OK, this morning I got my learner's permit but I am yet to ride a bike! All the MSF courses in my area are full and no cancellations whatsoever...

I really would like to buy a bike and start practicing but dunno what is the right thing to do.. I think I will have to wait until next spring :-(

This morning I also checked Ducati 620 Dark... It felt so comfortable comparing to S2R.. saddle is a bit lower on 620 and this way it feels lighter...I think 620 is gonna be my first bike...

Is riding something that I can learn by myself practicing without going out to highways??

Any advice??

 

i'd suggest going in a parking lot and learning there with a friend who has been riding for a bit. thats what i did.

i bit the bullet and bought a bike before learning how to ride as im sure a lot of ppl have done as well.

i'd suggest you get a used one and start learning with a friend that is experienced. remember: parking lots, and open roads. dont rush into getting into streets with traffic.

 

I agree with jchung here. Practice, practice, and practice even more. Also know your limit and respect your bike. Leave your ego at home before you ride.

I'm not going to go into "should I buy a new bike instead of used" discussion. You got $, go for what ever you want.

 

The Duc dark bike is an excellent first bike, I have a buddy that got one of those back in the spring as a first bike and he loves it. It handles great, doesn't have the get you in trouble power that a beginner doesn't need.

 

These MSF courses are every week around here. You sure there isn't one somewhere in the next month? The instruction you get is definitely worth the time invested. Look at it this way, how long have you waited to start motorcycling? What's another month?

 

Ducati is un necessary but whatever, get something used for the 1st bike. this is a better time to buy a bike as compared to spring. there are a few classes of bikes, you dont see alot of these: bmw 650 gs. after the challange left the 650 i might keep it because sportbikes dont do the around town and or the touring bit to well.

look at some books out there even better if they lean to sport rinding, motorcycles have changed alot.

setup in a parking lot, try to simulate the driving test in your area. insurance and gear; leather jacket, helmet, gloves... msf is great.

 

If you've never ridden a bike, don't bother with a 600. Go for a nice used Ninja 250 or similar bike with minimal (expensive) fairing. You're not going to look cool driving these bikes, but you won't look cool stalling/bucking a more flashy bike either.

My best advice would be to start out dirt biking and "graduate" to street riding, but that's because that was my learning route. The fundamentals you learn dirt biking cannot be matched learning on the street, plus the ground is usually softer when you fall .

 

Its up to you, but I would really recommend an MSF course. It helped me out a lot. I was somewhat scared to get out into traffic at first, but slowly got over it. You know yourself best. Being that I have a level head on my shoulders, I opted to go for a 600 F4i as my first bike. Had it for about 6 months and then got the 600RR. Looking back I could have saved myself some money and time by jumping right up to the 600. I'll probably stay in the 600 range forever until I get my 749R

 

fine choice . Don't listen to anyone that says you shouldnt buy the Monster, it is a fanstastic and easy to ride bike that won't bite you. It makes plenty of low and mid range torque which will make it very easy for you to learn how to handle it. Plus the 2v air cooled engines are very reliable and simple to maintain. I ride a Ducati 748 myself and absolutely love it, once you go Ducati not much else will do .

 

buy what ever bike but you will drop it so get a used bike, something where parts are inexpensive.

get some gear (maybe used), because you wil drop it:
-ful helmet
-racing gloves
-jacket with some hard plastic
-racing boots (SIDI)

take a training course, but it comes down to time spent on the bike that developes skill.

whatever engine size you get try to get a bike thats light weight, repairs you can make, inexpensive parts. get a bike w/o alot of junk on it. you dont want to keep going back to the shop for every bent clutch lever.