Backstory to why I’m here: I’ve ridden pillion behind my Dad every so often since I was quite young, and always enjoyed it, but never ridden myself. But now, I’m thinking I’d quite like to get into it, and just a couple of conversations have got bikes on my mind.
I was chatting with Dad about his bike, then a friend turned up with a Royal Enfield Classic 350, and in chatting with him he said he’s maybe thinking of upgrading, so I could get what I think would probably be the perfect bike for me (at least early on). Then the first of my highschool friends announced he’s getting married, I said to another friend that that means it’s time for an early mid-life crisis, and without knowing I’d already been thinking about it, he joked ‘time to buy a motorbike’.
And I’m trying to be more active on Lemmy than I was on The Predecessor, so figured I’d ask for advice here. I’m thinking I’ll put off getting the Royal Enfield, as long as my friend is happy not selling right away, and just getting something relatively cheap and disposable, so I can practise maneuvering in parking lots or quiet streets without being too concerned about dropping the bike, then get the Royal Enfield when I’m more confident and riding around town. Is that sensible, or should I skip a step and just go straight to the bike I actually want?
Also, any general advice that isn’t immediately obvious? I’m in Australia and have yet to go to the learner’s course, so anything I should do to be ready for that or things to keep in mind when starting riding would be grand.
I’ll share my recent experience with this: I’ve always wanted to ride a motorcycle, but up until this year, I’ve never been able to fully trust myself that I wouldn’t do something stupid with it.
After some self-reflection and review of how I drive my car (No distractions, fully focused on the road and other drivers, no accidents), I decided to treat myself for my birthday (oh shit, I’m 35) and take a Motorcycle Safety Course. The experience was challenging and a lot of fun, and I decided to buy my affordable dream bike instead of going for a beater and upgrading later. I bought a 650cc Kawasaki and all the safety gear before even taking the dmv riding test, and I spent the next week in a nearby (empty) parking lot practicing the low speed maneuvers taught in the safety course and went on to pass my riding test and get licensed.
I love to ride my motorcycle, but it is so disconcerting to realize just how absolutely invisible you are to every other person on the road. High beams during daylight hours helps a little bit, but holy shit other drivers are stupid. Every time I think about how hot/humid it is and consider skipping my armor, I think about 2 weeks ago when I was making a protected left turn and a stopped vehicle with a red light decided to proceed through the intersection while I was still in it. All the gear, all the time.