New dude

[jackbutler]

Hi. Brand new member (and new TX resident) in central TX, gathering information and looking to possibly get my first bike. Very late to the party, 50 yr old. Researching the DR650 as my first bike for mostly 1/2 to full day back road/adv. riding (FM, old asphalt, gravel, dirt, double track). Maybe some easy cross country/single-track eventually and commuting on good weather days on smaller roads & hi-ways once I'm more experienced. No interstate. Been a bicyclist (road and MTB) for many years, but that's the closest I've been to this new interest. Ridden a MC on only a few occasions so pray for me LOL.
Got an ICON Airflite helmet in mind and looking at MC training courses now also.
Any advice on bikes, gear, routes, training academies, is appreciated.

 

[Jarrett]

Howdy and welcome.

I started riding when I was 47yo also coming from bicycles. A lot of it crosses over, but there is even more to learn on motorcycles. From 0-20 mph all the bicycle skills apply, but 20+ mph and things change a bit. Especially in terms of cornering and braking.

I think everyone should do a track day at some point. The skills you learn there would take years to learn through trial and error. Also, Bill Dragoo's ADV class is very good for dirt stuff. But there are a lot of good riders in Texas that would probably be happy to show you a few pointers.

 

[StromXTc]

Without making a "how to statement" , generally speaking they say if you make it through your first year of motorcycling without incident, odds are you will be a confident and good rider throughout your life. Never take anything for granted on 2 wheels.


Agree w Jarrett, cyclists naturally qualify.
PS, Suzuki's never die.

 

[Jarrett]

Check out MCRider and Mototrek on YouTube:

MCrider - Motorcycle Training

MCrider - motorcycle training and road strategy. Weekly motorbike skills and strategies to help you become a better rider. LEGAL Disclaimer Visitors to MCrid...

www.youtube.com

MOTOTREK

MOTOTREK: Creating honest, entertaining adventure motorcycling videos on YouTube! Riding skills, tips and tech for traveling the world on two wheels on-road ...

www.youtube.com

 

[StromXTc]

That guy from the mototrek videos does his own thing now. He started years ago doing videos in the snow on a Suzuki V Strom.

Bret Tkacs

Motorcycle Guru, instructor, traveler and enthusiast. For details goto Www.brettkacs.com

www.youtube.com

 

[Jarrett]

I didn't realize he spun off.

 

[SpiritAtBay]

Welcome, Jack!

I’d recommend taking the training course before you buy a bike. (Bikes are provided at the class.)

Repeat the advice to go with a used, small (cc and height-wise) for your first bike.

And 50 is not too old!

Welcome again and look forward to hearing about your intro to the mc world.

 

[jackbutler]

Welcome, Jack!

I’d recommend taking the training course before you buy a bike. (Bikes are provided at the class.)

Repeat the advice to go with a used, small (cc and height-wise) for your first bike.

And 50 is not too old!

Welcome again and look forward to hearing about your intro to the mc world.

Thanks. Researching these 250's today. And yep, I plan to get my helmet and take the course first and then find a decent used bike, likely a 250 dual sport from the advice I'm getting. Glad I found this site!

 

[Tuco]

What town in central TX?

 

[jackbutler]

What town in central TX?

rural. near Reagan/Bremond

 

[Tuco]

Probably lots of good gravel/dirt roads around there. I circle around Rosebud, Lott, Cameron, and that general area, a lot.

 

[julimike54]

& enjoy!

 

[cheez]

Welcome from Livermore, CA! Ride safe out there.