Start slow. My first ride was down my street about 10 times. Then I ventured out to a nearby gas station and back. Then a nearby university with an empty parking lot to try to do some of the things I learned in the MSF course on my own bike which was different than the one provided by them. I spent a good 30 minutes just doing 8s, uturns, stopping and going and getting used to the clutch. No pressure, no one around. Then for the next 2 months I kept it street only and then went on the highway for the first time. It was a bit scary but nothing to be alarmed about. Take it nice and easy, it is a blast!

 

One more suggestion (may have been mentioned)...... Gravel and front brakes do not play well together. Avoid gravel in general or be very aware when you around it. Over 30 years of two wheel experience here and yet just last month I dropped her as I was about to put my feet down pulling over to a shade tree on county road. Barely tapped my front brake, wheel slightly turned and down she went. Really goes back to letting my guard down for that split second.

 

The Two Great Commandments of Motorcycling:

I. Ride as if thou were invisible, because to those with whom you share the road, you are.

II. ALWAYS wear thy proper riding gear.

Now go forth, and ride safe.

 

Practice emergency Counter steer so it is a reflex.
Practice emergency stops.
Never ever presume they will do the right thing be disappointed when they do.
Example -Never ever trust a turn signal!
You at the intersection, car coming from left, with Left blinker on,
You presume he is turning into the intersection.
You pull out and get promptly run over as he had the gas station in mind just after the intersection.

You have to develop a 6th sense to live.

 

Did anyone mention leather vest, bandanna and fingerless gloves?

 

Patches man patches
EZ rider in the back pocket.
Know what wax to use.

 

Dress for the slide, not for the ride

For the first year or two, wear All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT). Some on here will swear you will spontaneously combust if you forget a glove, others will say it takes away from the experience. For now, you don't know enough to make that call. Don't cheap out either - get the good stuff.

Ride your ride

Never play keep up with buddies or anyone else. If you're nervous coming up on a turn, then SLOW DOWN, but DON'T PANIC! No matter what you buy, it can probably take more than you think.

Practice

Get into a big open parking lot. With all your gear on, get to know your bike and it's limitations. Turn both directions hard enough to start dragging pegs; you don't want that startling you in a turn, and the only way to get used to it is to drag pegs in a controlled environment.

Head on a Swivel

Ride like you're invisible, like they're all out kill you, etc. Learn to use all of your vision (don't get tunnel vision). Dangers are everywhere.

No Drinking and Driving!

This should be a no-brainer, but I've seen more than a couple newbs decide a motorcycle is the best vehicle for bar hopping. It never is, but even worse when you're a newb.

Have fun!

If you find you're not able to enjoy it a little, maybe it's not for you.

 

I still think the best way to learn to ride is on a light weight dirt bike, off road. It's like going from a bicycle to powered, and learning all the new controls, balance, when to put feet down, and falling, all without the car and pavement danger. Then you'll know when you have the right size cruiser or street bike for your size and skills.
I rarely get into tight spots but when I do, controlling it is second nature, and I use the gas much more often than the brakes. That said I still don't consider myself an expert; gave up trying to do a proper wheelie.
Another point though never brought up, is don't ride if you're sick, drunk, sleepy, or otherwise not at the top of your game.

 

Keep in mind that when you ride a motorcycle everybody else on the road will be trying to kill you.

 

Thanks to all that replied to my post. A lot of the comments were similar to what I was told in my Riding class but there were also some that were new to me. But what I really was glad to see is that no one said, "You are too old!!!"