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Toasted Trucker
Toasted Industries
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Posted - 2008.02.11 23:11:00 -
[1]
So, today i decided im going to become a motorcycle rider. ive picked out a bike . ive been reading a lot about riders safety, good practice habits, and learning to ride for beginners. getting my permit tomorrow. then ill start talking to dealers in my area about what kind of deals i can get.
im pretty excited im actually finally going to do this. so, anyone have any motorcycle stories or tips they would like to share?
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Ja'kar
MAFIA
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Posted - 2008.02.11 23:24:00 -
[2]
Yeah - don't take risks - when pulling out on to a main road look out for car drivers (lost a m8 to 2 years ago).
When you have someone one the back brake sooner and leave more stopping room, don't use the front brake when on wet metal (I did that it hurts). Basicly get to know your bike - get to know it very well - don't take the **** and watch every car driver - they really do want to kill you.
I use to ride bike from 14ish motocross and my last bike was an 850cc great fun! but please if your new to bikes respect your bike. In a car your got lots of metal to help you out in a crash, on a bike you got leathers and a helmet.
Last tip always wear heavy duty clothing, don't have to be leathers, good jeans will do with a good heavy jacket.
Have fun
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Ja'kar
MAFIA
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Posted - 2008.02.11 23:29:00 -
[3]
I have had 2 crashes on bikes 1st a car come on my side of the road and hit me head on - I was ok, I was very lucky.
2nd crash hit some oil and the bike flipped over I hit the central thing and the bike landed on my leg - a bit of the bike went in my leg and it hurt like hell.
let me know how it works out for yeah!
I am not trying to scare yeah off bikes - Just want to be real about the danger
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Micheal Dietrich
Caldari The Delta Source
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Posted - 2008.02.11 23:33:00 -
[4]
HAHA a rebel! I love those bikes 
When I first got my little honda the handle for the front brake was broken. So there I was cruising around on some back roads trying to get a feel for it when my road suddenly turned to dirt. I freaked out at the concept of sliding on the dirt and simply left the road heading for a ditch with a big freakin branch in it and the whole time I had my feet sticking out while trying to use the broken brake.
I did manage to get it under control at the last minute but it pretty frightful for a couple seconds.
But yeah I'll say the same thing. Watch for drivers because they won't watch for you. Unsuitable signature removed. Navgator
Do you realize how long it took me to size that right to use!?!?!?! |

Toasted Trucker
Toasted Industries
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Posted - 2008.02.11 23:42:00 -
[5]
yea i plan on being very watchful and careful when i get the bike. hell im still thinking how im going to get off the lot without looking like a idiot(it may just be inevitable)... if i said im not worried about crashing or falling i would be lying but, all i can o is not let fear rule judgment and my ability to reason if i am presented with a tricky situation.
sorry about your mate Ja'kar. i've watched biking accident videos and read stories about bikers getting into crashes hoping it will help me notice those kind of situations.
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Crimsonjade
Brutor tribe
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Posted - 2008.02.12 00:29:00 -
[6]
Originally by: Toasted Trucker So, today i decided im going to become a motorcycle rider. ive picked out a bike . ive been reading a lot about riders safety, good practice habits, and learning to ride for beginners. getting my permit tomorrow. then ill start talking to dealers in my area about what kind of deals i can get.
im pretty excited im actually finally going to do this. so, anyone have any motorcycle stories or tips they would like to share?
well first off! your going to love riding. its been an addiction for me for 20 years now. currently im just a one bike owner Linkage but have had probably 15+ as im a addict and proud of it!
to start with you need Training. and please dont think its bad or uncool, i had it and run the refresher course every 2 years to keep my mind fresh. Riding a motorcycle will make you a better car driver if you use the training plus if if you use the right training, its cheap and saves you money on insurance
Trainingwill help and show you the basics of riding. not to mention give you a foundation to build on. as every mile you ride will show you a whole new world
good luck and have a blast!
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draugur
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Posted - 2008.02.12 00:33:00 -
[7]
You've got the right idea regarding bike choices. Start out small if you have no previous riding experience. Alot of newer riders have misguided preconceptions about how fast smaller bikes are and allow that, or peer pressure, to sway their decision when they get to the dealership. Also, when it comes time to purchase your gear I can't stress enough how important it is to get a good helmet. It's the single most important piece of gear you will own. Alot of people justify getting a cheaply made, low coverage helmet with thoughts like "I'm only riding a scooter/small bike" or "Well, I'm not gonna be racing." Keep in mind, a 10mph impact is enough to kill you. How much is your head/life really worth? Full face is the only way to go.
Also, keep in mind that most automobile drivers make the mistake of thinking that because a motorcycle can accelerate faster than them, that they can also brake faster. Choose your lane positioning accordingly and try to always leave yourself an out or escape path. The #1 cause of motorcycle accidents is drivers making left hand turns. Simply put, they cant see us and if they do its hard to judge our speed because of our smaller size. It's your responsibility to do all you can to make sure the other drivers on the road see you.
On a brighter note, congratulations man. Motorcycles have been my passion for over 20 years and I ride every single day rain or shine. Welcome to the fold.
This site has alot of useful information for riders young, old, noob, or vet.
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Toasted Trucker
Toasted Industries
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Posted - 2008.02.12 01:07:00 -
[8]
Crimsonjade i will be taking a MSF course as soon as i get my bike. also sense im military they have their safety classes i have to go through also.
not really one to fall for peer pressure. plus im doing this for myself not anyone else if i wanted to ride a bike that was hot pink with little hearts all over it and tassels on the handlebars i would do it. thankfully thats not my kinda style.
also as draugur said im looking for good safety gear. i have steal toe boots and plenty of jeans. im just totally lost on what kind of helmet and armor to get. i want to get a full cover helmet but there are so many brands and i dont know which are crappy go cart helmets and the helmet that keeps my noggin intact if i take a spill.
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Crimsonjade
Brutor tribe
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Posted - 2008.02.12 01:18:00 -
[9]
Edited by: Crimsonjade on 12/02/2008 01:26:09
Originally by: Toasted Trucker Crimsonjade i will be taking a MSF course as soon as i get my bike. also sense im military they have their safety classes i have to go through also.
not really one to fall for peer pressure. plus im doing this for myself not anyone else if i wanted to ride a bike that was hot pink with little hearts all over it and tassels on the handlebars i would do it. thankfully thats not my kinda style.
also as draugur said im looking for good safety gear. i have steal toe boots and plenty of jeans. im just totally lost on what kind of helmet and armor to get. i want to get a full cover helmet but there are so many brands and i dont know which are crappy go cart helmets and the helmet that keeps my noggin intact if i take a spill.
Linkage
nice little article on helmets. fullface is the way to go anymore. windscreens dont keep all the bugs and road crap out as for armor id only go with good leather. most motorcycle dealers sell decent stuff. you want a thicker leather just in case you go sliding.and saving a few $$ here is never a good idea. helmet and jacket and boots and gloves are what hit the ground before you do, best to have as much protection as possible
edit: as for type. its all in personal taste Linkage is good for comparing different brands but never buy one you cant try on first! fit is very important.
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pwnedgato
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Posted - 2008.02.12 02:00:00 -
[10]
I've been thinking about getting a bike too. I haven't decided on what kind yet but recently a few Triumphs have caught my eye any of those any good for a first timer?
Originally by: Crumplecorn These is a forum for this.
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Crimsonjade
Brutor tribe
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Posted - 2008.02.12 02:12:00 -
[11]
Originally by: pwnedgato I've been thinking about getting a bike too. I haven't decided on what kind yet but recently a few Triumphs have caught my eye any of those any good for a first timer?
well tbh for a first timer a new Triumph may be a bit much power. They only have one engine and its a 865cc, not sure if your in Europe or the US, but generally small displacement bikes are easier to learn with.easier to turn,pick up off the ground when you drop it.. it will happen , ive done it and every biker has im pretty sure( cept the internet ones of course)
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pwnedgato
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Posted - 2008.02.12 02:50:00 -
[12]
well I was looking at one of their new tripl eengines they are only 675 cc and in total the weight of the bikes with it (street triple specifically) seem pretty light.
Originally by: Crumplecorn These is a forum for this.
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Crimsonjade
Brutor tribe
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Posted - 2008.02.12 03:48:00 -
[13]
Originally by: pwnedgato well I was looking at one of their new tripl eengines they are only 675 cc and in total the weight of the bikes with it (street triple specifically) seem pretty light.
only thing that makes me think it would be a hard bike to learn with is the 107hp. its a street racer and im not gonna say you shouldnt get one to start with. Everyone is different, what i learned on was a Honda rbel. Think it was 200cc but this was 1985 and i was 16 and suicidal
my first bike i owned was a Kawasaki GPZ 550. i was really lucky and didnt die from riding it the way i did, but at the time speed= fun, so i went full throttle till it died. nitrous and 550's = flaming puddles of metal  live and learn i guess what you really need at first is something that runs and is safe. to be completely honest, girls dont care what it looks like anyways. and if you say there is any other reason for getting one, LIES!!! been there done that. your first bike will take a beating, so you may want to just snag a used one that runs good.
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Roxanna Kell
FinFleet Band of Brothers
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Posted - 2008.02.12 04:06:00 -
[14]
/takes his cloth off, look at the scars buddy, look at the star :), was worth it though, just watch out for dam ass bus drivers, and womens behind the wheel who can't see bikers.
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pwnedgato
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Posted - 2008.02.12 04:17:00 -
[15]
Edited by: pwnedgato on 12/02/2008 04:17:39 The Bonneville has quite a bit fewer bhp but weighs more...
Originally by: Crumplecorn These is a forum for this.
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Crimsonjade
Brutor tribe
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Posted - 2008.02.12 04:30:00 -
[16]
Originally by: pwnedgato Edited by: pwnedgato on 12/02/2008 04:17:39 The Bonneville has quite a bit fewer bhp but weighs more...
choices are a pain, but if your heart is set on a triumph you may want to get a used one. at least then you dont cry as much as when you drop it on the pavement 
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Schempazoid Jones
Sharks With Frickin' Laser Beams Mercenary Coalition
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Posted - 2008.02.12 05:59:00 -
[17]
Congrats on learning to ride and getting a bike. Riding a motorcycle out in the mountains or even just commuting to work is a blast. As others have said though, just know that people on the road are not watching for you, so you must always be watching for them and expect them to do the unexpected (always presume that they want to hit you!). I have been riding for several years, and have been very fortunate that I have never been in an accident, but everytime I throw my leg over the bike I remind myself to stay alert and to watch out for the other guy.
Taking the MSF course and learning to handle the bike the right way in an emergency situation is definitely a must. Just remember that this is where you start your training, and just because you pass the class doesn't mean you know how to ride. You should do this first to get a feel for what riding is like, and then go purchase your bike after you have had a chance to ride a little. If you bring in your MSF card, you might even get a little discount on the bike or your gear depending on the shop.
The one piece of advice I would give you is to consider carefully what kind of riding you will be doing (i.e. surface streets, hills, freeway, etc.) and buy your bike accordingly. Although the Rebel is a fine bike, and there is nothing wrong with it...depending on your height/weight...it could be underpowered for you in certain situations (i.e. accelerating to freeway speed or going up steep hills). I don't want to put you off buying this bike...I just want you to consider your options and to buy a bike that suits your needs best. Buying a bike that is underpowered as a new rider can be nearly as dangerous as buying one that is overpowered (read as: don't by an R1 or Hayabusa!) Whatever you end up buying, just know that at some point you are likely to drop it (even standing still), so don't spend so much money that you are going to be sick when it happens.
Lastly...at the risk of sounding like your conscience (or your mother), please remember if you are going to do any group rides to always ride at your own pace, and never above where you feel comfortable. If you are having trouble keeping up with the group...let them go!
Now...get out there and get that license and motorcycle! Enjoy! 
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Danton Marcellus
Nebula Rasa Holdings
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Posted - 2008.02.12 06:29:00 -
[18]
Make sure you register as a donor.
Should/would/could have, HAVE you chav!
Also Known As |

Frezik
Basically Outdated Stereo Equiptment
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Posted - 2008.02.12 06:37:00 -
[19]
I'm planning on starting out on a bike myself once this snow clears up (the way things have been going, this may not be till August). It'll be a Ninja 250 for me.
I love how all the literature (including the government-approved stuff) assumes that car drivers are incompetent scum, a fact which should be obvious with the slightest bit of observation.
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Toasted Trucker
Toasted Industries
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Posted - 2008.02.12 09:15:00 -
[20]
Quote: The helmets of thousands of accident victims (dead and alive) have been analyzed. The following diagram shows how often the helmet was hit and where. All those numbers add up to 100%. Notice the chin area (under the visor) gets creamed more than any other part of the face. The following diagram shows that 45.3% of impacts are in areas not covered by a 3/4 helmet. What does this mean? Wear a full-face helmet! (diagram courtesy "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hought).
pretty interesting. protect your chins!
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Vladimir Ilych
Gradient Electus Matari
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Posted - 2008.02.12 10:16:00 -
[21]
Just be safe and have fun. You don't get to make many mistakes. And remember just because you have passed your test does not mean you don't need to do further training.
I will be getting another bike in the next few weeks after waiting 20 months for my injury compensation from my first "proper" accident. I will be signing up for extensive refresher courses for sure.
My tip would be to assume that anyone else on the road has not seen you and act accordingly.
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Mary Makepeace
Caldari Neh'bu Kau Beh'Hude Ushra'Khan
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Posted - 2008.02.12 12:04:00 -
[22]
lots of good stuff in here.
the main thing i would say about riding is that it is all about risk management. you are doing something quite dangerous, so when you get on the bike, remember that. How dangerous now means how prepared you are for the hazards and when you push the risk factors up.
The best piece of advice i ever heard from another rider was "All accidents are preventable". At first it didn't make much sense as there is random crap that can happen, however you can be prepared and respond if you are riding to the conditions. Space = safety and the amount of space needed depends on the speed.
The main threats are the people in cars that haven't seen you. you will be surprised by the fact that the person looking straight at you, actually is looking through you at the car that is behind you, they judge there is a gap and pull out into your path. Be as visible as possible, make yourself seen, move about the lane. Never ride in the blind spot of another vehicle.
Don't ride when really angry or really tired. The goal is to get there, so taking your time is an option, stopping and having a drink to get your head together and back on the ride is great. You can do it at any stage. Getting there late is better than not getting there because you were tired/distracted.
When you have a near miss and the adrenalin is pumping, stop, get off and let it run its course. this is another time when you can do dumb things and be distracted. visions of what could have happed means you stop paying attention.
One choices that you can make is to go slower. If someone is tailgating you in a car they are threatening your life, if you go slower you give yourself more space to emergency break or swerve, also they will go around you if they can.
I worked as a motorbike courier in Sydney for two summers during university, great experience but i am surprised i was not injured more.
They really are the best fun. i really miss my bike but this summer i am going to hire a Ducati and go for a ride in the Swiss alps. 
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xyeLz
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Posted - 2008.02.12 13:02:00 -
[23]
Careful and good luck :D Selling Character |

ry ry
StateCorp Insurgency
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Posted - 2008.02.12 13:04:00 -
[24]
Originally by: Toasted Trucker So, today i decided im going to become a motorcycle rider. ive picked out a bike . ive been reading a lot about riders safety, good practice habits, and learning to ride for beginners. getting my permit tomorrow. then ill start talking to dealers in my area about what kind of deals i can get.
im pretty excited im actually finally going to do this. so, anyone have any motorcycle stories or tips they would like to share?
buy the best helmet you can afford.
don't fall off.
good luck dude! o/ Signature removed. Too large and flashing signatures are not really permitted. Navigator |

ry ry
StateCorp Insurgency
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Posted - 2008.02.12 13:09:00 -
[25]
Edited by: ry ry on 12/02/2008 13:09:31
Originally by: pwnedgato well I was looking at one of their new tripl eengines they are only 675 cc and in total the weight of the bikes with it (street triple specifically) seem pretty light.
street trips are ******* excellent, buy if you buy one now you'll be waiting until july before they get it to you.
you could pick up an priller shiver from a dealer tomorrow if you wanted.
edit: or just buy an old daytona 675 and take of the fairing, which is essentially what the Street triple is. ;) Signature removed. Too large and flashing signatures are not really permitted. Navigator |

Toasted Trucker
Toasted Industries
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Posted - 2008.02.12 19:20:00 -
[26]
dang they didnt have the rebel. well my other picks were pretty much in the same class of bike V Star250 GZ250
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Crimsonjade
Brutor tribe
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Posted - 2008.02.12 23:53:00 -
[27]
Originally by: Toasted Trucker dang they didnt have the rebel. well my other picks were pretty much in the same class of bike V Star250 GZ250
you do know 3 months later ya will be drooling over the new 1300 zukis :) its a given
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annoing
Amarr MisFunk Inc.
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Posted - 2008.02.13 01:44:00 -
[28]
I'm sorry. When I read the thread title I thought it was going to be about a proper bike Ahhhhhh i'm just pulling ya leg, im always glad to see another biker being born.
Story: I was a motorcycle courier in London for many years. To me it was the perfect job, I got to ride bikes all day and I got paid a serious wad of cash for my trouble. I got paid ú1600 for taking 3 letters from London to Edinburgh one night. I had already been on the road for 13 hours when I agreed to do the job. If anyone knows the A1 hilly road to scotland from Berwick you'll know there is a spot that takes you right near the sea by a few old fisherman cottages. I jumped in the sea there, at dawn, on my way back just to wake me up. Sore @rse? Damn right, but damn I was happy. Tips:I've had more accidents than I can quite right recall, survived all of them with one tip: NEVER EVER hold on in a crash. If you are going to be in a head on, side on or hit from the rear, let go of the handlebars. So a nice loose grip on the bars is essential. Its better to fly than to be dragged down to the front or side of the opposing vehicle (usually a car driven by someone who thinks a rear-view mirror is for preening hair and side mirrors dont exist). Letting go actually gives you a chance. Try to NEVER be stiff in the upper body, let yourself be loose about the shoulders at the very least. This is rewarded with better riding posture, better handling, more manouverbility. Always wear a full set of protective clothing, even if its hot. Its better to be sweaty and stinky than to lose ya skin in a slide. My last accident, a T-boner (means the vehicle hit directly from the side), was from a post office truck driving through a red light at 30mph. If I had held on I would have gone under the wheels of the truck with the bike. As it was, I was thrown 20 odd foot into another lane of traffic coming the opposite direction, hitting another car. I recieved a broken collar-bone (since removed as the bone died) and a broken leg and ankle (shame they didnt notice that until 3 days later, it might have saved me the subsequent operations for infection, pins inserted and bones removed). However, letting go saved my life and one day it might save yours.  Biking truely is the dogs b0llocks. Nothing beats riding in the sun on a nice bendy road, nothing a car can do can compare. 100mph in a car is nothing, on a bike its just .. well really you have to do it to understand it. Do I still ride? Damn f*king right I do. I currently own a Kawazaki ZX6RR and I love every second im on it. Ive lost friends riding, I was even with one when she died, but nothing and I mean NOTHING would stop me riding. I'm sure you'll feel the same way too.
Ride safe. Dwi Cymraig According to the Pastafarian belief system, pirates are "absolute divine beings" and the original Pastafarians. Their image as "thieves and outcasts" is misinformation. |

Riethe
Fine Goods for Fine Gentlemen
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Posted - 2008.02.13 01:58:00 -
[29]
You know, all I can say is, be careful.
There's a lot of people that suddenly just jump up and say, "hey! I want to ride a motorcycle that sounds really cool!"
But just remember, no matter how good of a rider you are, it is very dangerous for you.
Please research and understand the statistics, and please wear your helmet. A high percentage of crashes are non-fatal when a helmet is worn.
I personally get my fix riding ATVs and being offroad and camping--you're much safer that way, and it's also something you can do with your wife/girlfriend and children.
If you want to put money down on a toy like this... It's worth considering those options too.
Either way, if you decide you'll enjoy it, go for it. But just understand you're always at risk.
Best of luck.
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Ademaro Imre
Caldari
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Posted - 2008.02.13 02:41:00 -
[30]
Edited by: Ademaro Imre on 13/02/2008 02:46:31
Originally by: Toasted Trucker So, today i decided im going to become a motorcycle rider. ive picked out a bike . ive been reading a lot about riders safety, good practice habits, and learning to ride for beginners. getting my permit tomorrow. then ill start talking to dealers in my area about what kind of deals i can get.
im pretty excited im actually finally going to do this. so, anyone have any motorcycle stories or tips they would like to share?
Take a motorcyle safety class. They are usually free by many organizations. They teach you how to ride a bike, how to do it safely, and at the end, you can take the license test, and after taking the course and completing it (whether or not you pass the license test) you usually get an insurance discount. That is how I got my license. It will give you a solid grounding in safety.
The class is about 4 hour classroom of road rules, safety and basics. Then about 15-20 hours on some bike that is usually a 125cc.
The aim of politics is to keep the populace alarmed and clamorous to be saved by menacing it with imaginary hobgoblins. The urge to save humanity is a false front for the urge to rule it. |
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