50 Plus Miles and Loving Every One of 'Em

I now have over 50 miles on my Honda Shadow Spirit 750. Without anything else to really judge it against, I really like this motorcycle. It's fast enough, "cruiser" enough and the sound is just right for me. Not too loud, not too quiet. Here are some other random tidbits I have learned thus far:

• There is no gear display. This bike forces me to learn the gears by feel.
• Riding with the helmet face mask up is a little squirrely above 50 mph. It's best to keep it down and locked.
• First gear can be tricky to find sometimes.
• I'm not sure I will always enjoy riding fully covered. I know it's the safest way, but it's hot here in Georgia and shorts, at least short sleeves, would be pleasant.
• People do not hesitate to tail motorcycles. Again, be safe - Let 'em pass.

Learning the whole gear-thing has proven a challenge. Yes, I knew all about driving manual transmissions in cars, but on the bike it's just different. I was getting frustrated with my slow progress at grasping this, but as of late, I have really come around.

100% comfortable? No. But better...

More to come as I continue to log miles and get comfortable with my 750.

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.