Hi...

[focusontoday]

Hi I am an newcomer, I've been 81 days sober.

After years of saying to myself I want to get my motorcycle licence finally I am to do it...yeah !!!
I don't know how hard it is to get in other countries but here in Australia it takes 2 x 3 & half hr pre-learner lessons, then do a knowledge test. If I get through that I get 6 months on L's to do my 7 hour practical test & cause Im over 30yrs old I don't have to be on provisional plates I can go onto my 'blacks' which means I dont' have to ride a max 250cc bike. But I couldn't handle anything heavier.

I'm so in FEAR as I've only ever been a passenger. I have no idea what the f*** Im doing, I just know I have to do this. I've had dreams of this & am scaring myself. I've got a great older brother who usually supports me in every adventure or crazy idea I've ever had but this - he's not so encouraging. That makes me worse....

I haven't got a clue what type of bike I want to get, as long as it's not a scooter...it has to be max 250cc to start with & a low seat would help.
if anyone has some suggestions I'd be grateful

Thanks all
T(focusontoday)

Ah well, I suppose it has come to this! ... Such is life! ...........Ned Kelly

[best]

Welcome and congratulations on the 81 days.

Here in the states we take a written test and then a road test. Pass the road test and you go from a permit to a lic.
We have safety courses. Not required but a great idea and I feel all should take them. Young and old can learn from them.
I had a 125 on/off road as a first real bike.
Tested on a 250 for the safety course. Ride a 800 now and feel it is a little small.
If just hopping around town, even a scooter would be ok. For highway and long trips, I would say the 250 is a little small. My 800 pretty much rides itself. Light enough that I am able to lift it from the ground myself. Heavy enough that it holds the highway well. Going from a 125 of 25 years ago and onto a 800, I thought was a huge jump. 1/2 mile down the road and I knew the 800 and I would do OK.

You may want to stop at some dealers and take a bike or two for a test ride. You may find that a 1200 sportster feels great and is a great size.

[BillJ]

First, welcome to the wonderful world of sobriety. I have, by some miracle of grace, been sober a little over 27 years. It's a good life, and it's given me the ability to enjoy motorcycling, have healthy relationships with loved ones, and grow, both as an individual, and in my career. I highly recommend it!

Second, welcome to the board. I hope you'll keep comin' back.

Now, to your question: I know, in a general way, that Australia has some curious laws about motorcycling, but if you're allowed to own something larger than a 250cc, I would recommend getting the largest-displacement bike you can handle and afford. So long as you treat it with the respect and caution it deserves, it will serve you well as you learn, and still be a serviceable ride as you gain experience. Australia's a big place, and you'll want enough power to get around and enjoy some of it. Start with too small a bike, and you'll likely outgrow it very quickly, and then be faced with the frustration and expense of "trading up" to a more suitable mount.

Some of the metric manufacturers have models that are large enough for highway riding, and yet light and low enough for the "inseam-challenged" among us to straddle and still stand flat-footed at red lights. Visit the Japanese makers' showrooms - Honda, in particular - and tell the salesperson what you're looking for.

About the Sportster - Harley recently released a new "low" Sportster that's getting rave reviews from the cycle mags, but even a low Sportster is a lot of bike for a beginner. In addition, the center of gravity on Sporties is higher than Big Twins or most big-bore metric cruisers, making the Sportster (IMHO) a poor choice for a novice rider. Perversely, the heavier, larger-displacement Softail is more user-friendly for a novice. Go figure!

And, by all means, take the safety class!!! It is well worthwhile, will help you see if motorcycling really is for you, make your riding experience more enjoyable, and ease you past that very understandable fear you mentioned in your post.

Keep us posted.

[focusontoday]

:motorcycl

thanks
T(focusontoday)