Yhoa Joel,

For what's it worth ... decide on what kind of riding you want to do and where your going to be doing most of it. Next find the make and style that will best meet these needs and one that fitÕs you and your budget. Now I'm not to convinced about buying a so called beginner bike then trading up to the one you think you'll eventual want.

If your first concern is just learning how to ride a bike ... I'm sure you can find a motorcycle school that provides not only lessons but the appropriate bikes to learn on. The point I'm making is save yourself the time and money by buying a bike that most closely fits your needs the first time out.

If your going to practice why not practice on the type and style of bike your eventually going to end up with. As for finding out what types of bikes do what ... there is a bazillion places on the internet where you can find information ... this website included. As for a particular manufacturer well ... there is lotÕs of them out there and everyone has their own favorites and opinions.

Again ... just keep in mind where and what you want to do with this bike and if it will fit you and those needs. As for getting a deal on a bike. My dear old grand pappy used to tell me .... son ... it doesn't cost anymore to go first class. Applying that philosophy to buying a motorcycle ... you can buy a cheaper make or a less expensive model and spend a pile of money trying to turn it into something more. At the end of the day you'll still have the same old bike be deeper in debt and worse off if you would have went the little extra at the beginning. No matter what you decide on ... just get out there and enjoy the world on two wheels.

Good luck hunting and safe riding ....

Murphy



[This message has been edited by Windwalker (edited 13 July 2003).]

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Murphy