2007 Honda Shadow Spirit 750

My New Bike - The Honda Shadow Spirit 750

My new bike. When I decided to get into motorcycling, this is how I envisioned a motorcycle. Everyone talks about Harley Davidson - or, HD if your cool - but I learned that HD is a little bit of motorcycle "fad"; and in reality, HD motorcycles are not the best built, most reliable bikes on the market.

From the get-go, I wanted a reliable bike, with great styling and I believe I found it in the 2007 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 motorcycle.

Buying a Motorcycle

I looked at a lot of motorcycles and almost went with a BMW F650 GS, but it was the most expensive of my favorites and just didn't have the "look" that I desired.

I ordered the bike from Atlanta Motor World and dealt with a sales guy named Neil. I am plugging the shop because I went to a couple of other motorcycle shops and had a negative experience. I am glad I left the others and stuck it out until I found a dealer I felt comfortable with.

Blue Moon BMW was one of the shops where I just didn't feel comfortable. I felt like a newbie burden and got the vibe that the sales guy didn't think I had any money. The funny thing is, I had $20,000 cash burning a hole in my pocket. Never assume who has money and who doesn't.

The other negative experience was Lawrenceville Yamaha. The sales guy was sleazy and acted way to "used-car-salesman" for me. An obvious churn and burn place. I am so glad I did not give this dude any commission.

What I love about the Honda Shadow Spirit

I love the V-twin engine, the shaft drive and the low-slung, low-rider seat stand out as my favorite functional elements. I also love the all black, old school styling of this 750. It sort of reminds me of the older Indian motorcycles which oooze style and chillness.

This is a great first bike. It's got Honda's great handling, performance and reliability coupled with minimal maintenance and beautiful styling.

I can't wait to be riding this bike.

I Completed Motorcycle 101 and 111

That was a great experience. Having already passed my motorcycle permit, I got the added experience of taking the motorcycle out on the road, in real world conditions. This made a huge difference in the motorcycle training experience and did a lot for my confidence.

Ken, the instructor, along with his co-trainer, was thorough, knowledgeable and fielded questions with accuracy and honesty. I really enjoyed the one-on-one training and believe it will make me a better rider.

Now, it's a hunt for the right bike...

Once I get about 800 miles on the bike, I will schedule the Intermediate Riders Skills training class with Ken at Atlanta Motorcycle Schools.

New Find: 2007 V2C-650S Motorcycle

Dayum - This is a nice bike. 650 is a bit much power for a first bike, but I sure do like it's style.

Contemplating Bikes as I Wait for My Training Date

I have spent a bunch of time researching motorcycles, safety, basic maintenance, break-in and the standard jargon used to describe bikes and accessories. Naturally, at first, I wanted the biggest, baddest bike money could buy - but I quickly learned that approach is just plain stupid.

I've learned that it's important to begin riding on a smaller bike for a couple of reasons:

• You are bound to drop it at least once. Better be able to pick it up.
• For inexperienced riders, 500cc and above engines can get out of control quickly.
• Smaller bikes allow the rider to build confidence and experience before moving up.

Per quality recommendations, I have opted to start out on a 250cc cruiser/standard. In this class, favorites are the Honda Nighthawk and Rebel, the Suzuki GZ250, and the Yamaha Virago 250.

I am leaning towards the Yamaha Virago 250 as my first bike. I'll take a used one, but will most likely buy new. The bike is under $4,000 new and weighs a manageable 301 lbs. I especially like the V-twin engine both for performance and looks as the perception is one of a more medium sized motorcycle. I'd really like black - but the two-tone black and maroon is pretty sharp.

On the con side, the Virago does not hold as much gas as the Honda Nighthawk at 2.5 vs. 4.3 gallons respectively. As long as it gets me to work and back, who's complaining?

We'll see what develops but I remain excited about getting into motorcycling. It's definitely not an "overnight" process but due to the potential danger involved, I suppose that's a good thing.

Taking the Motorcycle License Written Examination

The material the Motorcycle Operator Manual is very easy to learn. I opted to take my test the very next day after reading and digesting the 42 pages of road rules and motorcycle operation basics.

I passed easily with an 85% on the motorcycle operations test and a 95% on the road signs test. For some reason I missed the blinking the red light question. {sigh}

I now have a Class MP Instructional Permit

While I am pleased to have passed the course and obtained the motorcycle permit, I am eager to take my on-road class. Sure, I could go out an buy a bike right now, but that's just not the smart way to approach the process.

Motorcycle Operator Manual

Obtaining the Motorcycle Operator Manual is pretty easy. Simply click the link and print the 42 page manual on your personal printer.

Getting the Class MP Instructional Permit

I printed the manual and will begin my preparation for the written portion of the Georgia motorcycle licensing exam. After passing the exam, student are granted a Motorcycle Permit good for six months from issuance. The Class MP permit allows motorcyclists to train on a motorcycle under the following conditions:

• Daylight operation only
• No passengers allowed on the motorcycle
• No limited roadway access
• All safety equipment prescribed by law must be worn

At first glance, the information in the Motorcycle Operator Manual seems very basic and easy to understand. I expect to take the test very soon.

Researching Georgia Motorcycle Instruction

Motorcycles can be dangerous. Add the wonderfully pleasant Atlanta traffic into the mix and well ...it can be a recipe for disaster. I have asked around and one of the most important exercises in the quest to become a responsible "biker" is proper instruction from qualified and experienced motorcycle instructors.

In Georgia, the two most evident and popular methods for instruction are:

• Motorcycle Safety Program - the Georgia Department of Driver Services
• State Approved Public Facilities - Private companies offering State certified instruction
• Atlanta Motorcycle Schools - offers private motorcycle safety and handling instruction

There are benefits to both motorcycle training programs and selection should be based on individual preference.

Motorcycle Safety Program - $250

The Georgia Department of Driver Services offers two levels of the Motorcycle Safety Program, the Basic Rider Course [acronym: BRC] and the Experienced Rider Course [acronym: ERC]. For our purposes, we will focus on the Basic Rider Course.

The Basic Rider Course, developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is a fifteen (15) hour course consisting of eight (8) hours of classroom instruction and seven (7) hours of on-cycle training. Newbie motorcyclists will be taught how to start, steer, shift and brake under normal conditions; how to maneuver in traffic and even how to control the motorcycle during emergency situations. These courses fill up quickly; And especially in the spring and fall. One can expect to wait 2 weeks to three months for a confirmed motorcycle training class reservation.

One the best aspects of this training is the fact that successful completion of the basic course will make you eligible to obtain a Georgia motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license; waiving the written examination and the road test that are conducted at the licensing agency.

State Approved Public Facilities - $350

This option provides the exact same level of motorcycle training and curriculum; however, the actual instruction is presented by private companies - usually motorcycle shops that see the association with the state program as a great way to build their motorcycle sales. Many times, these shops will offer a discount on motorcycles and merchandise after successful completion of the course ...or, if you buy a motorcycle from the shop, they will sometimes throw in the training class for free. Moral of the story in this example - negotiate.

Atlanta Motorcycle Schools - $380 and up

Located in North Georgia, Atlanta Motorcycle Schools is private, one-on-one instruction with an experienced motorcycle instructor. The school offers different levels of training from the the beginner motorcyclist, on up to the experienced racer. The school practices real-world instruction with basic riding skills training and on-road coaching with your personal motorcycle instructor.

You are not guaranteed a license with this training, nor is the training "officially" sanctioned by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. This is training that you take because you want to become a better cyclist, not just obtain a license to ride.

Note: All courses mention above do provide a motorcycle and DOT certified motorcycle helmet for training. Atlanta Motorcycle School requires that the student secure a motorcycle permit prior to taking it's motorcycle training courses.

My Selection for Motorcycle Training

I opted for the SB 111—Introduction to Motorcycle/Scooter Riding & Street Skills coupled with the SB 201—Intermediate Rider Skills combination package offered by Atlanta Motorcycle Schools. After thorough research, I believe that Atlanta Motorcycle Schools offers the kind of training in which I would benefit most. Here's why:

More on-cycle, on-road instruction
The school requires the student to pass the written portion of the motorcycle license exam and get it out of the way before attendance. This allows more time and instruction on the bike, and eliminates the need for a mind-numbing, government-style classroom training scenario.

One-on-one training
This style of training will suit me best so that I am free to ask as many questions as I'd like and move at a pace that best suits my abilities. I am confident that will grasp the concepts quickly and will get the most out training without worrying about other motorcycle training students "keeping up"

The Intermediate Class
I like the idea of pushing my training to the next level with the 201 class. It's important to me to learn as much motorcycle safety and technique as possible as my goal is buy a very big, fast bike and control and confidence are mandatory.

I signed up for the 2 Course Discount Package (SB111 & SB201) at a cost of $780.00 - The owner called me the same day that I submitted my Atlanta Motorcycle Schools online application and scheduled me for one-on-one training with him that would take place within three weeks.

That's the kind of service I appreciate and not something you'll get from the government sponsored program. Yes, it costs a little more, but to me it's worth it.