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I believe motorcycling doesn't stick for most is because motorcycling is basically one big hassle. People buy bikes with ideas of grandeur of riding endless carefree miles, wind in their face and sun on their shoulders. Once they get the bike they realize-Motorcycles are hot in the summer and cold in the winter-Gearing up is a PITA especially if running errands. Helmet, gloves and jacket on/off-When it rains you get wet. -The weather channel and weather apps are what you watch-Most bikes need comfort mods right out of th ebox to make them fit better. After buying a bike sening more money sucks-Carrying capacity is ultra limited and you need to have forsight when buying items or packing. Unlike a cr tunk just bail in what you want panniers are less forgiving-Security of personal belongings is much harder than hitting the door lock on a key fob-Dealing with flat tires is not as easy as poping on the spare- All the creature and security of an automobile like A/C, heat, radio, seat adjustments, easily accessible dials and know for all manner of electronics are non-existant on a motorcycle.- Motorcycles are not a cheaper alternative to a car
I agree that "step" or graduated learning is best. As a kid I learned on a Honda 70, 90 and a 175 all on dirt. The first street bike I owned was a Suzuki GS400 that I rode for 11 years before getting my T-3 and finally a Norge. One can make a lot of mistakes on those little bikes in the dirt and walk away. The Air Force doesn't put you in a F-22 to teach you to fly.GliderJohn
This. Learning in the dirt as a kid is the gold standard. Many top road racers started that way. Learn the controls in a place where you won’t get run over by a car while doing it. Get comfortable with the feeling of the tires sliding around so when it happens on the road, you don’t panic. And of course learn on a scooter, moped or similar. And I think if you didn’t ride your bike all over as a kid, you’re at a severe disadvantage because the muscle memory of being on two wheels just isn’t there.
I think that the OP has it. Too much bike, too soon is a recipe for disaster. In 1977 I worked part time at the local Honda shop, uncrating and final assembly of new Hondas. I got paid so much per bike. Basically, put on the front wheel and handlebars, charge and install the battery, add fuel, take it for a quick spin, and give it a bath and a blow-dry. The CB750F's were the shizzle at the time. During a three month period I put seven of them together. Six were sold to sailors from the sub base in Groton, very likely as first bikes. Three months later we had five of them back, wrecked. One was a fatal.Larry
Many outstanding posts in this thread. It’s awesome to see and read. There’s something about the voice(s) of experience that can’t be denied.