Get What You want!

by Donna Shinaut
(Lincoln, NE)

Sit on lots of bikes to find the one that fits you best. Don't be pressured by boyfriend/husband/salesman to buy a bike that's too big for you or that isn't comfortable for you. Buy a bike you can easily reach the ground on. Don't buy a bike just for the brand name. Don't buy a new bike for your first one. Motorcycles are like cars. They lose the most value the first year. You can get a good used bike with more accessories than you could probably afford yourself. Just protect yourself and look it over good before you buy it.
Make sure you take a motorcycle safety class. Beware of taking lessons from your boyfriend/husband if you want him to remain your boyfriend/husband.

Don't be embarrassed the first time you drop it. You'll feel stupid because it will probably be while you're doing something simple (and in front of a lot of people), but everyone does it and everyone understands. Learn to pick your bike up by yourself. The first time I dropped mine I was on a gravel road with not another soul in sight.

And finally...have a blast. Riding a motorcycle is like nothing else.