I don't think anyone here wants to hurt your feelings or disrespect you. I feel sometimes some of the guys on here can be harsh; but you have to understand as a biking cummunity we generally care about what happens to one another. I started on the CBR 900RR back in 1993 and I was just fine, but let me be the first to tell you I was one of the few lucky ones that didn't get kick in the B*lls by this bike. Not because of skills but pure fear of the beast at that time. Had I started with a smaller bike I think I would have learn a lot more sooner because I would be able to focus more on learning and not surviving. But you can definitely tame the beast with ton of respect.Good luck and be safe.

 

Expect to ride in any weather so be prepared. Bring some rain gear if you think it might rain. You don't need anything special, the cheap Walmart or sporting goods store rain suit is fine. You will spend alot of time on the bike outdoors so bring whatever gear you might need to be comfortable. It makes for a real ****ty day sitting in rain/snow/100 degree sun/ what ever your weather is where you live for hours at a time.

 

The MSF course will give you the basics and really good safety advice.I took a MSF course and immediatley purchased a CBR 1000 as my first bike. I am satisfied with my choice. Everyone will havedifferent opinions based on their experineces. At the end of the day, you should just be concerned with having the best and safest experience possible. Take Care.

 

i think i will learn a lot and have a good time as well. i will be taking the course in cali, hoping i can skip the riding test at the dmv. i drive a truck for a living so i have to get this done asap. take care