Newbie - Probably a basic question

[ds5160]

Hello all. I'm in Oregon, and just signed up for the basic rider training, unfortunately, I couldn't get in any earlier than late July :mad:. Assuming I pass the class, I can get my endorsement. My question is that I'm not sure I'll be able to have the cash to pick up a bike right after the class. Is there anything I can do to practice some basic techniques without a motorcycle?

Also, I would like to change as many car trips that I take to motorcycle trips, when I feel comfortable doing so. I commute by bicycle about half the time, and that's a lot more fun than driving, I hope that motorcycle commuting is half as fun. Is there one style of motorcycle that is better for adding something for storing my laptop and other small work-related items?

Thanks for any input. I appreciate it.

[pintslayer]

Check out Aerostitch. Their website is full of stuff that makes commuting on a bike so much easier. You'll probably find that a messenger-type bag will serve you better than adding something onto your bike to hold your computer.

Good luck and be careful.

[Schneiderman]

If I have to take my computer on the bike, I use a laptop bag strapped to myself. I don't trust it being by the magnets in the tank bag, though I've heard compelling arguments from both sides as to whether or not the magnets can hurt a laptop.

Anything else I feel fine carrying in the tank bag, which I use for commuting to school- my tank bag turns into a backpack and helmet holder, so it serves all my purposes. I do sometimes wear a backpack when I'm in a situation where I'm afraid of losing my tank bag or having someone steal it. You'll develop your own preferences too, but there are more options out there than you might think at first.

[ds5160]

I found a laptop/messenger bag that I like. It has the typical shoulder strap to it, but it also has a strap you put around your waist, which keeps the bag from flopping around. One issue resolved. Thanks for the tips.

[shelzmike]

I have a really sweet laptop/bookbag from Swissgear. It even has padding on it (similar to jacket padding) to a.) make it more comfortable to wear, and b.) possibly protect it (probably not much use though) in an accident.

Mike

[T. Coots]

Where are you at in Oregon?

[ds5160]

I'm in SE Portland.

[newmark]

I use my honda 250 to do all kinds of things. I have not driven my car for work since I got it one month ago.
I run all my errands on my bike. I have a huge tank bag and a large milkcrate on the back.I don't know if that helps with the computer though. Good luck
I will leave the advice about which bike to the other guys...but you can do one thing without a motorcycle that will pay huge dividends when you start riding...
Practice scanning about 10-15 seconds ahead of you while you are driving. Look for the condition of the pavement, gravel, pot holes, water..etc.. and try to figure out what cars will do what. Which other drivers are paying attention. Who is most likely to pull out in front of you...etc...start driving extremley defensive in your car. Make sure you know what is going on around you at any moment. They will teach you this in the safety class...but it is something you can work on without a motorcycle...anyway....Good Luck

[ds5160]

...but you can do one thing without a motorcycle that will pay huge dividends when you start riding...
Practice scanning about 10-15 seconds ahead of you while you are driving. Look for the condition of the pavement, gravel, pot holes, water..etc.. and try to figure out what cars will do what. Which other drivers are paying attention. Who is most likely to pull out in front of you...etc...start driving extremley defensive in your car. Make sure you know what is going on around you at any moment. They will teach you this in the safety class...but it is something you can work on without a motorcycle...anyway....Good Luck

Actually, I do this on my bicycle all the time. I ride about 3 times per week, and the bulk of the riding is on the road, with some on multi-use trails. On the road I'm watching road conditions, traffic behind me (I have a mirror that attaches to my glasses so I know if some jerk is about to blow by me too closely), and whether somebody in a parked car up ahead is about to open a door and send me flying. On a multi-use trail I'm watching for kids, dogs, and other critters that may suddenly dart out in front of me with no warning. I'm slowing down to make sure that I can evade them. Good to know that these habits will be reinforced on a motorcycle.

[YamahaFan]

Get a moped, that way you can have fun bicycling when you run out of gas! I'm just kidding :).

I'm pretty sure you can get a bike before the class, if you have a permit I think you can even ride too (check with your state), just make sure you have someone else (experienced) to take it home for you, or trail it, then you can practice a bit at home.
Riding motorcycle is a bit different from bicycling. It's the same feeling that you're in control. Think about a screw driver and a powered screw driver, they both can screw you up in different ways if you're not careful.

[ds5160]

I know that there will be several major differences, but I think that at least being aware of traffic will be similar. Not the same, but similar. Planning 10-15 seconds ahead at 20 mph is a much shorter distance than 10-15 seconds at 50 mph.

Also, from riding a bicycle in traffic, and some heavy traffic, I learned long ago to never trust anyone else to keep me safe. I am invisible, no matter how brightly lit up the bike may be, or what color clothing I am wearing. Sounds like I need to keep that mentality when riding a motorcycle. I am solely responsible for my safety. From the clothing I wear to the decisions I make. While every other vehicle out there is not actively trying to kill me, I feel safer when I think that way.

[ds5160]

Get a moped, that way you can have fun bicycling when you run out of gas! I'm just kidding :).

Oh, and a friend of mine builds his own bike frames. He has built 3-4 bicycles with small motors strapped to them. I rode one of them, and it was a ton of fun. Pedal for a while, crank up the motor for a bit. I think I can ride my road bike faster than that engine can move the bike, but it was a blast.

[hereswhere]

I don't know about being able to practice on a bike if you don't have one. The courses let you use theirs- but if you're strpped for cash and looking for a ride- check out Ebay. You might be able to find something cheap. It may not be new, or glamourous, but if you're too picky to start with, I figure you could find something.

[ds5160]

I didn't think that there much that could be done, but it never hurts (physically, the pride may take a hit) to ask.