Take it in stages. Take a MSF course. Stay out of the hills until you have a couple thousand miles on your log book. Stay at the speed limit. Watch Youtube videos on motorcycle crashes to learn the mistakes people make and don't make them.

Once you've gotten some miles under your belt, then start up in the hills. Go Slow, watch your lane position and keep learning. Once you've got a few rides in the hills down...plot, plan and ride a long multi day trip through an area of the country you've always wanted to see.

I write this because there is a progression one needs to take to learn to ride. I have several Highway Patrol friends who say they have a standing bet when arriving at a single vehicle motorcycle accident. That bet is whether the mileage on the bike is under 800 miles or not. They say there is a significant phase in the learning curve right at about 800-1000 miles. I knew about it when I started and recognized that it was when I just began to feel comfortable and wasn't as careful as I should have been.

Hope this helps.

 

There is something about motorcycles. The first time that you ride one, something either clicks or it does not. For me (and I suspect most of the people riding Harleys) it absolutely clicked the first time.

 

Welcome to the world of (2) wheels an obsession that will only grow with time, can never seem to get enough miles in. Ride safe!

 

It sure transforms a commute, doesn't it?

 

Welcome and congrats on the bike. It only gets better from here!

 

That's true. I had just turned 15 and she was a smokin' hot 31 year old blond who lived next door. Oh wait... wrong first ride.

Anyway, congrats OP!

 

Congrats and ride safe.

 

Congrats and welcome to the addiction.

We have one HELL of a support group here.

 

Dang it!!


You beat me to it...lol...I thought the same thing about a long trip to and from work.

 

Congrats. Welcome.