NAC: Assistance with motorcycle needed in SE Virginia

[thejimrose]

the basic rider safety course should be your first step, but i understand
your excitement [kid w/ a new toy]. its excellent prep, esp if you havent
spent much time on 2wheelers. as opposed to someone that grew up on
dirtbikes and has the basics / controls covered.

dont cheap out on gear - get proper moto gear. the icon stuff is pretty well
made for cheap if cost is an issue. they do make a few bits w/out all the
skulls + crossbones nonsense. textiles are great [cortech, joe rocket, etc]
- light,, cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold and dryer in the rain.
but a little less protective ultimately. these guys always seem to have good
deals:
http://www.newenough.com/

as for getting started DEFINITELY in a parking lot. dont even think about a
road until the controls are comfortable. you should spend time doing drills
- turning and braking, front brake, rear brake, then turning, braking,
shifting, etc. you want the controls to be like HALO after about 10000 hours
in front of the xbox. =)

once you get comfy with controls and basic dynamics spend some time doing
HARD stops. carefully - you want to gte an idea of how it feel to stop and
turn. and get a book - there are a lot of good techniques that you can learn
from a book - like pushing on the outside footpeg when in a turn. or pushing
the outside bar when countersteering vs pulling the inside bar, stuff like
that that can accelerate the learning curve.

good luck and BE CAREFUL. ride like youre made of glass and everyone is
trying to kill you. you are and they are. because you dont get many 2nd
chances on a bike. ask me how i know..

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/thejimrose/album/576460762336995868/photo/294928803526629160/18

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Chuck Norris counted to infinity. Twice.