How do I start?

[cheshirecat]

Out side bike choice I reackon its really important to find another biker or two to help in the first stages. -braking corneriing basics, dos and don't - they will ride with you if only for half an hour. Most bikers i know would help here - you could even flag one down, actually no need just stand by your bike looking lost and the first one by will stop.
Even go to a bike shop, someone there may help out for a beer or two. Its on all our interests to make sure you don't come to grief - or the bike.

[Tricia1000]

If you haven't bought a bike yet, then get a gn250. I bought one to use as a training bike about 4 years ago from trade me. Easy to service, virtually indestructible when dropped and they haven't changed the design in nigh on 20 years.
I went to give a lesson to a girl in Auckland for the first time (lesson with me, that is) and she had an almost new ninja. Beautiful bike, but she had already dropped it several times, whilst having lessons with another instructor. The fairing on both sides was badly damaged. This isn't an issue in a naked bike.
If you do go for a gn250, don't get one made after 2009, as the new ones have vastly inferior metal/frame/mudguards etc.
With regards to gear: never, ever buy or use a 2 nd hand helmet. You don't know the history of it. Even a small drop can give hair line cracks.
The order for buying your gear should be helmet and gloves, boots next, then trousers next, and lastly jacket. Why in that order?
I have worked as a nurse in an operating department for the last 20 years. In fact, it was the vast number of motorcycle injuries coming through the door that encouraged me to become an instructor.
There are more foot and lower leg injuries from m/c crashes than any other type of injury, so good boots that come up above your shin are a must. Even dropping the bike from a stopped position can fracture an un protected ankle.
Most people who start motorcycling, first get a great jacket with a terrific spinal board. Yes there are spinal injuries from m/c but they are far fewer than lower leg and foot.
If you haven't done your basic handling yet, give me a shout, and I will do it for you at a 50% off price.
The rest of the money you save from this, put towards your safety gear.
When you go to the shops to try stuff on, don't take your wallet. Sit on lots of bikes. Decide what style you would like. Sports, cruiser, in between. Then try on lots of gear. You should try to get removable lining when you get a jacket. Some trousers have removable linings too. Make sure the clothes aren't too tight, so that you can wear a sweater or two under the jacket in winter. Some bikers have the trousers a size bigger, so they just put the bike trousers over a pair of jeans going to school/work/study.
There is heaps more info to know before buying.
If you need any further advice, call me on 0212693246 and I would be happy to help out.
Tricia

[Akzle]

The order for buying your gear should be helmet and gloves, boots next, then trousers next, and lastly jacket. Why in that order?
I have worked as a nurse in an operating department for the last 20 years. In fact, it was the vast number of motorcycle injuries coming through the door that encouraged me to become an instructor.

solid advice. and it is for a similar reason that i had "gloves" as high priority. as a nurse you may have encountered (at least heard of) "de-gloving". for those that havent: i'm sure youtube will bring up some lovely pictures....

and i can vouch for the boots too (i still don't have any...) but i put my 185 down on my foot (after some persuasion from a by a 4x4 in auckland) didn't actually break anything but i was hobbling for months...

[Mplant]

If you are still looking for a bike mine will be up for sale soon. It's a Honda CBR250 from 1988. Old little lady but she does the job well and still looks nice. Along with the bike you also get my gear: gloves, jacket, pants, helmet. And some tools to be able to do your own servicing