If you have a leather jacket constantly attached to your back, even in the heat of summer, find yourself perched in front of a fan making strange revving noises, or get lost in visions of hot and rumbling exhaust pipes, it can only mean one thing: you are saving cash for your first 2000cc motorcycle.
Before you purchase that dream motorcycle, be it a Suzuki, Honda, or Harley, make sure you do your homework. You'll need to know how to ride it for a start, and many states will require you to have a license. So, you'll need to go through the rigmarole of Driver's Ed again, learning the basics from arm signals to braking, as well as how to avoid a major crash.
Racing atop that simulated arcade game doesn't necessarily qualify you as a Hell's Angel. You'll need real-world experience on closed courses just to achieve beginner status. Don't fret. Many local colleges and even community centers offer riding lessons. Some are days, some take weeks. The longer the program, usually the better rider you are before you actually take to the road.
Consider yourself a fast learner? Then check out courses offered by bike manufacturers. All the big names most likely have their own training courses designed to teach riders as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. Their thinking: Well-prepared riders equal paying customers. Don't let them pressure you, though. If you've taken their course, but feel like you could use another lesson or two, don't sign off on your hog just yet. Those college courses sometimes provide their own bikes so you don't have to screw up your brand-new baby.
Another pre-bike investment should be equipment. Helmets, gloves, boots, and clothing are more than accessories. If you're not properly attired, you could be dealing with fiery road rash at the best or being fed through a tube in your stomach at the worst. Helmets are optional in some states, but you'd be wise to snap one on anyway. They come in many cool colors and styles, so that immature excuse about looking dumb holds no weight. Suit up before you roll out.
You probably should also face up to the fact that life expectancy does fall once you've purchased your motorcycle. In fact, it falls considerably. Automobile drivers are easily distracted by many other activities not pertinent to keeping their eye on the road, and motorcycle riders can be the victims of this inattention. Unfortunately, the injuries that motorcycle riders tend to sustain in road accidents can often be critical, even life-threatening. Make sure that you've discussed your decision to ride a bike with your loved ones. It's also a good plan to make sure your life insurance and will are up-to-date.
Saying all this, motorcycles are fun and a cheap way to get around. Sixty-five miles to the gallon is possible on a bike. As well as being fuel efficient, motorcycles are usually carrying less weight than a car, as well as only one passenger - you.
Of course, fuel-efficiency, among other aspects, depends on the bike. For those hotheads out there hoping to sit themselves down on a 2000+ CC beast, take a breath. Speed bike or cruiser, make sure you can handle the weight and height of your bike. Also be sure you don't have a lead wrist when it comes to twisting that throttle. Ask around at the local dealers and get a sense of what type will be the best fit. For a first bike you may want to start out small, engine-wise, in order to gain some experience.
Once you've got your family and friends behind you, got the right equipment, completed the training, purchased your bike and agreed to be a conscientious biker, there's only one thing left to do. Turn the key, step on the clutch and hit the road.
Before you purchase that dream motorcycle, be it a Suzuki, Honda, or Harley, make sure you do your homework. You'll need to know how to ride it for a start, and many states will require you to have a license. So, you'll need to go through the rigmarole of Driver's Ed again, learning the basics from arm signals to braking, as well as how to avoid a major crash.
Racing atop that simulated arcade game doesn't necessarily qualify you as a Hell's Angel. You'll need real-world experience on closed courses just to achieve beginner status. Don't fret. Many local colleges and even community centers offer riding lessons. Some are days, some take weeks. The longer the program, usually the better rider you are before you actually take to the road.
Consider yourself a fast learner? Then check out courses offered by bike manufacturers. All the big names most likely have their own training courses designed to teach riders as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. Their thinking: Well-prepared riders equal paying customers. Don't let them pressure you, though. If you've taken their course, but feel like you could use another lesson or two, don't sign off on your hog just yet. Those college courses sometimes provide their own bikes so you don't have to screw up your brand-new baby.
Another pre-bike investment should be equipment. Helmets, gloves, boots, and clothing are more than accessories. If you're not properly attired, you could be dealing with fiery road rash at the best or being fed through a tube in your stomach at the worst. Helmets are optional in some states, but you'd be wise to snap one on anyway. They come in many cool colors and styles, so that immature excuse about looking dumb holds no weight. Suit up before you roll out.
You probably should also face up to the fact that life expectancy does fall once you've purchased your motorcycle. In fact, it falls considerably. Automobile drivers are easily distracted by many other activities not pertinent to keeping their eye on the road, and motorcycle riders can be the victims of this inattention. Unfortunately, the injuries that motorcycle riders tend to sustain in road accidents can often be critical, even life-threatening. Make sure that you've discussed your decision to ride a bike with your loved ones. It's also a good plan to make sure your life insurance and will are up-to-date.
Saying all this, motorcycles are fun and a cheap way to get around. Sixty-five miles to the gallon is possible on a bike. As well as being fuel efficient, motorcycles are usually carrying less weight than a car, as well as only one passenger - you.
Of course, fuel-efficiency, among other aspects, depends on the bike. For those hotheads out there hoping to sit themselves down on a 2000+ CC beast, take a breath. Speed bike or cruiser, make sure you can handle the weight and height of your bike. Also be sure you don't have a lead wrist when it comes to twisting that throttle. Ask around at the local dealers and get a sense of what type will be the best fit. For a first bike you may want to start out small, engine-wise, in order to gain some experience.
Once you've got your family and friends behind you, got the right equipment, completed the training, purchased your bike and agreed to be a conscientious biker, there's only one thing left to do. Turn the key, step on the clutch and hit the road.
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