- Get a used bike for your first one. I've known people who go big on their first bikes, put 50 miles on it in 2 years, then sell it for a huge loss because they decided it's not for them.
- Get a used bike for your first one. You *will* drop it. You *will* do something bad with it. You *will* dump on sand at some point. And you're going to be very upset if it's new.
- Take a motorcycle driving course, even if your state doesn't require it. This will let you know if you even begin to enjoy it. And will teach you things that you really should know. There are plenty of things about motorcycle riding that are *not* intuitive to beginners.
- Just like they do in the riding courses, you need to learn to ride slow before you can be safe at speed. I.e. get the underpowered bike first.
- Wear full gear. It's nice to have the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, but only if you don't ever dump or do something stupid or just make a mistake or have someone else make a mistake near you. Pretty much any rider knows someone f**xed up or killed due to a riding accident. Please be safe.
- Don't ever care what you look like on a bike. This will get you into trouble. FAST. Just be confident and happy that you're even *on* a bike when you ride, instead of being just another cager.
- Don't wave to the scooters.
