A new rider's view
By Kristn Castellanos - Nov 28, 2005

Getting Started With Motorcycle Riding Can Be Intimidating To A New Rider. There are so many questions:

• What type of motorcycle will best suit your needs?
• Should you even look at motorcycles and try to buy one before you actually know how to ride?
• How do you learn how to ride if you have no motorcycle?
• What type of gear and equipment do you need?
• hat are the motorcycle laws in your area (i.e. Do I have to wear a helmet)?
• How can I get started with this?!!! And not look like a total idiot?!!!

I decided to start my trip down motorcycle lane by asking all of these questions and more of a few friends and family members who ride.  The first thing they did was get me pointed in a good direction-- motorcycle safety.   I started my research and the next steps in the process by looking online to find out what options I had for motorcycle safety courses.  My friends had recommended I look for courses for new riders offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.  In Colorado, these courses are given by several third-party organizations, including ABATE (www.abateofcolo.org). 

I signed up online for the first class that was relatively close to my house with space available. Courses are apparently very popular and fill up fast. I had to wait several months to reserve a spot.  The cost of the course was about $185 and covered three days of classroom and riding instruction.  The class started Friday evening and went all day Saturday and Sunday. 

It is very important that you wear and bring the right clothes and gear to class with you. This includes a helmet, although they do have loaner helmets if you don’t have your own, long pants or jeans, over the ankle boots, gloves and a jacket or layers you can remove based on weather.  If you are missing any of these items, you will be sent home and will have to reschedule.

When the course ends, assuming that you pass the riding and written tests, you will be given what you need to get your motorcycle endorsement at the DMV.  Thankfully, I passed both. The class was a great introduction to riding and the rules of the road. I don’t feel I am ready to go out and take a big trip on a bike, but I do think it was the perfect way to get me started.

Since I had a few months to wait before the class, I began doing more online research on various types of bikes and what might potentially be a good “starter” bike for me.  I checked out Ducati, BMW, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha, and discovered that they all have what they consider entry-level, smaller engine, lightweight bikes in their product lines.  Each make and model has their unique selling points.  Personally, I like the style of the Ducati Monsters best, including the lower seat height, lighter weight, and a more comfortable riding position. 

I am still doing research on bikes, but plan to get a used bike with a smaller engine to start with and continue practicing—small trips to Starbucks or around empty parking lots until my confidence and handling skills improve.  The perfect Ducati might have to wait, but I have visited the dealership about five times and know the sales guys personally—they are very convincing!