Motorcycling - The Adventure Begins

Maybe you've seen moto-cross races on TV and said it had to be more fun than bungee jumping. Or, maybe you've envied your friends who took off on a two-week ride around the country on the open road. However you got here, you've arrived. Motorcycling is making you hot to go.

But before you hop on the first tin can you can get your legs over and take off down the road, there are a few things you might want to know. If you want to enjoy the experience a second time, that is.

Riding a bike isn't like driving a car. Think of the difference between flying a plane and piloting a helicopter. In a plane you keep the wings level and you're good until landing. Flying a helicopter requires continual adjustments to keep the chopper level and to avoid a spin. Something similar happens riding a bike.

Balance, coordination, operating multiple levers while paying attention to everything around you at the same time - all necessary to keep you up and out of danger.

And insurance companies aren't fond of you. You'll need insurance separate from, or as an add-on to your car insurance. Helmet laws vary from state to state and insurance rates change in tandem.

You'll want to learn to select a bike that's right for you. The right weight, height and a type that fits your riding goals. Interested mostly in overnight or cross-country touring? Looking to go off-road and test your skills against the hills? Just want transportation that takes you between the cars on the freeway and gives you more parking options? All those and more play a part in picking the right motorcycle.

There's as much gear available for motorcycling as there is for photography hobbyists. A dozen helmet styles, leather jackets, chaps or pants, and boots cover only some of the clothing choices.

Then there are accessories large and small for the bike. Everything from special electronic mirrors, tuned pipes and saddle bags to sidecars in all colors. You'll want to research your choice to avoid getting ripped off buying cheap junk.

There are dozens of local and state organizations and clubs. Sooner or later you're going to want to check some out. Sometimes getting on the open road with a cool breeze and a blue sky is the favored option. But having fellow motorcyclists around you on a long trip is fun and makes the ride safer. You can swap stories, watch each other's bikes during stops, and get a lot of good info about the best routes and places to stay.

And there's always somebody who knows everything about bikes. Those guys can save you a lot of money by pointing out the best repair options, ways to save on add-ons and the like. These days, they can point you to the best websites to find just the part or accessory you've been looking for for months.

Then, after you've humped over the learning curve and learned to ride, then found the best route, you hit the road. And your reward is a kick like no other. Motorcycling.

Learn more about this author, Robin Moose.
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