TXjeepTJ

iTrader: (8)

I have always been interested in motorcycles.. Never got one or attempted to, mainly because I lived in the "city" didn't want to take the risk with careless drivers in heavy traffic.

Anyways, I'm moving outside beltway 8 and it looks like it's a great area to ride around.


I have never ridden a motorcycle, and I don't know anyone with a motorcycle (I wouldn't want to lay theirs down either due to my inexperience).

Is there anywhere in houston that you can rent a motorcycle? I'm planning on signing up for a "motorcycle safety foundation basic rider course" class, but it looks like they mainly focus on classroom learning than actual riding. They do let you ride around, on their bikes, but not sure if that would be enough time for me to learn/feel confident if I want to get a bike or not.


Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do to get more practice time?

I'm looking at riding around cruiser/harley type motorcycles.


Thanks

codyvette

iTrader: (24)

Just google Texas motorcycle license. They will supply the bike, instruction, and area. I rode for years before I actually took the class. It was a ton of fun. They will make you feel plenty confortable about riding. After you have a license then you can rent bikes at various places. Buy a cheap used bike first. Not just because you may bend it but also so you can get a real feel for what you like and don't like. I bought a new Honda VTX and wished I went a different route shortly after. They aren't worth much at all after you ride them off the lot. I took a serious hit to the wallet on that sale. Good luck out there.

-Ross-

iTrader: (2)

The safety course I took was more riding than classroom. I had never ridden before the class. They put you on small cruiser bikes. You don't do any hi-speed stuff. Just the basics. After the course, I felt confindent enough to buy a motorcycle to learn on the street. After a few days of neighborhood and low-traffic city street driving, I was good.

This is the bike I learned on. Still have it today. 1989 Honda NT650.

JohnFrazee02SS

iTrader: (23)

Once you start unless you totally suck at it you will not want to stop. Even the "slow" bikes are a lot of fun.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

A piece of advise--Don't buy a heavy hog as your first bike. Get something nimble.

TXjeepTJ

iTrader: (8)

Right, I found this out real quick! My Dad has one of the huge/heavy Harleys, I drove it about 5ft before I realized that - this is NOT the style of bike to learn on lol which is why I'm trying to look at other options as a means of learning.


Thanks for the advice guys, I guess I just need to take a course and get my license and see from there. Hopefully it is pretty easy for me to catch on.

If I do feel confident, I plan on getting a 90's era Harley, something around $2,000 as my first bike.

DKM DWN

Really good advice from the other guys here, also try getting a small used dirt bike. Buy it somewhat cheap and get rid of it when you are ready. 1st bike was an almost 10ft long chopper still have it but now want an enduro or super motard to commute.I say that but also want a Roadglide....I want a lot of ****. One big bit of advice is buy and wear protective gear all of the time. I can't stress that enough....oh yeah get used to smiling.

TXjeepTJ

iTrader: (8)

I was actually thinking about buying an old beat up dirt bike for $500 and practicing on that. I may do that now since you recommend it

imma_stocker

iTrader: (19)

Awesome Cycles
http://www.awesomecycles.com/

One of THE best beginner bikes is the trusty Kawasaki 500. Standard bike with "enough pep" but not so much you'll pull the front tires up or slide the back tire out on accident. Same bike produced from 80s to current so parts are plentiful. Find a good enough deal you can sell it for same after you get comfortable on it, then graduate to your bike of choice.

XtremeBBQ

iTrader: (6)

how about getting a motocross or enduro bike. that way you can learn 'safely' and have fun at the same time. after coming off a mx bike riding a street bike is a joke.

Turbo_Stang

iTrader: (3)

I did my test at Mancuso South.The supply you with a little Honda rebel 250 to do the test on a closed course