike after a year or so. These will keep you entertained for years. I had an SV for 16+ years of riding. Only got rid of it after Harvey flooded it.

[flipstyledsm22]

Originally Posted by Featen

Generally, I was looking at something more comfortable rather than speedy - was thinking about going on some long trips when I gain experience

You can almost outfit any bike for long distance riding, but riding position is king. Pick something with an upright riding position, so you won't get fatigue easily.

If you are wanting long distance comfort and could care less about aggressive cornering performance, then look into bigger cruisers with lots of storage... I suggest newer models if you go domestic, or if you fancy imports, they mostly ride smooth with little-to-no vibrations. A stiff throttle and lots of vibrations can make for a miserable long ride... And could cause your hands to go numb and pose a hazard to everyone.

If you are wanting long distance comfort with capabilities for aggressive cornering performance, then a sports touring bike might be a good fit. There are lots of choices to pick from.

And if you are looking for extreme versatility, the adventure bikes are really making a comeback nowadays. The Cadillac of adventure bikes is the BMW that comes standard with heated grips.

So many choices, but anything on 2 wheels is just all around fun! Hope you are receiving the info you are requesting

[Featen]

Originally Posted by flipstyledsm22

You can almost outfit any bike for long distance riding, but riding position is king. Pick something with an upright riding position, so you won't get fatigue easily.

If you are wanting long distance comfort and could care less about aggressive cornering performance, then look into bigger cruisers with lots of storage... I suggest newer models if you go domestic, or if you fancy imports, they mostly ride smooth with little-to-no vibrations. A stiff throttle and lots of vibrations can make for a miserable long ride... And could cause your hands to go numb and pose a hazard to everyone.

If you are wanting long distance comfort with capabilities for aggressive cornering performance, then a sports touring bike might be a good fit. There are lots of choices to pick from.

And if you are looking for extreme versatility, the adventure bikes are really making a comeback nowadays. The Cadillac of adventure bikes is the BMW that comes standard with heated grips.

So many choices, but anything on 2 wheels is just all around fun! Hope you are receiving the info you are requesting

I think it's a little early for anything "aggressive"... I think a little practice will show what type is more suitable for me. I definitely get a lot of information here, thank you very much!